Local Wally's BEST Napa Picnic Spots | Napa Tourist Guide
Local Wally’s Complete Napa Picnic Guide, newly updated 2019 with every winery that allows picnics and has food! EVERY picnic friendly winery in napa is right here!
Napa's 2022 Best Winery Picnic Guide
How to Plan a Picnic at a Napa Winery
There is nothing more romantic, more quintessential Napa, than the thought of tossing down a blanket in the vineyards and having a picnic. But the reality is going to hit you like a Two Buck Chuck headache when you get shooed away before that champagne cork even hits the ground. That's because most Napa wineries have cracked down on picnics, gone the way of free tastings and cheap Napa.
But don't give up. There are still some wineries in Napa that do allow picnics and the best ones are here in this guide, some as popular and as crowded as Woodstock and others tucked away and off the beaten path. Some require you buy a bottle so pay attention to their prices so you don't end up opening a $100 bottle to go with your Cheez-its.
Remember to grab that spare blanket and a bag of ice from the hotel! Looking for Two for One Wineries?
Covid-19 Update: Picnic site update mar 2022
I will soon be updating this page - Covid changed a lot of the rules so picnic sites are much harder to find. The info below is a good starting point but always call the wineries to verify they still allow picnics.
Best Places to Get Picnic Foods in Napa
Bouchon Bakery: Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame has sandwiches and breads "to go" in this popular Yountville bakery.
Soda Canyon Market: Off the Silverado Trail, Soda Canyon has some of the very best sandwiches in the valley and reasonably priced.
The Fatted Calf: Upscale butcher shop in downtown Napa with house-cured meats, sandwiches, & gourmet foods.
Model Bakery: Two locations, one in downtown Napa and the other in St. Helena. Sandwiches "to go".
Oakville Grocery: Country market with upscale foods, Oakville Grocery has sandwiches, breads, cheese, meats.
Ad Hoc Addendum (Thomas Keller): Limited hours, seasonably open, but if you are lucky enough to be near Yountville when they’re serving up their famous fried chicken or ribs then you have to go. It might not make it to the winery but who cares?
Looking for a Premium Wine and Food Experience?
Covid-19 has people rethinking what they want in a day in Napa. Instead of jamming as many wineries as you can into a day, consider a more premium experience where you go to perhaps one or two wineries, longer experiences, private, better wines, gourmet lunch, and even a bottle of wine to take home. It’s an appealing alternative to trying to get reservations up and down the valley, perfect for Bay Area visitors who just want to breakaway from their everyday life. For the same cost as a day winery hopping you can have an extraordinary day in Napa.
2021 UPDATE: DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS YOU SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT ANY WINERY ALLOWS PICNICS OR HAS FOOD AVAILABLE - ALWAYS CALL PRIOR TO VISITING TO VERIFY THEIR CURRENT LIMITATIONS.
Napa Wineries That Have Casual Picnic Food At the Winery
I know, there are some wineries that double as restaurants but that’s not what I’m talking about here. These wineries have food for purchase that still keeps you in the picnic zone. No outside food allowed, no outside wine either, but for those who don’t want the hassle of figuring out a picnic these are great options.
MAKE RESERVATIONS! Remember, you must buy wine or tastings to use their picnic areas!
Wineries with an asterisk* have additional discounts on the Priority Wine Pass. If you don’t have a pass you can get more info here.
Charles Krug*
Outside food not allowed but Krug has pizza oven on the weekends (call to verify) and lots of food choices inside. Top notch picnic spot, 2 for 1 tastings with Priority Wine Pass.
 Clos Pegase*
A great setting near the vineyards, make reservations for a complete picnic lunch for two to pair with a nice bottle of wine. $60 to $100 per couple. You can also do two for one tastings with your Priority Wine Pass.
 Inglenook
One of Napa's most iconic and beautiful wineries, stop in at Inglenook where you can get a glass of wine, cheese and charcuterie at the bistro, open Thur-Sun. Great for kids, too - they can borrow toy sailboats for the fountain.
 Prime Solum*
Wm Hill's latest creation, Prime Solum has small bites, panini's, and a relaxed atmosphere to go with your wine tasting. Reopening Soon with Premium Experience option - email me!
 Swanson Vineyards*
A beautiful hidden gem reminiscent of the French countryside, Swanson's doesn't allow picnics. But they can provide box lunches if you request when making reservations, re-starting mid-July. Open Thur-Sun, wines by the glass or bottles for now.
 V. Sattui*
One of Napa's most popular picnic spots with a full deli and expansive lawn area. Sure, this one can get packed during high season so plan ahead and get there early. 2 for 1 tastings with Priority Wine Pass. NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED.
 Napa Wineries That Allow Outside Food and Don’t Charge for Picnic Spots
Bring your own food! Remember, proper etiquette is to buy a bottle or glasses of wine if you are going to use their picnic grounds - it’s now required. Wineries marked with an asterisk * are also on the Priority Wine Pass and offer tasting discounts. Contact the winery for complete info. Need a Wine Pass? Get one per couple for 2 for 1 and other discount deals.
Anderson's Conn Valley
Tucked away from the crowds, enjoy a picnic after your tour and tasting. They have a great cave tasting experience and allow picnics afterwards on their property.
 Bennet Lane*
Buy a bottle for every two people and get access to their members garden. Bring your own food and relax in the shade on the lawn. Pure delight!
 Bernessere Vineyard*
Italian inspired wines in Napa Valley with free picnic area for after your tasting. Reservations required but they will accept day-of reservations if there are openings.
