Whether you’re planning a bachelor party, a gentleman’s getaway, or a day catered to the men while on a couple’s retreat, Napa Valley offers a range of exciting activities, dining, and drinking options.
While best known for world-class wines and one-of-a-kind winery experiences, Napa Valley is also a foodie haven featuring anything from taco trucks to Michelin-rated establishments and many restaurants in between.
And, there is plenty of room for other activities, too. With multiple golf courses; hand-crafted beers and spirits from local breweries and distilleries; hip music lounges; and plenty of outdoor adventures, there is much to be explored here in Napa Valley.
Ultimate Guys'
Getaway Guide
Stay
Napa Valley has a range of accommodations for your guys’ getaway.
Downtown Napa options include well-appointed hotels such as the Archer Napa and The Westin Verasa Napa that are in walking distance to restaurants, breweries, and urban wine tasting rooms.
Golf aficionados might plan a stay at the Silverado Resort, which is home to two championship PGA golf courses redesigned by legendary golf Hall-of-Famer, Johnny Miller. Centrally located in Napa Valley, Silverado is also the perfect launching point to wineries, outdoor adventures, and dining.
For an epic guys’ getaway, consider the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley. Choose from individual guest rooms or the villas which feature three and four bedrooms with fully equipped kitchens, BBQ grills, private backyard spaces, and more. This exclusive property is tucked into the northeast corner of the valley, next to vineyards, hiking trails, and downtown Calistoga.
Sip
Winery Tours & Transporation
Follow our guide and make advance reservations at a few of these spots, or hire a winery tour operator to make all the arrangements for you.
Pure Luxury Transportation offers custom private tours for a day of safe sipping. All you have to do is enjoy.
Wineries
A winery tasting is almost mandatory on a trip to Napa Valley, and with more than 400 wineries open to the public, your group will find a spot that matches your tastes.
Start your day with a Pinot Noir flight at Saintsbury in Los Carneros before heading up valley to taste and collect world-class Cabernets from producers like Pine Ridge Vineyards in the Stags Leap District, Beaulieu Vineyards in Rutherford, or Heitz Cellar, AXR Napa Valley, or Faust in St. Helena.
Clif Family Winery (of the Clif Bars) in St. Helena offers a range of tasting flight options that can be enjoyed with seasonal grub from the food truck onsite.
Go off the grid in a Humvee for a Vineyard Tour & Tasting with Maxville Winery that navigates the rugged ridges of the Chiles Valley estate. Or, explore Hess Persson Estates vineyards via a tour on ATVs.
Wine Tasting Rooms
The downtown areas throughout the valley also offer more than 90 tasting rooms, ideal for many reasons especially because they are walkable and many are open later in evening.
Tank Garage Winery is a great stop if you’re in Calistoga and a short walk to Calistoga Depot, where you can refuel with artisanal sandwiches, wood-fired pizza and coffee.
And, the Alpha Omega Collective Tasting Room in downtown Napa is conveniently located nearby some of the valley’s best fried chicken at The Dutch Door.
Breweries
Beer lovers can taste the craftsmanship of California beers by following our Napa Valley Ale Trail, which features breweries, micro-breweries, and watering holes serving up locally crafted brews throughout the valley.
Distilleries & Cocktail Lounges
If premium distilled liquors are more your speed, plan a visit to Napa Valley Distillery in downtown Napa to taste the assortment of locally-sourced, hand-crafted spirits. Feel like trying your hand at mixology at home? Be sure to stock up on the distillery’s interesting array of bitters for your home bar.
Dine
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast at Sam’s Social Club in Calistoga or a casual pit-stop for breakfast sandwiches at Model Bakery located at Oxbow Public Market in Napa and on St. Helena’s Main Street or at Mini Model in Yountville.
Casual lunch seekers can find sandwiches, coffee, and baked goods at Gary’s Napa Valley in St. Helena or inventive bowls and tacos at Heritage Eats in Napa.
Or, for burgers, fries, and classic milkshakes, stop by Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena or downtown Napa. This iconic open-air burger joint knows how to make a burger, plus offers up some fun and inspired tacos like ahi poke crispy tacos and seasonal twists such as Mexican street corn and soft-shell crab sandwiches.
