Wine Country Travel Tip: What to Do In Napa Valley

Activities to Make the Most of Your Next Getaway

Wine tasting and fabulous dinners are the essential elements of any wine country vacation; however there are other activities that can help to round out your experience. Below, I’ve listed my top 10 answers for “What to do in Napa Valley,” in no particular order. Though we try to shake things up each trip, several of these items always make their way onto the itinerary:

1. Comfort yourself in a “fried chicken night” at Ad Hoc. Every Monday night, diners roll up their sleeves at this trendy Yountville staple and get a little Southern with hearty servings of fried chicken. I also loved the biscuits and out-of-this-world banana split that came with our meal.
2. Treat yourself to an al-fresco brunch at Auberge du Soleil. A short drive up from the Silverado Trail, you’ll reach this luxurious resort. Sunday mornings are ideal for a serene and leisurely meal out on the wood deck that overlooks Napa Valley. You’ll be spoiled by the impeccable service, picturesque views and not-so-everyday breakfast fare.
3. Brave the drive up Spring Mountain for fantastic wine and equally impressive views. Trust me, it’s well worth it and you’ll want to bring a camera. Some of my favorite stops include Pride Mountain Vineyards, Barnett Vineyards and Schweiger Vineyards. Howell Mountain is just as good, where you can taste from the new CADE winery or Viader. Just remember to make an appointment first and grab a picnic lunch from Oakville Grocery.
4. Recharge mid-day with a burger and shake from Gott’s Roadside (a.k.a. Taylor’s Automatic Refresher) in St. Helena.
5. Sip bubbles and indulge in a cheese plate through sunset at Domaine Carneros. Pick from their tasting menu to choose the combination that meets your taste preferences.
6. Experience a cave tour and barrel tasting at Caldwell Vineyards in Coombsville with Mr. Caldwell himself. One of the lesser-visited appellations, Coombsville offers some really amazing wines. We were awestruck with Mr. Caldwell, the passion he has for winemaking, delicious snacks and our lengthy conversation…not to mention his array of wines.
7. Take an early morning walk or jog down one of the crossroads connecting Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. For big-city dwellers like me, there are few things that clear the mind better than a peaceful, foggy escape alongside the vineyards.
8. Taste at one of the Napa Valley originals to appreciate how it all got started. We love Beringer for the wines and architecture.
9. Make plans to visit a small production winery and hear its story from the owner. We have had great times at Smith-Madrone, Vincent Arroyo, Kelly Fleming and Guilliams.
10. Take a break from wine tasting by strolling the shops. Some of my favorites include Napa Style in Yountville and Heaven + Earth, David’s Jewelers, Footcandy, Napa Valley Vintage Home and Daisy in St. Helena. (Really, this list could go on forever.)

Bonus

Before you hit the trails, reward yourself with a massage at your hotel (my favorites were at the Villagio Inn & Spa and Napa Valley Lodge ) or a mud bath in Calistoga. I tried the Mudslide at Solage Calistoga, which was a slightly less intense yet still unique experience.

Has anyone ever asked you about what to do in Napa Valley? I’ve always wondered about the quintessential hot air balloon ride, a dinner at French Laundry or even a chauffeured day of tasting, but haven’t had the opportunity to try just yet. Share your must-do’s in our comments section.

Don’t forget to check out my past posts on when to visit Napa Valley and where to stay.