Napa, California
Wine Flies When You’re Having Fun.
Lat. 38.297539 | Long. -122.286865
Napa County
The Napa Valley Region Contains Over 500 Wineries. C&C Visits A Few Of The Cools Ones Below.
The origin of the word "Napa" is disputed?
The word "Napa" is of Native American derivation and has been variously translated as "grizzly bear", "motherland," or "fish". Of the many explanations of the name's origin, the most plausible seems to be that it is derived from the Patwin word napo, meaning "house.” Go figure.
Napa, California.
- 94559 -
Napa is the seat of Napa County, California, in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region. Its downtown is known for late-1800s and early-1900s architecture, a riverfront promenade with shops and restaurants, and an arts scene anchored by the Napa Valley Opera House. The Oxbow Public Market houses a farmer's market and cheese shop, and the Napa Valley Wine Train visits area wineries via vintage Pullman cars. Our Favorite Napa Real Estate Agents.
Historic Napa In Photos.
Some ninety years ago, the men of the Napa Chamber of Commerce published a twenty-four page booklet of promotional photos, Beautiful Napa: A Pictorial Journey. Despite the handicaps of monochrome and fading paper, it tells a powerful story that still rings true.
The cover, depicting sailboats tied along the river, perhaps at the finish of a country regatta, is a tantalizing clue to the “brand” of the Napa Valley at the time. The opening pages tout their mild temperatures, sunny days, and natural beauty. And then, as if to summarize all that is loved then and now, in capital letters: “THE IDEAL PLACE FOR HOME.” READ MORE.
Their exquisitely maintained 100-year-old Pullman train cars invite you to embrace the spirit of luxurious early 20th-century rail travel. Before your journey, take a moment to explore the sophisticated setting and opulent accents in each rail car.
Napa Valley Wine Train,
1275 McKinstry Street,
Napa, CA 94559
Phone: 1-800-427-4124
While the Napa Valley Railroad began operations in 1864, the Wine Train’s story starts in the early ‘80s with Vince DeDomenico. He had the vision of reviving the Napa Valley Railroad and the golden age of travel in Napa with curated antique railcars for a quintessential Napa Valley experience. He created an elegant and luxurious way to travel through Napa’s picturesque scenery and historic vineyards.
It was a route that once took visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga, creating the Napa tourism industry in the process. Today, it takes international guests on a 36-mile round trip, from the train station near Downtown Napa at the Oxbow Commons to St. Helena and back, stopping at celebrated Napa Valley wineries. With every ride it takes, the Wine Train continues to preserve a piece of Napa Valley history and proudly continues railroading traditions that once defined the American landscape.
Oxbow Public Market
THE LOCAL GATHERING PLACE FOR GREAT FOOD AND WINE
The 40,000 square foot marketplace, which includes a scenic outdoor deck with seating along the Napa River, features a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes and an organic produce outlet for local farms.
Oxbow Public Market and its artisans and purveyors passionately support the concept of sustainable agriculture and local harvest—promoting a healthy environment, and social and economic equity within the community.
610 & 644 First Street
Napa, California 94559
(707) 226-6529
First Street Napa, a place for relaxation and innovation. A collective featuring great wines, unique culinary options, and a stylish set of retail and lifestyle concepts. Set in downtown and ingrained in Napa’s story—thoughtfully updated and reimagined.
1300 First Street, Napa, CA 94559
Artisan Chocolates, Truffles, Brittles and Dessert Sauces
Established in 1991. A passion for Chocolate inspired decades of decadent creations. Family owned and operated for over 31 years.
1321 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
(707) 252-4228
Archer Napa
Downtown Napa is having a major moment — incredible, experiential tasting rooms (55 at last count), scores of shops and a wonderland of every sort of ahh-mazing cuisine. All a delightful, stress-free walk from their eclectically elegant boutique hotel. Choose an intimate room or a suite with a balcony that overlooks the buzz. Experience the sizzle of their own Charlie Palmer Steak or a starlit seat on Napa Valley's favorite rooftop — with Sky & Vine, it's Whiskey Bar enclave and their own satisfying day spa. So much to savor.
