25 Best Things to Do in St. Helena, California

By VI Staff on January 7, 2020

25 Incredible Things to Do in St. Helena, California

A trip to St. Helena means sunny afternoons sipping wine while taking in views of rolling vineyards. The region is home to some of California’s most well-known wineries. Between tours and tastings, tourists can dine at the many critically acclaimed restaurants, take in the great outdoors, discover historic landmarks, or wander contemporary art galleries. Here are 25 of the best things to do in St. Helena.

1.Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park

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. Today, visitors can venture over to the historic park to learn about the evolution of grain milling for a small fee. Guests can take a bag of flour ground on site as a souvenir to use for baking pie or bread at home.

3369 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-2236

2.HALL St. Helena

Owned by Craig and Kathryn Hall, HALL St. Helena consists of five certified organic vineyards which produce classic Bordeaux varietals. During the 90-minute Ultimate Cabernet tasting experience, wine lovers can try a generous flight of the highly rated Cabernets. The HALLmark Tour and Tasting walks through the winery’s history while exploring the vineyards, winemaking facilities, architecture, and contemporary art collection. BACA Lounge tastings offer a more laid back, fun experience. The visually stunning architecture highlight contemporary designs with wall to wall windows and an impressive modern art collection. The tasting rooms provide scenic views of the Mayacamas Mountains and the historic Bergfeld Vineyard.

401 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-967-2626

3.Elmshaven

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

4.The Christopher Hill Gallery

This small, yet charming art gallery offers a change of pace from visiting the many vineyards of Napa Valley. Located on the 2nd floor of its building in Old St. Helena, The Christopher Hill Gallery houses a range of contemporary paintings and prints from regional and national artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Christopher Hill founded the gallery over 15 years ago. Today, the Christopher Hill Gallery features original two and three-dimensional art pieces along with a collection of private art. The stairwell leading up to the gallery offers an interesting comparison of Italy and Sonoma County, California.

1235 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-0272

5.Moore Creek Park

Visitors looking for something off the beaten path 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

6.Duckhorn Vineyards

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

7.V. Sattui Winery

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

8.Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves

Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves is home to an impressive Italian-style villa that include 1-ton columns made of imported Italian marble, hand painted murals, and a Murano chandelier. Two large 300-year-old amphora ceramic vases greet guests at the start of the driveway. The owner, Dave Del Dotto, traces his ancestors back to early 1100s Venice, Italy. His vineyard showcases Italian charm and decadence at its best through its palace-like villa surrounded by olive trees. Italian stone masons crafted the building’s intricate brick ceilings and detailed floor tile designs. While visiting the magnificent grounds, tourists can enjoy tastings, explore the wine caves, and taste cured meats in the two Salumi rooms.

1445 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-2134

9.Beringer Vineyards

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

10.Charles Krug Winery

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

11.Sutter Home Winery

As one of the largest family-run wineries in the United States, Sutter Home Winery has become most famous for the production of its White Zinfandel. Guests can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting experience or pay extra to try more exclusive wines. In addition to the tasting room, the grounds have beautifully maintained gardens, a gift shop, and several exhibits. The Sutter Home Winery has an extremely friendly staff, knowledgeable servers, and, of course, plenty of wine to taste. The winery hosts self-guided tours only and stays open to the public daily between 10 AM and 5 PM.

277 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-3104

12.Modus Operandi Cellars

The Modus Operandi Cellars produce boutique wines sold directly to fine dining restaurants in select markets throughout the United States. Visitors can sign up for one of several first-class wine tasting experiences. During the Classic Tasting, guests savor a sampling of 4 to 5 current vintage Modus wines. Winemaker and owner, Jason Moore, personally tells the unique story behind each wine varietals during the Winemaker Tasting. Members of the winery have the opportunity to participate in the Cooking with the Winemaker evening which involves the preparation of a 5-course meal cooked with a chef and paired with wines.

