Love Napa Valley? Then You Need to Check Out These 5 New Places
Don’t skip these new restaurants, tasting rooms, and activities on your next trip to wine country.
Fried chicken at Charlie’s, anyone?
There’s a lot to love about the most classic restaurants, wineries, and things to do in Napa Valley. However, a slate of new openings in Napa—specifically around the small town of St. Helena—has renewed my excitement about visiting this iconic wine-country destination. On your next trip to Napa, be sure to add these new restaurants, tasting rooms, and activities to your itinerary (psst... or just say the word and I’ll create a personalized itinerary for you 😉)
1. Charlie’s
You’ll want to make sure you have at least one meal or drink at Charlie’s. Run by owner/chef and former French Laundry chef, Elliot Bell, this bright, convivial restaurant is the ideal spot for a happy hour, dinner, or (thanks to its “late-for-Napa” closing time of 11 pm) an after-dinner drink and snack. We came here for drinks and apps before dinner elsewhere and the experience more than exceeded expectations. On arrival, we were handed a glass of rosé by a friendly staff member, before saddling up to the bar for a cold martini, oysters, and a potato-skins-and caviar dish. Y’all, I’m still daydreaming about these potato skins they were that good. But more than that, the space is lively, social, and fun (we made friends with no less than 6 other patrons in our short time at the bar!) Come here for great food, great drinks, and a good time to boot. You won’t regret it.
2. Saldo Tasting Room at Prisoner Wine Company
The Prisoner Wine Company opened its tasting room in 2018 and although new compared to some legacy brands, it’s not *brand* new to the valley. However, they recently added a new, speakeasy-like tasting room for their Saldo line of wines—and the space is gorgeous. I love that the indoor area has a cozy fireplace (which, I confirmed, they do light on cold days!) as well as a breezy, covered outdoor patio, making it a great option for wine tastings in any season.
Although reservations are highly recommended for a wine tasting (especially on Saturdays, typically Napa’s busiest day for wine tastings), staff confirmed that they will usually accept walk-ins for tastings or wine by the glass, space permitting. I know it may not sound like a big deal, but honestly, so many Napa wineries require reservations so this small detail is refreshing. Then again, this is very in line with PWC’s ethos and efforts to make their wines more accessible to a more diverse crowd—which means an unpretentious and welcoming approach to hospitality.
Related: Read my feature on PWC in AFAR: This Napa Winery Wants to Talk to You About Prison Reform
3. NO|MA House Cafe & Collective
I’d been eyeing NO|MA House for a while before I finally got the chance to visit and wow did it live up to expectations! Owner Ann Backen worked closely alongside her husband and architect, Howard Backen, to design a gathering space centered around architectural interest and well-being—which they certainly achieved. The entrance alone is eye-catching and artfully designed, while the interiors are breezy, comfortable, and inviting.
But we’re here mostly for the food, right? Both their breakfast and lunch menus are health-focused and use high-quality ingredients to compose comforting, yet innovative dishes. We tried the lemon ricotta waffles and a breakfast sandwich (maybe not the healthiest options on their menu, but certainly delicious choices!) though I would love to come back and try their smoothie bowls and tartines—both of which looked delicious.
Overall it’s a great place to start the day in Napa, just be sure to leave time to peruse the excellently curated shop as well!
4. The Station
Would you believe me if I said one of the best new lunch spots in Napa Valley is in a gas station? Well, I hope so, because that’s exactly what I’m about to say! Launched by Joel Gott of Gott’s Roadside (a small, local chain with outposts throughout Northern California), The Station is a welcome addition to Napa’s food scene. Although yes, this former gas station still has pumps that work, it’s primarily an upscale coffee shop, pizzeria, and grab-and-go market. Open from 7:30 am - 8 pm, it’s an excellent place to swing by for a fresh smoothie and hot coffee at breakfast, or pizzas and salads at lunch. Naturally, wine and beer are available, as are a selection of very large, and very delicious, cookies. We stopped by for a couple of slices of pizza (available by the slice or a whole pie) and ice-cold juice between tastings and it was the perfect spot to refuel.
5. The Napa Valley Vine Trail
Another new addition to the valley I was excited to check out was the Napa Valley Vine Trail which, when complete, will be a 47-mile long walking and biking trail connecting the entire Napa Valley from Vallejo to Calistoga. At the moment, it only runs from the town of Napa to Yountville—a roughly 12-mile stretch—though the project has officially announced it will open the 8-mile leg from St. Helena to Calistoga this August. That still leaves a gap between St. Helena to Yountville, leaving cyclists unable to bike the length of the valley without hopping on the road between those two towns. Even so, it’s a promising project and the portions that are complete are a welcome addition—especially if you’re just interested in a casual ride from any of these towns to the nearby wineries.
