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24 Easy Reasons to Visit St. Helena, CA
St. Helena, California is known as Napa Valley’s Main Street and with due reason. Centrally located and packed with mouthwatering restaurants, acclaimed wineries, and perfect Wine Country charm, there are ample excuses to visit any time of year. But, as the vines begin to change and there’s a (slight) chill in the air, The Little Book of Big Experiences gives additional reason to pack your bags and head to Napa Valley.
St. Helena’s Little Book of Big Experiences is anything but small. Released yearly in November and filled with 24 amazing local opportunities valued at over $1,000, it can be enjoyed for $100 per person. It’s your passport to explore St. Helena during the winter and early spring of the region’s famed Cabernet Season.
There are many ways to get the most out of your Little Book of Big Experiences, whether you’re looking to spread the perks until March or pack a weekend full of fun. We want to share a sneak peek at the diverse complimentary experiences included with your own copy of the Little Book and your arrival in St. Helena.
— BUY THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG EXPERIENCES —
VINE TO WINE
Delicious Views
Why not pair your tasting with an epic backdrop.
Courtesy of Facebook: Burgess Cellars
Burgess Cellars
1108 Deer Park Rd, Deer Park, CA 94576, (707) 963-4766
Available Daily
A visit during Cabernet Season means a chance to sip Burgess Cellars’ flagship cabernet in the winery’s active cellar, surrounded by barrels, enjoying a personalized tasting with the Little Book. Sample wines from their two estate vineyards, and peruse their roster of rare regional varieties and four decade Library Selection.
Provenance Vineyards
1695 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3633
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Centrally located off the beaten trail (okay, just in Rutherford…), your visit includes 360 degree views of the valley from their beautifully renovated location. And, with your Little Book of Big Experiences, enjoy a tour of the winemaking facility with a special barrel tasting and limited small-production flight of the season’s most celebrated vino, cabernet sauvignon.
Whitehall Lane
1563 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9454
Available Daily
The Club Room at Whitehall Lane gives an eye-catching, panoramic perspective of the family-owned Rutherford winery. Little Book visitors will experience quite the treat Sunday through Thursday with an elevated, private tasting of the winery-only, single vineyard and library wines alongside a delicious charcuterie.
Friday through Saturday guests will enjoy four pours from the winery’s current tasting menu in the modern and bright Main Tasting Room.
Napa Valley is for History Lovers
The roots of Napa’s Wine Country run deep, and these St. Helena wineries have left their mark with combined centuries of wine production.
Courtesy of Facebook: Beringer Vineyards
Ballentine Vineyards
2820 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7919
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Family owned and operated for over 100 years, Ballentine Vineyards welcomes Little Book guests to enjoy a Reserve Tasting of their limited-production wines while chatting it up with the winery’s close-knit crew. Enjoy beautiful views of Betty’s Vineyard (named after one of the owners) and Mount St. Helena, and for a special treat, Ballentine will share their next vintage, straight from the barrel for Little Book guests.
Beringer
2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 302-7592
Available Daily
Little Book of Big Experiences holders will have a chance to sip a selection of three award-winning Reserve, Single Vineyard, and small production wines at California’s oldest continually operating winery. With the Rhine House bar as a backdrop, enjoy your tasting with a complimentary, deluxe cheese plate in perfect pairing. No reservation needed but get there before 2pm to enjoy.
Freemark Abbey
N, 3022 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (800) 963-9698
Available Daily
Two different Little Book experiences await you at the historic winery built in 1886 by Josephine Tychson, the first female winemaker in Napa Valley. If you’re traveling to St. Helena Sunday through Thursday, experience a behind-the-scenes, hour-long tasting with pours of their current release cabernet sauvignons and a special sample from their Wine Library.
Guests stopping by Friday through Saturday can partake in a guided tasting of the established winery’s limited-release wines from the last 130 years.