Napa Valley Lodging…
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Auberge du Soleil
Rutherford, California
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Bardessono Hotel & Spa
Yountville, California
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Four Seasons Resort
Calistoga, California
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Alila Napa Valley
St Helena, California,
Wine & Dine
“With over 500 wineries producing some of the world’s most exquisite bottles, Napa Valley can be difficult to narrow down. From sun-kissed vineyards to deep-rooted winemaking history, there’s so much to explore in this vast region. But whether it’s your first visit or you’re a Napa regular, the best way to experience the valley is with recommendations from the local wine experts themselves." Visit Wine Enthusiast
1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
“I realized that you don’t make wine only with your head and your senses. You make wine with your heart.”
~ Miljenko "Mike" Grgich ~
1923-2023
Miljenko “Mike” Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated “Paris Tasting” of 1976. Then, in a now-historic blind tasting, a panel of eminent French judges swirled, sniffed, and sipped an array of the fabled white Burgundies of France and a small sampling of upstart Chardonnays from the Napa Valley. When their scores were tallied, the French judges were shocked: they had chosen the 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by Mike Grgich, as the finest white wine in the world. Mon Dieu! The results stunned the international wine establishment and immediately earned Mike a reputation as one of the greatest winemakers in the world.
Mayacamas
Founded in 1889, Mayacamas stands as one of the most storied vineyards and winery operations in Napa Valley. Since the 1950’s the vinification of Mayacamas wines has remained remarkably consistent with a continued commitment to employ classical techniques.
Since establishing Kenzo Estate winery, they long dreamt of bringing an authentic, elegant Japanese dining experience to the Napa Valley. Their vision was to create a truly transformative experience, one in which the people, place and flavors unite to create a singular moment in time. They welcome you to experience Kenzo Napa. Their signature restaurant in downtown Napa showcases exquisite Kaiseki delicacies, created with ingredients flown in daily from their native Japan. Every artistic course is meant to pair harmoniously with a selection of eclectic wines and sakes from around the world, including Kenzo Estate's full Napa Valley wine collection.
1339 PEARL STREET
NAPA, CALIFORNIA 94559
707.294.2049
In the early 1980s while hiking along Oakville’s southwestern ridge, H. William Harlan discovered an isolated territory. The hidden expanse—ancient and untamed—moved him deeply, but remained elusive until the Harlan family finally captured it in 2008. As the second generation explored and worked with the land, they began to make discoveries of their own. At the core of this wild terrain they found a powerful geologic convergence, which had shaped its steep, rugged topography, and created the conditions for an altogether exotic winegrowing environment. Over time they found that the dramatic landscape—just beyond the edge of the known—would slowly change them, and ultimately inspire a new endeavor: Promontory.
Schramsberg’s founders, Jack and Jamie Davies were determined to seek out a simpler, more meaningful life. In 1965, after a yearlong search, they discovered a run-down winery on the mountainside above St. Helena. The 19th century Victorian mansion presided over the tangled remains of once stately gardens and underground cellars. The historic Schramsberg property had been abandoned for years, but the Davies were looking for a challenge. On that day they decided Schramsberg would be brought back to life.
The Davies had an ambition to make wine, but not just any wine. They were setting out to produce a world-class sparkling wine, and it was a lofty goal. Later that year, the 1965 Blanc de Blancs came to be, and would be the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine.
FINE DINING WITHOUT THE PRETENSE
La Toque is a chef-driven Napa Valley restaurant that celebrates the seasonal, the authentic, and the absolutely delicious. For more than 40 years, Chef Ken Frank’s passion for food and wine has offered guests an elevated wine country experience without pretension or stuffiness. They take pride in how many people — locals from Napa Valley as well as visitors from around the world — return to La Toque for their special occasion meals, year after year.
La Toque is a longtime recipient of the Wine Spectator Grand Award – the world’s highest honor for restaurant wine programs. Their culinary team and sommeliers taste together daily, seeking out exciting new combinations that harmonize and elevate the ultimate Napa Valley experience.
