What are the best things to see and do in Napa and Sonoma?
Napa Valley is practically synonymous with wine tastings, and for good reason, too. There are more Napa wineries, vineyards and wine bars than you can shake a stick at. But, we think there’s a lot more to Napa Valley than vino (even though we feel obligated to include wine tastings on our list). Hike up Mount St. Helena, visit Old Faithful Geyser of California and Oxbow Public Market. Top it off with a show at the newly renovated Napa Valley Opera House.
1. Broke, ill and newly married, Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson honeymooned on the slopes of this extinct volcano in 1880. Bring a copy of The Silverado Squatters, Stevenson’s travel memoir describing those two memorable months, and hike to the nearby Silverado Mine. The five-mile hike up Mount St. Helena isn’t easy, but is certainly worth the view from the top; on clear days, you might be able to see Mount Shasta, which is 192 miles away. The trail begins in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and takes you through the forest at first, and then a steep uphill climb over rock, trees and bushes.
2. Another outdoor spectacle worth experiencing is the Old Faithful Geyser of California, one of only three regularly erupting geysers in the world. Nearly every half-hour — for about three minutes each time — a towering plume ascends from the source, unless an earthquake disrupts the geyser’s timing. An underground river boils up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, causing vapor and steam to escape to heights of 60 to 100 feet.
3. You simply can’t come to Napa & Sonoma without visiting the numerous wineries and vineyards. You’ll find everything from large wineries with popular tasting rooms to small, by-appointment-only tasting facilities.
4. After a day of vineyard hopping, you’ll no doubt be exhausted — and hungry. If you’re looking for more of a DIY dinner option, head to Oxbow Public Market, a one-stop artisanal food and wine shop located in Napa’s up-and coming Oxbow District. Grab a cup of made-to-order coffee from San Francisco’s own Ritual Coffee Roasters, pick up a bottle of local wine from Oxbow Wine Merchant, grab some fresh-baked bread at The Model Bakery and some house cured meats at The Fatted Calf. You’ll also find an outpost of Gott’s Roadside for burgers and garlic fries, while newly shucked oysters can be found at Hog Island Oyster Company (locals go on Tuesday when they’re $1). For dessert, there’s Kara’s Cupcakes. Whatever you grab, you can be assured it’ll be local, and tasty.
5. The Napa Valley Opera House was built in 1879 as one of the first “respectable” venues west of the Mississippi river. The building went dark in 1914 and was finally renovated and reopened to the public in 2002 after being restored to its former splendor. The show schedule includes everything from jazz and classical concerts to theater and dance productions.
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On May 15Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What’s happening this weekend in Napa and Sonoma?
It’s Memorial Day Weekend coming up and besides all the patriotic parades and BBQ’s, here are a few off-beat events also happening Memorial Day weekend in Napa and Sonoma.
For something out of the ordinary check out The Ukulele Festival in Sebastopol on May 25th.
The tiny four-string strummer is not just for Don Ho fans anymore—The Ukulele has become hip and Ukulele festivals draw mainstream crowds. The festival is open to all levels with workshops and concerts. And don’t forget to bring your Uke if you have one.
On Sunday May 26th it’s Oysterpalozza at Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Valley Ford on Highway One. Oyesterpalozza features oysters of course from nearby Tomales Bay, as well as Texas style BBQ. Quench your thirst with local beer from Lagunitas, and a selection of local wines. Plus there will be live music on two stages with performances by Windy Hill Bluegrass, The Crux, Supermule, The Far West, and the Farm Band. Doors open at 11am. -
On May 15Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best places for private wine tastings in Napa and Sonoma?
If you are seeking an exclusive tasting experience check out these wineries that provide by appointment only wine tasting and tours in Sonoma and Napa.
Sonoma--
Chalk Hill Estate and Vineyards (Healdsburg)
A simply gorgeous estate on 1,477 acres, Chalk Hill also has an equestrian center on the property. Private tasting and tours that include a luncheon pairing each of the wines with small plates prepared by the in-house chef can be arranged directly with the winery.
Acorn Winery (Healdsburg) – Situated down a dirt lane off Old Redwood Highway, Acorn Winery is making some wonderful vineyard blends from their estate grown vines. If you are a fan of Italian varietals like Sangiovese and Dolcetto, you are in for a treat at Acorn. Call to set up a private tasting at this small family run winery.
