Things to Do in Napa Valley

The most expensive wine auction record belongs to a Napa Valley bottle—a 1992 Screaming Eagle Cabernet sold for $500,000. This 30-mile stretch of rolling hills creates America's most prestigious wine region, where family-owned cellars sit alongside grand estates. Each offers their own take on what makes this dirt special. The landscape shifts as you drive north from Napa town through Yountville, St. Helena, and up to Calistoga. Different grape varieties dominate each area. Different winemaking philosophies too. Beyond wine, Napa Valley operates as a complete luxury destination where Michelin-starred restaurants neighbor casual farm-to-table bistros. excellent spas complement the tasting rooms, attracting serious food and wine people who also want to genuinely relax. The pace feels deliberately slower here—good things take time, whether aging wine or savoring long vineyard lunches.

Napa Valley dining reflects agricultural abundance with locally-sourced ingredients and wine-friendly preparations. You'll find Michelin-starred spots like The French Laundry and Atelier Crenn alongside casual bistros and farm stands. Yountville concentrates several high-end restaurants within walking distance—St. Helena and downtown Napa offer more varied price points. Many wineries serve food beyond cheese plates. Full restaurants, cooking classes, chef-led experiences that combine wine education with instruction.

Peak season runs late spring through early fall (May-October) with warm, dry weather ideal for outdoor activities. Harvest excitement hits September and October, though summer gets quite hot, particularly July and August. Evenings cool nicely for outdoor dining. Winter and early spring see fewer crowds and lower prices—some wineries reduce hours and weather turns unpredictable. Harvest season offers the most authentic winemaking experience but requires advance planning. Busiest time of year.