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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

Downtown Napa

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.


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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?


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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.

EMAIL ME FOR MORE INFO - I’LL CONNECT YOU WITH THE WINERIES


Napa Wineries with Food Onsite

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 picnic area Napa

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.

 

Charles Krug Official Site

Clos Pegase picnic area in Napa

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.

 

Clos Pegase Official Site

Inglenook Coppola Winery Napa picnic spot

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.

 

Inglenook Official Site


Prime Solum Winery Napa Picnic Food Wine

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!

 

Prime Solum Official Site

Swanson’s Vineyards Napa Valley Food Wine Picnic

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.

 

Swanson's Vineyard Official Site

V. Sattui Winery picnic area Napa

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.

 

V. Sattui Official Site

Best Napa Picnic Spots

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

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.

 

Anderson Conn Valley Official Site

Bennet Lane Winery in Napa

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!

 

Bennet Lane Official Site


Bernessere Winery Napa

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.

 

Benessere Vineyards Official Site

Carter Cellars Napa Valley

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.

 

Envy Wines Official Site


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 in Napa, picnic area

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.

 

Carter Cellars Official Site

Flora Springs Winery Napa Valley Picnic

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.

 

Flora Springs Winery Official Site


Keenan Winery Napa Valley picnic spot

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.

 

Keenan Winery Official Site

Laura Michaels Winery Napa picnic spot

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.

 

Laura Michaels Winery Official Site

Inglenook Coppola Winery, Napa

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.

 

Hagafen Official Site



Frank Family Winery Picnic Area Napa

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.

 

Frank Family Winery Official Site

Honig Vineyard Winery Picnic Spot

Honig Vineyard

Make reservations, Honig Winery has spectacular views. Taste inside or out, then enjoy your own picnic lunch for no additional charge.

 

Honig Vineyard Official Site

Madonna Estate Winery Napa Valley

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.

 

Madonna Winery Official Site


Maxville Lake Napa Valley Picnic Area

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.

 

Maxville Winery Official Site

Nichelini Winery picnic in Napa

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.

 

Nichelini Winery Official Site

Pestoni Winery picnic in Napa

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.

 

Pestoni Family Estate Official Site


Pope Valley Winery Napa Picnic

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.

 

Pope Valley Winery Official Site

Sherwin Family Vineyards Napa Picnic Area

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.

 

Provenance Vineyards Official Site

Provenance Napa Valley Picnic Area

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!

 

Sherin Family Vineyards Official Site



Tamber Bey Winery Vineyards Napa Picnic

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!

 

Tamber Bey Official Site

Tom Eddy Winery Napa Valley Picnic

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.

 

Tom Eddy Winery Official Site

White Rock Winery Napa best Picnic Spot

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.

 

White Rock Vineyards Official Site


Napa Valley Wineries with Picnic Grounds You Can Use With a Fee

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 Winery in Napa

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.

 

Beringer Official Site

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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.

 

Black Stallion Official Site


Napa Cellars picnic area

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.

 

Napa Cellars Official Site

Rombauer Winery Napa picnic area

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.

 

Rombauer Official Site

Rutherford Hill Winery picnic area

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.

 

Rutherford Hill Official Site


No picnics at these Napa wineries

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