Napa--
Ehlers Estate
Set back from Highway 29 on 43-acres, Ehlers Estate produces Bordeaux varietals on their certified organic and biodynamic vineyards. Best known for their Cabernet Sauvignon "1886", private tastings are available by arrangement in the historic stone winery built by Bernard Ehlers in 1886. -
On May 13Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best cocktails in Napa and Sonoma?
House made syrups and foraged herbs for mulling are hallmarks of Wine Country signature cocktails. Here are some of the best cocktails in Napa and Sonoma and where to find them.
Sonoma:
Spoonbar—Healdsburg
Cocktails here are close to a religious experience. Try one of the carbonated cocktails such as The Carbonated Sidewinder's Fang made with Appleton Estate Reserve Rum, El Dorado 8 Year Demerara Rum, Orange, Lime and Passion Fruit Juices, Co2. Or go for a creamy delight like the Boom Goes The Dynamite --Bulliet Bourbon, House Pineapple Gum Syrup, Lemon, Barrel Aged Bitters, Egg White.
Girl and the Fig – Sonoma
French bistro inspired aperitifs like the Fig Royale or the Lavender Mojito made with house made syrups are best bets for inspiring memories of springtime in Paris.
Napa:
Morimoto—Napa
This is the place for the best Japanese inspired cocktails such as the Zen Tea, featuring charbay green tea vodka, jasmine tea, citrus, and mint.
Fagiani’s—Napa
The little things count here starting with house made tonic and soda water. My suggestion for cocktail perfection—try the Negroni. -
On May 13Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best nighttime activities in Napa and Sonoma?
Live music, dancing, theatre, comedy clubs, and opera, are but a few of the nighttime activities happening almost every night of the week in Napa and Sonoma.
But one of the best nighttime activities is bowling at the Crush Ultra Lounge at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. This is not your father’s old school bowling alley by a long shot, The Crush Ultra Lounge features six luxury bowling lanes and an equally luxe bar menu featuring bowling themed specialty cocktails like the Silver Pin comprised of Frida Kahlo Silver Tequila, Cointreau and Lime Juice topped with Domaine de Chandon Brut, Served in a Hawaiian Lemon Salt Rimmed Champagne Flute or The Spare made with Fresh Raspberries with Grey Goose Cherry Noir Fresh Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Domain de Chandon Brut.
For live entertainment check the schedules at the following venues in Napa and Sonoma.
Napa: Uptown Theater, Napa Valley Opera House, Napa Valley Playhouse.
Sonoma: Wells Fargo Center for the Arts, Back Alley Comedy Club, Main Stage West. -
On May 12Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best restaurants for lunch in Napa and Sonoma?
Although the food truck scene is alive and well, nothing beats a full service restaurant for a long leisurely lunch. Here are a few of the best restaurants for lunch in Napa and Sonoma.
Napa—
Oxbow Market in Napa is easily the best place to go for lunch in Napa when you don’t know what you want. You’ll find several great options all under one roof including: Kitchen Door, Hog Island Oyster Company, Ca’ Momi, Pica Pica Maize Kitchen and Gotts Roadside right next door. In Yountville, Ad Hoc, and Bouchon are top choices open for lunch. Also of note, newcomer Pear, in Napa, serving southern comfort food classics like mac & cheese, shrimp & grits, and chicken & waffles. If you like a menu full of entrées with ampersands this is for you.
Sonoma—
In Santa Rosa try Three Squares, a casual bistro located in Historic Railroad Square, with many “healthy” but super tasty menu choices. And for your mid-day burger urge, head to Flipside, also in Santa Rosa. Healdsburg Bar and Grill— (Healdsburg) This local favorite serves classic burgers, sandwiches and salads and a must try fish and chips. They have a terrific cocktail menu and a great selection of wines by the glass as well.
Also check out the listings for Best Brunch and Best Cafes-- all of which are great places for Lunch too. -
On May 12Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What is the best new restaurant in Napa and Sonoma?
Sonoma—
Bravas Bar de Tapas – (Healdsburg)
Mark and Terri Stark, recent James Beard award nominees for Outstanding Restaurateur, have done it again, this time with a Spanish flair. Bravas Bar de Tapas brings authentic tapas to Healdsburg. Not just small plates-- theses tapas are the real deal with Iberico ham, Manchego cheese, chorizo, anchovies, sardines, and lots of garlic. The outdoor patio is just the spot to enjoy a glass of Spanish Cava and pretend you are in Spain.