 Envy Wines
Small production of super high quality wines, the reds are very impressive. Call for reservations to visit this hidden gem and to use their picnic area. Make reservations.
 WINERIES WITH AN ASTERISK * OFFER WINE TASTING DISCOUNTS ON THE PRIORITY WINE PASS
How to Get a Winery to Bring You Lunch
Sure, picnics are awesome but so is maximizing your wine time in Napa. The problem with picnics is that they often put the NAP into Napa which turns into wine time you'll never get back. Let the winery keep you on schedule by bringing you food. My two favorite wineries that do this are AXR and Clos Pegase. You’ll want to plan ahead by calling for reservations and don’t forget your Priority Wine Pass where you can get FREE tastings and tour at AXR with a $100 purchase (save $75 per person on their standard fee) or two for one tastings or tour at Clos Pegase, a $45 savings. Buy One Wine Pass per couple for $39.99 to enjoy the savings.
Fairwinds Estates
Small production of super high quality wines, the reds are very impressive. Call for reservations to visit this hidden gem and to use their picnic area. Make reservations.
 Flora Springs Winery
Flora Springs has both a tasting room and an estate winery. Great picnic spot at the tasting room, a crazy eclectic piece of architecture. Due to Covid picnicing more limited.
 Keenan Winery
Discover a side of Napa that most people miss - the hidden wineries of Spring Mountain area. Beautiful hospitality center, make reservations for tastings and enjoy a picnic in a hidden gem.
 Laura Michaels Winery
Husband and wife team making small quantities of fine wines with tastings priced like it was still 1995. Near the town of Calistoga, make reservations.
 Hagafen
Cute family winery with kosher wines, chickens in the pens outside, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for a picnic after your tasting. Not available on weekends.
 Frank Family
Picnic tables, first come, first served. Nice grounds, away from crowds, large grassy area, buy a bottle to enjoy with your "bring your own" picnic.
 Honig Vineyard
Make reservations, Honig Winery has spectacular views. Taste inside or out, then enjoy your own picnic lunch for no additional charge.
 Madonna Winery
One of the oldest winemaking families in Napa also has one of the best picnic spots. Call to reserve a spot down by the creek, buy a bottle and enjoy your picnic.
 Maxville Winery*
An incredible hidden gem, a short drive up takes you to a glorious winery that no one knows about. Relax by the lake and spend the entire day there. Make reservations.
 Nichelini Winery
Established in 1890, Nichelini Family Winery is the oldest family-owned winery in Napa Valley. Come do a tasting, play some bocce ball, enjoy a picnic. Call well in advance, large groups split to mutiple tables.
 Pestoni Family Estate
Family run winery, single vineyard wines, for over 5 generations. No reservations needed. Picnic area officially reserved for club members but call ahead and ask.
 Pope Valley Winery*
When the Napa Valley floor is flooded with traffic and tourists you can head up to Pope Valley and enjoy the wine, some peace and quiet, and a picnic lunch. Fee may apply.
 Provenance*
Yard games, a firepit, fun patio, and a great picnic spot on the lawn that's free to use as long as you buy their wines to enjoy. And yes, great wines and a fun environment.
 Sherwin Family
High on top of the hill on Spring Mountain, Sherwin Family Vineyards offers incredible views, its own lake, fountains, and an incredible patio for picnics. Very nice!
 Tamber Bey
If you love horses (or just horsing around) visit Tamber Bey, a winery housed in the original barn and surrounded by over 45 horses. Play some horseshoes, do some tastings, have a picnic, a great day!
 Tom Eddy Winery
With beautiful views, cave tours and barrel tastings, Tom Eddy Winery is a Napa hidden gem awaiting the discriminating wine lover. Lovely picnic area, call for more info.
 White Rock Vineyards
One of Napa's original wineries, White Rock is located in the Stag's Leap area and is perfect for those looking for a private tour and tasting experience - complete with picnic tables you can use afterwards.
 Contrary to popular belief, not all of the best things in life are free. These popular picnic spots became so popular that they are now charging fees for picnics. Still, there’s a reason why they are still on everybody’s short list for top Napa picnic spots.
Beringer*
$15 fee gets you a table with reservations Beautiful winery, first timers need to keep this one on your "must see" list. Bring a lunch and make it an afternoon. Wines sold by the bottle to enjoy with your lunch.
 Black Stallion*
$150 gets you a table for up to two hours plus a bottle of wine, groups up to 6 welcome. Show your wine pass and the table is discounted to $100. Bring your own food, great picnc spot.
 Napa Cellars*
One of Napa's most popular picnic spots, Napa Cellars charges $10 per person to use their picnic area. Make reservations, there's a two for one deal on the Priority Wine Pass.
 Rombauer
A top pick, Rombauer is hard to find but once you do the picnic area and gardens will captivate you. Make reservations for the Sierra Foothills Tasting, $20 per person, get a table for 60 min.
 Rutherford Hill*
With great views of the valley, Rutherford Hill is one of the most popular picnic spots in Napa. $75 per table, fee waived with equal of more wine purchase. Tasting discount on Priority Wine Pass.
 There is a lot of bad and incorrect info on the internet about Napa Picnic spots. The following are wineries that consistently show up on other sites as being picnic friendly but in reality DO NOT allow picnics or are now reserved strictly for their wine club members.
Robert Mondavi
Alpha Omega
Cakebread
Castello di Amorosa
Clos du Val
Frog’s Leap
Grgich Hills
Louis Martini
Peju
Pine Ridge
Regusci Winery
Rutherford Ranch
Sterling Vineyards