1314 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
707-257-5157
Robin and Michelle Baggett moved to Napa Valley in 2006 to found Alpha Omega. Robin began his wine career in 1988 as a grape grower, planting more than 750 acres of grapes and in 1998 establishing Tolosa winery in San Luis Obispo. In the late 80s, Michelle began her multifaceted career in the development of hospitality brands before she created the name, brand and vision of this venture together, Alpha Omega.
The axr dream began with four friends sitting around a table sharing, dreaming, laughing, and occasionally sipping! The room was filled with an intense passion for wine and a good intention to be true to themselves and the history of napa valley: this is where axr was born. By utilizing modern and innovative techniques in the cellar, they extract the unique soul of Napa Valley's soils into wines enjoyable now, or many years to come.
The Fab4, as they call them, are the three founders: Kelly Trevethan, Mark Schratz and Don Van Laeken, as well as their Winemaker, Jean Hoefliger. This group of unassuming romantics believes in paying homage to the pioneers who had the vision, planted the vines, and grew the napa valley lifestyle. Their team is looking forward to engaging with new people, telling a joke or two, and sharing great wine!
RUTHERFORD
For many, the name Auberge du Soleil is synonymous with wine country cuisine. Founded in 1981 by visionary French restaurateur Claude Rouas as Napa Valley’s first fine-dining establishment, The Restaurant has maintained its legacy as a “must experience” culinary destination for more than 40 years. Executive Chef Robert Curry sources the freshest ingredients from local purveyors, harvested at their peak of flavor, to create delicious dishes that showcase the region's best seasonal ingredients.
With 16 consecutive Michelin Star awards, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil consistently provides a memorable feast for the eyes and the senses. Whether taking in the awe-inspiring views on the outdoor terrace, or enjoying the comfort of the intimate dining room, the fine dining experience is perfectly complemented by the atmosphere and the extensive selection of wines from the hotel’s award-winning 15,000 bottle cellar.
Auberge du Soleil
Over 25 years ago, Spain’s oldest winemaking family, Raventós Codorníu, ventured to a new world: a sea-facing hillside in the Napa Valley, with rocky soils and a favorable coastal climate.
It was here in Los Carneros that they planted new roots, building upon a 460-year winemaking legacy to create the next generation of estate-grown, artisan wines.
They opened in 1991 as Codorníu Napa with a mission to make California’s top sparkling wine. As the vineyard proved its pedigree for still wines, the Artesa name was born in 1998. Catalan for “handcrafted”, Artesa has since become a leading producer of distinctive wines from the varietals for which Los Carneros and Napa Valley are best known: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Yountville
In September 2006, Chef Thomas Keller opened the doors to Ad Hoc, his casual dining venue for showcasing the American comfort food of his childhood. The name Ad Hoc, literally meaning “for this purpose,” derives from the restaurant’s original purpose: to temporarily fill a space while Chef Keller’s team developed a different restaurant concept. From the beginning, Ad Hoc was loved by both Napa Valley locals and visitors to the wine country alike, and so this “temporary” restaurant joined Chef Keller’s other Yountville, CA properties as a permanent fixture of Washington Street.
6476 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
707.944.2487
“At Trefethen, everything is connected. I mean this in both an ecological and a social sense. The land we farm is part of a larger ecosystem that we affect. And the way we approach our work, the mindset we have, ripples out to affect how we treat our employees, receive visitors, and carry ourselves in our community.”
– Lorenzo Trefethen –
Opus One
Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi. Together, the founders set out to create a single wine dedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. This singular mission shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come.
Calistoga
In October 2022, they opened our doors for the very first time. After a glorious 8 months, they are ecstatic to announce that Auro has earned 1 MICHELIN Star!
They would like to congratulate Executive Chef Rogelio Garcia, Chef de Cuisine Elijah Cortez, and Lead Sommelier Derek Stevenson for creating and crafting a stunning new tasting menu every single week. They also would like to thank the entire Auro team for their hard work and dedication that never goes unnoticed. From the kitchen to the table, from start to finish, the Auro team passionately delivers an exceptional experience every time.