Backyard (Forestville)
Don’t underestimate blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Forestville. Those in the know cite the tiny burg of Forestville as one of the best-kept foodie secrets. And Backyard is one of the new reasons. Backyard, as the name connotes, is focused on garden fresh fare and a daily changing menu that sources ingredients from community farms, rivers and fields for über local produce and foraged delicacies.
Napa—
Redd Wood (Yountville)
A branch off from the mega-successful restaurant Redd, Redd Wood is the laid-back and less pricy version with a menu that is pizza focused but no less exciting. Redd Wood features a full bar and serves diner nightly and breakfast and lunch Friday –Sunday only. -
On May 12Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What’s new in Napa and Sonoma?
It’s all happening in Sonoma these days and two of the biggest new additions to the scene are SHED in Healdsburg, and The Barlow in Sebastopol.
SHED is a new multi-purpose market pavilion in the heart of Healdsburg. Billed as a “Modern Grange” SHED aims to showcase the best regional farm products with the goal to inspire, educate, engage and delight visitors and locals about the fundamentals of agriculture, food and wine, and the community’s agrarian roots.
Two of the most innovative elements of SHED are The Mill and The Fermentation Bar. The onsite mill is used to grind local grains for the daily baked SHED bread and other house-made pastries and baked goods. The Fermentation Bar offers a daily selection of kambucha, beer, wine, cider, and Shrubs—a must try vinegar based fruit drink originally from the Caribbean.
The Barlow--The butcher, the baker, the candle stick maker: The Barlow, set on the site of a former apple processing factory is a community space and year round market, with shops, restaurants and local producers dedicated to made-on-premises crafts, food, beer and wine. Full grand opening is scheduled for late Summer but several merchants are open now including wine tasting rooms for La Follette and Wind Gap. -
On May 11Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best day trips near Napa and Sonoma?
While many visitors think of Napa and Sonoma as one region called “wine country”—the two valleys are actually not that close in proximity. Thus depending where you are staying, Napa and Sonoma actually make for perfect day-trips to each other.
Point Reyes National Seashore is also an easy day-trip from Napa or Sonoma. On your way stop in the tiny town of Pt. Reyes Station for cheese at Cowgirl Creamery and assorted picnic fixings, then head directly to Hog Island Oyster Company and grab a picnic table right on Tomales Bay for a feast of fresh shucked bivalves harvested daily from the oyster farm. Be sure to reserve your table well in advance, as Hog Island is extremely popular.
Mendocino County is another great destination filled with options from wine tasting to beach combing, brew pup hopping, or even riding a railway wonder called the Skunk Train through the redwoods. But there's so much to see and do in Mendocino, you may want to make it a two-day trip. -
On May 11Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best cafes in Napa and Sonoma?
When you seek a hearty breakfast or lunch with quality food and a down home atmosphere, check out these cafes in Napa and Sonoma.
Sonoma—
Gypsy Café – Sebastopol—Gypsy Café offers modern comfort food in a “urban salvage” setting with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. The original Old Pine Cone neon sign out front guides the way to Breakfast served all day starting at 8:30am and Lunch daily from 11:00 -2:30 pm. My favorite wake up dish is the Sebastobowl --2 eggs any style, sautéed new potatoes, garlic wilted greens & toasted hemp seeds w/toast. {Yes, hemp seeds. It’s Sebastopol—hemp is practically one of the four food groups here.} Also great—the buttermilk pancakes available in full and short stack or the gluten free Swedish Pancakes.
Napa—
Gillwoods Café –Gillwoods Café has two locations—St. Helena and Napa Town Center. Both offer fresh bakery goods made daily on the premises and homemade down home classics such as hearty egg scrambles for breakfast and a selection of toasted or grilled sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. -
On May 11Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best cafes in Napa and Sonoma?
When you want an hearty breakfast or lunch with quality food and a down home atmosphere check out these cafes in Napa and Sonoma.
Sonoma—
Gypsy Café – Sebastopol—Gypsy Café offers modern comfort food in a “urban salvage” setting with exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. The original Old Pine Cone neon sign out front guides the way to Breakfast served all day starting at 8:30am and Lunch daily from 11:00 -2:30 pm. My favorite wake up dish is the Sebastobowl --2 eggs any style, sautéed new potatoes, garlic wilted greens & toasted hemp seeds w/toast. {Yes, hemp seeds. It’s Sebastopol—hemp is practically one of the four food groups here.} Also great—the buttermilk pancakes available in full and short stack or the gluten free Swedish Pancakes.
