Craving wine country luxury with small-town charm? Head to St. Helena! Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena offers world-class wineries, upscale restaurants, and charming boutiques surrounded by vineyard-covered hills. Whether you're wine tasting, dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or exploring scenic trails, St. Helena is a quintessential wine country escape.
St. Helena, CA Highlights:
- For Wine Lovers: Taste at iconic wineries like Beringer and Hall – Sip world-class Cabernet, tour wine caves, and admire vineyard views.
- For Foodies: Dine at The Restaurant at Meadowood or Farmstead – Enjoy Michelin-starred experiences or fresh, farm-to-table meals.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques and galleries on Main Street – Discover curated fashion, artisan goods, and local art.
- For Nature Lovers: Hike the Napa Valley Vine Trail or Bothe-Napa Valley State Park – Scenic paths through redwoods and vineyards.
- For Wellness Seekers: Relax at Health Spa Napa Valley – Indulge in massages, facials, and vineyard-side serenity.
When I like to visit St. Helena, CA
The best time to visit St. Helena is from late spring to fall (May–October). Summer brings perfect weather for wine tasting and dining outdoors, while harvest season in September and October offers beautiful vineyard colors and bustling energy. Winter is quieter and cozy, great for off-season deals and spa retreats.
My tips for getting to St. Helena, CA
- By Car: St. Helena is located on Highway 29, about 1.5 hours from San Francisco and 1 hour from Santa Rosa.
- By Plane: Fly into Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), Napa County Airport (APC), or San Francisco International Airport (SFO), then drive.
- By Shuttle: Napa Valley Wine Train and private car services offer luxury transfers and scenic wine tours.
Where I like to stay in St. Helena, CA
- Recommended for Couples: Wine Country Inn & Cottages – Romantic retreat with vineyard views, cozy fireplaces, and outdoor soaking tubs.
- For Luxury Travelers: Meadowood Napa Valley – Iconic resort with elegant accommodations, a spa, and fine dining amid forested hills.
- For Boutique Style: Alila Napa Valley – Sleek and modern adults-only resort beside Beringer Vineyards with stunning views.
Best Things to Do in St. Helena, CA
1. Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
"Tour a working water-powered mill and explore peaceful trails on a cheap historic trip." - VI
Do you want to learn about the evolution of grain milling? Check out this unique attraction nestled between St. Helena and Calistoga in California’s Napa Valley. The Bale Grist Mill served local farmers who relied on the 36-foot-tall mill to ground wheat grain into flour and corn into meal. Built in 1846, it represents one of only two water mills remaining west of the Mississippi River in the United States. Guests can take a bag of flour ground on site as a souvenir to use for baking pie or bread at home. There is a small admission fee.
3369 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-2236
2. Elmshaven
"Visit Ellen White’s preserved home and learn local history on a quiet cultural stop." - VI
The Elmshaven historic house museum sits on 5 acres in the rural-residential area of downtown St. Helena. The property received its name from the row of Elm trees at its front. Railroad magnate, Robert H. Pratt, first built this country Victorian residence in 1885. Ellen G. White, one of the most authored American women in history and founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, later purchased the home in 1900. Today, the national historic landmark remains in the church’s ownership and open to the public. Knowledgeable staff give tours to the public and share more about the home’s history, architecture, and antiques.
125 Glass Mountain Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-9039
3. Moore Creek Park
I like:
"Hike oak-lined trails and enjoy scenic lake views on a peaceful outdoor outing." - VI
Visitors looking for something off the beaten path on their weekend getaway can head to Moore Creek Park for a day in the great outdoors. Hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers can enjoy the 15 miles of trails at the park. Oak, Douglas Fir and Madrones trees grow throughout the woodland. Moore Creek Park is also home to a great many wildlife including black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, gray fox, coyote, bald eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, and loons. During the 30-minute drive to Moore Creek Park, guests can take in scenic views of Hennessey Lake.
Visitors can park for free. Although Moore Creek has public bathrooms, there is no drinking water or place to buy refreshments.
