People travel from all over the world to visit Napa Valley, so it should come as no surprise that there is a bounty of activities at your disposal. Whether it's wine tasting, golfing, fine dining, or outdoor activities, there are a multitude of ways to take advantage of this exciting region.
For additional information or for assistance in arranging a personalized itinerary, please contact our concierge desk directly at 707-299-4918 or concierge@TheCarnerosInn.com.
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Transportation
Everything you need to know about getting around the Wine Country.
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Dining
Dining options abound in the Napa Valley Wine Country.
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Wineries
Sample world-renowned wines at nearby Napa Valley wineries.
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Golf
Play in one of the most beautiful areas of the country.
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Culinary Experiences
Enjoy cooking demonstrations, culinary tours, and more.
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Art Galleries
Explore local museums, galleries, and art preserves.
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Outdoor Activities
Get out and enjoy the beauty of the Wine Country region.
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Family Friendly Activities
Find the fun at these kid-friendly places.
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Transportation
Airport Transfers
Airport transfers can be arranged through the Concierge for Bay Area airports including San Francisco International (SFO), Oakland International (OAK), or Sacramento Airport (SMF).
Hourly Charters and Custom Designed Wine Tours
Hiring a driver as your personal winery guide is the perfect way to explore wine country with either a pre-arranged itinerary or a driver-guided tour. Our Concierge can arrange winery tour and tasting appointments, provide lunch recommendations, and more. Please contact the Concierge for details.
Specialty Charters
Does a 1947 Packard convertible sound like the perfect way to visit the wineries? Tour the wine country in a beautiful antique automobile.
Group Tours
Group winery tours are offered in a 12-passenger van. Depart from the hotel at 10:00 am and return at approximately 5:00 pm. $110 per person, includes 4-5 wineries and picnic lunch. Tasting fees are generally $10-$20 per winery. Please contact the Concierge to schedule.
Car Rentals
The following car rental companies have offices in Napa and are able to drop off and pick up your rental car directly to the Inn (extra fees may apply).
- Hertz
- Enterprise
- Budget
Dining
Dining at The Carneros Inn:
Napa (15 minutes from the Inn):
Yountville (20 minutes from the Inn):
Rutherford (30-35 minutes from the Inn):
St. Helena (35 minutes from the Inn):
Downtown Sonoma (20 minutes from the Inn):
*Recommended for fine dining
Wineries
PlumpJack Winery
Located 30 minutes north of the Inn in Oakville, PlumpJack Winery is most famous for Estate and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. No appointment necessary. Open daily for tasting 10:00am – 4:00pm.
CADE Winery
Perched high upon Howell Mountain, CADE Winery is a state-of-the-art winery focused on Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (made from the 19 acres of Cabernet vines at the winery), Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain (from grapes purchased from small artisan growers in the Howell Mountain Appellation), Napa Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley (a Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon) and a small production of Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley. Located 60 minutes north of the Inn.
Tours and tastings by appointment only, Monday – Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Odette Estate Winery
Odette Estate vineyard is tucked under the dramatic palisades of the Stags Leap District, right along Silverado Trail. Award-winning winemaker Jeff Owens, formerly of PlumpJack and CADE wineries, crafts Odette Estate Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Open Monday – Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Golf
Eagle Vines Golf Club is a challenging test of golf for all players, yet is playable for all skill levels with four sets of tee boxes to choose from. The golf course was designed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller. The course has taken advantage of the natural beauty of Napa Valley by featuring rolling hills, majestic oak trees, ambling creeks, and working vineyards. (10 minutes from the Inn)
The Chardonnay Golf Club offers 27 holes of championship golf to challenge players of all skill levels. All three 9-hole courses (The Lakes, Meadows, and Vineyard Courses) meander through 150 acres of Chardonnay and Merlot vineyards and feature numerous lakes, creek crossings, and a wide variety of flora and fauna. (10 minutes from the Inn)
Hiddenbrooke Golf Club is a world-class championship golf course designed by golf legend Arnold Palmer for golfers of all skill levels. Hiddenbrooke features the dramatic elevation changes and excellent course conditions with at least five sets of tees on every hole. (25 minutes from the Inn)
Culinary Experiences
Cooking Demonstrations
Ramekins offers fun, hands-on cooking demonstrations. Jump right in and participate in cooking with premiere chefs of the Napa Valley like John Ash, Cat Cora, and Thomas Keller! Then enjoy a glass of wine and an appetizer that you made, while they set up the table for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone offers cooking demonstrations performed by the school's renowned chef-instructors. They feature recipes that reflect the seasonal flavors of the Napa Valley wine country and products at their peak in the market. Have a look at their demonstration calendar.
