California’s Napa Valley is well known for its wine-related offerings, but a wide variety of unique activities that go beyond the region’s vintages can also be found for those who aren’t particularly fond of the beverage or even those in need of a break from the grape. From sailing trips to a culinary-themed museum, these are some of the experiences your clients can look forward to in Napa Valley.
Craft Beers & The Great Outdoors
While Napa’s mastery of the grape is undeniable, beer enthusiasts will be delighted to see a growing craft beer scene in the area. With everything from robust productions to tiny nano-breweries, these Napa taprooms are offering IPAs, ambers, wheats, pilsners, porters, and more. Active travelers who would like to burn a few calories before replenishing with some brews, can check out offerings from Active Wine Adventures, which offers three different versions of its Napa Hike and Beer tour. On each private tour, guests will be led on a hike that takes them through mountain trails offering views of the valley and its vineyards. At the end of the hike, guests will head to a microbrewery, where they can sample local craft brews and munch on a hearty lunch. Pricing for this tour starts at $125 pp. For more information, visit activewineadventures.com.
For those who would like to soak up Napa Valley’s nature in a more laid back way, Wombat Charter Tours offers a small-boat sunset cruise. Travelers embarking on this adventure can expect to cruise the lower Napa River and the surrounding southern wetlands of the Napa-Sonoma Marsh Wildlife Preserve. The company also offers guided fishing charter excursions complete with gear and expert guidance. For more details, visit wombat-charters.fishing.
Upscale Offerings
Luxury clients can enjoy a similar but elevated experience on Bespoke Collection’s new Yacht Tour and Tasting on the Napa River. The experience includes a privately chartered yacht touring from Carneros to downtown Napa, with the full portfolio of Blackbird Vineyards wines and lunch. This tour is offered for groups of up to 12 guests for a 3-hour excursion. Napa Valley visitors can also explore from up above on Bespoke Collection’s new Vintage Flight with the Flock experience, which features 40 minutes of private flight time in a 1939 Douglas DC-3 with views of Napa and the Sonoma Valley, the San Francisco Bay, and the city skyline. The flight can accommodate up to 10 guests and includes vintage bottles of Blackbird Vineyard wines. Flights depart and return from the Napa Airport, but private charters from partner airports and private tours are also available. For more information, visit riverhouse.bespokecollection.com.
Foodie Fun
Napa may be known for its wine, but for many, it’s also a foodie’s paradise. Now, those interested in all things culinary can make a visit to The Culinary Institute of America at Copia, where they’ll find the recently unveiled Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum. The museum is filled with more than 4,000 artifacts of specialty cookware, bread baking and culinary tools, appliances, and tableware, plus a food hall with wood-fired pizzas, dim sum, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, as well as wine, beer, and ciders from the new beverage bars. Visitors can round out their experience at the institute with a visit to its 9,000-sq.-ft. kitchen, which serves as a hub for public cooking classes, interactive dining events, industry conferences, and private events. Class topics include A Beginner’s Guide to Sushi Rolls, Healthy Cooking, Exploring Brazilian Cuisine, and Grilling Like a Pro. For more information, visit ciaatcopia.com.
For more information on planning your client’s trip to Napa Valley, visit visitnapavalley.com. If you have a bride on your clients list, check out how this Napa hotel is welcoming bachelorette parties to its property.
