As the air finally (seriously, finally) starts to turn colder, we’re really starting to fall in love with autumn here in Napa. The heart of California’s wine country bursts with life during harvest season — red and yellow foliage lines the streets, restaurant menus offer warm and comforting meals made with fresh fall produce and it’s the perfect time of year to unwind and spend an afternoon wine tasting. This season, we have some exciting new additions to Downtown Napa, so read on for a quick look at what’s new in Napa this fall.
Arts & Entertainment for Everyone
If there’s one thing we do well in Napa, it’s keeping things interesting. Each season brings a new host of exciting events and celebrations, and fall is no exception.
- Hometown Halloween 2024
It wouldn’t be an October in Napa without a Hometown Halloween celebration. On Saturday, October 26th, families are invited to grab their best costumes and head to Downtown Napa for an afternoon trick-or-treating. With over 100 businesses participating, you’re sure to head home with heaps of candy for your efforts — and even if you’re a little old for trick-or-treating, it’s a great event to watch from the sidelines. Grab a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and sit back to enjoy the fun.
- Murder Mystery Tours on the Wine Train
There’s been a murder! Well, not yet — but there will be, aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train this fall. The Wine Train has partnered with The Murder Mystery Co. to offer an immersive experience for anyone looking to test their detective skills. Book your tickets for November 16th and prepare to enjoy a welcome sparkling wine toast and a three-course gourmet meal, all while you step back in time to the 1920s to uncover the “Death of a Gangster.” - Art Along the River
River Terrace Inn is proud to present this ongoing event series in partnership with Eppich Arts. On select Saturdays, head to the River Terrace Inn to explore a wide variety of curated installations certain to take your breath away. Browse several local sellers to find a unique souvenir to remember your trip by, and don’t forget to snag a glass of wine before you go.
- Flavors of Film Series
In this exciting new events series, the CIA at Copia blends culinary journeys with visual storytelling in a completely unique way, creating an unforgettable evening celebrating food and film. Copia’s state-of-the-art EcoLab theatre provides an immersive viewing experience, while their expert culinary team will leave your tastebuds wowed. This November, enjoy a farm-to-table dinner alongside a showing of Common Ground (2023), a fascinating documentary exploring alternative agricultural practices that may just be the key to a better future. And if you miss this upcoming one, not to worry: this event series runs through Spring 2025, so there will be plenty more showings to attend.
Sip, Swirl and Savor at These New Wine Tasting Rooms
As the Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World, we always have new and exciting wine tasting experiences to offer.
- Fess Parker Winery
This new Downtown tasting room brings a taste of Santa Barbara to Napa. In 1988, Disney film legend Fess Parker purchased what would become his winery in Los Olivos, and from there, Fess Parker Winery has grown exponentially, and now has four different tasting rooms across California in addition to the original winery. This brand-new Napa tasting room is the family label’s first Northern California tasting room, and we’re certainly glad to have them. Stop in to taste any wine in the Fess Parker portfolio, as well as a few Napa-exclusive blends.
- Simon Family Estate
This tasting room, which currently offers appointment-only tastings, is tucked within the third floor of a building that used to be part of the Historic Napa Opera House. The building’s historic charm is complimented well by Simon Family Estate’s elegant approach to wine tasting, and you can be sure that each wine you try has been carefully selected to provide the best possible experience. - Apero Wine & Spritz Bar
Wherever you are in the world — Italy, France, California — it’s common knowledge that spritzes never go out of style. We’re thrilled to welcome Apero Wine & Spritz Bar to Napa, where you can enjoy spritzes of all varieties, Italian wines, artisan snacks and more. It’s the perfect stop for a midafternoon break, and many of their drinks are fairly low in alcohol content.