2602 Chiles Pope Valley Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 831-420-5270
Attractions for Couples
4. Duckhorn Vineyards
"Taste elegant wines and relax on the patio during a romantic vineyard visit." - VI
In a region where Cabernet Sauvignon triumphs, Duckhorn Vineyards specializes in producing premium Napa Valley Merlots. Dan Duckhorn and his wife Margaret founded the winery in the 1970s. Duckhorn Vineyards crafts Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay in addition to its world-famous Merlots. The vineyard stays open daily inviting visitors to savor their award-winning Napa wines, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and view the vineyard from its outdoor wrap-around veranda. Duckhorn also has an optional artisanal charcuterie pairing plate to enjoy along with a flight of their diverse wine offering. Duckhorn Vineyards sits just outside of St. Helena.
1000 Lodi Lane, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-7108
5. V. Sattui Winery
"Sample wines and picnic with local bites on a lively, affordable weekend trip." - VI
The picturesque V. Sattui Winery crafts a large selection of award-winning wines on an estate that has remained with the same family for generations. Its story begins in the late 1800s when Vittorio Sattui first emigrated from Genoa, Italy before starting his wine making business in 1885. Although the winery stopped working temporarily during the Prohibition period, Vittorio's great-grandson, Dario, revived the family business in 1975. The family’s tradition of winemaking continues today, and visitors can tour and taste dozens of 90+ point rated wines among its current vintages. The shop sells over 200 selections. Guests can also grab a bite at the deli and Salumeria.
1111 White Lane, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-7774
6. Beringer Vineyards
"Tour historic wine caves and sip bold reds on a romantic, scenic tasting." - VI
Listed under both the National Register of Historical Places and as a California Historical Landmark, Beringer Vineyards represents the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley. Their award-winning wines have earned global recognition. The large winery opened in 1876 and became the first in the region to offer public tours. Today, visitors can explore the old winery, wine caves, and lovely gardens. The tour also takes guests into the historic Rhine House, the vineyard’s stunning estate building that dates back to 1883. Knowledgeable staff explain the Beringer tradition of winemaking and guide guests through tours and tastings.
2000 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-257-5771
7. Charles Krug Winery
"Explore Napa’s oldest winery and enjoy small-batch wines on a relaxing couples trip." - VI
First built over 150 years ago, the Charles Krug Winery represents Napa Valley’s oldest vineyard. The original owner, Charles Krug, founded the winery in 1861 before the Mondavi family purchased the estate in 1943. The historic estate spans 700 acres and opens to the public daily for tours and tastings. In the Redwood Cellar, visitors can taste estate-grown wines and learn about the history of Charles Krug and the Mondavi family. The winery also houses an Italian restaurant called Cucina di Rosa that serves handcrafted cured meats and brick oven pizzas. Food & Wine Magazine listed the vineyard in their “Top 10 California Tasting Experiences".
2800 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-967-2229
Where to Eat in St. Helena, CA
- Recommended for Fine Dining: The Restaurant at Meadowood – Michelin-starred tasting menus crafted with local ingredients (check for reopening status).
- For Rustic Cuisine: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Elevated comfort food and estate wines in a chic barn setting.
- For Casual Fare: Gott’s Roadside – Iconic burger stand with gourmet twists, shakes, and outdoor seating.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Wine Lovers: Napa Valley Wine Auction (June) – World-renowned charity auction and tasting event featuring top local wineries.
- For Culture Fans: Cameo Cinema Events – Independent and foreign films at a historic 1913 theater on Main Street.
- For Foodies: Harvest Table (September) – Long-table dinner downtown with seasonal dishes prepared by local chefs and vintners.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of St. Helena, CA:
- For More Wine: Yountville (15–20 min) – Visit Domaine Chandon or enjoy lunch at Bouchon Bakery or The French Laundry.
- For Scenic Views: Calistoga (20–25 min) – Explore hot springs, Old Faithful Geyser, and the Petrified Forest.
- For Nature: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (10–15 min) – Hike among redwoods and creekside trails just west of town.
- For Olive Oil Tastings: Round Pond Estate (25 min) – Sample artisanal oils and red wines with panoramic vineyard views.
- For Art & Architecture: di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art (25–30 min) – Enjoy lakeside art installations and sculpture gardens in Napa.
I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
- Q: What can visitors expect from a trip to St. Helena?
- A: A trip to St. Helena means sunny afternoons sipping wine while enjoying views of rolling vineyards.
- Q: What is St. Helena known for?
- A: The region is home to some of California’s most well-known wineries.
- Q: What activities can tourists enjoy between wine tours and tastings?
- A: Tourists can dine at critically acclaimed restaurants, explore the great outdoors, discover historic landmarks, or wander through contemporary art galleries.
Map:
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