Best things to do in St. Helena

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.

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.

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.

Immerse yourself in the gourmet culture of the country's esteemed wine-producing region by savoring premium wines paired with local fare on a guided tasting tour from Sonoma. Your friendly guide will share with you insider stories about winemaking in Napa Valley, while you take in lovely views of rolling hills on the way to a family-owned vineyard. With so many ways to do this scenic trip--by party bus, limo, bike, wine trolley (a replica of San Francisco cable car), or the famous Napa Valley Wine Train--you'll easily find the one that suits your personal style. In addition to touring celebrated wineries and tasting creative dishes, on some excursions you'll get to visit a medieval-style Italian castle or Alcatraz Island. The duration of the tours is flexible, spanning from 3 hours to 2 days.

Napa Valley's oldest continuously operating winery, Beringer Vineyards was established in 1873. Now on a World Heritage site, the winery burst onto the world scene in 1939, when Hollywood stars Clark Cable and Carole Lombard visited. The first of California's wineries open to the public after Prohibition, the winery continues to draw wine enthusiasts from around the globe. Join the winery's daily "legacy" tour for a look at traditional methods of winemaking. Visitors must be over 21 to take the tour, which includes tastings from barrels as well as bottles.

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.

Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards represent a hidden gem of Napa Valley, offering an intimate wine tasting experience in a family-owned, traditional-style winery. When you meet the owners and the wine team, you'll receive a personalized and educational journey through a dozen wine samples of lush reds and crisp whites. The tasting can be followed by a short tour of the grounds.

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.