Best things to do in Napa Valley

Appreciate the breathtaking scenery of a world-famous wine region while floating over its sprawling vineyards and rolling hills during a Napa balloon ride. Climb a comfy basket attached to a colorful hot air balloon and rise up in the air as the sun rises over the valley. The experienced and chatty pilot will gladly answer any questions you might have about the area. After landing safely, celebrate the exhilarating ride with a champagne toast and a buffet breakfast at one of the region's renowned wineries. The tour takes about 3-4 hours.

Delve into the gourmet culture of a world-famous wine region on a guided tasting tour of Napa Valley. As you admire the lovely scenery of sprawling vineyards and rolling hills, your engaging guide will provide a bit of history behind both big-name and family-owned estates. You can cycle (regular or electric bike) down country trails, hop on the historic Napa Valley Wine Train or Sonoma Wine Trolley, lounge on the comfy seat of a private limo or party bus, or join a walking tour of Healdsburg. Choose from a number of combo tours, some of which include trekking in Muir Woods or a visit to a medieval-style castle. The duration of these tours is flexible, spanning from 60 minutes to 2 days.

Known for its large retail store and picnic area, V. Sattui Winery produces over 60 wines from 20 varieties of grapes. During your visit, you will be presented with wines to taste, as well as with pates and deli-style offerings. Tasting takes place in a wine room with wooden cabinets and extravagant wine-handling tools. The picnic grounds sit near giant oak and walnut trees and feature a barbecue, pizza, and mozzarella bar. If you're hungry, be prepared to purchase wines and delicacies on-site, as outside food and drink is not allowed.

Sample fine wines and tour a 13th-century Tuscan-style castle at Castello di Amorosa. With a general admission, you explore the first two levels of the castle. Spend extra for the guided tour if you prefer to see more of the grand building. Discover the moat, chapel, drawbridge, and torture chamber, home to a 300-year-old iron maiden torture device. The great hall's frescoes took two Italian artists a year and a half to complete. Climb up one of the defensive towers to take in far-reaching views of the countryside. Once you have finished exploring, descend into tasting rooms to sample wines from the castle's vineyard.

Sterling Vineyards is one of the most famous Napa vineyards, due to its great Bordeaux and the enclosed tram that travels above the grape fields. Take a walking tour with tasting stations along the way, or pay extra to get into the wine barrel and stomp some grapes. In the fall, the winery hosts grape stomping events and a pumpkin carving competition. Most of the events are for guests over 21.

Taste the sparkling Pinot Noir at Domaine Carneros, or enjoy a cheese plate and a tour around the château. Both the château and the production area are constructed in the French style, making this a more Old World experience than you'll find at other California wineries. For some extra decadence, limousines are available for hire. Almost all of the fruit processed here comes from estate vineyards, and it’s all certified organic.

A stone winery restored in a fusion of traditional and modern styles is home to Hess Persson Estates, featuring mostly large installations along with several paintings, sculptures, and mixed media pieces. Swiss entrepreneur Donald Hess bought these vineyards in Napa Valley in 1978. Walk through the landscaped gardens, underneath wisteria vines, and among contemporary sculptures. While admiring the art, take the opportunity to sip a glass of fine cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay, and nibble on cheeses and truffles served with specialty nuts and seasonal fruit.

A strong tradition of Californian winemaking thrives atop Spring Mountain at Pride Mountain Vineyards. These 34 hectares (83 acres) of vineyards straddle the line between Sonoma County and Napa Valley, providing an interesting climate for the grapes and a specific approach to winemaking. This winery has vines dating back to the 19th century, and its winemakers are happy to educate you on the history and process of winemaking. Daily tours include a tasting, tours of the vineyard (weather permitting), and a visit to the winery's caves where around 2,400 barrels are kept. Reservations are required.

Tour the vineyards, gardens, and unusually spacious caves of B Cellars Vineyards and Winery, the only Napa Valley winery where you can see the life-size sculptures by American artist John Seward Johnson II scattered throughout the property. Sample award-winning wines in the elegant wine tasting room built around an open kitchen where chefs prepare small bites that perfectly accentuate the wines.

A smaller version of the famous geyser of the same name, Old Faithful Geyser of California shoots water into the air every 30 minutes. Purchase a ticket to view the geyser at the visitor center, and wait for the next eruption. While you wait, relax in the log cabin ambiance or visit the animals outside. You can see Tennessee "fainting" goats, llamas, and Jacob's Four-Horn Sheep.