Downtown Napa is in the middle of a Wine Country renaissance, with new restaurants, shops, bars, hotels, and tasting rooms (of course) popping up on every corner. The additions mean there's plenty to do for teetotalers, or for those suffering from palate burnout after a long day at the wineries.
Drink: Wine Tasting, Beer Bars + Napa's Only Distillery
(Courtesy of Compline)
Wine Bars + Tasting Rooms
Fantastic wines and captivating, rotating art blend together at the new Acumen Wine Gallery, where you can sip casually while browsing the current collection (look for the Zodiac collection by renowned artist Vincent Xeus, inspired by the 12 animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac, this fall). Don't leave without trying a yet-to-be-released, Atlas Peak mountain barrel sampling from their taps. 1315 First St. (Napa), acumenwine.com // If you want to taste wine that none of your friends have ever heard of, head to Vintner's Collective, housed in a former saloon and brothel from 1875, where more than 20 boutique producers—Azur, Parallel, and Shadowbox, to name a few—have partnered up. They have several tasting options available to enjoy in the downstairs tasting room, upstairs lounge or rooftop patio. 1245 Main St. (Napa), vintnerscollective.com. // Uncorked at Oxbow is the only place downtown offering barrel tastings and blending sessions and two complimentary pours upon arrival (try offerings from Ahnfeldt Wines and Carducci Wines). Uncorked also hosts an open mic every Thursday night, and live music from local artists on Fridays. 605 1st St. (Napa), uncorked-at-oxbow.com. // You're guaranteed a good time at Mark Herold Wines, evidenced by the Happy Ending Wine Club and "sexual chocolate" pairing, which complements their wines with six decadent bites like a hickory smoked bacon truffle and raspberry cranberry dark. This quirky tasting room, full of eclectic art pieces (there's a Ken doll in chaps) and sexual innuendos, is conveniently located next to the Oxbow Market. 710 1st St. (Napa), markheroldwines.com. // 1313 Main is a hotspot for inspired food-and-wine pairings, evidenced by the seven-course chef's tasting menu ($125 per person). The expansive, carefully curated wine list covers vino from all over the world, and chef Adam Ross creates unique and ambitious dishes, like sea urchin or buttermilk fried frog legs, that are influenced by his experience working with famed chefs in Hawaii, Denver, San Francisco, New York, Napa's own Ad Hoc and the Restaurant at Meadowood. 1313 Main St. (Napa), 1313main.com. // Casual wine bar and restaurant Carpe Diem has finally reopened after suffering significant damage during the Napa earthquake. With one of the best happy hour menus in town, snag a seat at the bar for discounted wine and small bites, such as the addictive truffle popcorn, mini quack and cheese (mac and cheese with duck confit and bread crumbs), or a charcuterie plate ($10). The ostrich burger is a must-order if you're staying for dinner, because where else are you going to try that? 1001 2nd St. (Napa), carpediemwinebar.com. // Compline wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop is the brainchild of two master sommeliers, and thanks to their worldly wine knowledge, fantastic local wines mingle with those from all over the globe, which you'd have to board a plane to taste otherwise. Compline also offers daily wine education classes for both novices and experts. 1300 First St. #312 (Napa), complinewine.com.
There's Beer Too
Who runs the newest bar in Napa? Girls! Colleen Fleming and Aubrey Bailey, both old hands in the wine industry, serve more than 100 wines at Cadet Beer & Wine Bar, including a lot of varietals you've never heard of—Melon de Bourgogne, anyone?—plus a solid lineup of beer (try brews from Oklahoma, Michigan, and Maryland). Pair it with a selection of small provisions, including olives, pistachios, grilled cheese, and cheese and charcuterie plates. Buy a bottle and they'll let you pick a record from their collection to play. 930 Franklin St. (Napa), cadetbeerandwinebar.com. // Finally, downtown Napa has a hip place for the beer lovers. Small, yet mighty, Napa Palisades Saloon serves a rotating tap list of more than 30 local craft beers and is one of the few bars in town where you can catch a sports game on TV. Contemporary and classic bar bites, such as the pimento cheese fondue with a fried pretzel and apples, don't disappoint either. 1000 Main St. (Napa), napapalisades.com. // There's a beer revolution underway in Napa, and Tannery Bend Beerworks is the only brewery operated by a hometown crew. Stop by the cozy tap room and taste through a sampler of their rotating, small-batch beers, such as the Coombs Saison and Imola Session IPA (both named for the brewery's cross streets). If you're hungry, they have a small bar menu featuring a selection of pork sausages, sandwiches, nachos, and bottomless popcorn. 101 S. Coombs St. (Napa), tannerybendbeerworks.com. //
And Spirits!
