Great Places to Picnic in Napa Valley
With spring in the air, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome you to Napa Valley. In addition to our many tasting rooms and restaurants, here’s a guide to help you plan the ultimate picnic experience, so you can enjoy wine country outdoors in all of its splendor.
4 of My Favorite Places to Picnic in Napa Valley
Yountville Park – Walking distance from Jessup Cellars and Yountville restaurants, it’s a great option for both couples and families, with plenty of sun-kissed picnic spots to enjoy an outdoor food & wine pairing. It also has a great playground for the little ones.
Veterans Memorial Park – A favorite spot for picnickers of all ages, this lovely park is a few minutes drive from Yountville’s restaurant scene, with plenty of expansive lawn space to enjoy some top-notch takeout. It even has bocce ball and volleyball courts to keep you active after all the good eats.
Alston Park – This is a perfect destination if you’re looking to bring your furry friends. Alston is a dog-friendly reserve with a fenced dog park and open-air trails alongside beautiful vineyards. Come stretch your legs after the long car ride to wine country, stay for the peaceful surroundings and wonderful picnic spot.
Crane Park – Located in the lovely town of St. Helena, Crane Park is a fifteen minute scenic drive north from Jessup Cellars on Hwy 29. This 12-acre park provides both individual and group picnic areas, 6 lighted tennis courts, 8 lighted bocce ball courts, 2 little league baseball fields, a sand volleyball court, and children’s playgrounds. Nearby Main Street offers everything from wine tasting, boutiques, art galleries, and casual and fine dining.
3 Great Places for Gourmet Picnic Provisions
Napa Valley is known as an epicurean mecca. Whether smoked ribs and steak or sandwiches and salads, you’ll be impressed with Napa’s options for picnic provisions. Here are some recommendations for great local grub!
Model Bakery awaits in both the Oxbow Market of Downtown Napa and also in the heart of Yountville. While the flagship store spoils you with all the choices, you’ll still find the famous staples at Mini Model Bakery on Washington Street, just south of Jessup Cellars. Be sure to pick up their world-famous English muffins – they’re one of Oprah’s favorite things!
Oakville Grocery is an institution here in Napa. Located on the famous Hwy 29, ‘the Grocery’ provides the perfect pitstop for locally made gourmet goods, boutique winery labels, and grab-and-go provisions – they’ve even added a woodfired pizza oven.
Giugni’s Deli (prounounced “Joo-nees”) in St. Helena is a mom-and-pop shop that simply offers a selection of the finest sandwiches in Napa Valley. Beloved by locals, the secret is in their homemade dressing (say YES to Giugini Juice, you won’t be disappointed!) Insider’s tip: Skip the lines by ordering ahead online.
If you’re looking to enjoy the great outdoors in style, Jessup Cellars is also offering our new, do it yourself, “To-Go Wine Tasting Kits.” Designed for two people, included are 4 wines to taste, 2 plastic wine glasses, a Jessup Cellars corkscrew, Marcona Almonds, dark chocolates, a map of Napa Valley, and QR code to 4 videos to guide you through each wine. Entertaining, educational, and fun, it’s virtual wine tasting at its best!
Add-on options: Artisan cheeses, white truffle potato chips, and gourmet prosciutto packs
