Napa Valley, The Wine County

Currency: US Dollar

Language: English

Tax Refund: The United States of America does not have a national or federal sales tax system, which means that the government does not levy a sales tax. But instead each states have their own sales tax that is being levy to the resident and tourists. The sales tax varies. For example, Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire and Oregon do not levy a sales tax, while California has the highest state sales tax rate at 7.5%.

One of the most popular place to shop, New York charge a 4.375% sales tax on all sales. However the city of New York waives the sales tax of 4% on all purchases of clothing and footwear if the item is under $110.

From Airport to the City

Most people will drive in to Napa Valley as a vehicle increase the convenience of visiting numerous wineries in the region. The usual base would be San Francisco. But if you are staying in Napa itself, there is a wine train that you can take.

Attractions

Chappellet Winery

1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

This is the oldest winery on Pritchard Hill, a stunning, high-elevation area known for producing some of Napa’s best Cabs. Chappellet’s extensive 90-minute Vineyard Tour and Tasting includes a walk through the organic vineyards and a seated tasting of new releases. They are famous for their Carbernet Sauvignons. You gotta try their famous Mountain Cuvee blend.

Chateau Montelena

1429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515, USA

This winery is famous as a locale of the movie Bottle Shock, a fictionalized account of the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting. The Chardonnay is still very worthy, but most visitors will arrive at Montelena’s gorgeously sited, 19th century stone château thirsty for the famous Cabernets and Zinfandels. There are numerous tasting and tour experiences on tap, the winery tour cost $50 which includes tasting the current release. It will require pre reservation.

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559

Founded by Champagne Taittinger in 1989, Domaine Carneros’s impressive, largely solar-powered château amid the rolling hills on Route 12 was modelled on Taittinger’s Château de la Marquetterie back in France. Tasting and tours are available daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm, you must reserve ahead for the tours. It is definitely recommended to try the top-notch bubbly. It is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.

Failla

3530 Silverado Trail North, St. Helena, CA 94574

Pronounced as Fay La, it is strange that Failla even allows visitors, considering how sought-after its wines are. The cave tour is highly sought after where you taste 5 wines in a period of 60mins and also a tour of the property and the 15,000-square-foot cave. The tour cost 30 per person and requires reservations. They are open daily from 10am to 4pm.

V.Sattui Winery

1111 White Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

Well known in the region, V.Sattui is a winery and retail store in the Napa Valley. The place is gorgeous and the vibes are good. You could even grab stuff from the store onsite and have a nice picnic on their grounds. They are open daily from 9am to 6pm, 5pm in the winter. Tours are offered daily and require a reservation, it cost $30 per adults. It is available at 12pm on Mon to Thurs, Fri to Sun on 11am, 12pm, 1pm, and 3:30pm.

Shopping

Napa Premium Outlets

629 Factory Stores Dr, Napa, CA 94558, USA

Within close vicinity of the wine country Napa Valley, this place is a throw away for some shopping in the midst of the gorgeous countryside. Expect to see names like, Brooks Brothers Factory Store, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren. It is open daily 10am to 9pm and Sun 10am to 7pm.

Restaurants

Bouchon*

6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599, USA

A one star Michelin restaurant in the gorgeous countryside of Napa Valley, it is a classical French bistro. Their roast chicken is a must try. Helmed by Chef Thomas Keller they are constantly on the Michelin list. The prices are decent for a place of its calibre. It is open daily from 11am to 12pm, with weekends starting at 10am for brunch. Reservations are recommended and open 3 months in advance.

Farmstead @ Long Meadow Ranch

738 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, USA

A restaurant, cafe, general store and farmer’s market, located in scenic St. Helena, it is perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant is open from 11.30am – 9.30pm on Mon – Thu, till 10pm on Fri and Sat and 11am to 9.30pm on Sun. The atmosphere and food here is amazing. The menu has a wide range of items and it is well price for the region. Reservations are recommended.

Boon Fly Café

Carneros Resort and Spa, 4048 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559

Located in the Carneros Resort, this place is categorized by that iconic red façade building. It appears to be rustic but together with that great countryside atmosphere you will feel warm and homely. They serves casual American cuisine. It is open from 7am to 9pm, with brunch on weekends. Items are fairly priced.