Luxury Wine Tours & Tastings In Napa Valley

Napa Valley, a truly lifestyle wine region, full to bursting with iconic brands, historic landmarks and boutique wineries is real mecca for wine lovers and those in search of an unforgettable experience.

Tour Suggestions in Napa Valley

Luxury Wine Tours & Tasting in Napa Valley

Why Visit Napa Valley ?

Just one hour north of San Francisco, this beautiful region is a gem for holidaymakers in search of luxury. Napa Valley is home to all of life’s great indulgences. Think world-class wines, incredible food, the most sumptuous spas and 5-star hotels, as well as outdoor adventures to be experienced all in one place. This is the destination of dreams for travellers who want it all.

Fans of gastronomy will have the chance to enjoy unparalleled food and wine pairing in one of the 400+ wineries located here, and if you're luck you will have the chance to try a picnic lunch served in a winery !

But despite the area’s huge success and prolific wine production, the towns and villages never lose their old-world charm. Tradition remains important in this corner of the globe, with 95% of all wineries being family-owned and going back generations.

Book now with us your Napa Valley wine tour !

What to Know about US Wine ?

Wines from the United States barely registered on the international radar before the infamous 1976 ‘Judgement of Paris’ – when red and white styles from Napa Valley trounced more illustrious wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind tasting that changed the course of US viticulture.

Nowadays, despite being only around 30miles in length and a few miles across, over 4.5million people are drawn to the Golden State each year by the lure of Napa Valley wine tasting tours promising glorious sunshine, food and wine.

California wine is one of the world's most renowned, and its wines are celebrated globally for their quality and diversity.

There are around 450 wineries spread across 45,000+ acres of lucious vineyards blanketing the rolling hills of Napa, ranging from large scale commercial producers such as Robert Mondavi, Beringer and Sutter Home to small, boutique estates hand crafting exceptional artisan wines.

Most wineries welcome visitors as part of Napa wine tasting tours, offering the opportunity to enjoy private tours, explore the vineyards and cellars accompanied by a professional guide before sampling a range of premium vintages often paired with gourmet food featuring local cuisine.

With more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world, Napa Valley is also renowned for its gastronomy – there are more than 14 restaurants carrying at least one Michelin star, and two restaurants with three stars each, while it’s a popular destination for celebrity chefs to establish their own restaurants.

The combination of fine wine and food have made the region an epicurean haven, with many wineries featuring their own on-site gourmet restaurants as well as accommodations for a complete experience.

Best Time to Visit Napa

With a dry Mediterranean climate, the Napa Valley is not only ideal for growing wine grapes, but it’s also perfect for a sun-soaked holiday. The long growing season is marked by sunny, warm days with plenty of sunshine, making it perfect for hiking, cycling or al fresco dining. The hottest time of year is during the summer months, but this can also be the busiest time of year for the many towns and villages in the region.

Spring (March to May) is a good time to visit when temperatures are slightly milder. As is the fall season, when the weather is lovely and pleasant for outdoor activities.

But do bear in mind that vineyards and wineries can get very busy from August through to October, as this is when the region goes through its harvest. Expect crowds, higher prices, and hotels getting booked up in advance.

Distance to Napa Valley

San Francisco to Napa Valley > Approximately 50 miles ≈ 80 kilometers (By Car: 1.5 to 2 hours)

-> The Napa Valley Wine Train is a scenic rail tour that operates in the Napa Valley. It offers a unique dining experience.

Sacramento to Napa Valley > Approximately 60 miles ≈ 97 kilometers (By Car: 1.5 to 2 hours)

-> Amtrak offers train service from Sacramento to Napa. 

Los Angeles to Napa Valley >Approximately 400 miles ≈ 644 kilometers (By Car 6 to 7 hours)

-> Amtrak's Coast Starlight route connects Los Angeles to the Bay Area. You can take the train to Emeryville and then continue by car or bus to Napa Valley.

Sanoma Valley to Napa Valley > 5 to 20 miles ≈ 28 (By Car 30 minutes to an hour)

Which Places to Visit in Napa ?

Napa Valley is known for its stunning vineyards, wineries, and charming towns. Here are some places you might consider visiting when in Napa:

Wineries and Tasting Rooms: Fantesca Estate and Winery ; St. Supéry Estate ; Promontory.

Oxbow Public Market: A vibrant market in downtown Napa with a variety of shops, artisanal food vendors, and restaurants.

Downtown Napa: Explore the charming downtown area with its boutique shops, art galleries, and excellent dining options.