Culinary Tours
Long Meadow Ranch is a beautiful, 650-acre historic ranch nestled high atop the Mayacamas Mountains above the Napa Valley. Here they produce award-winning wines and handcrafted extra virgin olive oils, as well as grass-fed beef, eggs, and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Long Meadow Ranch's extraordinary food products have been featured by America's top chefs. They offer tours by appointment.
Healdsburg's Chalk Hill boasts a multifaceted culinary program that includes an organic produce garden and a full-time Estate Executive Chef, who prepares and pairs culinary creations that showcase the Chalk Hill Estate Wines. The culinary tour, arranged by prior appointment, takes you though the winery, their incredible organic gardens, and their beautiful, 2,000-acre estate with a dressage arena and clubhouse. Then they sit you down and pair their wines with a 3 course "small meal," which doubles as a light lunch. Appointment required.
Olive Oil Tours and Tasting
Round Pond is an award-winning producer of four luscious olive oils: Premium Italian, Spanish, Meyer Lemon, and Blood Orange. Enjoy a formal tasting where you'll learn how to evaluate olive oils and taste small plates of foods with different oils and specialty vinegars. You'll also see a demonstration of an Italian frantoio (olive press).
St. Helena Olive Oil Co. provides a casual atmosphere to enjoy home-made olive oils produced in the valley. The tasting bar is open daily.
The Olive Press, located in Sonoma, is committed to making only the finest award-winning California Extra Virgin Olive Oil. The tasting room and unique gift store is dedicated to "everything olive."
BR Cohn makes world-class California olive oils and vinegars. The Estate Olive Oil is crafted from 140-year-old French Picholine olive trees imported from France in the mid 1800s, which surround the estate. Stop in to taste their oils at various dipping stations.
Art Galleries
Art Galleries and Experiences
The di Rosa Preserve: Art and Nature was a gift to the public from passionate art collector Rene di Rosa. The preserve houses nearly 2,200 works of art in all media by more than 900 artists from Northern California, possibly the largest collection of its kind. Located less than one mile from the Inn.
Cornerstone Festival of Gardens
An ever-changing series of walk-through gardens, showcasing new and innovative designs from the world's finest landscape architects and designers. The first such gallery-style gardens in the United States, the nine-acre Cornerstone Festival of Gardens has been envisioned as an inspiration and resource for people interested in gardens, garden design and art. Located 15 minutes from the Inn in Sonoma.
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Exhibits from local and international artists.
Winery Art Galleries
There is an Ansel Adams gallery at Mumm Napa Valley, unique contemporary art at Hess Collection Winery, and sculptures, fountains and glass creations by Gordon Huether, the resident artist at Artesa Winery.
Outdoor Activities
Hot Air Balloon Rides
See the Napa Valley Wine Country in a way ground-bound travelers never do: floating silently above the vineyards and orchards with Napa Valley Balloons. $225 per person includes pick-up at the Inn, continental breakfast at Etoile at Domaine Chandon, a 45-60 minute flight, in-flight photo, champagne breakfast buffet after the flight, and return to the Inn. Pick up time is between 5:30am and 7:00am, depending upon the time of year. A 72-hour cancellation policy is observed.
Horseback Riding
Enjoy a scenic guided horseback ride with Triple Creek Horse Outfitters at the Kunde Family Estate Winery in Kenwood, thirty minutes from the Inn. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452. Tel. 707.887.8700
Bike Rides
The Inn offers complimentary bikes for your enjoyment, available on a first-come first-serve basis. We offer Bianchi Parco bicycles with racks and bags for your picnic lunch. The Market at the Carneros Inn offers a variety of packed lunches which can be ordered in advance.
Bike Tours
Getaway Adventure's "Sip N' Cycle" tours are a fun and unique way to experience the beautiful wine country. Each tour can be customized to include a hike into the hills, a stop or two at various wineries, and varying degrees of difficulty. The price is typically about $150 per person for a full day tour including lunch. We suggest Getaway Adventures Calistoga Tour or Napa Valley Bike Tours located in Yountville.
Hiking Trails
Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa (20 minutes from the Inn).
Mount St. Helena in Napa Valley (45 minutes from the Inn).
In the town of Glen Ellen is Jack London State Park, which is on Sonoma Mountain (40 minutes from the Inn).
On the coast, we recommend Muir Woods in Marin County (60 minutes from the Inn)
Racecar Driving
The Audi Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that puts you behind the wheel of some of the most powerful vehicles Audi has to offer, including the Audi RS4, R8, S5 and S8. With professional drivers as your personal instructors, you'll learn to drive these cars the way they were meant to be driven: on the track.
Other Outdoor Activities
Vintage Aircraft Co.
