St. Helena

 

St. Helena is a beautiful, sophisticated, and engaging community at the center of the famous wine-growing Napa Valley, about 65 miles north of San Francisco. With its relaxed lifestyle, inspiring setting, an idyllic landscape, St. Helena is a bucolic retreat from the hustle and bustle of a big city like San Francisco. At the same time, St. Helena is very much alive. This friendly, creative, and welcoming city offers some of the finest in wine country hospitality, the arts, health, wellness, and culinary adventure.

 

What once began as a rural agricultural center has since developed into a thriving business and banking center for the wine industry. St. Helena has been at the forefront of winemaking since the late 1800s, particularly with the development of the Greystone Winery, which became the largest winery in the world and today functions as a campus for the Culinary Institute of America. Amazing, award-winning chefs call this town home. St. Helena is a romantic city that’s perfect for relaxing over a glass of wine and sharing a fantastic meal with friends and loved ones.

St. Helena is a dynamic and progressive place to live. Home to the Culinary Institute of America, the town has blossomed into a chef haven, making it a delight for gourmands seeking their next culinary outing. Even though St. Helena is a small town, you’d be surprised how much there is to do and see here.

 

The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the neighborhoods are especially paradisal. Many people choose St. Helena to retire to, but it’s equally ideal for families. Niche ranks St. Helena as the #1 place to live in all of Napa County.

One of St. Helena’s pioneering wineries for more than 144 years is Beringer Vineyards, home to the historic Beringer estate. Beringer was the first valley winery to offer public tours and is actually the oldest continuously operated winery in Napa Valley and an official California Historical Landmark. It remains one of the top places to tour and taste, even enticing many Hollywood legends to visit over the years, including the “King of Hollywood” himself, Clark Gable.

 

Located at the base of the majestic Mayacama Mountains and near the Bergfeld Vineyard is the stately and elegant Hall Winery. A normal, everyday winery experience this is not. Hall Winery is a 33-acre property that boasts a number of unique winery tours and exquisite pieces of contemporary art. This 150-year-old historic site offers something for everyone, and the Great Lawn is a gorgeous spot to relax with a glass of highly-rated wine.

 

St. Helena is home to Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, a branch campus of the acclaimed private culinary college. Guests are welcome to visit the campus for the ultimate Greystone Experience, including various tours, wine tastings, kitchen demonstrations, and cooking classes.

 

Those looking for the perfect place to have dinner after a day spent shopping on St. Helena’s charming Main Street should consider sampling wine country steakhouse Goose & Gander. Housed inside Walter Martini’s historic 1920s bungalow, this gastropub has a patio and basement bar and serves excellent cocktails (and, of course, wine!).

Castello di Amorosa is one of the top Napa Valley destinations and one of the most unique wineries. This Tuscan-style castle encompasses 136,000-square-feet and offers guided tours and Italian-inspired wines.

 

Witness the iconic California Wine Country landscape, vineyards, and rolling hillsides from the skies by taking a trip on a hot air balloon at one of the original Napa companies, Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides. An unparalleled experience, it’s a whole new way to see the valley.

 

Participate in a Friday morning tradition at the St. Helena Farmers Market, a family-friendly market that has expanded extensively in recent years. Growers are the heart and soul of the market, selling freshly-harvested produce alongside vendors offering artisanal gifts and wares.

 

The Napa Valley Film Festival is the ultimate film, food, and wine experience. Immerse yourself in this incredible event which features a presentation of many films, including everything from short films to documentary and narrative features alongside a lineup of filmmakers, Hollywood celebrities, and culinary superstars.

The St. Helena Unified School District includes primary school, elementary school, middle school, and high school. St. Helena is also home to the Greystone campus of the Culinary Institute of America and Napa Valley College.