Whether fall or winter, spring or summer, Napa Valley’s beautiful weather and scenery makes it a picnicker’s paradise. As spring gives way to summer, what better way to celebrate the warm weather and sunny afternoons, than with an alfresco picnic? Napa Valley has plenty of picnic spots for outdoor adventurers, happy families, and everyone in between.
Winery BYOP Picnic Spots
Many Napa Valley wineries provide perfect picnic settings and allow you to bring your own picnic provisions at no charge (but they do ask that you purchase a bottle or a tasting). For building your picnic lunch, check out Oakville Grocery for house-made salads and sandwiches to go or Gary’s Marketplace in St. Helena for a boxed lunch, deli sandwiches, and snacks – both provide everything you’d need to build that perfect picnic lunch.
Here are a few of our favorite bring-your-own-picnic spots:
Laird Family Estate
This relaxed, family-friendly winery is a perfect spot to kick back on the grass with your loved ones — whether they be people or your pups, as this winery is proudly dog-friendly. As part of their tasting experiences, they offer a “Bottle & Blanket” tasting: bring your own food, stop by their tasting room for a picnic blanket and a bottle of wine, and you’re set for a lovely afternoon spent taking in the scenery.
Pope Valley Winery
Located just past St. Helena, this is one of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries. Their beautiful, sprawling vineyard nestled in Pope Valley is a great picnic spot. Pack a lunch, grab the family, and head here to relax, play bocce, or take in the views of this perfectly-Instagramable winery. Don’t forget your furry friends, either. Pope Valley is family-friendly and dog-friendly!
Dutch Henry Winery
Following a tasting of one of their several organically farmed wines, or perhaps an olive oil sampling, guests are invited to picnic at the shaded picnic tables. Hang with some of the winery critters, or enjoy a quiet, peaceful afternoon at this quaint Calistoga winery.
Frank Family Vineyards
Make a reservation for a tasting and enjoy a picnic lunch under 100-year-old trees at one of the oldest wineries in Calistoga. Their tasting room was voted “Best Napa Tasting Room” in 2022 by Napa Valley Life Magazine, making this spot a must-stop on your Napa Valley picnic journey. Make sure to sample some of their award-winning reserve wines, available exclusively at the winery itself. For members, a picnic spot reservation is complimentary; otherwise, reserve one of their picnic tables for up to 6 guests and enjoy an uninterrupted 90 minutes of peaceful picnicking with your pals.
Rutherford Hill Winery
Enjoy a bottle of Rutherford wine as you take in the sweeping views of Napa Valley. This winery’s specialty is their Merlot — when Rutherford was first founded, they were pioneers in the Merlot game, and it shows. Pick up a bottle, pair with your favorite snacks, and relax at one of their picnic spots for an afternoon.
Pre-Prepped Picnics
Don't feel like doing the prep work? There are also several wineries in Napa Valley that offer gourmet picnic experiences to accompany your tasting. Here are a few to try:
Charles Krug Winery
This historic winery has a variety of gourmet picnic options: pick out some sandwiches and charcuterie from the onsite deli or order an artisan wood-fired pizza to pair with your wine. What makes these pizzas more special are the chefs who create them — their chefs are part of the Salvation Army Napa Valley Culinary Training Program. Enjoy great pizza, delicious wines, and support a fantastic program. Even better if you stop by during one of their outdoor summer concerts when you can enjoy a jazz concert out on the lawn with your picnic.
Chandon
Chandon offers two picnic experiences, so there is something for everyone. For a smaller, family-friendly experience, pick up one of their Garden Grazing Boxes, filled with local charcuterie selections that will pair perfectly with your chosen bottle of Chandon. For larger parties, spend an afternoon relaxing in one of their Summer Cabanas. Sip Chandon in the shade, and enjoy a seasonal, family-style menu based on Chandon’s very own garden.
V. Sattui Winery
With more than 2 acres of sprawling picnic grounds, V. Sattui is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a picnic. The picnic grounds are open to patrons from 9am-7pm, which means you can enjoy a picnic brunch, stop for a late afternoon snack, or sip wine at sunset. Their artisan deli & marketplace has everything you need for a perfectly picturesque picnic experience: sandwiches, pasta, salads, and charcuterie fixings galore. Their charcuterie is house-made, and pairs great with one of their 200 cheeses. They also have some mouth-watering desserts, perfect for keeping cool in the summer sun, such as tiramisu, crème brûlée, seasonal fruit tarts, and their own Italian-style gelato and sorbetto. On the weekends, check out their Weekend BBQ & V. Sattui Food Truck, which offers grilled food, pizzas, and more.
Ashes & Diamonds Winery
For members of Ashes & Diamonds’ wine club, enjoy an artfully prepared picnic of seasonal chips & dip, cheese, and house-made focaccia, and more. Their covered picnic tables provide a great spot to enjoy the summer weather, without getting too hot in the sun.
Ready to get out there and soak up some summertime views over a picnic lunch? Read up on packing the perfect picnic lunch, and don't miss our Insiders Guide to the Most Delicious Delis in Napa Valley.
