1. American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts (COPIA)
COPIA
This is a multifaceted cultural center and museum located in downtown Napa on the banks of the Napa River. This wonderful center brims with opportunities to learn something new about wine, food, and the arts. It runs eclectic programs throughout the year on different aspects of the culinary process, winemaking, chocolate making, wine and chocolate pairing, and wine and cheese pairing. The list is endless.
Tourists often enjoy these short courses, as well. This is an absolute must for the itinerary of a first time visitor to the Valley, and is a great place to explore for the returning visitor. The center's chocolate and wine short courses or tasting sessions are decadent ways to cement that special bond between you and your beloved, aided by chocolate - the ultimate aphrodisiac! The entry fee to the complex, combined with the free tour, is a nominal amount, ranging from $7.50 to $13.00, depending upon your age group. The courses, tasting sessions, and other tours, have separate charges.
2. The Wine Train
Napa Wine Train
The Wine Train is a luxurious way to soak up the Napa Valley scenery, while enjoying a romantic railway journey along with fabulous wine and food! It only takes three hours to complete the 36 Km. round trip from Napa to St Helena. The train passes through the valley and past some of the perfect vistas in Napa. Passengers travel in comfort aboard the elegant vintage Pullman, Dining, Lounge, and Vista Dome railcars, which offer elevated views of the vineyards and wineries.
There are various packages offered in the different railcars, depending upon the experience you want. The package with the best mix of activities is the 3-Course "Gourmet Express, Tea, & Transfer Package," at $130.00 per person. Although, if what you desire is a romantic dinner in a unique setting, then the "Champagne Vista Dome Railcar Package" is fitting for a magical evening kissed by starlight and moonbeams - an evening of good old fashioned romance plus scintillating cuisine and wine.
3. Niebaum Coppola Winery
Coppola Winery
Owned by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, this winery includes the grand Inglenook Chateau and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Some of the must-sees in this winery are the magnificent hand-carved staircase, the vaulted stone cellars, and all the interesting film memorabilia, especially the Oscars for The Godfather. The winery has an interesting history and this, too, makes the visit memorable. However, the crowing glories are the wines. Here, you can taste the award-winning Rubicon 2000. Overall, it is a definite must-visit for the Napa Valley visitor. The tours start at $25.00 per person.
4. Robert Mondavi Winery
Robert Mondavi Winery
The Robert Mondavi Winery is one of the most famous wineries in Napa, and one of the first to introduce the educational and cultural explorations of winemaking. The tours and tasting sessions in the Robert Mondavi Winery truly live up to their reputation for excellence. Since seats on their tours and tastings are highly sought after, it is best to reserve a spot.
All tickets range from $35 to $105 per person, depending on the tour and its length. The most romantic is the "Twilight Tour," although it is seasonal and depends upon the weather. If you are a connoisseur, then the unforgettable "Celebration of California Wine and Food" is the package for you. It is a four-hour tour with a sumptuous three-course lunch, specially prepared and served with the winery's special wines.
5. Di Rosa Preserve - Art and Nature
Di Rosa Preserve
Considered the ultimate repository of Napa's art experience, the Di Rosa Preserve is a breathtaking 217 acres, featuring a bewitching lake, three art galleries, and an outdoor sculpture meadow. With two standard tours, the preserve is a marvelous way to explore bay area art. The preserve also organizes private tours, if booked in advance, and tailors the tours to your interests, including a picnic lunch on the preserve.
6. Hot Air Balloon Tour
Hot Air Balloon Rides
There is absolutely nothing to beat the experience of a hot air balloon tour of Napa Valley. What a wonderfully romantic and thrilling way to savor the scenery from an entirely new angle. The pleasure of drifting dreamily above the picturesque vineyards and wineries is unmatched, as is the sight of the sun advancing in the sky. The winding Napa River, the hills, and the architecture, all take on an entirely new perspective away from the incessant sounds of life. The tours are informative, and the sheer thrill of a balloon ride combines to make this a lovely way to spend the morning. The tour can be combined with a champagne brunch in the tranquil vineyard setting.
7. Petrified Forest
Petrified Forest
If natural wonders make your heart beat faster, then brace yourself for the Petrified Forest. Comprised of a grove of redwoods, encased in lava and volcanic ash, and slowly turned to stone, the Petrified Forest is a perfect example of a Pliocene fossil forest. The remarkable stone trees are not the only attractions in the forest, which also has walking and riding trails. There is a monument to mark the visit of R. L. Stevenson. Visit the Petrified Forest to see one of the truly marvelous natural formations of the world.
