Where to Stay, Eat, and Drink in Napa Valley This Spring

Napa’s reputation for extraordinary wines is well-deserved, but the region’s allure runs far deeper than its celebrated vineyards. Like the Hamptons—whose farmlands transformed into an East Coast retreat for New York City dwellers—Napa has grown into a sophisticated haven where art galleries, innovative restaurants, and destination resorts complement its storied wine culture.

Though fall’s harvest season naturally attracts the most attention, spring offers its own gentle appeal—particularly if you’re arriving from a chilly East Coast winter. Renting a car is the ideal way to discover the neighboring towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, allowing you to shape your trip according to your own pace and preferences.

If San Francisco is your jumping-off point—about 50 miles south of Napa—consider a quick overnight in the city. The St. Regis in buzzing SOMA is perfectly positioned near top restaurants and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, making it an excellent base before you zip across the Bay Bridge. If you land in the morning and want to head directly to wine country, the 1.5-hour drive north is convenient enough for a same-day arrival.

Once you’ve settled in, it’s easy to see this region’s appeal. From the welcoming small-town atmosphere to creative farm-to-table cuisine, Napa exudes a relaxed charm that perfectly intertwines with its refined Northern California character. Here’s how to make the most of it all.

Upon booking a Napa Valley getaway, I asked a few Bay Area friends for insider tips, and each pointed me straight to Yountville—a compact enclave of fewer than 4,000 residents known for its relaxed neighborhood feel and a culinary scene headlined by Thomas Keller’s iconic French Laundry. At the heart of the main street is Bardessano Hotel and Spa, an intimate retreat that seamlessly blends resort-style amenities with an unbeatable central location. Shaded by magnolia and olive trees, the 65-room property feels like a private oasis, complete with a pool, hot tub, and an on-site spa that even offers in-room treatments. Plus, their onsite restaurant, Lucy.

In the suites and villas (ideal for traveling with friends), you’ll find deep soaking tubs, outdoor showers, and private terraces perfect for lingering over a glass of local Cabernet by the fire. Despite the calm, tucked-away ambiance, you’re still just steps from Yountville’s charming streets and a short drive from the rest of Napa Valley’s celebrated wineries and neighboring towns.

You certainly don’t have to drink to appreciate everything Napa has to offer, but for seasoned oenophiles and curious newcomers alike, the local wineries are a window into the region’s storied heritage. Tasting world-renowned Cabernet is only part of the draw—each property unveils its own narrative through architecture, family history, and winemaking traditions that span generations. Among the standouts is Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which famously triumphed at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, solidifying California’s reputation on the global wine stage. Signorello Estate, a family-owned winery, offers an intimate, highly educational tasting experience in the caverns of its newly built facility, constructed after the 2017 fires spared the vines but destroyed much of the estate. Inglenook, established in 1879, is one of the valley’s oldest wineries and now falls under the stewardship of Francis Ford Coppola. To support women vintners in the area, Markham Vineyards—led by Kimberlee Nicholls—stands out as an essential stop.

Between tastings, there’s no shortage of ways to experience Napa beyond wine. Catch the sunrise from a hot air balloon ride above the valley, unwind in the geothermal mud baths at Indian Springs in Calistoga, savor a scenic day hike through vineyard-lined trails, or board the Napa Valley Wine Train for a leisurely tour aboard restored vintage railcars. No matter your preference, the region’s offerings are as varied as the wines that put it on the map.

The region is undeniably a culinary mecca, drawing gourmands from every corner of the globe. Chef Thomas Keller set the tone in the early 1990s when he arrived in Napa Valley seeking a home for his elevated French cuisine. After establishing The French Laundry in Yountville—now Michelin-starred and internationally esteemed—he paved the way for an influx of top-tier restaurants. His own portfolio is equally impressive: Bouchon Bakery tempts visitors with freshly baked croissants and other pastries (yes, the lines are worth it); Bouchon Bistro captures the spirit of Paris; Ad Hoc dishes up soulful American comfort food; and his newest venture, RO Restaurant & Lounge, adds an Asian-fusion flair to the mix.

Keller’s influence is felt across the valley, with many of his protégés launching standout establishments of their own. Among them is Charlie’s in St. Helena, helmed by chef Elliot Bell, who trained under Keller. This laid-back spot elevates classic comfort dishes—crispy fried chicken, a little gem salad topped with sour cream and French onion dressing, and wood-fired flatbreads. In Yountville, Ciccio’s is known for its homemade pizzas from a wood-fired oven and an enticing Negroni menu (perfect for those moments when you’d like a break from wine). And for a casually iconic experience, look to Gott’s Roadside, where modern American roadside fare meets a distinctly NorCal twist—burgers, fish tacos, and other fast-but-thoughtful bites.

Though the vineyards may lure you in, Napa’s dynamic culinary vision and effortless California charm leave an indelible mark—and have you planning your next visit before the first one’s even over.