Yountville: A quaint town known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, including The French Laundry. You can also visit the V Marketplace for shopping.

St. Helena: Another charming town with boutique shopping, art galleries, and notable wineries.

Calistoga: Known for its hot springs and mud baths, Calistoga offers a relaxing experience. Visit Old Faithful Geyser and the Petrified Forest.

Other Places to Visit

Mumm Napa: A winery famous for its sparkling wines. Enjoy a tasting on the terrace with views of the vineyards.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: Renowned for winning the Judgment of Paris in 1976, this winery offers tours and tastings.

Far Niente: A historic winery with beautiful gardens, offering tours and tastings of their premium wines.

Hess Collection Winery: Combining art and wine, this winery features a collection of contemporary art alongside its vineyards.

Napa Art Walk: Explore public art installations throughout downtown Napa as part of the Napa Art Walk.

Napa Valley Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Napa Valley through exhibits, art, and artifacts.

Wine Tour Napa Valley

Explore Napa through its picturesque historic townships, such as tiny Oakville & Rutherford, but boasting some of the true pioneers of Napa Cab, Calistoga, hottest spot in the valley and historic spa centre, and lively Napa with its attractive redeveloped riverfront.

Learn something about the history of the Valley in its well-appointed museums. Discover the wineries of their sub-AVAs, both historic and modern. Marvel at the wonders of nature in Stags Leap District and take a close-up look at the spectacular basalt palisade from which it takes its name. Napa wine tours will allow you to experience all this and more.

A girls' trip to Napa Valley is a perfect blend of wine, relaxation and fun. Explore renowned wineries, enjoy farm-to-table dining, pamper yourselves at luxury spas, and take in the breathtaking landscapes. It's your chance to create lasting memories, and indulge in the vibrant culture of this world-famous wine region.

A knowledgeable tour guide will lead your small group through the picturesque vineyards and renowned wineries of Napa Valley, ensuring an intimate and personalized wine-tasting experience

Napa Wine Train Tour

Wine Train is a popular and unique way to experience the beauty of vineyards landscape while enjoying a Napa Valley tour.

Scenic Route: The train travels through some of Napa Valley's most scenic landscapes, passing by vineyards, rolling hills, and charming towns.

Dining Experience: The train features several elegantly restored Pullman railcars, each with its own unique ambiance. Guests can enjoy a gourmet meal prepared by onboard chefs using fresh, local ingredients.

Wine Country Experience: The train offers a selection of wines from Napa Valley wineries, allowing passengers to sample and savor different varietals.

Stations: Departs from the town of Napa and travels north through the valley, making stops in towns like Yountville and St. Helena.

Best Places to Eat and Drink in Napa Valley*

The Napa Valley is without a doubt one of the best places to eat and drink in California. Home to the Slow Food Movement, this whole state offers a unique twist on gastronomy. Napa has more Michelin stars per capita than any other wine region in the world, making it a dream destination for food and wine connoisseurs.

One of the best Michelin-starred restaurants that we would recommend is The Restaurant at Meadowood in St. Helena. The chefs there create modern American cuisine with menus that positively impact the Napa Valley. This is done by sourcing local ingredients, and by garnering relationships with artisans, growers and foragers.

If the sustainable food movement interests you, we would also recommend a farm to table food tour around the Napa Valley.

Where to Stay in Napa Region

If staying in Napa vineyard hotels does not appeal to you then the region is also inundated with boutique guest houses and spa resorts, which offer an all-inclusive experience as well as a complete range of wellness treatments – there are few better ways to unwind after a challenging afternoon’s wine tasting than with a massage or soak in a thermal pool.

Be aware that if you are planning to visit Napa Valley during high season – which includes the harvest months between August and October, or in June when the annual charity wine auction takes place – you may need to reserve months in advance.

If you are interested in staying at the best vineyard hotels in Napa Valley has to offer, contact Wine Paths for more information and inspirational ideas before planning a bespoke visit.

Why Book With Wine Paths ?

Embark on a fully-customized wine tours in California with Wine Paths, covering renowned wine regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Our exclusive tours ensure an unforgettable experience, blending luxury, culture, and the finest wines. Discover the allure of California, Wine Paths-style, and let us inspire your next USA adventure. 

Wine Paths combines unforgettable and sustainable foodie experiences with world-class wines for a luxury holidays in the Napa Valley. Find out more about this region and other regions in California with our local travel expert Shelle.

*California wine regions 

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