Napa Valley is known for wine, that’s no secret. Everywhere you turn is a winery or place to taste some locally crafted wine.
We’ve taken the time to pick out the must-stop places in Napa to taste local and international wines. Check them out below.
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The Best Wine Bars in Napa Valley
Bay Grape
No matter your experience with wine, this is a fun place for solo tastings or a wine night with a friend.
While technically a bottle shop, they offer tastings, classes, and a wine club that, according to their members, is “too legit to quit.”
Once you step inside, you’ll quickly notice the tiny bar is just a small portion of the room, and wine definitely has more spots to sit than you will.
There is a small patio space for lounging about and enjoying your selection, and in case you don’t finish the bottle onsite, they only charge a $10 corking fee.
- Location: 2999 Solano Ave, Napa, CA
Bar Lucia
With a focus on light and local, this wine bar and restaurant includes a larger-than-typical rose and bubbly list sourced from all over California.
The menu consists of small bites, including options ranging from caviar to elevated sandwiches.
They have both indoor seating and outdoor seating to enjoy the public market that surrounds Bar Lucia.
You’ll often find pop-up events, including food and a highlighted wine selection. This is the perfect spot for your next girl’s day or a spot to stop while shopping in the market.
- Location: 601 1st St #19, Napa, CA 94559
Be Bubbly
If you’re up for unconventional, this is your bar. They are the first and only of their kind in the Napa Valley and serve champagne and sparkling wine exclusively.
On weekends you’ll find this quickly becomes a lively party-like environment with the help of local and independent artists that pop-up throughout the month.
The tasting menu includes a large selection, but the bottle list is even more extensive, with sparkling wines from all around the globe.
Add this bubbly space to your list for your next date night location.
- Location: 1407 2nd St, Napa, CA 94559
Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin Bbq
Have you ever paired wine with barbeque? That’s what this wine bar and restaurant are all about.
In the heart of downtown Napa, you’ll find 400 wines on the shelves and 18 total pages of selections, with 40 of those by the glass.
The environment is casual and classic, with brick walls, dim lighting, and a mirror behind the bar.
While BBQ isn’t usually the first cuisine paired with wine, you’ll wonder why you’ve never considered the combo before.
- Location: 975 First St, Napa, CA 94559
Cadet Wine + Beer Bar
If you’re looking for a younger crowd and a good place to taste wine with friends, make sure you check out Cadet. No matter the time of day, you’re bound to have a good time and try great wine.
The whole vibe is upbeat and playful, which is carried over into the food options like adult grilled cheese.
They take wine very seriously, however, with a list that extends across the globe and goes on nearly 20 pages.
You’ll have no trouble finding something you like and no problem enjoying the time spent tasting.
- Location: 930 Franklin St, Napa, CA 94559
Carpe Diem
Another great location in downtown Napa for delicious food and exquisite wine selections.
The goal at Carpe Diem is to seize the day with an ever-changing list.
They focus on fresh, seasonal, and local, which is reflected in the food menu as well as the wine list.
Staff is always available to answer questions and help get you a wine you’ll truly enjoy.
This casual yet sophisticated space is perfect for a family get-together or date night.
- Location: 1001 2nd St, Suite #185, Napa, CA 94559
Compline Restaurant & Wine Shop
This locally-owned wine shop and restaurant is a must-see.
Spacious seating sprawls out onto the sidewalk and patio, so you can enjoy the views and weather in downtown Napa.
The wine list also sprawls a full 30 pages to include nearly any and every selection you could think of.
Regions and growers from across the globe are represented, including an extensive selection from Napa Valley and nearby.
- Location: 1300 1st St, Suite #312, Napa, CA 94559
Tank Garage Winery
This renovated vintage gas station will be the best place to service your wine-tasting needs. They strive to be welcoming and laid back to make wine less intimidating.
They claim to be the coolest winery in the valley and don’t disappoint. Each time you visit, you’ll taste 4-5 wines, unlike others in the area.
Each wine is a blended creation unique to Tank. Not shy about the art or language used on their labels, Tank has and continues to make a name for itself as a place that makes wine drinking cool.
- Location: 1020 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Napa Valley Bistro
This inviting and slightly upscale casual dining restaurant checks all the boxes. The cuisine is an American bistro with a twist.
Making it approachable and a great choice no matter what crowd you’re with.
The wine list by the glass is short but impressive, and the bottle list is larger than you’d expect.
The focus of the whole establishment is a highlight on local, and the wine is no different.
You’ll find selections from all over Napa and the Californian coast. Whether it’s a happy hour or lunch with friends, Napa Valley Bistro won’t disappoint.
- Location: 975 Clinton St, Napa, CA 94559
Sky + Vine Rooftop Bar
Literally located in part of the Napa skyline, you’ll find this great bar on the 6th floor of Archer Hotel Napa. It’s available to locals and guests alike.
The wine list is simple, yet the choices are impressive and highlight regions in California.
All their selections can be purchased by the glass or bottle, just in case you want one glass to turn into a few.
Make sure to check out their Sunday brunch, which offers delectable fare and some of the best views in Napa.
- Location: 1260 First St, Rooftop at Archer Hotel Napa, Napa, CA 94559
Final Thoughts
In one of California’s best-known wine regions, you’ll find a large assortment of wine bars and wineries to visit.
We couldn’t fit all of them on this list, just the best. Make sure you keep these in mind for your next wine night in Napa.