Napa—
Gillwoods Café –Gillwoods Café has two locations—St. Helena and Napa Town Center. Both offer fresh bakery goods made daily on the premises and homemade down home classics such as hearty egg scrambles for breakfast and a selection of toasted or grilled sandwiches, salads, and soups for lunch. -
On May 11Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best restaurants for a business lunch in Napa and Sonoma?
Whether you seek to close the deal or pitch a start-up, here are a few of the best restaurants for a business lunch in Napa and Sonoma.
Napa—
Morimoto – The wow factor here is both visual and edible. Morimoto is a great location for a business lunch that might include creative pitches or inspiration for developing new ideas.
Redd – Elegant, streamlined, and sophisticated-- Redd is the perfect back drop to seal the deal in style with excellent food, service and wine list that will enhance any high level business discussions.
Lucy Resturant in the Bardessono—A casual and laid back scene with a commitment to the highest quality dining experience makes business lunch a pleasure at Lucy Restaurant.
Sonoma—
Stark’s Steakhouse—Old school is always in style and Stark’s delivers it with vintage décor and classic steak house fare serving Certified Prime Angus beef and features the only in-house dry-aging program in Sonoma County. -
On May 7Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best indoor activities in Napa and Sonoma?
What else is there to do indoors in Napa and Sonoma besides Eating , Drinking, and Shopping? Well how about a Candy Factory Tour or Ice Skating with Snoopy? Adults and children will both be pleased with either of these indoor activities.
Napa—
Just about 30 minutes due east of Napa you can tour the Jelly Belly Candy Factory in Fairfield. The free 40 minute tour takes visitors through the candy making process. Tours are available on weekends but best to go during the week when the factory is in full operation.
Sonoma—
Located in Santa Rosa, the Redwood Empire Ice Arena is home to Snoopy’s Home Ice, featuring the loveable beagle character made famous by Charles M. Schulz in Peanuts comic strip. Everything you need to enjoy a spin on the ice is available for rental and the Warm Puppy Café provides snacks and drinks. Afterwards visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum located just across the street. -
On May 7Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best events this weekend in Napa and Sonoma?
As the summer event season heats up weekends in wine country are packed with activity. Celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend with Mom at one of these wine or music events.
Sonoma – Looking to expand your wine horizons beyond the routine Cabernets, Merlots and Chardonnays? Then bring your tastebuds to Healdsburg, May 11th 3-7pm at Bergamot Alley, for The 7% Solution – a wine tasting event that celebrates those grapes planted on less than 7% of the acreage in Northern California. With wines like Trousseau, Picpoul, Touriga Nacional, Ribolla Gialla, Counoise, Grenache Blanc, Cinsault, Carignan, Tinta Cao, and Aglianico, in the line up-- you are sure to find a new favorite.
Napa— All the buzz in town is for Bottle Rock Napa Valley. Starting Thursday May 9th , the first major rock festival in Napa will turn on the star power with live bands and comedy acts on several stages surrounded by the best food and wine booths and after-parties galore. Read more here on Forbes Travel Guide. -
On April 30Marcy Gordon answered the question:
What are the best wedding venues in Napa and Sonoma?
Sumptuous food and wine, beautiful surroundings, and a relaxed yet elegant vibe are the hallmarks of a wine country wedding. The options abound from chic hotel settings to vineyard side nuptials at wineries.
For full the array of amenities a top hotel is the best choice and these Forbes Travel Guide star-rated properties are among the very best wedding venues in Napa for magnificent food and magical settings.
Auberge du Soleil – Pure romance and memorable views.
Meadowood Napa Valley – Every detail wrapped in perfection.
Bardessono – Chic and low key the Bardessono, in downtown Yountville, is an excellent choice for a small private affair.
Those looking to seal their vows in a vineyard setting between the vines, or between the barrels in an historic cellar will find these Sonoma wineries are best bets.
Arista Winery—Spectacular vineyard views for formal or casual weddings both large and small in the tranquil Japanese garden.
Buena Vista Winery—Lush grounds and the historic buildings create the ultimate romantic setting and a reception in the elegant Champagne Cellars completes the sophisticated scene.
Ledson Winery and Vineyards—For storybook romantics the Ledson castle is the ultimate fantasy for a dramatic fairytale wedding.
Kunde Family Estate Winery—Several locations are available for weddings here, including the Dunfillan Ruins-- distinctive stone ruins in a lush meadow, and hilltop sites with breathtaking views.