3125 St Helena, Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-344-9235

13.VGS Chateau Potelle

For over 35 years, VGS Chateau Potelle has crafted small production wines from vineyards throughout Napa Valley. VGS Chateau Potelle has an extensive wine tasting during which guests try 6 wines each in their own Riedel glass and served with food bites from the Michelin starred La Toque Restaurant. Wine club members can also sign up for private tastings. The Tasting House and Garden has both indoor and outdoor seating in a simple, elegant atmosphere. Charming and personable hosts share their knowledge of wines. VGS Chateau Potelle doesn’t sell to any wine retailers, but bottles are available for purchase at the tasting room.

1200 Dowdell Lane, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-255-9440

14.Pride Mountain Vineyards

Perched atop the Mayacamas Mountains straddling the Napa and Sonoma county lines, Pride Mountain Vineyards specializes in red wine production with its Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot as its two most famous varietals. Pride Mountain first began producing wine in 1869. Today, the family-owned vineyard practices sustainable production, and visitors can tour the grounds including wine caves dug deep into the mountains and the ruins of an old stone winery dating to 1890. Guests can choose from a tasting at the bar or private area. Pride Mountain also has barrel tastings available. Tasting fees are waived with the purchase of wine.

3000 Summit Trail, Santa Rosa, CA, Phone: 707-963-4949

15.Schweiger Vineyards

A visit to Schweiger Vineyards gives fantastic views of Napa Valley from 2000 feet above St. Helena on top of Spring Mountain. The family-owned winery offers tastings of artisan wines including its signature Bordeaux-style blend, the Cabernet Sauvignon as well as white varietals like the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Schweiger Vineyards’ founder and owner, Fred Schweiger continues to run the winery with his wife, Sally. Their son and winemaker, Andy Schweiger, takes tourists on a ride through the vineyards with stops along the way to taste each wine as he explains the farming techniques and the vineyard’s microclimate diversity.

4015 Spring Mountain Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-4882

16.Market

The family-owned Market Restaurant in St. Helena consistently receives rave reviews from patrons and food critics alike including on OpenTable, TripAdvisor, and Michelin. Market’s menu includes a comprehensive wine selection and dishes thoughtfully created by its Chef Martinez. Ingredients are sourced from seasonal ingredients and Martinez’s own home-grown organic garden. Bon Appetit Magazine voted the Market’s Butterscotch Pudding as the Best Dessert in Napa Valley. Visitors enjoy casual dining in an original 120-year-old building with photographs of the Quintessa Vineyard decorating the rear walls. The restaurant’s handcrafted 19th century bar comes from the grand ballroom of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel.

1347 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-3799

17.Sherwin Family Vineyards

Sherwin Family Vineyards runs a sustainable and family-owned boutique winery. Located on top of Spring Mountain, sitting outside on the patio gives breathtaking views of the estate’s beautiful lake and vineyards. During the colder months, the winery holds tastings indoors in front of a crackling fireplace. Tastings include a chance to a try current releases from Sherwin Family Vineyards and are free with the purchase of a bottle. Available varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Red Table Wine, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, and Syrah. The pet-friendly vineyard lets guests explore its unique architecture, art on display, gardens, and picnic area.

4060 Spring Mountain Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-1154

18.Joseph Phelps Vineyards

The Joseph Phelps Vineyards have become best known for its flagship wine, Insignia, a blend of red Bordeaux varieties first produced in 1974. This recently renovated winery offers both tasting and culinary experiences seven days a week. Its owner, Joe Phelps, first founded the winery on a former cattle ranch in 1973. His estate vineyards sprawl across 390 acres in Napa Valley in St. Helena, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, South Napa, and Carneros. Visitors have several tasting options including a terrace tasting seated outside or comfortably indoors. The blending class teaches the art of blending on select days throughout the week.

200 Taplin Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 800-707-5789

19.Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards

Tourists looking for an authentic, rustic experience at a small-scale winery can do a tour and tasting at Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards. In operation for over 30 years, this winery serves world-class wines at affordable prices. The 40-acre property is a short drive from downtown St. Helena just south of Howell Mountain. Visitors can schedule a tour of the property to view the estate and learn about the vineyard’s history and winemaking philosophy. In addition to tastings, the winery also hosts a personal wine blending class that allows participants to take home their own custom bottle of wine.