For a meal that is slightly more leisurely, enjoy the incredibly authentic farm-to-table fare from Farmstead Restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena. Be sure to bring your appetite and order the ribs. Finish your evening at Brasswood Bar + Kitchen for a cigar and glass of whiskey, port, cognac, or absinthe that can be enjoyed in the courtyard.
For those staying at the north end of the valley, enjoy alfresco dining and fresh brews at Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery in Calistoga.
Or, if you’re in south valley, indulge in an exquisite dining experience with the Chef’s Tasting Menu and wine pairing at La Toque, located at The Westin Verasa Napa in downtown Napa. And, don’t be fooled by the words “tasting menu,” the food is plenty and the tastes are outstanding.
Play
Golf
With easily accessible golf courses up and down the valley, there is certainly an option for all skill levels. At the south end of the valley, your foursome can tee off at Chardonnay Golf Club or Eagle Vines Golf Club, both located in American Canyon.
Or, get in a quick nine at Vintner’s Golf Course in Yountville and then head over to nearby Washington Street for your choice of eats in downtown Yountville – often referred to as the restaurant capital of Napa Valley.
If you aren’t bringing your own clubs, guests of the Silverado Resort in Napa can utilize the premium Callaway Club rentals onsite and hit the links for an unforgettable round with the guys.
Hiking & Biking
If a good hike is on the docket, there are multiple trail options across the valley — such as Oat Hill Mine Trail and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park in Calistoga and Skyline Wilderness Park, an 850-acre wilderness area east of downtown Napa. Or, let someone else lead the way and book a Hike & Beer Tour to experience a 5-hour adventure with amazing views of Napa Valley followed by brews and food at a local gastropub. It’s a great way to get outside and enjoy Napa Valley’s temperate weather and beautiful landscape.
Or, if biking is more your speed, cyclists can take the Napa Valley Vine Trail for a leisurely ride, or opt for inclines and vineyard views along Silverado Trail. Road bike rentals are available with Napa Valley Bike Tours and Rentals at two locations - Napa and Yountville – or get some powered wheels at Napa Valley eBikes.
Knives & Axes
Brush up on your survival skills with tomahawk axe throwing at New West KnifeWorks in St. Helena. While onsite, shop the highly lauded, American-made knives which are the perfect combination of function and aesthetic.
Cardroom
Finish your adventurous day with a visit to Ace & Vine, where you can try your luck with a game of cards, watch live sports on one of the many hi-def big screen TVs, or just relax on the 4,500 square foot deck overlooking the Napa River while enjoying some light bites and a drink.
Music
If you’re looking to round out the night with live music, there are plenty of options in Napa Valley. Catch some tunes after dinner at Blue Note Napa, where world-renown performers are on deck (check our event calendar), or stop by JaM Cellars for post-dinner, late-night jam sessions.
Know Before You Go
With hundreds of wineries and miles of the valley to explore, we want you to know there's no wrong way to enjoy Napa Valley
Can I wear jeans to a winery?
Yes! Jeans are acceptable year-round – we call it wine country casual (for women — sundresses, blouses and skirts, nice jeans, wedges, sandals, etc.; for men – golf shirts, khaki pants, nice jeans, dressier shorts, stylish sneakers, boat shoes, etc.).
A more upscale winery might call for darker denim, and be sure to dress in layers as many winery experiences take place outdoors and tours often take guests through wine caves and chilled cellar areas.
Where are the best places to hike in Napa Valley?
- Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
- Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
- Linda Falls in Angwin
- Moore Creek Park in St Helena
- Alston Park in Napa
- Skyline Park in Napa
- West Hills in Napa
Do I need to make advance reservations in Napa Valley?
While some wineries can accommodate walk-in visits, especially mid-week, an appointment is required by most wineries (by county ordinances).
Restaurant reservations are recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and the peak season (May - October).
How many wine tastings can we do in one day?
We recommend 2 or 3 winery visits, but not more than that as most experiences take a minimum of 90 minutes and there is travel time in between. You can also hire a driver or tour company to drive you to the wineries, and they can even plan your day of tastings.
