This California wine region has over 400 wineries among rolling hills, paired with top restaurants and the Culinary Institute of America. Local B&Bs and resorts welcome visitors.
Napa, the largest city in California's wine country, lies 50 miles northeast of San Francisco. In downtown, you'll find tasting rooms like JaM Cellars and Brown Estate, restaurants such as La Toque and Morimoto Napa, and preserved buildings from the 1840s. The city has over 400 local wineries, the popular Oxbow Public Market food hall, and a vintage Wine Train that runs through the valley.
Downtown Napa's Food Scene
The Oxbow Public Market anchors downtown Napa's dining options, with local vendors and food producers under one roof. You can start your day with sourdough bagels from Loveski Deli, created by a Michelin-starred chef. Stop by Hog Island Oyster Co. for fresh seafood, and Anette's Chocolates for handmade truffles and caramels. For dinner, try upscale Italian dishes at Scala Osteria & Bar or grab late-night gastropub food at The Lincoln.
Wine Tasting Experience
You'll find more than 90 tasting rooms within the city limits, letting you sample Napa's wines without driving to vineyards. Walk through downtown to visit dozens of tasting rooms representing multiple vineyards. While the region makes only 4% of California's wine, it gained international recognition when local wineries Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Montelena won the 1976 Judgment of Paris competition.
Evening Entertainment
Several venues host music and drinks throughout downtown. The Uptown Theatre schedules live performances and concerts in a restored 1937 art deco building. Blue Note Napa hosts jazz performances nightly, while JaM Cellars' Wine and Music Studio puts on live music events. For cocktails, try The Haven at the Culinary Institute of America or head to Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel, where you can see views across the valley.
Climate and Visiting Seasons
Napa has a Mediterranean climate with four distinct seasons. Summer temperatures reach 80°F (27°C), perfect for outdoor wine tasting but drawing large crowds. Fall temperatures stay around 70°F (21°C) with grape harvest activities happening throughout the valley. Winter brings cool, damp weather with temperatures around 60°F (15°C). Spring sees fewer tourists and mild temperatures. Two mountain ranges affect the local weather: the Vaca Range blocks heat from Central Valley, while the Mayacamas Mountains moderate marine influences from Sonoma County.
Transportation Hub
You can reach Napa from three major airports: San Francisco International Airport (58 miles), Oakland International Airport (51 miles), and Sacramento International Airport (63 miles). Inside the valley, Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail run parallel north to south, connecting Napa to nearby wine towns like Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga.
