Take a sophisticated, unique and customized wine tour through Napa and/or Sonoma that seeks out hidden gems and family-run wineries known only to locals, as well as some of the most popular. There are numerous wine tours of every variety—including themed tours—for every budget, so ask your concierge or locals for best recommendations.
Soar over Napa Valley with all its majestic views in a hot-air balloon ride. Balloons Above the Valley offers a narrated flight that also includes a replica balloon pin and an outdoor champagne brunch in its own private picnic area surrounded by lush vineyards, rose bushes and an organic vegetable garden.
Visit Del Dotto Vineyards, a winery not far from downtown Napa, at the base of Atlas Peak, that features one of the earliest surviving caves excavated by Chinese laborers in the late 19th century.
Have a wild night in Wine Country with a guided open-air Jeep tour of Safari West’s lush 400-acre wildlife sanctuary that’s home to more than 400 mammals and birds, with a touch of the African wildlife experience at every turn.
Rent a bike or join a guided tour and cycle along country roads or ride off-road through the vineyards and away from traffic. Napa Valley Bike Tours offers guided tours that pedal 2-4 miles between stops at favorite off-the-beaten-path wineries.
Indulgence your palate with a Wine & Dine tour that offers customized itineraries for sophisticated travelers that are a feast for the senses. You can also stock up on premium Napa wines, enjoy culinary cuisine and dine at a vintner’s home.
Enjoy a number of excursions with Getaway Adventures/Wine Country Bike Tours, recommended in the New York Times, Travel + Leisure magazine and ranked #1 on TripAdvisor, for its Sip’n’Cycle Bike through the Vineyards Tour, Hidden Winery Van Tour, kayaking trips and more.
Climb aboard the beautifully restored antique rail cars of the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, originally constructed in 1864, for a luxurious journey that runs from Napa to St. Helena with gourmet dining, wine tasting, exclusive winery tours and special wine events. Advance reservations required.
Watch one of nature’s wonders in Calistoga as Old Faithful Geyser of California—one of three Old Faithfuls in the world—shoots thousands of gallons of water skyward. Sheltered by thick bamboo and plumed pampas grass, the small, shallow pool gives off uprising steam and bubbling hot water just before she blows at regular intervals.
Visit four charming, back-road wineries, with a picnic lunch in a winery setting, while learning about local history, culture and wine-making tidbits with a Platypus wine tour of Napa Valley or Sonoma.
Enjoy your wine and a movie at Sundance Cinemas San Francisco at the old AMC Kabuki Theater in Japantown—the first theater in the city to snag a liquor license. There are about 25 wines, including both local and global producers, and many made from organic or sustainably farmed grapes.
Stroll the charming walking town of Yountville. The one-mile long strip is filled with trendy boutiques and a big selection of restaurants, including the legendary French Laundry and the flavors of France, Italy, California and mom’s kitchen.
Visit the tantalizing Frog’s Leap winery in Rutherford, founded in 1981 by John Williams and one of the first organic wineries in the modern era.
Bang a few tricks at Napa Skateboard Park at the corner of Pearl & Yajome Streets.
Take on your partner or buddy in game of paintball just outside Napa at the American Canyon Paintball Jungle.
Visit Napa’s Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum, part of a historic site where wine was first produced in the 1860s in a native stone structure built by masons in 1903. Capturing two passions under one roof, The Hess Art Collection features a world-class showcase of contemporary art.
Explore one of Napa Valley’s most unique and majestic wineries, Castello di Amorosa, a 121,000-square-foot, 13th-century Tuscan-style castle and winery on the hillside of Callistoga. It offers a variety of tour options including reserve wine tours, horse-drawn vineyard tours, food and wine pairing tours and vineyard education tours.
Enjoy an eclectic array of performing arts including theatre, dance, comedy, jazz, blues, world music and family programming at The Napa Valley Opera House, a non-profit performing arts organization located in the heart of downtown Napa and a national historic landmark originally constructed in 1879.
Make and appointment for an olive mill tours followed by a sit down-tasting of olive oils, red wine vinegars and citrus syrups, as well as an alfresco lunch at Round Pond in Rutherford.
Get a spa treatment at the Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa and Resort, and you can use the therapeutic mineral hot springs pool complimentary. Ask about specials for daytrippers!
Grab a bottle of wine and sit in the beautiful outdoor gardens or on a blanket strewn on the lawn at Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley, an art, design and wine gallery set amidst a contemporary, landscaped sculpture garden. Originally built in 1904 as a private residence, the manor is one of three stone buildings in Yountville, and one of only two listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Belt out a few laughs with live entertainment at the Uptown Theater Napa, downtown’s restored art-deco masterpiece and historic landmark that features numerous top-notch acts, including music, comedy and more. It’s a popular Napa nightlife hotspot.
Spend some spare time or a rainy day at the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga, which is filled with antique toys, historical memorabilia, displays and works by former Disney animator Ben Shaprsteen.
Fulfill your need for speed by catching a race at or visiting the NASCAR @Infinion Raceways in Sonoma. Get your thrills and chills at Six Flags—Discovery Kingdom, just a few minutes away from Nappa Valley.