After visiting vineyards and tasting rooms, it can be a welcome change of pace to find a bar stool and get comfortable. We wrote this post in honor of World Bartender Day (February 24th), our way of saying thanks to the best folks behind our favorite bars in the Napa Valley.
A major bonus to pulling up a seat at one of these bars is that they all stock a variety of wines from up and down the valley and beyond. You’ll also find that bar staff in our area are well educated in the world of wine, many of them with previous or side jobs at local wineries.
Along with our favorite wineries to visit, remember to visit these fantastic Napa establishments on your next trip:
Miminashi
821 Coombs St., Napa
Called “Napa’s little-known gem” by the San Francisco Chronicle, Miminashi is a stylish, contemporary izakaya-style Japanese restaurant tucked on Coombs Street in downtown Napa. Order wine from an extensive bottle list while you enjoy endless Yakitori. If you hang around for dessert, be sure to order their housemade ice cream and add an interesting topping or two.
Goose & Gander
1245 Spring St., St. Helena
Visit one of our favorite gathering places and chat with the locals at the Goose & Gander bar in St. Helena. Expert mixologist Scott Beattie co-curated the artisanal bar menu. Find out how he makes the perfect G&T and discover more fantastic recipes using Distillery No. 209 Gin. Grab a burger or enjoy a multi-course meal, the world is your oyster here.
Press
587 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena
After an afternoon of wine tasting in the valley, find a refreshing, creatively-crafted cocktail at the bar at Press. Insider tip: ordering food from the bar menu will give you the full Press experience at a fraction of the cost. Ingredients are locally sourced, from the butter lettuce to the Prime beef.
Bounty Hunter Wine Bar
975 1st St., Napa
While exploring downtown Napa, make time for a stop at Bounty Hunter. The original owner started it as a place for people to relax and enjoy wine without the intimidation that sometimes comes with fine wine. It touts 40 wines by the glass and more than 400 by the bottle. Explore away!
Cadet
930 Franklin St., Napa
Follow the neon sign to Cadet in a small alley off of 1st St. in downtown Napa. Listen to a throwback record and nibble on an oversized charcuterie plate with a fancy glass of Champagne or a craft beer. We love heading here to support the owners and fellow Wine Sisters, Colleen Fleming and Aubrey Bailey.