Salvestrin
397 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5105
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Four generations of the Salvestrin family have grown up alongside their St. Helena winery, and for over 80 years, they’ve put weight on sustainable farming practices and green initiatives with their production of handcrafted estate wines. Little Book of Big Experiences guests will relax in their intimate tasting room and enjoy small-production, current release wines, and traverse the 156-year old vineyard through a guided tour.
Just A Little More
Why stop at just a tasting? These wineries offer experiences beyond delicious sips.
Courtesy of Facebook: HALL Wines
Trinchero
100 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-3104
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Hands-on and engaging, a visit to Trinchero with a Little Book is indeed a big experience. The 22-acre property has immaculate views of Spring and Howell Mountains and an on-site wine cave to boot. Sunday through Thursday, visitors will tour Mario’s Vineyard, the winery, and their cave while learning about the Trinchero family’s winemaking history as they sip single vineyard estate wines and a library offering.
Little Book holders can test their prowess with a sensory challenge in the winery’s Legacy Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy an artisanal cheese plate while sampling wines from past to present.
Merryvale
1000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7777
Available Daily, Appointment Preferred
Join a Merryvale wine educator for a private Signature Tasting and delight in five of their current releases tastefully paired with artisanal cheese. Be sure to sneak a peek at Merryvale Vineyard’s immaculate Cask Room while visiting with a Little Book. Here you’ll find two stories of century-old casks lining the stone walls showcasing the historical workings of this St. Helena Winery.
Brasswood
3111 Saint Helena Highway N, Saint Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-5434
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Thoughtfully designed and immensely elegant, a visit to Brasswood is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. With a Little Book of Big Experiences, nibble and sip a pairing of cheese and small-production wines in one of the winery’s private — and absolutely gorgeous — dens. Stop by the Brasswood Bakery or Bar + Kitchen before or after your Experience to enjoy additional culinary-related delights at their diverse estate.
HALL St. Helena
401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626
Available Daily, Appointment Preferred
Outfitted in the latest innovations in winemaking techniques and a sensational collection of contemporary art, the HALL Wines’ Leed-Certified winery experience is a blend of behind-the-scenes looks into the history of the winery and proprietors, Craig and Kathryn Hall, combined with impeccable views of Napa Valley’s western mountains from their thoughtfully designed, window-lined tasting room. Enjoy a flight of four wines, an additional splash of pinot, and soak it all in.
Perfect Pairings
Tantalize your taste buds with specially curated wine and food combos.
Courtesy of Facebook: Clif Family Winery
Clif Family
709 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-0625
Available Daily
Clif Family’s interests go far beyond their delicious wines. They’ve combined their passions of wine, food, and adventure at their St. Helena tasting room. The on-site Bruschetteria Food Truck serves up “farm-to-truck” dining, and Tuesday through Sunday, Little Book of Big Experience guests will enjoy a seasonal bruschetta with a series of Clif Family wines.
Stopping by on a Monday? No problem. Little Book holders will savor a cheese plate packed with artisan additions directly from Clif Family Farm.
VGS Chateau Potelle
1200 Dowdell Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 255-9440
Available Daily, Appointment Only
Approaching winemaking as an art form, showcasing the personality of each grape, the team at VGS Chateau Potelle has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Ken Frank of La Toque Restaurant to perfectly pair small bites with their elegantly avant-garde wines.
REST YOUR HEAD
Modern Beauties
On-trend and contemporary but with real Wine Country flavor.
Courtesy of Facebook: Las Alcobas Napa Valley
Las Alcobas Napa Valley
1915 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7000
Available Sunday – Thursday, Reservation Required
Custom-designed furnishings, luxe bathrooms, and private terraces overlooking the adjoining vineyard await guests of Los Alcobas. The 68-room resort is based around a 1907 farmhouse and keeps getting better with age. Tuck in with 15% off a two-night stay with your Little Book. While you’re at it, enjoy 15% off at Atrio, the hotel’s tranquil on-site spa, with services ranging from ayurvedic massage to detoxifying coffee scrubs.
