You will never run out of Napa Valley things to do, see, and enjoy. If you’re a first-time tourist in the Wine Country in particular, you will likely find yourself at loss for a while when trying to decide which of these things you should do and see.
If you’re in this kind of situation and happen to land on this page, you’ll be glad you did! We’ll provide some great suggestions for you to try, to see, and do when you’re in the Napa Valley.
Most visitors to Napa Valley visit wineries and do some wine-tastings while they’re in the area. Do you believe that the world-famous Napa Valley is not even the most prolific wine region in the United States? There are “only” over 400 wineries in Napa, but the wineries there otherwise put emphasis on quality over quantity. Most wineries in Napa offer wine tastings only by appointment, but there are few wineries that also welcome walk-in visitors to their tasting rooms.
If you want to experience the ultimate wine tour experience, visit wineries with the most stunning architecture, loveliest views, and unbeatable touring and tasting experience.
Find something unique about the wineries to make your wine tours extra memorable and special. For example, Castelo di Amorosa is a modern-day winery built like an authentic 13th-century Tuscan-style fortress — complete with defense towers, moats, and courtyards. Sterling Vineyards offers tourists an aerial tram ride, giving them spectacular views of the fields and valleys. The Hess Collection will delight art lovers as it also functions as an art gallery. While Domaine Carneros’ stunning gardens, view and architecture will make you feel as if you own a grand French villa.
If you’re a certified foodie, one of the most recommended places to get your grub fix is to visit the Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. It is an excellent place for food and wine. See, smell, and taste the locally-sourced organic produce and artisanal products from meats to fish, cheese, freshly baked breads, chocolates, coffee, spices, seafood, and a lot more. This is the place where the best Napa restaurants buy their ingredients, so you can be sure of the merchandise’s top quality! You can dine right at the market’s several restaurants after shopping. Enjoy everything from the tastiest tacos to the best gourmet burgers, and artisanal ice creams while sitting on the picturesque outdoor deck which looks over the Napa River.
You want to explore more of the wine country? You can rent a car or a bike and drive through the vineyards. But why do these things when you can arrive in the wine country with style! The Napa Valley Wine Train, a line of restored antique railcars, will take you from Napa to St. Helena. There’s also a fabulously-decorated dining area where you can eat delicious gourmet meals as you enjoy scenic views through the train’s window.
A hot air balloon ride is one of the things you should do when you’re making a side trip to Napa Valley. From one to three thousand feet from the ground you will be able to see the beautiful Napa Valley landscape greeted by the rays of the morning sun. Neat of grows of grapevines, rolling hills and valleys, and lush vegetation makes a picture-perfect view while you’re riding the hot air balloon. And following the successful flight, the riders and the crew celebrate with a champagne brunch as it’s traditional.
When you decide to go for the hot air balloon ride, make sure that you go to a reputable hot air balloon operator with many years of experience and good quality service. Balloons Above the Valley, which also offers on-ground wine tours in Napa and Sonoma, would be the perfect choice.
These are some recommended activities when you’re looking for Napa Valley things to do. They are sure to make your vacation or day trip to the Napa area more fun and memorable.