Explore St. Helena, CA: Wine Country Charm in the Heart of Napa Valley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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