Napa Valley is best known as a Mecca for wine lovers, but this rustic wonderland is home to more than vineyards. Whether you’re an oenophile or a history buff, you’ll find plenty to love in the verdant valleys of Napa. Ahead, learn more about the area’s must-see sights.
Culinary Institute of America
If you love good food just as much as you love good wine, visit the Culinary Institute of America. While the institute offers full-time courses for budding chefs, it also has one-day and three-day courses on diverse subjects, ranging from Asian flavors to artisanal bread making. Even if you don’t have time to take a course, taking a tour around the institute’s stunning Romanesque campus is definitely worth it.
Napa Valley Wine Train
If you’re looking for unique ways to experience wine in Napa, consider a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. This vintage-style train travels from Napa to St. Helena, and the journey gives travelers stunning views of the valley’s wineries. The tour includes wine, meals, and trips to one or more wineries.
Blue Note Napa
For evening entertainment, you can’t beat the Blue Note Napa jazz club. This cozy music venue is located on the first floor of the city’s opera house, and it hosts performances from an eclectic roster of performers, ranging from famous jazz musicians to Grammy winners. The Blue Note Napa also offers upscale farm-to-table food.
The Hess Collection
Art lovers should make sure to stop by the Hess Collection, an art gallery located at a mountaintop winery. This striking contemporary collection was compiled by Donald Hess, the owner of the winery, and it includes famous pieces from artists like Frank Stella and Francis Bacon.
Hot Air Balloons
The rolling hills of Napa deserve to be seen from the best vantage point. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the view from above by taking a ride in a hot air balloon. This is a classic Napa Valley pastime, and most balloon companies launch at daybreak, when the temperatures are cool and the winds are mild. You haven’t truly seen Napa until you’ve watched the sun rise over the valley from 300 feet in the sky.
The Wineries
When people travel to Napa Valley, they usually come to visit the wineries. Napa is home to more than 400 wineries, however, so choosing which ones to visit during your stay can be difficult. For the traditional winery experience, check out Opus One Winery, where guests can sample vintages amidst old-world architecture. For something more modern, try Odette Estate Winery. Here, you can sample some of the Valley’s best merlots and cabernets, surrounded by mid-century décor and 45-acres of lush vines.
Even in scenic Napa, you can’t always travel by hot air balloon and vintage trains. If you’re looking for a safe, luxurious Napa Valley car service, don’t hesitate to contact Napa Valley Tours and Transportation. Our first-rate chauffeurs can provide you with the professional transportation experience you deserve while on vacation. Contact us soon to schedule a Napa Valley limo service!