Nearby Napa Valley Day Trips From Sacramento
While there is a lot to do in and around the Sacramento region, we are also conveniently situated just a short distance from one of the nation’s most prestigious wine countries. This drive lasting just over an hour to Napa Valley means we can take advantage of the region’s world-renowned wineries on day trips packed with adventure, relaxation, and of course — exceptional food and wine.
Select the itinerary to suit your lifestyle, or simply glean a few ideas that grab your attention along the way. Each persona features a winery suggestion, as no trip to Napa would be complete without a sample of this region’s carefully crafted wines straight from surrounding its vineyards.
For the Outdoorsman
Napa Valley Bike Tours
Photos courtesy of Napa Valley Bike Tours
Napa Valley Bike Tours are the perfect way for the active folks and adventure-seekers to explore the vineyards of Napa Valley on wheels. Plus, this ensures you don’t need to designate a driver during your time! Head to one of their two locations in Yountville or Napa, and get ready for a leisurely yet exciting tour of the area by bicycle.
Get the best of both worlds with a cruise along the brand new Napa Valley Vine Trail, which can be accessed at both the Yountville and Napa locations!
You have the option to join a guided bike tour hosted by one of their knowledgeable tour guides, embark on a self-guided tour, or rent bikes and use their custom route maps featuring expert local advice. Their half-day guided tour is their most popular option, as you’ll bike through wine country and visit two wineries for tastings, but still finish early enough to do other activities during the afternoon!
Eagle Vines Vineyard and Golf Club
Golfing is a more laid-back activity for the outdoorsmen, that allows you to take in the beautiful surroundings of the area, get in a little exercise, and soak up the California sun. Eagle Vines Vineyard and Golf Club allows you to do all of the above, and much more. This premier Napa Valley golf course offers vineyard views in every direction, exposing the impressive beauty of the region in all its glory. This 18-hole, par 72 course is the perfect place to play a round of golf, take in the area’s beautiful setting, enjoy an exquisite meal during breakfast, lunch or dinner, and grab a drink.
Winery: Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards is one of the area’s most attractive and scenic wineries, which is particularly important to the outdoorsmen who values natural beauty. Venture to the winery via an aerial tram, which offers stunning views on your way up. You will be handed a glass of wine upon arrival, to enjoy as you stroll through art galleries, various overlooks and elevated walkways. You’ll learn about the winemaking process with motion-activated flat-screen televisions, allowing you to experience the winery at your own pace. This outdoorsy and walk-heavy approach to a winery is sure to please the explorer in your group!
For the Foodie
HALL Wines — St. Helena
Photo courtesy of HALL Wines
Diehard foodies may want to arrange their daytrip to Napa Valley around St. Helena’s HALL Wines’ special “A Taste of Hall” event scheduled once a month. This workshop effortlessly combines culinary excellence with the art of winemaking. Participants will create a three-course seasonal meal paired with newly released HALL & WALT wines in the top-of-the-line demonstration kitchen at HALL Wines in St. Helena. Tickets cost $125 per person.
The following Sunday workshops are planned for the remainder of the year:
September 18 (12–2 p.m.): Kathryn Hall Y’all
October 9 (12–2 p.m.): Happy HALLowine
November 13 (12–2 p.m.): Thanksgiving Day Feast
December 11 (12–2 p.m.): Perfect Party Pairings
Gourmet Retreats
Gourmet Retreats offers hands-on cooking classes that appeal to kitchen masters and foodie newbies alike. You’ll enjoy the small class size limited to eight guests, allowing you to receive more personalized and focused attention. Check out Gourmet Retreats’ class schedule to find a subject that interests you and register in advance, or book a private party to celebrate a special occasion!
All in all, Sacramentoans will feel at home with a cooking class at Gourmet Retreats, as they focus on farm-to-table cooking, drawing from the region’s seasonal ingredients to create their menu. You’ll receive a printout of the recipes for the multi-course meal in addition to wine pairings!
Winery: Jamieson Ranch Vineyards
Photos courtesy of Jamieson Ranch Vineyards
Jamieson Ranch Vineyards is the perfect winery for the foodie, as they place significant emphasis on the foods expertly paired with their wines. In fact, if you time your visit just right, you can attend one of their regular pairings, such as their Veranda Cheese Pairings each Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., or their popular JRV Wine Pairing Experience offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.
