Check Out What’s New in Downtown Napa

It doesn’t matter if you’ve visited once or a hundred times: there will always be something new to try in Downtown Napa. Maybe it’s a restaurant you’ve had on your travel wishlist for months, or a new themed wine bar you’ve yet to explore. Either way, you can be sure there will be something new waiting for you on your next visit. With almost year-round good weather and even better vibes, Downtown Napa is a thriving hub of activity no matter when you decide to visit. Planning a fall getaway ahead of the holidays? Check out what’s new and noteworthy here in Downtown Napa, and add these stops to your weekend itinerary.

Melodies & Merlots

The only thing better than an exquisite glass of wine? Entertainment to go along with it! Fans of live music will find plenty to quench their thirst at any of Downtown Napa’s upcoming events. Head to Levendi Tasting Room, a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy unforgettable performances. Keep an eye on their event calendar to see what artists are on the bill during your next visit, as Levendi hosts performers every Friday. Coming up is Mark Harold, Anna Jae, Chance McCauley and many more. Head to Levendi’s beautiful, cozy tasting room and enjoy wines crafted with Mediterranean-inspired expertise as some of Napa’s most talented performers take the stage.

JaMSession

As you might gather from the name, JaM Cellars is a premier spot in Downtown Napa for good wine and great jams. Their “music-driven wine vibe” creates an elevated, energetic atmosphere for wine tasting. Here, you won’t simply sit and sip wine — you’ll be immersed in a feast for the senses as you sample artisan wines, take in the vintage-inspired art pieces scattered around the space and JaM to music of all genres. On October 27th, join JaM Cellars for their Sip ‘N Play event to see how the intersection of wine and music can be a truly magical thing. Visitors are invited to sample a selection of exclusive Napa wines paired with songs, to uncover how specific melodies can enhance your sipping experience. To round out the weekend, JaM Cellars is also hosting the Hallo-Wine JaM Bash the following evening, October 28th. This blowout Halloween celebration will include a costume party — so prepare to come in your spooky season best — gourmet bites, a live-action food station, live music courtesy of DJ Uriah Francisco and much more. Tickets are limited, so RSVP today to lock in your Halloweekend plans!

The coolest new Downtown spot, Folklore, is a must-stop. This Third Street shop has something for everyone. Part record store, part coffee shop, part cocktail lounge, Folklore offers visitors the chance to experience the unique intersection of several cultural niches unique to Downtown Napa. Peruse vinyl records old and new, shop for locally-made jewelry and gifts, snack on gourmet bites and, of course, sip on Napa-exclusive wines and handcrafted cocktails. They host live performers periodically and also offer wine and album pairings, so be sure to keep a close eye on their website for their next event.

Try Something New

If you’re looking to branch out without breaking a sweat, the CIA at Copia has added new cooking classes to their fall schedule, including a Brunch class on Oct. 14, a Cooking with Beer class on Oct. 28 and a Holiday Pies class on Nov. 20. Culinary professionals from this world-class institution will level up your cooking game with this fun, interactive experience. The best part: you get to eat the results of your hard work at the end. Learn more about the various classes offered here.

Shop, Sip & Unwind

First Street Napa has long maintained its status as a premier shopping destination for both locals and visitors. There, you can browse Napa-style luxury items, handcrafted wares, boutique wines and spirits and much more. A new addition to First Street, Johnny Was is now open. This bohemian-inspired clothing store invokes the easy style and elegance of haute couture. Here, you’ll find intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics and unique, opulent prints that emphasize the shop’s free-spirited, maximalist vibe.

Once you’ve shopped and are ready to drop, make sure to hit some of the new tasting rooms and cocktail lounges that have opened in Downtown Napa. No Love Lost Wine Co., now in its second month of operation, aims to make wine approachable for the curious, regardless of prior knowledge. Their focus is on quality wine above all else, no matter what that looks like. This friendly, casual sip spot is built on a foundation of respect for tradition combined with an appreciation for innovation, resulting in a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere serving up seriously good wine.

Robert Mondavi, one of the most popular wineries in the country, recently unveiled their new Downtown Napa tasting room, Arch & Tower. This elegant, inviting space hosts daily tastings, as well as expert-led wine and food pairing events, educational seminars and other interactive activities. Stop for a sip and leave with an enhanced appreciation of Napa wine, presented to you by one of the most renowned wine labels in the region.

Winemaker Jesus Maciel and viticulturist Roberto Corona have joined forces to create MaCo Tasting Room, now open in Downtown Napa. Their families have been Napa natives since the 1980s, so their approach to winemaking is steeped in the region’s long history and treasured traditions. After ten years of creating their own wines, Maciel and Corona have opened a Downtown tasting room location, offering expertly curated tasting flights to take your palate on a journey through the best of what Napa Valley soil can produce.

Rounding out this season’s newest tasting rooms is T-Vine Tasting Room, at the corner of First and Main. This intimate wine tasting experience, owned by Jim Regusci, features wines from T-Vine’s own historic vineyards. A passion for winemaking combines with a wide range of grape varietals to create a truly one-of-a-kind selection of Napa Valley wines, all served from within the historic Winship-Smernes building. Stop by to enjoy a tasting infused with soul and Napa heritage.

If wine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other sipping options around Downtown. Head to the CIA at Copia to check out the Haven Cocktail Lounge, a new addition to the culinary school’s Napa location. This stylish, 1920s-inspired lounge serves up gourmet small plates alongside specialty cocktails prepared with an emphasis on technique, presentation, flavor and above all, the highest-quality ingredients. The menu features both a rotating cast of curated cocktails as well as tapped cocktails. The lounge sits on Copia’s garden terrace, which overlooks the culinary gardens, where many of the ingredients are directly sourced. Or, head to The Fink, a new cocktail bar in the Hatt Building at Napa River Inn. Visitors are invited to “have a drink with The Fink” at this friendly, historic boathouse-themed bar. The menu features a host of expertly crafted signature cocktails as well as a selection of hearty bar snacks, such as beef tacos or margherita pizza. On “Seersucker Sundays”, The Fink encourages patrons to dress up in their best seersucker attire to celebrate times gone by. Napa River Inn even runs a Winks & Finks Package, which includes an overnight stay as well as VIP perks at The Fink.

Napa River Inn

You’re Meant to Be Here

As fall kicks into high gear, it’s the perfect time to book a pre-holiday getaway to Downtown Napa. Sneak away for a long weekend, or come for a day trip; however you decide to escape, the heart of wine country is waiting for you with open arms. Book your stay today.