Napa Valley novices may feel overwhelmed by the abundance of locations to imbibe throughout the region. How does one figure out which spots to prioritize if your trip is more of a weekend getaway rather than an extended vacay? Go where the locales do! Here are five spots frequented by Napa Valley residents for their stellar sips and cush ambience.
The ArBaretum
The ArBaretum is one of four of Napa Valley Distillery’s brick-and-mortars in the area and offers the highest level of cocktail service. (The others include a tasting room inside of the Oxbow Public Market, another cocktail bar called Hollywood Room and its Grand Tasting Salon at the main distillery.) A primary reason the cocktails at this establishment are so mesmerizing in terms of presentation and taste is the spirits used in each bevvy are also distilled by the pro mixologists mixing up the drinks. For more information, visit www.napadistillery.com.
Mumm Winery
Joining a wine club while in Napa may sound like a major splurge, but it doesn’t have to be. Mumm Winery has a reputation for being quite generous with its members in terms of price point and additional perks for their VIP clientele such as monthly complimentary wine tastings, private events throughout the year and discounted stays at select hotels in the region. For more information, visit www.mummnapa.com.
Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar
Craving even more spectacular views of the valley while you have a drink in hand? Then head to Sky & Vine located on the roof of Archer Hotel. Folks may initially come to snap a few selfies in front of a gorgeous skyline at this Napa Valley gem, but stay for the “reverse happy hour” that is offered Sunday to Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.skyandvine.com.
Brown Estate
Black-owned and family-operated, this intimate wine tasting room and Napa Valley gem awaits in the First Street Corridor downtown. Napa residents and visiting wine enthusiasts alike know sampling vino at Brown Estate is a high-quality experience that comes with a low-key vibe. Tastings are available Tuesday through Saturday with scheduled seatings between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.; reservations are strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit www.brownestate.com.
Soscol Avenue
A stone’s throw away from the City of Napa Rail Trail that stretches through sections of central Napa is Soscol Avenue—a street that attracts more locals than tourists due to an array of food carts that pop up on weekdays. Nosh is dished up on both sides of the road from vendors during prime lunch hours. Plenty of sandwiches and taco options are readily available, but don’t skip trying traditionally-prepared nibbles like the pupusas from Platanito Latin Cuisine.