Napa's only distillery (and the first to open since prohibition), Napa Valley Distillery has operated out of the Oxbow Public Market for several years, but recently opened up a second location in their new warehouse space. Here you can actually tour the operation, and then head upstairs to their eclectic, speakeasy-meets-tiki-meets-Old Hollywood tasting salon for a spirited flight. Try the Son of a Bourbon, a Meyer lemon liqueur, a reserve brandy, gin and more. If you ask nicely, they may even give you a free ride back to your hotel in Creme Puff, their sky blue 1996 Cadillac Fleetwood limo. 610 First St. (Napa), napadistillery.com.
Eat: Quick Bites, All the Japanese You Can Eat + One Tasty Tour
Angele in downtown Napa.
(Ana Kamin)
Casual Bites
Grace's Table is a cheerful Napa bistro that serves dishes inspired by Italy, France, and the Americas. Grace's is a bustling spot from morning until late night (10pm), so prepare for a bit of a wait, but a changing seasonal menu with a focus on comfort food will make it all worth it. Try the iron-skillet cornbread with lavender honey butter for a breakfast of champions.1400 2nd St. (Napa), gracestable.com. // Oxbow Public Market is an easy destination for snacks, drinks, takeout and more. Live Fire Pizza and a Fieldwork Brewing taproom join the other shops and eateries—Hog Island Oyster Company, Ritual Coffee, C Casa, and Kitchen Table—that make Oxbow Market a must-stroll and must-eat spot.610 & 644 1st Streets (Napa), oxbowpublicmarket.com. // Grilled waffle sandwiches with a side of creamy tomato soup? Yes, please. Melted is a small eatery with big flavors serving 14 different sandwich combinations on savory waffle bread. Grab your favorite (we recommend the hearty Don Caballero, with mozzarella, parmesan, italian sausage, salami, mushrooms, olives, tomato, and basil) and enjoy it at one of their outdoor tables on cute Pearl Street. 966 Pearl St. (Napa), meltednapavalley.com. // Pull over at Gott's Roadside for a classic burger, fries and a shake. For non-burger fans (mythical creatures) try the ahi poke crispy tacos. 644 1st St. (Napa), gotts.com. // Since 1908, Model Bakery has been an institution in the Napa Valley, kneading all sorts of bread and pastries each morning. Best known for their "English muffin"—a cross between a brioche and a donut, which Oprah calls her "greatest extravagance"—you can't go wrong with anything off their menu. 644 1st St. (Napa), themodelbakery.com. // If you like barbecue, Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin' BBQ can't be passed over. Their signature Tecate beer can chicken is as delicious as it is fun to look at. If you're with a group, split the Smokin' BBQ platter, featuring a little bit of everything (cole slaw, pulled pork, smoked brisket, and BBQ ribs). In true Napa style, Bounty Hunter has an 18-page wine list, and also sells 40 American whiskeys by the glass. 975 1st St. (Napa), bountyhunterwinebar.com.
