Just over an hour from the Bay Area, Napa Valley in September is all warmth and wonder. Vineyards stretch gold and green, early-morning crush perfumes the air, and long-table dinners spill into starlit evenings. In St. Helena, the heart of the valley, harvest season is hands-on and wholly immersive. Here’s how to taste, stomp, sip, and stay well this month.
🟢 Where To Eat
photo: thecharteroak.com
The Charter Oak
Set in a historic farmhouse, this restaurant celebrates simple dishes cooked over fire. Grilled avocado and squash blossoms make the most of Napa’s late-summer produce. 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St. Helena – thecharteroak.com
Cook St. Helena
A cozy favorite on Main Street. The farm-to-table menu is thoughtful and seasonal, perfect for a quiet harvest dinner. 1310 Main St, St. Helena – cooksthelena.com
Gillwoods Cafe
Famous for their banana pecan pancakes, this local classic is the ideal start to a vineyard day. [1313 Main St, St. Helena]
Woodhouse Chocolates
Handcrafted confections made in a historic 1890s building. Try the fall specials and take home something sweet. 1367 Main St, St. Helena – woodhousechocolate.com
🔵 Where To Stay
photo: harvestinn.com
Harvest Inn
Nestled among the vines, this property offers vineyard-side stays and guided walking tours. harvestinn.com
Vineyard Country Inn
A classic country bed and breakfast with private vineyard views, cozy suites, and a daily breakfast. Unwind in the pool or hot tub before exploring Main Street. [201 Main St, St. Helena]
Le Petit Pali at Main Street
St. Helena’s newest boutique hotel offers Champagne breakfasts, nightly cookies, and five cottage suites with vineyard views. lepetitpali.com
🟡 Where To Play
Photo: grgich.com
Grgich Hills Estate Grape Stomp
A true harvest tradition. Stomp grapes the old-fashioned way, then sip on reserve wines and toast the season. grgich.com
Whitehall Lane Harvest Tour
Follow grapes from crush to barrel and end with a glass overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains. This is harvest up close. whitehalllane.com
Flora Springs Terra di Flora Experience
Pair estate wines with infused olive oils. It’s a tasting that honors both craft and land. florasprings.com
Clif Family Enoteca
From farm to bottle, enjoy seasonal pairings curated by winemaker Laura Barrett and chef Magnus Young. cliffamily.com
VGS Chateau Potelle Epicurean Lunch
A five-course lunch by Michelin-starred chef Ken Frank, served among the vines. An elevated harvest experience. vgschateaupotelle.com
Louis M. Martini’s Pairings in the Park
Enjoy picnic baskets and Napa Cabernet outdoors in Martini Park. Relaxed, refined, and full of flavor. louismartini.com
Raymond Vineyards' Eye Sculpture
Tucked into the vines, this striking sculpture makes for one of the most surreal photo ops of the season. raymondvineyards.com
🛍 Local Finds
Hartford House – Distinctive gifts and curated treasures.
AF Jewelers, E.R. Sawyer, Palladium, Patina – Fall-inspired jewelry with a local point of view.
Sportago – Your outfitter for vineyard walks and wine country gear.
St. Helena Welcome Center – A perfect stop for maps, harvest tips, and locally made keepsakes.
September in St. Helena is both work and wonder. The air smells of crushed fruit, the tables overflow with harvest, and the connection between land and craft is never clearer. Whether you're here to stomp grapes or sip under stars, this is the time to come.
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