Wineries

All of these wineries offer tastings. It’s usually good to plan those in advance, although we’ve been known to up on short notice after a camping trip before. Since Chelsea is nearly always with us, most of these are dog friendly as well, which we’ve also noted below.

Neither of us are particularly opinionated wine drinkers, and since Myke doesn’t even drink wine (which perhaps does count as a strong opinion) James will have to vouch for all these spots. Just… don’t expect detailed wine reviews.

1. Tamber Bey

   Calistoga Dog Friendly, Horse Stables Maps Yelp

   After our first camping trip at Bothe-Napa we decided to try and find a winery before heading home. That’s easier said than done, since not only did we have Chelsea with us, but we weren’t the freshest after a weekend outdoors. Tamber Bey looked promising for a few reasons, and we figured that the fact their tasting room was also built into a horse stable might help us not stand out. You can even find a photo from that trip on our about page.

   Since then, we’ve been back several more times, under better showered conditions too. Most recently we visited for James’s birthday, in 2023. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make this one of our favorites, and the wine is pretty good too.

2. Castello di Amorosa

   Saint Helena Dog Friendly, Spanish Castle Grounds Maps Yelp

   The huge Tuscan-style castle here is well worth seeing on it’s own, and we’d highly recommend the guided tour for your first time. Visiting does currently require a reservation, even to just look around. The castle itself is relatively new (construction began in 1994, and it opened in 2007), but built with authentic techniques.

   In addition to wine, their tastings also offer non-alcoholic grape juices, which Myke is quite fond of. Dogs are allowed throughout the castle, and in the underground tasting room.

3. Deerfield Ranch

   Kenwood Dog Friendly, Underground Tasting Room Maps Yelp

   Deerfield was another post-camping find (this time after a weekend at Sugarloaf Ridge). Being dog friendly was a major selling point, but their unique underground tasting also intrigued us and didn’t disappoint. While not our thing, this winery also seems to have a Star Wars streak to their naming.

4. Alpha Omega

   Napa Dog Friendly, Modern Atmosphere Maps Yelp

   We also tried out this spot for James’s birthday, after hearing good things about it from Kelly & Lee. Their tasting area is nice and modern, and we tasting area offer great views of grape vineyards

5. Robert Mondavi

   Oakville Vineyard Tours Maps

   This winery is larger and more developed than some of the others, but that makes it better for large groups. The wines are good, and they offer both tours of the vineyards and a mini food pairing to go along with their tastings. They do not allow dogs.

   This location is also temporarily closed for construction. It seems they’re still offering tastings at their wine bar in downtown Napa.

Wine Bars & More

1. The Saint

   Saint Helena Relaxed Atmosphere Menu Maps Yelp

   Located in Saint Helena (hence the name), this spot is easy to walk to from anywhere in town, and located pretty centrally to the downtown area. It’s only a short distance from the Model Bakery too! They have a small amount of dog friendly outside seating, and though we’ve never been, the inside looks nice too.

   The first time we came here our server was still in training, and when James and Geno ordered a white wine flights they instead got three full glasses of wine instead (not that they were complaining). You probably shouldn’t expect that on your visit.

2. Wilfred’s Lounge

   Napa To Try, Tiki Bar, Lunch & Dinner Menu Maps Yelp

   We’ve been past it a few times and like the look of it, but still have yet to stop in. Their food menu looks good too.

3. Robert Mondavi Arch & Tower

   Napa To Try Maps Yelp

   We weren’t actually aware of this location until seeing that the Robert Mondavi vineyard was closed.

Restaurants

Wine is nice, but I think what’s even more worth checking out in Napa is the food. We find someplace new every time we go, although there are spots we keep coming back to as well.

1. Morimoto’s

   Napa Japanese, Sushi, $$$$ Menu Maps Yelp

   A good spot for special occasions, and priced accordingly. We’ve had mixed luck with walk in availability, so reservations are generally a good idea. They will also accommodate dogs on the patio, which also gives a good view of the Napa River.

