A Family Weekend Adventure in Napa

There is no limit of family fun in Napa. Now kids may not be able to do any tastings, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t. Just limit the stops and they won’t get board. For this Inside Napa family weekend adventure we have a rule of thumb, no more that 3 wineries period!

This weekend family adventure found us in the heart of Napa to explore the brewery scene that has been expanding in the river district.

We stayed at the charming (and rumored to be haunted) Napa River Inn. From the minute we walked in the staff was so kind. We really felt welcome and cherished. Later that night we did get a small tour at the wish of our daughter, of the wing they say is haunted. It’s a fun historical story you can read here.

Lunch was enjoyed at Stone Brewing along the Napa River. The brewery and restaurant is in the Borreo Building, named for the family that formerly owned the stone structure, was completed in 1877. It is one of the oldest structures in Napa featuring two stories with indoor and outdoor seating. Stone Brewing – Napa features a focus on environmental responsibility and high-quality ingredients, including local and small-farm organic produce from the Napa region.

On this rainy Saturday I found myself face to face with Author Janet Fletcher who kindly signed her Cheese & Beer pairing book for me. To find out more about Janet Fletcher, her books and her 2019 cheese classes click here.

We found ourselves at Oxbow Public Market for a little shopping and dinner. As we enjoyed fresh and delicious sushi from Eiko’s and a Fieldwork brew, our daughter feasted on Live Fire Pizza and Kara’s Cupcakes. Everyone was happy!

Sunday was our day to visit the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville for the Walt Disney Train Exhibit.

This family-friendly exhibition, organized with San Francisco’s Walt Disney Family Museum, explores the influence that railroad trains had on Walt Disney‘s life and work. It also tells the story of how his railroading legacy lives on to this day in Disney films and theme parks around the world. My daughter loved learning how Walt Disney’s passion for trains inspired Disney studio short cartoons and feature films.

Time for snacks and a little brewery touring. We found Tannery Bend Beerworks. Located in Napa’s historic Tannery Row, Tannery Bend is where wine country locals go to grab a beer after work, watch the big game or spend a casual Sunday afternoon with friends. We loved the casual, friendly vibe here. We found humor, friendly people, and of course another sweet brewery dog.

My ultimate goal this weekend was to visit St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery – A boutique urban winery, nano-brewery, and culinary garden located in the city of Napa.

St. Clair Brown was founded in 2010 by colleagues, and longtime friends, Winemaker/Brewmaster Elaine St. Clair and President Laina Brown. Award-winning Winemaker/Brewmaster Elaine St. Clair has been making wine in the Napa Valley for over 30 years.

This charming garden and greenhouse tasting room came from President Laina Brown, a wine industry executive and veteran. We enjoyed walking the garden, sipping chardonnay, and of course meeting another beautiful winery dog. I just loved the space and can’t wait to return on a warm sunny Napa day!