- Sora Napa at the Meritage
The Meritage Resort and Spa has another addition to its wide array of culinary and beverage offerings: Sora Napa, a bar dedicated to showcasing all things bubbly. Grab your friends and head to Sora to enjoy world-class sparkling wines and champagnes while relaxing in a fun, flirty atmosphere. - Quilt & Co. Tasting Room
Anyone familiar with Napa might already know Quilt & Co., a long-beloved tasting room in Downtown Napa that, unfortunately, was closed for a portion of time. However, they’re back and better than ever — and right next door to their old location. Stop by Quilt & Co. to enjoy curated tasting flights or wines by the glass alongside tasty bites and excellent views of the city.
Embark On New Culinary Adventures
Each time you visit Napa, prepare to be swept off your feet by the incredible culinary adventures available here. We’ve got world-class chefs and comfort food to soothe your soul, all in one spot. Check out a few new places and menu specials coming to Napa this fall.
- Cousin’s Corner Bar
Stop by the corner of First and Franklin to enjoy an evening at Cousin’s Corner Bar, where the classic bar atmosphere is elevated to Napa standards. In addition to handcrafted cocktails and mouthwateringly good pub bites, this spot has the bonus of regular fun events and a staff that you’re sure to leave on a first-name basis with.
- Stateline Road Smokehouse
Located in the Rail Arts District, Stateline Road Smokehouse is the perfect place to grab lunch after a morning spent strolling all those local works of art. Here, you’ll find Kansas City-style barbecue, brought to you by Michelin-trained chef Darryl Bell. Sink your teeth into succulent barbecue classics such as pulled pork and burnt ends, and don’t forget those sides! - Lil’ Sista’s Goody’s Soul Food
Aiming to be “your new favorite soul food spot in Napa,” Lil’ Sista’s offers a modern spin on classic Louisiana cooking so good, it’s guaranteed you won’t leave hungry. After years as a catering business, owners Ann and Sheneen are proud to open their first restaurant right here in Napa. Expect soul food classics with a California twist, such as devilled eggs with smoked salmon or caviar. They also offer a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
- Fieldwork Brewing Company’s Monthly Pizza Party
While Fieldwork Brewing Company is a familiar spot around Napa, you might not be aware of their monthly pizza party. On the first Tuesday of each month, head to Fieldworks to enjoy $13 deep-dish Detroit-style pizzas alongside their wide selection of wine and beer offerings.
Feeling peckish still? Check out our full list of Happy Hour offerings around Napa for menu specials that are sure to leave your wallet smiling.
Shop in Between Your Sipping
You know what we like to say — if you don’t take home a souvenir, did the trip even happen?
- Tonewood & Courage
Equal parts performance space and music store, Tonewood & Courage aims to uplift Napa’s local musicians and make music accessible to anyone who stops by. During the day, you can browse a wide selection of expertly-crafted instruments, from well-known name brands to the works of local makers. Once the evening falls, you are invited to watch local talents showcase their skills, and, of course, you can enjoy some local wines while you’re there.
- Lip Lab
Lip Lab, a new addition to the suite of shopping available on First Street, takes a new approach to beauty. They know that makeup can’t be universal; what works for one person might not for another. So, they’ve decided to hand you the opportunity to curate your own beauty products and create your own custom lip shade, right there in the shop. Before you leave, your lip product will be custom engraved, so there’s never any confusion about whose perfect shade it is. - Bougie Napa
Because everyone needs to get a little bougie sometimes, right? Bougie Napa is a woman-owned business specializing in candles and home fragrances. All of their products are vegan and cruelty-free, and each candle container is reusable upon your next purchase. In addition to a wide variety of unique fragrances available in-store, Bougie Napa also offers candle-making classes, in which you can create your own personalized scent while sipping on local wines and enjoying some light bites.
You’re Meant to Fall in Love with Napa
No matter what time of year you are planning on visiting, we’re sure of one thing: you’re meant to be here. Book your stay today and discover a world of first-class dining, exquisite winemaking, unmatched relaxation and more. We’ll be waiting, and in the meantime, cheers to welcoming in the fall season.
