Napa Valley is one of California's most distinct destinations — wine country with the density of a culinary capital and enough scenery to fill a dozen Instagram grids. The right itinerary makes the difference between a good visit and one you'll both talk about for years.
Here are five experiences worth planning, anchored by a visit to Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena — one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Napa Valley.
At a Glance
- Anchor Experience: Wine tasting at Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena, CA
- Founded: 1876 — one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries
- Other Highlights: Hot air balloon rides, spa resorts, farm-to-table dining, art and culture in Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga
- Good to Know: Beringer's estate is open daily; reserve a tasting in advance
1. Wine Tasting at Beringer Vineyards
Beringer has been producing wine in St. Helena since 1876, making it one of Napa Valley's most storied estates. The grounds include the historic Rhine House, dating to 1884, and extensive gardens that have shaped the character of the winery for well over a century.
The Taste of Beringer Tour is a particularly strong choice for a special occasion visit. It moves through the estate's sensory gardens — planted with herbs like rosemary, lavender, and thyme that correspond to different wine profiles — before settling into a seated tasting at the Rhine House, where winery-exclusive and reserve wines are paired with seasonal bites from Beringer's culinary team. It's an immersive experience that connects wine, food, and place in a way that a standard tasting doesn't.
For a quieter, more flexible visit, a Private Reserve tasting at the Rhine House offers the chance to explore some of the most acclaimed wines in Beringer's portfolio, including the Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon — a wine that has been produced at Beringer since 1977 and has twice been named Wine of the Year.
2. Hot Air Balloon Ride
There are few better ways to understand the scale and beauty of Napa Valley than from above. Hot air balloon rides typically launch at sunrise from the valley floor and offer panoramic views of the vineyards, hills, and surrounding landscape as the morning light comes up. Several operators offer shared and private flights departing from Yountville and Napa — a quick search will surface current availability and pricing.
Pack a light layer for the early morning and plan a celebratory brunch afterward. A bottle of Private Reserve Chardonnay pairs beautifully with a post-flight spread.
3. Spa Day
Napa Valley's spa scene is as well-developed as its wine program. Several resort properties in the valley offer full-day spa experiences with mineral pools, mud baths sourced from local volcanic soils, and treatment menus that draw on wine country ingredients — grape seed, lavender, olive — for a sense of place that extends beyond the tasting room.
Calistoga, at the northern end of the valley, is particularly known for its thermal mineral springs and traditional mud bath treatments, a tradition that dates to the mid-1800s.
4. Culinary Adventures
Napa Valley's dining scene is one of the most concentrated in California, with a range that spans farm stands and roadside classics to multiple Michelin-starred restaurants within a short drive of each other. Some highlights worth considering:
- The French Laundry, Yountville — Thomas Keller's three-Michelin-star restaurant, one of the most celebrated in the country
- Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, St. Helena — farm-to-table cooking anchored in the ranch's own produce and livestock
- Gott's Roadside, St. Helena — a Napa staple known for its ahi tuna tacos, burgers, and garlic fries; casual, affordable, and consistently good
- Cooking classes — several culinary schools and resort kitchens in the valley offer half-day or full-day classes focused on seasonal, California-driven cuisine
If you're interested in pairing wine with a meal at a top restaurant, many establishments offer corkage for guests who bring their own bottle. A vintage from Beringer's Single Vineyard collection makes a strong impression.
5. Art and Culture
Napa Valley's towns each have a distinct character that rewards a slower pace. A few worth exploring:
- Yountville — a walkable village with galleries, sculpture installations, and some of the valley's best restaurants within a few blocks of each other
- St. Helena — the historic downtown strip along Main Street mixes antique shops, independent boutiques, and wine-focused retail; Beringer's estate is at the northern end of Main Street
- Calistoga — a more relaxed, small-town feel with local art galleries and a strong community of working artists
The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in Napa is also worth planning around — one of the largest collections of Bay Area art in the world, set across 217 acres.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Beringer Vineyards known for?
Beringer Vineyards, founded in 1876 in St. Helena, California, is one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in Napa Valley. It is best known for its Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, produced since 1977, which has twice been named Wine of the Year and consistently earns scores in the mid-to-high 90s. The estate's historic Rhine House, sensory gardens, and winemaking heritage make it one of Napa Valley's most visited destinations. Plan your visit.
What tastings are available at Beringer Vineyards?
Beringer offers several tasting experiences, including the Taste of Beringer Tour — a guided, food-paired tasting in the historic Rhine House — as well as a Private Reserve Tasting featuring rare and library wines. Visit the Tastings and Tours page for current offerings and reservations.
What is the best time of year to visit Napa Valley?
Napa Valley is a year-round destination, but each season has a distinct character. Harvest season (August through October) is the most active period at the wineries and offers the chance to see the harvest in progress. Spring brings wildflowers and comfortable temperatures. Summer is warm and busy. Winter is the quietest and most intimate time to visit, with shorter lines and more attentive tasting experiences.
What are the best towns to visit in Napa Valley?
Yountville is known for its concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and walkable village atmosphere. St. Helena is home to some of Napa's most historic wineries, including Beringer, along with independent boutiques and a strong dining scene. Calistoga, at the northern end of the valley, is known for its thermal springs, spa resorts, and more relaxed pace.
Visiting the winery? Learn more about Beringer's 150-year history and winemaking heritage before you arrive.
