Next Stop: Downtown Napa

North of the bustling city of San Francisco lies Napa Valley—the epitome of stunning countrysides marked by rolling vineyards and the production of some of the world’s most legendary wine. But while Napa Valley’s wine country is truly a sight to behold, one would be remiss if they passed up the once-quiet town of Downtown Napa. An amalgamation of all things the greater Napa Valley has to offer, Downtown Napa is having a renaissance of culture and attraction.

The Wine

There’s no shortage of wine in Napa Valley, and with 40-some-odd urban tasting rooms, there are wine tasting opportunities around every corner. Start with the classics at Mayacamas Vineyards, producers of iconic Napa Valley Wine since 1889, in their just-opened downtown tasting room found on First Street. From there, you can head to the Alpha Omega Collective located just across the street for a taste of not only Napa Valley wines, but experience wines from their sister winery in San Luis Obispo, Tolosa, alongside the Spanish wines of Perinet.

More local favorites include Acumen Wine Gallery, bursting with hospitality, ambiance, and an in-house art gallery. For a more casual tasting, visit Feast It Forward, a winery tasting collective showcasing the wines of 16 different vintners. When you’re ready to book your next visit, you can find the full list of tasting rooms here!

The Food

You may come for the wine, but we guarantee you’ll stay for the food. Beyond the award-winning wine, Napa Valley has also garnered attention for its world-renowned restaurants and culinary experiences. From fine dining to fast casual and everything in between, you can find it in Downtown Napa.

An impetus for downtown Napa’s popularity is the Oxbow Public Market, “the community gathering place for great food and wine in Napa Valley.” In this marketplace, you’ll find wine, beer, fresh sushi, oysters, artisans, and so much more. Just across the parking lot from the Oxbow, you’ll find The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, a “foodie wonderland” home to culinary classes, world-class wine pairings, food-centric events, and a phenomenal in-house restaurant. Once you head into town, you have access to food of all genres from Italian to Pacific Rim, all with a little Napa Valley flair.

The Adventure

Seeking adventure outside of the world of food and wine? Downtown Napa has that too. Take a hot air balloon ride over the river for breathtaking views both up and down the valley. If you prefer to stay at sea level, travel the river via kayak or stand up paddleboard! On foot, explore the Rail Arts District, or RAD, a 2-mile stretch of the Napa Valley Vine Trail that has become a “free outdoor contemporary art museum” and is bursting with colorful murals found along buildings, fences, electrical boxes, and more.

So, are you ready for your next Napa adventure? Whether you’re a Napa Valley veteran or a new visitor, we guarantee there is something new for you to discover. We’ll see you around town!