Over 3.5 million tourists visit Napa Valley every year.
Everyone knows about the beautiful vineyards and the fine-dining restaurants of the Napa Valley. But it’s not just foodies and wine connoisseurs who flock to the Californian enclave.
There are dozens of picture-perfect reasons for you to visit Napa Valley for your vacation this year.
Let’s take a look!
1. The Wine
Let’s start with the wine.
Although wine is big business in Napa Valley. The businesses are pretty small. 95 percent of Napa Valley wineries are family-owned.
If you want to experience the wine Napa Valley has to offer you can purchase a wine tasting card. For an affordable price, you can make your way through 12 sample rooms to enjoy the flagship wines and the hidden secrets.
The flagship wine of the region is the celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. There’s even a yearly festival called Cabernet season in which a bunch of events around wine tasting takes place.
You may be surprised to discover that the festival takes place in mid-fall until early-spring. That’s because the wine is best combined with roasts and stews that are commonly enjoyed by locals during the colder months of the year.
Does it sound like your kind of thing? Discover more about wine tours in Napa Valley.
2. The Napa Valley Film Festival
The world of cinema will always belong to the southern neighbor in L.A., but the Napa Valley Film Festival has been taking film buffs by storm.
The 5-day long film festival was founded in 2010 and has since developed a reputation as one of the most popular Fall festivals. There are usually over 100 independent films featured across a dozen screening venues in a bunch of locations.
If you want to get a pass for the festival, you need to plan ahead. However, if you rock up last minute you’ll always stand a chance of getting your hands on a ticket to see a screening. Even if it means waiting in line for up to an hour.
Forget the popcorn. At this festival, there’s a wide variety of local food and wine to enjoy with your movie.
3. The Best Resturants Around
While Napa Valley may be most famous as a wine-making region, its food isn’t half bad either.
In fact, the region has the most Michelin Stars per capita compared with any other wine producing region in the world.
And there’s always the perfect wine to pair with whatever you’re eating.
4. The Wonderful Views
Talk about picture perfect. If you want to boost your Instagram following with wonderful snaps, the Napa Valley is the place to be.
There are so many spots to enjoy the picturesque views from the hilly vineyards and the mountain ranges. You can hike to the top of the Mayacamas or sip wine while you look at from a winery terrace.
After a hike in the vineyards, you get quite thirsty. We trust you know what to do about this.
5. Experience the Art Scene
This wine country takes its art scene seriously. There are a number of art galleries and museums, as well as, outdoor exhibitions and displays to see.
It’s not always easy to navigate your way through the art scene of Napa Valley. But you don’t have to do it alone. You can pick up a map at the Napa Valley Welcome Center or hire a tour guide to show you around.
You can’t leave the region without visiting the contemporary art gallery called Di Rosa which boasts over 2,000 pieces. It even has a lake and wildlife park.
There’s also the Gifts ‘n Tyme Holiday Faire every year, in which nearly a hundred local artists display their works. This is an excellent place to get a souvenir of your trip to Napa Valley.
6. The Unique Architecture of the Region
It’s not only the wine and food that makes Napa Valley a place like no other. The architecture of many of the most popular wineries, such as Opus One and Darioush, reflects the unique architectural style of the region.
7. Walk in Alston Park
There are plenty of green spaces to choose to spend time cycling or walking. However, Alston Park is surely the most beautiful and popular among locals.
You venture out in the park, discover the plum orchard and enjoy the flowers blossoming on the trees in spring.
If you have brought your dog along with you, there are parts of the park in which you can allow your pet off the leash. This is an excellent spot for a picnic or a simple stroll to work off the previous evening’s dinner.
8. The Culinary Institute of America
If you want to discover where some of the world’s top chef learned their trade, check out the Culinary Institute of America. If you’re a foodie, it’s probably the kind of CIA you’re into.
The Greystone Campus is home of the sustainable cooking. If you want to learn more about farm-to-table cooking or participant in a wine-tasting course, this is the place to go.
If you’ve been searching for a kitchen gadget you can’t find anywhere. You can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll find it here.
9. Tuscan Castle Visit
Yes, you’re still on the right blog. The owner of the Tuscan castle was called Castello di Amorosa. He became obsesses with the architecture of medieval Italy that he built his own in Napa Valley.
It’s definitely worth checking out the beautiful interior of the building. And yes, there’s wine-tasting available here too.
10. Shop til You Drop
The main street of St. Helena is packed with independent shops, boutiques, and small galleries. If you want to go shopping in Napa Valley, this is a wonderful place to spend your dollars.
However, don’t get too focused on the shops. Remember to look up at the wonderful town’s buildings. And when you’re ready for a sit-down, there’s plenty of restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat.
It’s Time to Visit Napa Valley
Now you know the top 10 picture perfect reasons to visit Napa Valley, one of the most beautiful wine growing regions of the world.
Whether it’s a mini-vacation for wine-enthusiasts or a family vacations to sample some of the finest cuisines around, Napa Valley is a top tourist destination.
Check out our blog on the most deluxe luxury getaways in the USA today.