Make Reservations
The famed Morimoto features local wines alongside innovative Japanese dishes created by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. If you're looking for artfully presented dishes and cocktails with exciting flavors—we love the oysters foie gras and kakuni (10-hour pork belly, rice congee and soy-scallion jus)— this is the place to go. 610 Main St. (Napa), morimotonapa.com. // A dramatic, hand-carved door invites curious passersby into Minimashi, a classy interpretation of an izakaya. Serving authentic Japanese cuisine, the menu includes the usual noodles and rice dishes, and a lot of small plates, including 16 variations on yakitori (chicken skewers), some more adventurous than others (chicken tail). Save room for the soft-serve ice cream in classic Japanese flavors for dessert—think graham cracker or Meyer lemon, with sauce options like whiskey bourbon and miso caramel, and lots of toppings—which you can order straight from their to-go window. 821 Coombs St. (Napa), miminashi.com. // Japanese is a thing here. At Eiko's, sample tapas like Hamachi Bon-Bons (Hamachi wrapped snow crab, topped with scallions and sesame soy tobiko) and creative sushi rolls (the Heirloom tomato roll with goat cheese is where it's at when in season) in a sleek space with an indoor fire pit and couch seating. You can also check out their sushi bar at the Oxbow Public Market and the family's newest fast-casual restaurant, Napa Noodles on First St. 1385 Napa Town Center (Napa), eikosnapa.com. // What was once a ship chandlery is now a riverside restaurant with an outdoor patio for a relaxed lunch under yellow-and-white striped umbrellas. Angèle brings a taste of the French country to Napa. Try the Moules Frites, steam mussels in white wine sauce with spices and French fries, or the housemade pappardelle with a variety of tasty veggies. 540 Main St. (Napa), angelerestaurant.com. // Ca' Momi Osteria serves "obsessively authentic Italian," which means you won't find your run-of-the-mill ravioli or lasagna on its menu. Instead, they keep things strictly traditional, with "heart crafted" dishes such as tagliolini neri con ricci di mar, a squid ink seafood pasta. Osteria also has live music on every Friday and Saturday night. 1141 1st St., (Napa), camomiosteria.com,
Try a Tour
We don't know what took so long, but Napa finally has its first foodie walking tour, Gourmet Walks. For $85, balance out some of the calories you'll consume on this three-hour guided walking tour of downtown Napa, gorging on everything from artisan cheeses to wine-infused chocolates at seven culinary stops, like the Oxbow Public Market, Tarla Mediterranean Grill, and Anette's Chocolates; gourmetwalks.com.
Play: Biking, Cooking, Hot Air Ballooning, Music + More
(Courtesy of Blue Note)
For Food Lovers
The new sister campus to St. Helena's Culinary Institute of America, CIA at Copia is geared towards the public than students. Sign up for daily wine and cooking classes (think Cooking with Beer or How to Taste Wine in 90 Seconds), dine at The Restaurant, shop at the culinary store, go wine tasting, and view art, like Williams-Sonoma visionary Chuck Williams' 4,000-piece collection of vintage cookware, all in the same giant building. 500 First St. (Napa), ciaatcopia.com. // Open April through November, the Farmer's Market at Oxbow lets you shop fresh fruit, veggies, herbs, flowers, meats, seafood, and eggs from more than 40 small, local farms, plus homemade, artisan products, like honey, cheeses, and jams. Enjoy chef demonstrations and have a chit-chat with the farmers and makers, including regulars Ohn Coffee Roasters, Sweetie Pies, and The Hummus Guy. Oxbow Public Market Parking Lot, Tuesdays and Saturdays from 8am to 12:30pm, napafarmersmarket.org.
Jam Out
The swanky jazz club Blue Note Napa just celebrated its one-year anniversary in one of Napa's most historic venues, the Napa Valley Opera House. You can catch a show almost daily, and dine at their in-house restaurant before or after. It's come to Wine Country by way of the people behind the famous Blue Note Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, so you know the talent, like six-time Grammy award winner David Sanborn, playing three nights in October, is top notch. Get your tickets now for actor Dennis Quaid's rock band, Dennis Quaid & The Sharks, playing two live shows on November 7.1030 Main St. (Napa), bluenotenapa.com. // For a small town, Napa's historic Uptown Theatre, a restore Art Deco building from the 1930s with a classic marquee, attracts a surprising amount of big-time musicians and comedians, from Willie Nelson to Snoop Dogg.1350 3rd St. (Napa), uptowntheatrenapa.com. // Head to Silos after dinner for live music from Wednesday through Saturday. Tucked away like a speakeasy, Napa's "Music Room" features live blues, jazz, rock, reggae, smooth jazz and Motown performed by the best local acts around, from nationally-acclaimed Jazz pianist Mike Greensil, to top Bay Area rock and soul band, Rubicon. 530 Main St. (Napa), silosnapa.com.
