How to Navigate Napa

If you are fortunate enough to visit Napa Valley, I would suggest you follow my short list of do’s and don’ts while touring around to get the best possible experience. I have lived in SF for the past 8 years and made the road trip to Napa more than two dozen times. Each time is gets better as I know exactly how to navigate the valley, where to stop and how to buy. As Napa is huge, home to over 400 different wineries, this is only a sampler of what you can expect…

The first and most important variable about Napa is your plan of attack. The better you can map out your schedule of tastings throughout the day, the more wineries you can fit in. I suggest finding the most popular, big house that is the furthest away and then work your way back towards the city (or home). However, before you start drinking, a solid foundation is necessary to enable a full day of wine tasting. Brunch should be your first destination.

If traveling from SF, there is one main road that takes you into the Valley. Along the 121, the road begins to curve a little more as it gives way to the hill side. Be sure to drive slowly, as you must stop at this easy to miss smoke house on the right hand side that is hidden behind trees. The giant bull sitting 10’ off the ground on the roof is what catches my eye every time. Angelo’s Smokehouse has been here for decades and produces the best beef jerky I have had since the mid-west. They have their 8 different varieties available to sample along with chips, salsas and olives. I suggest buying at least a pound of this jerky to curb your appetite between tastings.

Auberge du Soleil

Next stop is brunch. Now remember, we want to start with the furthest winery first, so let’s plan brunch somewhere north. The perfect spot I found that has amazing food and a patio with a great view is Auberge du Soleil. Here is the brunch menu.

After brunch, bring on the tastings! And what better way to start the day’s tastings other than with sparkling wine. Domaine Chandon is by far the closest thing to champagne California can produce, this is a must visit. Take advantage of their 3 or 4 flight special, however do not purchase their bottles. I have in the past and asked for a discount given the tasting I just paid for and they would not budge. Also, their bottles are commonly found in most grocery and liquor stores at a reasonable price.

As we continue our descent south, I suggest stopping at a smaller, less familiar winery such as Monticello. These less frequented vineyards generally give a more personal experience while tasting their varietals. They are also more prone to waving your tasting fee if you purchase a couple bottles. Each tasting takes about 20-30 minutes and costs 15-$35 per person.  

Since most vineyards close their tasting rooms around 5, it is essential to learn which ones stay open past that and hit those last. Since Mondavi closes at 5, it is next on our list. This is my favorite vineyard to visit. With multiple tasting bars at your fingertips, it is pretty easy to walk right up without a line. The enormous gift shop is a serious tourist trap…beware. The tastings they offer can range from the current year and can date back up to 10 years. It is always a pleasure to taste at Mondavi.

Believe it or not, after a day full of drinking you work up quite the appetite, and by now all of the beef jerky is typically gone. Since most of the vineyards close at the same time, everyone hops in their car (usually drunk) and leaves Napa simultaneously creating quite the traffic jam. I suggest cutting your wine buzz by putting in reservations at Mustard’s grill and enjoy a family style meal. The place is a little over priced (you’re in Napa what do you expect) but is well worth your while compared to sitting in traffic.

Now this is only the tip of the iceberg for what Napa Valley has to offer. Private tours, train rides and hot air balloons are all also featured, but those will have to wait until next time. Happy drinking!