A fun, unique way to view the vineyards and a great way to get an adrenaline boost! They have biplanes and "war birds" modeled after the North American AT6 planes that flew in WWII.
Safari West
Nestled on 400 acres in the heart of California's wine country, Safari West is home to over 400 exotic mammals and birds. Not a zoo, not a drive-through park, it's a wildlife preserve where the whole family can experience some of nature's most beautiful animals in a natural habitat.
Bale Grist Mill
This water-powered grist mill that was built in 1846 was once the center of social activity as Napa Valley settlers gathered to have their corn and wheat ground into meal or flour.
Old Faithful Geyser
In Calistoga you'll find one of only three Old Faithfuls in the world, designated as such because of its constant and predictable eruptions. This spectacle is a true rarity, and there's no better place to see it than here!
The Petrified Forest
Geologists call this attraction one of the finest examples of a Pliocene fossil forest in the world. Step back in time, over 3 million years, and follow the trail of majestic petrified redwood giants in a fascinating grove in beautiful California wine country.
Family Friendly Activities
At the Carneros Resort and Spa
Family Fun Night
On the last Saturday of each month, June through September, a popular selection of children's films will be shown at night for a summertime outdoor movie experience at newly renovated Family Pool. Movies are complimentary and a no host bar with movie snacks and smores is available.
Swimming
The Inn has two swimming pools, which are heated to 82 degrees year-round: The Hilltop Pool, which is reserved for adults only, and Otto's Pool, which is designated for families and fitness. Otto's Pool is comprised of an infinity edged lap pool, hot tub, cabanas and children's pool. We offer pool toys for kids to splash around, and the zero-edge wading pool is perfect for small children.
Bocce ball
Two professional-size bocce courts are located on the lawn of our Town Square for your enjoyment.
DVDs and Games
Reception offers a variety of DVDs and games for families to enjoy on a complimentary basis.
Babysitting
Our preferred babysitting service, Take a Break, sends nannies here to the Inn to care for your children and give you some adult time away. Arrangements should be made with them directly by calling 707.226.9188.
Napa
Scientopia Discovery Center
A great learning experience for the kids – and just plain fun! Downtown Napa is just a 10-minute drive from the Inn. 1785 B Tanen Street, Napa Ca 94559. Tel 707.259.1559
Playground Fantastico
A large, modern playground complex that was built by volunteers from all over the Valley. Let the kids loose on the swings and in the towers. Low tech but lots of fun. Fantastico is approximately 5 minutes away. Old Sonoma Road and Freeway Drive, Napa, CA
Century Theater Napa Valley and XD 195 Gasser Drive, Napa CA 94559. Tel. 707.251.3780
St. Helena
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Built in 1846, the mill is now a state historic park. Visitors can watch grain being ground by the mill's original quartz stones. After two years of restoration, the largest wooden overshot wheel in North America now grinds corn, which is bagged and sold at the mill. Located 40 minutes from the Inn at 3369 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29). Tel 707.963.2236
Sonoma Valley
Train Town
Always a hit with the youngsters, Train Town offers an old-fashioned petting zoo and mini train ride. Fifteen minutes from the Inn. 20264 Broadway, Sonoma, CA 95478. Tel. 707.938.3912
Cornerstone Gardens
This collection of shops, wineries and a gourmet cafe set amidst nine acres of garden installations in Sonoma is a great place to explore. They have family friendly gardens and exhibits with places to crawl around. Located just 15 minutes from the Inn. 23570 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. Tel.707.933.3010
Triple Creek Horse Outfitters
Guided horseback rides are at offered at the Kunde Family Estate Winery in Kenwood. Thirty minutes from the Inn. 9825 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452. Tel. 707.887.8700
Sonoma Plaza
The Sonoma Town Square has picnic areas and playgrounds and is host to local events. Tuesday night Farmers' Market 5:00 pm to dusk, April through October.
Fairfield
Jelly Belly Factory
See hundreds of thousands of pounds of candy being made and learn how they create the delicious flavors during a complimentary tour of the factory, followed by a visit to their extensive gift shop. Located 30 minutes from the Inn. One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield, CA 94533. Tel. 800.953.5592.
Vallejo
Six Flags
In addition to roller coasters and other rides, this theme park offer several animal exhibits, as well. A 30 minute drive from the Inn. 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo, CA 94589. Tel. 707.643.6722
Santa Rosa
Safari West
A private 240-acre wildlife preserve is home to 400 exotic free-roaming mammals and birds. You will spend 2 1/2 hours on a unique tour through the reserve among rare herds of animals including antelope, eland, gazelle and zebra. Located 60 minutes north of the Inn. Advance reservations are necessary: 800.616.2695. 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404. Tel. 707.579.2551