Top 10 Food and Adventure Tours in Napa Valley
This past weekend I was fortunate enough to join my fellow blogger pals on a picnic tour in Napa. Although the weather forecast called for some rain, we didn't let it dampen our spirits. We grabbed our umbrellas and braved a little mud and raindrops. The fog rolling through the Napa hills was picturesque and set a gorgeous backdrop. That's what you call a silver lining ;)
We first met at the Joseph Jewell tasting room in Forestville to pick up a couple bottles for our picnic. I loved the Pinot Noir and RosΓ©, they were the perfect amount of sweet and fruity (my knowledge of wine is very limited so forgive my novice description.) We sat at a picnic bench under enormous oak trees overlooking Floodgate Vineyards. Their rolling hills filled with grape vines stretched as far as the eye could see, it couldn't have been more scenic. Our picnic lunch was the true meaning of farm-to-table. The grapes from the wine were grown within mere feet from us and the nosh came from local Napa farms. The food was absolutely delicious and welcomed after our drive up from San Francisco. I particularly loved the Pinterest worthy colors from the salad with flowers, a blogger's dream to photograph (hence the multiple photos).
While I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I often feel that I don't go out and explore my own backyard enough. I have decided that this summer shall be full of fun wine-fueled adventures and there definitely will be more trips to wine country. I invite you to do the same and have your best summer yet.
Plan your own Napa Valley wine picnic
*Scroll below to see my full guide of Napa Valley hotels and excursions.
Book a tour filled with wine and adventure in Napa Valley:
Visit some of the top wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties on this private wine tour from San Francisco. Traveling by private vehicle with your own chauffeur, you'll discover the best of California wine country as you enjoy wine tastings at select wineries.
Experience Nappy Valley's world-famous wine country from the air on a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride. Start the day off right with coffee and pastries at the renowned Domaine Chandon Winery, and then climb into a comfortable basket to take to the skies as day breaks across the valley.
Spend the afternoon exploring a hidden gem of Napa Valley on this walking tour of the Rail Arts District.
Get to know this up-and-coming neighborhood in a small group, with your guide on hand to give you recommendations for places to go and things to see.
Stop at a series of local wineries and eateries and sample the tastes of the Rail Arts District, too: locally-sourced wine, beer and produce, all provided free of charge.
Take in the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County.
With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback.
Roll through Northern Californiaβs famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip.
Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the trainβs acclaimed on-board restaurant.
Visit an organic winery in Sonoma County and a second winery in Napa County on this day trip from San Francisco.
With a guide, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and look out on the vineyard-covered hills that make up this famed California wine region.
Take an open-air tour of Benziger Family Winery to taste award-winning wine, learn about its biodynamic winemaking operation, and have a picnic lunch.
Experience the beauty of Napa Valley on a guided bike tour that stops into local wineries for tastings. The roughly 4.5-hour bike tour visits two wineries and finishes in the early afternoon, leaving you free to explore Napa further on your own.
Sample Sonomaβs best bottles and bites on a this wine-and-food pairing walking tour through Healdsburgβs charming downtown.
Join a small group of food lovers as you follow your foodie guide to bakeries, wine shops, and cafΓ©s, and taste local fare along with wines from three distinctive cellars.
Try creative dishes, artisan cheese and charcuterie, learn about wine country's thriving culinary scene and hear the stories behind Sonomaβs family vineyards.
Paddle your way through Californiaβs gorgeous wine country on a guided kayak tour. Paddle your way down the Russian River that winds through Sonoma County.
Enjoy the leisurely pace that kayaking affords while soaking up the spectacular scenery. No experience is necessary, and you can choose to paddle in a single kayak or ride tandem with a friend or family member.
The guided tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch.
Let the vineyards of Northern California serve as the backdrop for stunning vacation photos with this professional photo shoot, in Napa or Sonoma Valley.
During your private shoot, let your personal photographer snap photos, and offer tips on the best things to do in the area. When you're done, expect dozens of high-quality images that you'll be proud to show off.
