Soak up summer in St. Helena with alfresco afternoons and golden-hour pours. Whether you’re curating the perfect picnic, seeking scenic sips, or chasing that dreamy wine country glow, this guide is your one-stop for peak picnic season.
Top Spots for a Laid-Back Luxe Outdoor Escape
These wineries invite you to slow down, snack under the trees, and sip something special. From leafy courtyards to vineyard views, discover St. Helena’s best picnic-friendly experiences.
- Faust, Haus Picnic – Relax in a leafy courtyard with a flight of estate wines paired with seasonal bites from the Faust kitchen. A laid-back, flavorful midday stop in wine country.
- Benessere Vineyards, Al Fresco Dining –Pair your picnic with a tasting and enjoy peaceful vineyard views and a private outdoor table for a true alfresco experience.
- Hudson Ranch, BYO Picnic Table –Reserve a picnic table and unwind with views of the ranch. Glassware and water are provided—just bring your own bites.
- V. Sattui Winery, Mercato Tastings & Picnic Packs – Settle in for a seated tasting of Premier and Estate wines in the beautifully remodeled Mercato Tasting Room, then pick up a Picnic Pack from V. Sattui Mercato del Gusto and enjoy it on their lush, shaded picnic grounds.
- Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, Garden Dining & Strolling – Enjoy BBQ and outdoor seating at Farmstead, then explore the culinary garden perfect for a post-lunch stroll.
Picnic Pick-Up & Essentials
No time to prep? No problem. These stops make it easy to assemble the dreamiest picnic, from deli delights to pre-packed feasts and wine to-go.
- Sam’s General Store, Custom Picnic Lunch – Order a picnic for two, complete with house baked cookies and keepsake logo wine glasses. Enjoy it on-site or take it on the go for a picture-perfect afternoon.
- Model Bakery, Iconic Grab-and-Go – Pick up their famous English muffins or fresh sandwiches, ideal for tossing into your picnic basket. A St. Helena staple for easy and delicious bites.
- Sunshine Foods, One-Stop Picnic Shop – From gourmet cheeses to local wine, this full-service market has everything you need to build a custom Napa Valley picnic, perfect for impromptu vineyard stops.
- Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, Greystone Grocery & Wine Bar – Stock up on charcuterie, snacks, and sips from their curated marketplace. Don’t miss the Wine Bar next door for a glass before heading to your picnic spot.
Golden Hour Wine & Dine Experiences
As the sun dips low, these are the places to raise a glass, relax, and let the summer night unfold. Music, patios, and pours included.
- Beringer Vineyards, The Mix: Picnic & Live Music Series – Join the ultimate Saturday picnic at Napa Valley’s oldest continually operating winery. Your ticket includes a curated basket, seasonal bites, live music, and prime sunset lounging.
- Salvestrin Winery, Golden Hour on the Patio – Sip estate grown wines on Salvestrin’s cozy patio as the sun dips behind the vines. A peaceful, quintessential Napa Valley summer moment.
- Sequoia Grove Winery, A Taste for Cabernet at Dusk – Dine under towering redwoods with a Michelin-level wine and food experience. Chef Spencer Conaty brings bold, globally inspired pairings to this multi-course Cabernet tasting at twilight.
- JCB St. Helena, Outdoor Tastings – Glamorous meets golden hour at JCB’s outdoor patio. Bold wines, sparkling ambiance, and a splash of eccentric luxury make this a sunset stop to remember.
- Salvia Terrace & Bar at Alila Napa Valley, First Thursdays – Unwind at this stylish indoor-outdoor lounge with rotating live music, culinary creations, and craft cocktails. All with views of the Mayacamas as the backdrop.
- Merryvale Vineyards, Live Music on the Terrace – Celebrate summer every first and third Friday with food trucks, live tunes, and great wine on the tasting terrace from 5–7PM.
- TRUSS Restaurant & Bar, NIWA x Laurent-Perrier Pop-Up – Indulge in Champagne pairings and Nikkei small plates at this seasonal pop-up garden lounge. Elevated, elegant, and designed for warm Napa nights.
- Roman Holiday Gelato – Grab a cone and wander through historic downtown. The golden hour glow, warm summer air, and small-town streets make for an easy, feel good finish to the day.
- Lyman Park – Catch the last light of day with a blanket, friends, and maybe a local bottle. The perfect low key spot to relax and watch the sky glow.
