r/napavalley

Does anyone remember the candle shop in Napa Valley back in the 90s? My husband and I are visiting Napa this weekend. We’ve been looking for some fav places that we used to visit as kids. One was a candle shop, maybe up the Valley a ways? They made candles, then cut and twisted them. They were beautiful. Anyone know where this was?

I am going to Napa for the first time and need suggestions on what vineyards are great to visit - I am not a wine connoisseur so I am looking more for a good experience and tour. I already am planning to do lunch at Charlies or Mustards.

I've narrowed it down to:

Sterling Vineyards

Del Dotto Estate

Castello De Amorosa

Hi All, I am visiting Napa Valley solo later this month and I don't really know how to navigate it? Do I just take ubers? I want to get the full experience, but I don't know how to make that happen going as a solo woman. Any advice is appreciated. Maybe there is a day tour with other people, or is are ubers the only way? As of right now, I'm thinking of staying at a hotel in Napa. Thank you.

I frequented Napa-Sonoma quite a bit in the 2000 to mid 2010's, and never had an issue walking into many wineries and doing a tasting.

Last time I was there, April 2022, I found pretty much everyone had gone to advanced reservations.

Even on the Thursday I drove up on 29,stopped at a popular winery South of St Helena, walked in and asked for a tasting. I was told to go through the app. There was like people in the place. Wasn't crowded at all. I was surprised.

That weekend in both Napa, and Sonoma this was the common theme.

Wasn't sure if this was a left over from Covid restrictions.

Planning another trip soon, has this changed at all?

Part of the fun was to find new wineries to try.

Thanks.

Used to live in Napa so I know how hard it is to get a quality experience at this size. Planning a 40th birthday trip for a group of 12-15 on August 2, 2026. Not looking for the usual suspects — we’ve done Castello, V. Sattui, the big names. Looking for anyone who has insider connections, knows a winemaker, or has actually pulled off a great private experience for a group this size. Napa preferred but open to Sonoma. Any contacts, referrals, or hidden gems appreciated!

Coming to Napa for 40th Birthday and looking to host a dinner at our Airbnb - any recommendations for private chefs?