   If you’re looking to splurge, the omakase is a great way to experience the menu, and usually comes with their toro tartare appetizer as one of the courses. This is also a great place to try some sake or Japanese whiskey, for when you’ve had enough of wine.

2. Ad Hoc + Adendum

   Yountville To Try, Comfort Food Menu Maps Yelp: Ad Hoc Yelp: Adendum

   Ad Hoc + Addendum is temporarily closed until May 30, 2025.

   We’ve been trying (and failing) to come here for a few years now. We’ve heard great things about their fried chicken, though their menu changes frequently and it isn’t offered every day.

3. Napa General Store

   Napa Dog Friendly, Breakfast & Brunch Maps Yelp

   This used to be one of go-to brunch spots in Napa, with a solid menu, good mimosas, and a large, dog friendly patio. Sadly it seems to have closed permanently around August 2024.

4. Bounty Hunter

   Napa BBQ, Lunch & Dinner, Wine Bar Menu Maps Yelp

   While their website describes this as a wine bar, we think of it as a restaurant first. They have a good selection of different BBQ, and the Smokin’ BBQ Platter and Beer Can Chicken are two of our favorites.

5. Carpe Diem

   Napa Dog Friendly, Italian, American, $$ Menu Maps Yelp

   Cozy Italian restaurant with outdoor seating. Their outside was closed when we went, but they were nice enough to let us bring Chelsea inside.

6. Jax

   Napa Dog Friendly, Breakfast & Brunch, $$ Menu Maps Yelp

   Another spot we’re sad to see close. They had a great location—with an outside patio—and great brunch offerings.

7. Gott’s Roadside

   Burgers, American, $
   Napa Menu Maps Yelp
   Saint Helena Menu Maps Yelp

   This is a regional chain, with locations across the Bay as well.

8. Velo Deli & Pizzeria

   Yountville Lunch, $$ Menu Maps Yelp

   This sandwich and pizza shop is attached to the Ranch Markets grocery store, but has it’s own entrance on the side. A good place to get some to-go food for later.

9. The Kitchen at Priest Ranch

   Yountville Dog Friendly, Brunch, Sandwiches, $$ Menu Maps Yelp

   We’ve come here for lunch a few times now. Besides the good food we like it for their dog friendly rooftop seating, which has a nice view of the main street through Yountsville, and a pergola for shade.

10. The Kitchen Door

    Napa Dog Friendly, To Try, $$ Menu Maps Yelp

    We haven‘t been here yet, but like the look of their menu, and their dog friendly patio.

11. Bistro Don Giovanni

    Napa Dog Friendly, Italian, $$$ Menu Maps Yelp

    This restaurant is a bit outside of downtown, and has a huge outdoor seating area.

Bakeries

1. The Model Bakery

   Breakfast & Lunch
   Napa Maps Yelp
   Saint Helena Maps Yelp
   Yountville Maps Yelp

   We like Model Bakery because there’s probably one nearby, and they make a great breakfast stop for one of their english muffins. While not strictly dog friendly, most of their locations have some nearby outdoor seating.

2. Bouchon

   Yountville French Baguettes & Pastries Maps Yelp

   Don’t confuse this with Bouchon Bistro next door. Bouchon is a standalone bakery featuring macarons, croissants, and their signature epi baguette (a baguette patterned like a wheat stalk). If you’re considering staying around Yontsville, it makes a great start to your trip, but they do sell out of things!

   The shop itself is pretty small, but there are lots of tables and benches around outside for seating.

Campgrounds

1. Sugarloaf Ridge

   Kenwood Portable Toilets Maps

   Dogs are allowed in the campground and fire roads. Also close to the Deerfield Ranch winery.

2. Bothe-Napa

   Calistoga Paid Showers, Restrooms Maps

   Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not on most trails. Nearby to the Tamber Bey winery.