Board a vintage locomotive and soak in the world-famous vineyards and vibrant foliage of Napa Valley, California’s viticultural heart and one of the premier destinations for wine and food in the world. Napa’s slate of decadent Michelin-rated restaurants are a top attraction, and the scenery makes the food taste even better. It’s easy to spend days hopping between wineries and sampling the vino, but that’s not all there is to do! Let’s explore what to do in Napa the next time your charter flight lands in the valley.
Private Airports Near Napa Valley
The majority of charter flights to Napa Valley will land at Napa County Airport (APC), which features a luxurious FBO for private fliers. However, more regional travelers may enjoy chartering a turboprop to cruise the coastline and arrange for arrival in a nearby airport in Petaluma, Vacaville, or Novato.
- Napa County Airport (APC): Most charter flights to Napa land on this airport’s nearly 6,000 foot runway and enjoy the fast, friendly service of the Napa Jet Center FBO.
- Nut Tree Airport (VCB): Located at a perfect stopping point between many destinations along the I-80 corridor, the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville, CA is right outside the Napa and Suisun Valley wine countries and easily accessible to smaller private charter aircraft.
- Gnoss Field (DVO): Gnoss Field is a quiet airfield in Novato, CA (North Bay region). It’s perfect for chartered turboprops, helicopters, and light jets landing in the Bay area, about a half hour from the outskirts of Napa Valley.
What To Do In Napa Valley
Wine tastings, wine tours, and walks through the vineyards are first-rate experiences in Napa Valley. There’s more to do in Napa than sipping a decadent glass of wine, however. Here are some unforgettable ways to enjoy your time in the valley.
- Explore Napa’s Wineries By Train: The Napa Valley Wine Train takes you on a scenic cruise through the valley on a vintage locomotive that doubles as a traveling restaurant. Go on a 36-mile round-trip tour of local wineries, with many stops along the way to sample the local flavor.
- Golf at Silverado Resort: The pair of pristine PGA championship golf courses at Silverado Resort are overseen by Johnny Miller, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and lead golf analyst for NBC Sports who is also co-owner of the resort.
- Go Ballooning From Calistoga: The quaint retreat town of Calistoga is tucked in Napa Valley’s north end and features famous geothermal hot springs and legendary mud baths. But that’s not all! Take in the views from the skies in a private hot air balloon for the ultimate picturesque experience.
The Best Restaurants in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is world-famous for its many Michelin star restaurants. Enjoy some of these premier dining options as you explore the lush landscape.
- Grace’s Table (MICHELIN Bib Gourmand): The Bib Gourmand label is MICHELIN’s mark for good quality and outstanding value. Grace’s Table delivers on that promise with fresh and delicious American, Italian, and French cuisine in a comfort-food bistro style on Napa’s 2nd Street.
- Auberge du Soleil (One MICHELIN Star): Delight your palate with Auberge du Soleil’s two-or-three-course prix fixe lunch menu or a luxurious six-course tasting menu for dinner. This was Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant, and it has maintained a sterling reputation as a must-stop culinary destination.
- The French Laundry (Three MICHELIN Stars): The French Laundry is the best of the best in Napa Valley, with three coveted MICHELIN stars. It welcomes diners to its gorgeous river rock and timber chateau in Yountville. The breadth and depth of their classic French menu and fine wine program will dazzle the senses as fully as the elegant atmosphere.
The Best Time to Visit Napa Valley
The fall months are the harvest season in Napa Valley. Crowds and prices increase from August through October, especially for accommodations and flights to Napa. Consider catching the tail end of the season to bask in California’s comfortable autumn temperatures and lower hotel rates.
March through May is another nice stretch, as the foliage will be in full bloom but the summer rush has not yet begun. The summer that follows brings music, cultural festivals, and day-tripping crowds. The long, sunny days are beautiful, but summer is also Napa’s wettest season, so plan accordingly.
December to February is the least crowded season and if you don’t mind brisker weather, it can be less hassle and more bang for your buck. The wineries never close, though, so there’s plenty to do in Napa Valley year-round as you design the perfect trip for all your wants and needs.
Book Your Charter Flights to Napa With Hangar 7!
Our agents are always prepared to offer you advice and flexible travel arrangements as you prepare and book your private charter flights to Napa Valley. Contact Hangar 7 Aviation today to start arranging the details of your trip!