Downtown Napa Delights Visitors

The formerly quiet little town overlooking the banks of the picturesque Napa River now pulsates with a palpable energy, fueled in part by a nightlife scene not found anywhere else in the Valley. 

Visitors enjoy world class cuisine, boutique shopping, public art, live entertainment venues, chic lodging options, and of course a multitude of wine tasting venues.

STAY

Archer Napa: Wine country artistry abounds at Archer Napa, from the vine-like laser cut ceiling entry, to the custom grapevine chandelier inset into the lobby sky light. Every detail is curated to reflect the hotel’s viticultural setting. 

The lobby’s large circular bar has become the area’s ‘go-to’ spot for evening happy hour, and Sky & Vine, Archer’s popular rooftop restaurant, bar, and lounge affords 360° views; there’s no venue like it anywhere in the Valley. Rooms and suites in comforting shades of cream, gray, and gold feature original art and luxe amenities such as Frette bathrobes, Malin+Goetz bath products, his-and-hers slippers, and stocked refreshment bars featuring Clif Family Kitchen treats.

Bottles of Fiji water and salted caramels from Anette’s Chocolates (across from the hotel on First St.) greet each guest upon room arrival.

DINE

Oenotri:

For Southern Italian cuisine, head to Oenotri where the wood-fired pizzas and freshest pasta dishes are made with ingredients from the restaurant’s garden. An open kitchen allows guests a peek at the action and an outdoor patio provides a lovely al fresco option. A full bar crafts creative cocktails and the wine selection pleases the region’s many vinous experts.

Kenzo: This authentic Japanese Kaiseki restaurant achieved its Michelin star rating immediately upon opening and is one of only a handful of authentic Kaiseki restaurants in the nation. A Kenzo meal consists of twelve courses, nine savory and three sweet – each stunningly presented.

Pair your meal with a Kenzo Estate wine flight.

Tarla Mediterranean Grill: Tarla’s fresh Mediterranean cuisine has been a Downtown Napa draw for nearly ten years. Loyalists love the Turkish meatballs, humus, lamb kabobs, and creative signature cocktails.

TASTE

Palmaz Vineyards: With its combination of Argentinian roots, 19th century California history, a depth and breadth of fine wines, an ambitious culinary program, and show-stopping architecture and technology, Palmaz Vineyards is one of Napa’s most distinctive luxury wine estates.

Ackerman Heritage House: Sample award winning Ackerman Family Vineyards wines in Lauren Ackerman’s exquisitely restored Queen Anne Victorian. The public is invited to tour the home via a number of exceptional wine tasting experiences, including afternoon English tea and food and wine pairing lunches.

Alpha Omega Collective: Enjoy world class wines from Rutherford’s Alpha Omega, Edna Valley’s Tolosa, and Priorat’s Perinet at Michelle and Robin Bagget’s umbrella brand tasting room. The wines are offered in flights as well as by the glass or bottle.

NIGHTLIFE

Blue Note Napa: Part of the iconic Blue Note Entertainment Group network, Blue Note Napa takes its cues from the famed Blue Note Jazz Club in New York’s Greenwich Village. National and international artists, along with Bay Area and regional favorites, play in an intimate 100-seat setting. 

Whether seated in a four-person premier booth, at a table, or in the general admission bar area, there’s not a bad seat in the house.

Whatever your motivation for a Napa Valley visit, Downtown Napa and its bevy of hospitality options stand ready to gratify every wish and every whim.