Napa Valley is one of those wine destinations that many dream of visiting. With rolling vineyards, mountain vistas, top-tier wines tasted in state-of-the-art facilities, and farm-to-table dining, every day in Napa feels like a special occasion. But with hundreds of wineries to choose from, along with many hospitality options, planning a trip for the first time – or even fifth time – can feel overwhelming.
If you're thinking about heading to Napa this summer or fall and want to keep things simple, this quick guide is for you. With a focus on Downtown Napa as your home base, there are plenty of options to eat, drink, and do without driving. And if you’re looking for a fun and relaxing way to explore wine country from top to bottom, the Napa Valley Wine Train is the best way to see a lot in a short time. You’ll sip, savor, and soak in the views on a historic locomotive – no car keys required.
RIDE THE RAILS: THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN EXPERIENCE
(Photo by Jacqueline Coleman)
Guests will dine on gourmet dishes aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train.
It would take years to see all Napa Valley has to offer if you did it all on your own, but it only takes hours to get an impressive snapshot of the valley on the wine train. With several different experiences to choose from, some running every day year-round, you can tailor your visit to your tastes. Enjoy a three-hour, multi-course, gourmet Vista Dome lunch tour on a historic train car, which was once part of the circus. Have dinner on the rails and solve a murder mystery, or enjoy peppermint tea and special train rides with Santa during the holidays.
Some rides, such as the Legacy Experience, even include stops at wineries to add extra wine-country activities to the already engaging experience. Legacy is a six-hour ride up to St. Helena and back, where you will disembark at wineries like Charles Krug and V. Sattui for tastings, while also enjoying a four-course meal and wine onboard restored vintage 1915 Pullman rail cars, all while viewing miles of gorgeous vineyards and the iconic sites of the valley from your window.
(Courtesy Napa Valley Wine Train)
The Vista Dome Lunch experience on the Napa Valley Wine Train is a relaxing way to see wine country.
WHERE TO STAY
(Courtesy River Terrace Inn)
The River Terrace Inn overlooks the Napa River and is surrounded by the Oxbow Preserve near Downtown Napa.
River Terrace Inn
A charming hotel located a short walk from Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train, this is the best location for travelers who are boarding the train at any time during their stay. With rooms overlooking the Napa River and Oxbow Preserve, guests can wake up to the beautiful serenity of the Napa area and have walkable access to the urban core of Downtown Napa.
Andaz Napa
This comfortable hotel by Hyatt is located right on First Street in the heart of Downtown Napa. With a rustic-chic vibe, amenities like large soaking tubs in the rooms, and a restaurant and bar on site, this is an excellent choice for travelers who need convenience and crave simple luxuries, like a warm bath after a day of wine tastings.
(Photo by Jacqueline Coleman)
R Inn Napa offers serene courtyard-style accommodations in an indoor-outdoor setting.
R Inn Napa
This courtyard-style boutique hotel is a cozy and peaceful escape conveniently positioned in Downtown Napa. R Inn is an ideal spot for solo travelers and couples looking for more privacy, and it is within walking distance of many restaurants and shops.
EAT AND DRINK: RESTAURANT PICKS
Slanted Door
Right next to the River Terrace Inn, this iconic Vietnamese restaurant by the late San Francisco Chef Charles Phan offers a wide range of delicious dishes such as the chicken claypot, cellophane noodles, Daikon rice cakes, and shaking beef. Slanted Door is a must-dine for travelers who love exploring culture and cuisine.
(Courtesy Napa Valley Wine Train)
Enjoy seeing the beautiful vineyards of Napa Valley through the window of the wine train.
Scala Osteria & Bar
On First Street in the heart of Downtown Napa, this Italian-Mediterranean restaurant is a hot reservation in town. The wine list offers thoughtful Napa favorites alongside Italian wines that complement the ingredients of the dishes. You really can’t go wrong with any order here, especially not with the pork chop Milanese.
Oxbow Public Market
For a more casual dining option from breakfast to dinner, head over to the Oxbow Public Market, where you can get everything from creative bagel sandwiches at Loveski to Moroccan plates, oysters, and cupcakes all within a few feet of each other. Grab a morning coffee, box of chocolates, or bottle of wine. Get ready for a wind down from your day at any of the many market vendors.
MIAMI WINE EVENTS THIS MONTH
Don’t miss these wine events around our town in May.
The Third Annual Vinya Grand Tasting signature event is May 10, noon-3 p.m. at Vinya Wine & Market on Key Biscayne. Try 101 bottles from around the world, including wines inspired by warm spring weather, top Champagne, and picks under $30. Also, at Vinya Wine & Market on Key Biscayne – Wine Bar Takeover with Maçanita Vinhos and winemaker, Joana Maçanita on Monday, May 19, 6-8 p.m. There is no entry fee and special pricing on Maçanita wines. Visit vinyawine.com for more information on pricing and reservations for events.
Florida Wine Academy will host the WSET 2 in Wines certification course on May 16 and 17 at 305 Wines in Pinecrest. They are also hosting a hybrid in-person and online WSET 3 in Wines certification course with an in-person class on May 31. The program runs online through July 21 with an in-person review and the exam in August. Find more information about WSET certification in Miami at FloridaWineAcademy.com.
Jacqueline Coleman is a wine and travel writer and Star Wine List’s ambassador in Miami. She is a contributor to Luxury Guide USA magazine, a regular guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s “Food, News & Views” podcast, and founder of BYOBMiami.com.
Jacqueline Coleman