Many people ask me for some tips for things to do when they visit Napa. Here is my list.

Wineries

Visit no more than 3 wineries per day (otherwise it gets too tiring and you won't enjoy the rest of the trip as much)

Ballentine: The staff are very friendly and they have a very wide selection of wines to taste. You should definitely try the Chenin Blanc (very refreshing... you *will* buy some!), all their Zinfandels, and also the Cabernet Franc. My brother-in-law (Bruce Devlin) is the winemaker. Recently had great Cabernet releases.

Cade: My sister-in-law Danielle Cyrot is the winemaker. Cade is very fancy (leeds certified, caves etc... owned by Gordon Getty and Gavin Newsom). The wines are incredible, the views fantastic, and the tasting experience will completely ruin all future tasting sesstions.

Odette: the newest addition to the Plumpjack group. Beautiful and fantastic wines. And you can taste Plumpjack, Cade and Odette wines at one place.

Hess Collection is a fantastic mountain winery with a very cool art exhibition and beautiful mountain scenery.

Fontanella Family Winery is fantastic and close to town

Palmaz Vineyards has a great wine tour and tasting

Hotels

Andaz: great location right in town
Westin Verasa: very nice with a fantastic restaurant onsite
Meritage Resort is a little different, but they do a great job too. Great bar and bowling alley!
Silverado Resort
Carneros Resort and Spa
Solage
Southbridge Inn – excellent place, should be able to get a good rate!

Food

Bistro Jeanty (French Bistro)
Bottega (Michael Chiarello’s place)
Coquetta: great Spanish tapas and cocktails
Torq
The Farm at Carneros
Angele (French Bistro, inside/outside)
Celadon (California Cuisine, inside/outside)
La Taberna (Spanish wine bar/tapas, good vibe)
Boon Fly at Carneros (best breakfast!)
Farmstead (St. Helena) - Pretty place, nice outside, fireplace, outside bar, etc
R&D Kitchen (Yountville) - excellent lunch place

Other things

Rent bikes and go for a nice leisurely ride (work off the food and a great way to experience the scenery). Here is a great summary of routes in the valley
Go for a hike at Alston Park
Hot air balloon rides
Olive oil tasting.
Get a limo for the afternoon's tasting
Golf at Chardonnay