Wydown Hotel
1424 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5100
Available Daily, Reservation Required
Boutique and absolutely sweet, the welcoming Wydown Hotel is an updated, on-trend historic gem just off St. Helena’s Main Street. Offering a delicious, complimentary breakfast with a two-night stay in their chicly outfitted rooms, receive 15% off along with two additional Little Books to enjoy while in town.
Quintessential St. Helena
Celebrating the elegance of Napa Valley through wines, views, and classic accommodations.
Courtesy of Facebook: Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer
Harvest Inn
1 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9463
Available Daily, Reservation Required
Perfect views are paramount at the Harvest Inn. Choose from two room options:the Vineyard View Collection or the Harvest Inn Rooms, and a bounty of complimentary amenities like in-room wine, multiple swimming pools, and night time car usage. This boutique inn wants you to enjoy 10% off your two-night stay and a complimentary appetizer when you visit Charlie Palmer’s Harvest Table with your Little Book of Big Experiences.
Southbridge Napa
1020 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-9400
Available Daily, Reservation Required
Located right in downtown St. Helena and steps away from all the town has to offer, Southbridge offers two additional Little Books of Big Experiences alongside a JCB N°21 wine in-room for all Little Book guests. A continental breakfast will welcome each morning and your stay includes complimentary access to Health Spa Napa Valley. Receive an additional 20% off when you book a third night stay Sunday through Thursday.
Off the Beaten Path
All the comforts of home but luxuriously surrounded by the vines.
Courtesy of Facebook: Wine Country Inn & Cottages
Inn at Salvestrin
397 Main Street , Saint Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5105
Available Daily, Reservation Required
A complimentary bottle of Salvestrin wine greets Little Book of Big Experiences guests at the Inn at Salvestrin. The beautifully restored 1879 Victorian — that once housed three generations of the winemaking family — is just a short walk to the in-depth tour and tasting included with your Little Book. Pack your bags for three nights and get the fourth free.
Wine Country Inn
1152 Lodi Lane, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7077
Available Daily, Reservation Required
The Wine Country Inn is a series of charming rooms and romantic cottages tucked in between the vines, each touting sensational sights of the surrounding property. Pet-friendly and boasting a pool and hot tub with vineyard views, enjoy 15% off your stay and receive an additional 2 copies of the Little Book of Big Experiences.
EAT IT UP
Decadent, delicious, and celebrating regional flavors, eating in St. Helena should be at the top of your list.
Courtesy of Facebook: Acacia House
Acacia House
1915 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9004
Available Sunday – Thursday, Reservations Recommended
Located within the Las Alcobas hotel, dishes are seasonally-driven, and the sustainable menu aligns with Napa Valley’s local bounty. No need to hold back on opening your fantastic, local wine find for lunch or dinner with The Little Book of Big Experiences. The restaurant will waive the corkage fee and also gift a cookbook with reservation.
Culinary Institute of America
2555 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-1100
Available Sunday – Thursday
Not your average food tour, your Little Book visit includes a behind-the-scenes look at the school of the next need-to-know future food stars — cork collections and Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center are just an added bonus. With an additional 10% discount at the school’s Spice Island marketplace, pick up some tricks and tools for personal kitchen mastery.
Harvest Table
1 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-4695
Available Tuesday – Sunday, Reservations Recommended
When making a reservation a Harvest Table, mention The Little Book to enjoy a complimentary appetizer or dessert when dining during brunch, lunch, or dinner. We wish you luck, as it will be a hard choice between dishes like their Deviled Eggs with crispy pig ear or their Apple Strudel with house-made caramel and black pepper honey ice cream.
— BUY THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG EXPERIENCES —
— 8 Unexpected Things to Do in St. Helena —
— Top St. Helena Best Bed and Breakfasts —
— Explore St. Helena —
Author
Jen Schmitz
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The Best Winery Tours in Napa Valley
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