Gorgeous Napa Valley parks and sweeping vineyard views make picnics a daily pleasure. Here’s where to find the best provisions:     

In St. Helena, Gary's Marketplace has quickly become a favorite for its high-end deli and bakery. Grab a boxed lunch, like the prosciutto, soppressata, roasted pepper, and mozzarella sandwich. Gourmet extras include house-made deviled eggs, chocolate toffee almonds, decadent sea salt brownies, and cheese platters adorned with candied walnuts, dried apricots, and figs. You'll also find one of the largest selections of Napa Valley wines. 

Oakville Grocery is another treasure; house-made salads include pesto pasta, with orecchiette, arugula, and Grana Padano; or the kale salad, tossed with lemon vin and Pecorino. 

Get your homestyle, no-frills grab-and-go at Monticello Deli in Napa. They make great sandwiches and have a good selection of snacks, beer and wine. 

The historic Napa Valley Olive Oil Company in St. Helena is much more than just olive oil. This family-owned hidden gem carries a plethora of Italian grocery products that you can't find anywhere else, as well as house-made sausages, artisan cheeses, and loads of interesting snacks for noshing. 

Located at Grand Reserve at The Meritage Resort, Fivetown Grocery offers a taste of the five towns that make up Napa Valley. Selections range from house-made pasta and sauces to smoked barbeque and freshly baked bread, all made from scratch in small batches by celebrated Executive Chef Vincent Lesage. 

Best picnic ever! 

Not in the mood for meal prep? Try a fancy food truck:

At St. Helena’s Clif Family Winery tasting room and Bruschetteria food truck, artisanal eats include olive oils, nuts, chocolates, preserves, and full take-away lunches like bruschette, porchetta, crispy-skin rotisserie chicken, and farm fresh salads. 

Don’t want to pack your own picnic?

No problem — Oakville Grocery can handle it for you. Call two days in advance and choose from three options. Bonus – the basket or jute bag makes a perfect take-home souvenir. 

Soda Canyon Store on Silverado Trail in Napa also offers pre-packed boxed lunches for your picnicking pleasure – just call ahead and they'll get everything ready for you. 

Now that you've got all the insider info to pack the perfect picnic, read up on our favorite spots to picnic in Napa Valley. 

Taken partially from the 2019 Napa Valley Visitor Magazine, originally written by Carey Sweet. Photography by Emma K. Morris.