400 Silverado Trail N,
Calistoga, CA 94515
707-709-2160
Quintessa is a 280-acre site that reflects a diversity of geology, biodiversity, exposures and microclimates. Inspired by this distinct property, founders Agustin and Valeria Huneeus believed that it was destined to become one of the world’s great wine estates. Today, a total of 160 acres are planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Carménère on 26 vineyard blocks. Each block is farmed—organically and Biodynamic®—harvested, and vinified individually to preserve and enhance the nuances of the land. Inspired by the land’s natural grandeur, the Huneeus family dedicated themselves to capturing the beauty and harmony of this land in the form of a great wine.
GAVEL: A buzzing coffee shop complete with Chef Harry's freshly baked pastries and specialty roasts from Sightglass Coffee. Discover it all, from retail and craft goods by talented Bay Area artisans to picnic items for your afternoon in the vineyard.
They’ve been serving up delicious deli sandwiches and salads since the Summer of 2020. A lot has changed since then, but they are more committed than ever to providing the community with fresh and delicious food. They are proud to use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Their market offers gourmet snacks, local cheeses, wine and craft beer. Their inventory includes familiar favorites and staples, plus an ever-changing rotation of all that’s new and noteworthy in the culinary world.
1331 First St. | Napa, Ca 94559
(707)-252-1000
They carefully bake in small batches by hand each day using the finest ingredients sourced from local, sustainable, and whenever possible, organic producers. They are proud to offer cupcakes and cakes that are freshly baked within hours, if not minutes, for your enjoyment.
Their menu includes trusted signature flavors as well as seasonal and monthly favorites, all made fresh daily using local, real ingredients. They are inclusive of guests, with special dietary needs offering gluten-free and vegan cupcake options.
610 1st St | #19 Oxbow Public Market | Napa, CA 94559
(707) 258-2253
Marketplace at Copia
The Marketplace at Copia offers a selection of rare and beautiful household goods that are expertly curated to beautify your home and kitchen.
Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company first opened its doors in Napa in 1985. They were one of the first local coffee roasting companies of their kind in the Napa Valley, modeled upon European cafes and housed in a landmark Victorian building. In 1991, they opened a second location in downtown St. Helena. From the beginning, they’ve been creating signature coffee blends for some of Napa Valley’s most acclaimed restaurants and wineries, in addition to businesses beyond the Valley.
710 Main Street , Napa, CA
707-224-2233
CHUCK WILLIAMS CULINARY ARTS MUSEUM
Step into the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum and be transported to another time when the great chefs of Europe were creating beautiful and practical items to make their culinary masterpieces. Whimsical tureens shaped like boar’s heads, rabbits, and lambs are a delight for the eye, while curiosities like the duck press will have you amazed at the ingenuity of the chefs who created it centuries ago. More than 4,000 artifacts of specialty cookware, bread baking and culinary tools, appliances, and tableware will be part of rotating exhibits that will intrigue and fascinate you.
500 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
707-967-2500
Art Association Napa Valley | 1520 Behrens Street | Napa, California | 707.254.2085
Main Distillery & The Grand Tasting Salon
Their Grand Tasting Salon is located inside the Main Distillery, right off Highway 29 in Napa, CA. Take an Educational Distillery Tour and taste through a flight of their award-winning and locally made spirits. You’ll learn how to properly taste distilled spirits using the secrets of "Booze Yoga" (a Napa Valley Distillery exclusive) in their beautiful Grand Tasting Salon.
2485 Stockton Street, Napa, CA 94559
(707) 226-9269
Uptown Theatre, Napa
The Uptown Theatre Napa is downtown’s ultimate destination for live entertainment. Nestled in the famed West End district, this stunningly restored art deco masterpiece from 1937 showcases only the finest acts in music and comedy. A historic landmark, the Uptown offers a phenomenal, intimate live show experience with world class sound and site lines. Distance from the last row to the stage is only 98 feet making every seat truly a great seat!
1350 Third Street Napa, California 94559
(707) 259-0123
