Hand-Picked Napa

A Day Downtown

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A few insider tips for spending the day walking about in downtown Napa...

Many visitors spend their time up and down Route 29 but miss out on all the great attractions downtown Napa has to offer (all without driving).  

Here are just a few suggestions based on what you might be needing... 

A WINERY WITH ALL THE FUN BUT LESS CROWDED - Tasting rooms can be elbow-to-elbow some weekends, so it's nice to have an alternative to the crowds.  St. Clair Brown Winery is a lovely spot with a greenhouse tasting room and garden terrace.  Go experience their gracious hospitality and array of fine vintages. 

http://www.stclairbrownwinery.com 

http://www.stclairbrownwinery.com 

 

TRY NEARLY 20 VINTNERS UNDER ONE ROOF - The historic stone tasting room of Vintners Collective (poster child of the 2014 quake) will deliver two big wins for you.  One, tasting more than a handful of local vintners in a single sitting and two, having them all be craft producers (many under 3,000 cases annually).  Go enjoy one of Napa's most unique tasting experiences. 

https://www.vintnerscollective.com

https://www.vintnerscollective.com

 

PAMPER YOURSELF AFTER STRENUOUS TASTINGS - Whether you want a mani-pedi or something more, Wood & Rowan has you covered. This new "beauty collective" rivals what you might see at any fine resort but is conveniently located on Main Street downtown.  Your nails will certainly be on point after a treatment and ready for the sun, wine and music.

https://www.woodandrowan-beauty.com

https://www.woodandrowan-beauty.com

 

KEEP THE VIP TREATMENT GOING - With a wine list rivaling any top restaurant, the The Corner Napa will keep the fine stuffing flowing after the last act takes a bow.  Order some Petrus or even a rare $100 truffle martini (an amazing creation of their own) from the extensive list of libations.  Though lux temptations abound, there are plenty of very reasonable options for us less spendy folks.  They also have a great wine shop as well in case you need to stock your Air BnB. 

http://www.cornerbarnapa.com

http://www.cornerbarnapa.com

 

I JUST NEED A BEER - After a day in the sun (with much red wine), nothing satisfies like a tall cold one.  Despite being wine country, we love beer too!  If you're looking for straight-up brews visit Fieldwork in the OxBow Market or if you'd like to pair with some great comfort food as well, try the Napa Palisades Saloon.  Neither will disappoint and if you can't choose, try both! 

http://fieldworkbrewing.com/napa/

http://fieldworkbrewing.com/napa/

https://www.facebook.com/napapalisadessaloon/

https://www.facebook.com/napapalisadessaloon/

 

SPINING VINYL + WINE + BEER = COOL - This would be Cadet!  If you're looking for a little groove with your grapes, try this gem tucked back in an alley off First Street.  Great selection of vino and beer, along with light snacks - they also have patio seating as well.   

https://www.cadetbeerandwinebar.com

https://www.cadetbeerandwinebar.com

 

TOKYO CALLING - YAKITORI & SOFTSERVE - Sometimes we all need something more than CalMed fare and wine country chic.  Well, Miminashi delivers an experience you would expect more in San Francisco's Mission district than downtown Napa.  Go experience their incredible yakitori and other delights but be sure to finish with the soft cream. Oh, if you ate already and just want dessert, they have a to-go window!

http://miminashi.com

http://miminashi.com

 

FREE TIME BETWEEN SETS? - Go duck into the new and very grand CIA @ Copia for a quick bite, cocktail or even a class (there's a rosé one this Friday).  There's also a great shop to peruse and pick-up some unique culinary essentials. 

http://www.ciaatcopia.com

http://www.ciaatcopia.com

Hope these tips help make for a great day in downtown. Enjoy and stay tuned into The 29 for all things Napa! 

Cheers,

- Mike Casey // The 29 Napa