Ultimate Guide to St. Helena

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  • by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
  • on FEBRUARY 5, 2026
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Guides

Ultimate Guide to St. Helena

By Hana-Lee Sedgwick February 5, 2026

Located in the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena beckons with its beautiful wineries, five-star dining experiences, and luxurious places to stay. Whether you come for the quality wine, food, or accommodations—or better yet, a combination of all three—St. Helena has everything you need for a memorable weekend getaway in Napa Valley. Here’s our guide to what to see and do in the charming town of St. Helena.

Where to Taste

Charles Krug

Charles Krug
Carriage House at Charles Krug, Photo Courtesy of Charles Krug

Founded in 1861, Charles Krug is not only home to California’s first tasting room, but is also where the Mondavi dynasty first started. Known for its storied heritage and famed wines, Charles Krug Winery is a worthy stop, especially if you’re interested in the legacy of Napa Valley winemaking.

Visit: 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-2229

Merryvale Vineyards

Photos courtesy of Merryvale Vineyard

Situated on the bustling Main Street of St. Helena, Merryvale Winery is an institution in Napa Valley. Established in 1983, Merryvale is home to the first winery production facility built after the repeal of Prohibition. Since then, the winery has earned a strong reputation for its premium Bordeaux varietal wines, diverse tasting options, and delightful culinary-focused experiences. During the warmer months, don’t miss the seasonal Profile Estate Picnic, a lovely picnic and wine tasting experience set atop a picturesque ridge, about 800 feet above the valley.

Visit: 1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-7777

Lithology

Located at the bottom of Howell Mountain, Lithology specializes in handcrafted wines from select growing areas within the Napa Valley. Their mission is deeply rooted in honoring the unique qualities of the land, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and minimal intervention in the vineyard. This commitment shines through in their wines, offering vibrant expressions of Napa’s unique terroir.

Visit: 500 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 968-9030

JCB St. Helena

JCB St. Helena
Photos courtesy of JCB St. Helena

Situated right in the heart of downtown is the JCB St. Helena Tasting Salon. This opulent, visually- and texturally-indulgent space serves as an elevated tasting room for JCB’s collection of Napa Valley and French wines. Choose from a bubbles-only flight, Old World vs. New World, Napa reds, or Burgundy reds, each served in JCB Baccarat crystal—and add a touch of indulgence with an artisanal charcuterie or caviar pairing. There’s truly nothing else like it in the area.

Visit: 1320 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3454

Where to Eat

Forum

Forum, Meadowood Napa Valley
Photo courtesy of Meadowood

Although once only reserved for guests staying at Meadowood, now anyone can experience the resort’s on-site restaurant, Forum. With a refined yet inviting atmosphere and an unwavering commitment to hyper-seasonal cuisine, Forum channels Meadowood’s long-standing dedication to quality, season-driven cuisine and fine hospitality. Weekend brunch is always a favorite, but don’t sleep on afternoon drinks and bites on the patio during “Golden Hour.”

Visit: 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-1205

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Photo Courtesy of Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Attached to Long Meadow Ranch, Farmstead’s American farmhouse cuisine is good any time of day, but brunch should not be missed. Featuring ingredients sourced from their farm, ranch, and vineyards, Farmstead is all about eating fresh and local food, whether reaching for the fresh-squeezed carrot ginger juice or grass-fed beef tartare.

Visit: 738 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-4555

Gott’s Roadside

Gott's Roadside
Photo Courtesy of Gott's Roadside

This Napa Valley favorite is an American classic, serving mouthwatering burgers from its roadside diner since 1999. Stop by Gott’s for a classic burger made with a ⅓ pound Niman Ranch beef patty, or dig into something more adventurous, like the kimchi burger with fried egg and spicy mayo. You’ll also find salads, fries, milkshakes, and, because it’s Napa Valley, a selection of wines by the glass and bottle.

Visit: 933 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3486

The Charter Oak

The Charter Oak
Photo Courtesy of The Charter Oak

Hidden behind the ivy-clad exterior, The Charter Oak offers a laid-back dining experience created by acclaimed Chef Christopher Kostow. This charming Napa Valley eatery boasts a tree-covered courtyard patio and a stylish, spacious interior, where simple, farm-inspired dishes highlight ingredients primarily sourced from the restaurant’s own 2.5-acre garden.

Visit: 1050 Charter Oak Avenue, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 302-6996

What to Do

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

Built in the late 19th century and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this gorgeously imposing building houses a restaurant, bakery, food and wine classes, and tons of culinary items you can buy in their shop—everything that a gourmand or oenophile could ask for. The CIA also has a location in downtown Napa, called CIA at Copia, offering additional experiences tailored for wannabe chefs, wine enthusiasts, and those who just like good food.

Visit: 2555 Main Street, St. Helena, CA
Contact: (707) 967-2530

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum
Photo Courtesy of Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

The Robert Louis Stevenson Museum is next to the St. Helena Library and houses artifacts and manuscripts from the famous author’s life in Napa Valley, providing the unique opportunity to experience his life and legacy without a fee, since the museum offers free admission.

Visit: 1490 Library Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3757

Where to Stay

Meadowood Napa Valley

Meadowood Napa Valley
Photo courtesy of Meadowood

For a memorable getaway in Wine Country, we think there’s no better place to stay in St. Helena than Meadowood Napa Valley. Here, you’ll find tastefully decorated rooms and suites, farm-to-table dining, and a spa that caters to your well-being. There’s also a wide range of amenities and perks included with a stay here, from tennis and hiking to shoe-shine services, fitness classes, and complimentary car service to St. Helena and Yountville. It all adds up to a blissful way to experience Napa Valley.

Hot Deal: Don’t miss out on The More at Meadowood Package, available through 2026. This offer includes overnight accommodations, as well as a bottle of Napa Valley wine upon arrival, and a $750 estate credit to use for dining, spa treatments, or retail. Starting from $1,475. Click here to book.

Visit: 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Conact: (707) 531-4788

Conclusion

As you can see, it’d be easy to spend your entire Napa Valley vacation exploring the charming town of St. Helena—and with so much to eat, drink, and explore in one small part of Napa Valley, we wouldn’t blame you if you did just that!