For the Beauty Beholder
Napa Valley Wine Train
Photos courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Train
No trip to Napa Valley is complete without a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train — especially if you’re looking to take it easy and enjoy the area’s stunning landscape. Step on board the restored vintage rail cars that will travel on a 36-mile round-trip journey throughout the heart of Napa Valley, passing by dozens of famous and historic wineries.
Not only will you enjoy scenic views outside your window, the train itself is a work of art, featuring three kitchens, Honduran mahogany paneling, brass accents, plush armchairs, and several features straight out of the early 1900s. Enjoy fine dining service and multiple-course meals as you relax in this comfortable and luxurious setting that seems reminiscent of another era.
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc.
Take in the area’s vast vineyards, awe-striking color palettes, and lush greenery from a fresh perspective with a hot air balloon ride at Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. There is arguably no better viewpoint from which to take in a gorgeous sunrise in this beautiful region. Your pilot and guide will point out areas of interest and answer any questions you might have throughout the 1-hour trip. For over 30 years, Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has served as one of the area’s most trusted and popular sources for balloon travel!
Winery: Chateau Montelena Winery
Natural beauty demands our attention, but architectural and man-made beauty is sometimes equally as enthralling. Thankfully, Chateau Montelena Winery has mastered both, with a stone castle carved into a hillside overlooking a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyards reaching out to the base of Mt. St. Helena.
Chateau Montelena Winery has been crafting some of California’s best wines for decades. Taste their expertly designed wines for yourself with a visit to their tasting room located on the top floor of the Chateau.
For the Art and Music Lover
Napa Valley Museum
Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Museum
Tour the Napa Valley Museum, where you’ll find exhibitions and educational programs designed to enrich the Yountville community’s cultural fabric and artistic environment. Explore their three galleries dedicated to local history, world-class art exhibitions, and the showcase space debuting local artists. All in all, the art lover will appreciate the museum’s breathtaking works of art and mission to highlight the area’s artistic talent. Admission is $7 for adults, $3.50 for seniors, $2.50 for youth, and free for members.
Uptown Theatre Napa
A show at Uptown Theatre Napa is one of the best ways to spend your time in downtown Napa, as you sit back in the comfortable theatre seats and enjoy a performance from only the finest acts in music and comedy. Check out their lineup to see if a show falls during your Napa visit, and get your tickets to ensure a seat! For years, this wonderfully restored art deco theatre has been drawing crowds gathered around the performances of well-known musicians and comedians.
Winery: Peju Province Winery
Peju Province Winery is the perfect winery for the artistically inclined, as it includes an art gallery on site. Furthermore, the premises themselves are a work of art, from the landscaping to the architecture, in addition to the high-quality wine you’ll sip during your visit. Explore the rotating displays of featured artists in the gallery, sample Peju Province’s exceptional wines, admire sculptures displayed throughout the Rutherford Estate, and unleash your artistic side at this sophisticated, family-owned winery in Rutherford.
For Families
Safari West
Photos courtesy of Safari West + Francisco Montes
If you’re looking for things to do as a family in Napa Valley, all of this winery talk may have you checked out. Spend the day with the kids at Safari West, an African adventure situated in the heart of California wine country.
Embark on a three-hour riding and walking adventure exploring the 400+ acre preserve, where you’ll encounter giraffes, gazelles, zebras, antelopes, buffalo, wildebeests, and several of the 900+ animals in this gorgeous Savannah setting. Hop on board the open-air safari vehicle, gaining insight from the expertly trained guide, then walk through the aviary featuring smaller animals, cheetahs, and lots of primates!
Enhance your experience by spending the night in one of Safari West’s luxury tents. These unique accommodations offer a glamping trip like no other, as you take advantage of the luxurious inside amenities while immersed in your wildlife surroundings teeming with noise and animal activity. This exciting night spent in a rustic preserve is something the family will never forget!
What would you add?
Let us know your favorite destinations in Napa Valley! We’d love to know what you enjoy doing in this beautiful region.
Category Neighborhood Guides