680 Rossi Road, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-8600

20.Raymond Vineyards

Founded in 1970, Raymond Vineyards sits on a 300-acre estate in Rutherford, St Helena and Jameson Canyon. Napa Valley has no shortage of vineyards, but guests who visit get more than their typical wine experience at Raymond Vineyards. The winery’s current proprietor, Jean-Charles Boisset, showcases his flair for fun through the property’s whimsical decor which includes Baccarat chandeliers and bright paints. Raymond Vineyard has its “Winemaker for a Day” event in which participants learn to blend their own red wine. The Grove offers views of the vineyard covered hills of the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain range. Visitors can enjoy croquet, badminton, bocce or pètanque while dining under rows of beautiful trees.

849 Zinfandel Lane, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-3141

21.Conn Creek Winery

The Conn Creek Winery produces boutique Cabernet Sauvignon wines sourced from almost all of the Napa Valley’s diverse and distinctive vineyards. Founded in 1973, Conn Creek Winery, around since 1973, sits along Napa Valley’s popular Silverado Trail, the region’s first permanent road linking the towns of Napa and Calistoga. Conn Creek has beautifully manicured gardens along with both indoor and outdoor tasting areas. During the Barrel Blending Experience, wine lovers can try Cabernet Sauvignons from the barrel that came from many Napa Valley vineyards ranging from Carneros to Calistoga. The winery also hosts a Winemaker for a Day class teaching how to blend wines. Afterwards, guests can take their custom bottle home.

8711 Silverado Trail, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-9100

22.The Model Bakery

The Model Bakery represents a longtime fixture of Napa Valley’s Main Street serving up fresh breads, pastries, pies, cookies, and cakes for over 90 years. Mother-daughter duo, Karen Mitchell and Sarah Mitchell Hansen now own the bakery which specializes in artisan breads made with organic stone ground flour. Model Bakery received international recognition when Oprah Winfrey shared with People magazine that her biggest luxury is having their English muffins flown into her home. Its flagship store sits on Main Street in St. Helena. The bakery has branched out, and now has a second location in the Oxbow Public Market in Napa. A third bakery also opened in Yountville.

1357 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-8192

23.Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Located on a 650-acre historic ranch and winery, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch serves American farmhouse cooking created by Executive Chef Stephen Barber. Inside the high-ceilinged and truss-beamed former nursery barn, diners feast on dishes made of grass-fed lamb and beef, plus sustainably produced, organic eggs, vegetables, fruits, vinegars, virgin olive oils, and honey. Brunches consist of smoked ham sandwiches inside cheddar biscuits, deviled eggs, and beignets. Entrée options include wild-caught petrale sole with pole beans, squash, peppers, and lemon butter, or Yukon potato gnocchi with garden squash, mushrooms, and heirloom tomatoes. Farmstead also has an outdoor café with lounge chairs and Stumptown coffee.

738 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-4555

24.Long Meadow Ranch Winery

As far back as the late 1800s, The Long Meadow Ranch Winery flourished with vineyards, apple orchards, olive groves, and goat dairy farming until it went under during the Prohibition. The Hall Family bought and restored the ranch in 1989. Today, the winery sources grapes from two locations in Napa Valley: a 650-acre home ranch called the Mayacamas Estate and the 90-acre Rutherford Estate. In addition to tastings and an onsite restaurant, the ranch often hosts live music, seasonal celebrations, eco fitness retreats, farmers markets, and private events. The Chef’s Table gives guests a communal two-hour dining experience that includes food and wine.

1796 St Helena Highway, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-4555

25.Gott’s Roadside

Founded in 1999 by brothers Joel and Duncan Gott, Gott’s Roadside Diner serves up California-inspired dishes comprised of locally sourced ingredients. This lunch or dinner spot reinvents American roadside food. Its modern twist on the classic burger comes with a fried egg, bacon, and balsamic onions served with a side of garlic fries. Ahi Poke Crispy Tacos are prepared with sushi grade Ahi tuna and a charred jalapeño mayo. Diners line up to place their order before enjoying their meals served on trays on red picnic tables. Gott’s Roadside has six establishments total including its St. Helena location.

33 Main Street, St Helena, CA, Phone: 707-963-3486