Historic Properties in Napa

Lined with history, the streets of Downtown Napa are home to a plethora of Victorian-era homes and commercial buildings. While many of the original businesses and families have long since vacated, their legacy lives in the historic structures now housing contemporary restaurants, wine bars, bed and breakfasts, and more!

City Winery at Historic Napa Valley Operahouse – Having survived two great depressions, six wars, 26 U.S. presidents and several floods, the Operahouse is steeped in history and is now known as City Winery – a live music venue, buzz-worthy restaurant and bottle-boasting bar. The food at City Winery is what the chefs refer to as “wine-inspired food” served as family style dishes with a Mediterranean influence. Guests are welcome to sit inside or grab one of 30 seats on the patio overlooking the Napa River. Upstairs, you’ll find a ballroom and seated concert hall where you can catch shows of all genres including indie, rock, jazz or comedy from a cabaret-style dinner table. (Yes please!) If you’re here for the wine, swing by and grab a glass from the 400-bottle wine list or taste one of the 20 house produced wines.

Historic Napa Mill –  Located along the Napa River, the Historic Napa Mill is home to some of the most exquisite cuisine in Downtown Napa including Angéle, Celadon, The Napa General Store, Sweetie Pies and Morimto. You’ll also find live music at Silo’s where local wine is served by the glass. Fancy a picnic? Grab a blanket and head for the quaint outdoor Riverbend Plaza area.

Semorile Building– Considered one of Napa’s finest examples of Victorian-era architecture, the historic Semorile Building was originally home to a grocery store and the Semorile family who lived in the rooms above. Today, the building is occupied by Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits, a wine bar and restaurant where visitors and locals alike visit the watering hole for rare wines and savory barbecue.

Churchill Manor– Listed as the first residence on the National Register of Historic Places, Churchill Manor is a luxury bed and breakfast with 10 guest rooms, a wrap-around veranda, expansive parlors and sprawling views of the front landscape. Built by Edward Churchill in 1889, the mansion sits among an acre of lush gardens and remains a reflection of the aristocratic Napa lifestyle during the late 1890’s and early 1900’s. End the evening with a glass of wine on the veranda and wake up to a three-course gourmet breakfast. During the day, take advantage of the tandem bicycles and complimentary wine passes offered. End the afternoon with some croquet on the lawn or a walk around the inviting, lavish grounds!

Cedar Gables B&B– Have you ever wanted to experience Renaissance England? Without flying across the Atlantic? Look no further! Cedar Gables Inn, a luxurious 10,000 square foot bed and breakfast in Downtown Napa awaits you. Indulge in three-course breakfasts, evening hors d’oeuvres, wine tasting and even hands-on cooking classes with the area’s best chefs. As historic as it is beautiful, the mansion was built in 1892 for a mere $8,000 and was best known for its elaborate social gatherings, parties and unique English-inspired structure.

The White House Inn & Spa – Unlike many other historic homes in Napa, The White House Inn boasts a resort-style feel and features contemporary décor and modern details. This 17-room mansion offers fireplaces, jetted spa tubs, an outdoor pool, gardens and culinary delights in the morning as well as an evening wine social. Just three blocks from Downtown Napa’s shopping, galleries, wine tasting and fine cuisine, the White House Inn was once known as the Manasse Mansion and is easily recognized with its stately white Queen Anne style.

To explore more of Downtown Napa’s compelling history, enjoy the area attractions and stay at one of the historical buildings turned lodging, book a weekend with us! Head over to DoNapa.com and see the Hotels and B&B pages for more detail on the luxury accommodations.