Choose Your Adventure
Hot Air Ballooning
Soaring above the fog and over vineyards in the morning sun is an iconic Napa Valley bucket-list item, is what dreams are made of, and is totally worth the before-the-sun-comes-up call time. Make a day of it when you splurge to add a champagne breakfast, bike tour, or wine tasting experience to your package. Book your peaceful flight with one of the few, highly-experienced hot air balloon companies located in the valley, like Balloon Over the Valley, Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Napa River
If you get a bit "tired" of all the eating and wine tasting, or want to burn off some of the calories, paddle away on the Napa River, which thanks to a wet winter, is happily flowing through downtown. As you float along, you'll pass parts of the Napa River Flood Project, like dikes and flood walls, put in place after serious flooding consistently plagued Napa Valley. Luckily, they proved successful after the recent especially-rainy winter. For locations, rates, and times check out Napa Valley Adventure for kayaking and Napa Valley Paddle for stand-up paddle.
Biking
Prefer getting around on two wheels? For tours, locations and rates, check out Napa Cycle Sport or Napa Velo. For extended guided tours check our Napa Valley Bike Tours. The casual and most-popular half-day tour ($124) includes a visit to two of the local wineries, like Rutherford Ranch Winery or Turnbull Wine Cellars. Go at your own pace on the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a new bike trail that you can hop on right from downtown. It's recently been expanded all the way to Yountville (where lunch and plenty of wine tasting awaits) and is planned to eventually span 47 miles.
Shop: A Luxury Development Joins Small-Town Stores
A rendering of the development at First Street Napa.
First Street Napa
Downtown Napa's shopping scene is getting a major upgrade with the addition of more than 40 high-end retailers and restaurants at First Street Napa. The upscale outdoor shopping mall, which will include UK-based Lush Cosmetics and Los Angeles-based boutique Maris Collective, is spread over three blocks, but like the Archer Hotel, First Street's anchor tenant, the retail component has faced major delays.
Boho Lifestyle
Owner Indra Fortney has been rocking bohemian style since she was a kid (see the cool vintage family pictures on the walls), so it's not surprising that she opened a clothing store embracing floral maxi dresses, vintage denim, lace crop tops, and jewelry from local designers. The shop recently moved down the street, next to the Starbucks, and gets new arrivals in every week. // 1390 1st St. (Napa), shopboholifestyle.com
Napa Valley Olive Oil
Napa's famous olive oil is almost as coveted as its wine. With flavors like blood orange, basil, black truffle, and yes, even butter, here's your chance to bring a bottle home and massage your kale with the best of the best. // 1331 1st St, Napa, nvoliveoil.com
General Store Napa
Set in the old mill, Napa General Store is half restaurant, half shop devoted to all things Napa. Souvenirs, locally-handcrafted items to the likes of candle holders, wine racks, and furniture made from recycled wine barrels, as well as art and jewelry (some made from corks), will satisfy your souvenir needs. // 540 Main St #100 (Napa), napageneralstore.com
Stay: Luxurious Hotels Abound
(Courtesy of Archer Hotel)
Archer Hotel
After a yearlong delay on its grand opening, the hotly anticipated Archer Hotel in the heart of downtown is finally accepting reservations starting November 1. The five-story hotel adds 183 overnight possibilities for a Napa Valley getaway, plus a rooftop bar and a Charlie Palmer Steakhouse (from which you can order in-room). // 1230 First St. (Napa), archerhotel.com
Andaz Napa
Crisp white sheets, modern design, tasty room service, and a well-placed soaking tub greet you as you enter your room at Andaz Napa. A laid-back atmosphere, craft cocktail bar, rooftop terrace, and gourmet in-house restaurant make Andaz Napa the perfect home base. // 1450 First St. (Napa), anadaznapa.com
The Napa Inn
Rest your head in this historic pale blue Victorian built in 1877. All 15 cozy rooms are different, but fit the Victorian theme with antique elements. Start your day with a gourmet candlelight breakfast on the garden patio and finish with a nightcap of port or sherry, paired with a selection of desserts, cheeses, fruit and other appetizers. Select nights also feature tastings from local wineries. // 1137 Warren St. (Napa), napainn.com
Napa River Inn
It's hard to believe that downtown Napa's most popular hotel was originally home to the historic Napa Mill. Views of the Napa River top the long list of amenities, which also includes a glass of wine at check in, complimentary breakfast in bed from downstairs bakery Sweetie Pies, and in most rooms, a fireplace. On the very same block you'll find some of downtown's most popular riverfront restaurants, such as Morimoto and Angèle, plus Silo's Jazz Club. // 500 Main Street, Napa, napariverinn.com
