While a trip to the world famous Wine Country in Northern California would not be complete without at least sampling some award-winning wines, it is absolutely possible to enjoy Wine Country without drinking any wine!
I did just that during my recent day trip (February 2025) to the charming towns of St. Helena and Yountville in Napa Valley (about 66 miles / 106 km north of San Francisco).
While I do enjoy an occasional glass of chilled chardonnay, I sipped on soda instead while munching on savory and sweet treats, viewing public art, and browsing lovely boutiques selling French-inspired products.
“The Grape Crusher” (1988) by sculptor, Gino Miles of Santa Fe, New Mexico. When you see this landmark, it means you’re in Wine Country 🍇
St. Helena, California
Established in 1876, St. Helena is considered Napa Valley’s main street (and it’s literally called “Main Street,” where all of the places featured below are located!)
The St. Helena Welcome Center on 1154 Main Street has clean restrooms, wine-themed gifts, and free maps
Gillwoods Café in St. Helena was voted best place for brunch/breakfast (2023)
I had a Coke with my Humbolt beef burger and seasoned fries from Gillwoods Café in St. Helena
Steve’s Hardware & Housewares in St. Helena
French desserts and viennoiseries on kitchen linens from Steve’s Hardware & Housewares
Pennyweight in St. Helena features fine stationery, fountain pens, and Blackwing pencils
Woodhouse Chocolate in St. Helena makes Belgian-style handmade sweets
I got a milk chocolate bar with fleur de sel from Woodhouse Chocolate
Wild Plum Books is an independent bookstore in St. Helena
Olivier Napa Valley in St. Helena sells French soaps, ceramics, olive oil, candies, chocolate and caramel sauces, and vinegar (their fresh peach white balsamic is a must-try!)
huile d’olive (olive oil) tasting stations at Olivier Napa Valley in St. Helena
St. Helena community members can reserve this cute lemonade stand 🍋
All You Need is Love 🩷 a pile of rough rose quartz at the Erin Martin Design Studio in St. Helena
Yountville, California
About 10 miles / 16 km south of St. Helena is the charming town of Yountville. In 2017, my family and I visited Yountville and saw many beautiful public artworks.
Very charming! Although I gave up alcohol over a year ago, I still do appreciate the bucolic beauty of wine countries, Napa included! All the better that there are non-alcoholic activities to check out while in the area! Thanks for sharing, Darlene 😊
Yes, there’s plenty to see and do, even the drive to/through Napa Valley (and Sonoma) to see the vineyards is a treat in itself, especially on a warm, sunny day. Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
I’m with you on that! The shops, public art, parks, and more in Yountville make it a lovely day trip destination. Thanks for reading and commenting, Alessandra!
I am not much of a wine drinker, but I would love to walk around Napa Valley’s various wineries to see the beautiful landscapes of wine country. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
My pleasure!🙂 Yes, a stroll around Napa Valley’s wineries is a great way to enjoy the scenery. To get panoramic views of Wine Country, fun options include riding bikes, hot air balloons, and the family-friendly Napa Wine Train. Thanks for reading, Aiva! Enjoy your day!
Bonjour: A Francophile Blog 
Very charming! Although I gave up alcohol over a year ago, I still do appreciate the bucolic beauty of wine countries, Napa included! All the better that there are non-alcoholic activities to check out while in the area! Thanks for sharing, Darlene 😊
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Yes, there’s plenty to see and do, even the drive to/through Napa Valley (and Sonoma) to see the vineyards is a treat in itself, especially on a warm, sunny day. Thanks for reading, Rebecca!
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Yountville is such a charming little town.
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I’m with you on that! The shops, public art, parks, and more in Yountville make it a lovely day trip destination. Thanks for reading and commenting, Alessandra!
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I am not much of a wine drinker, but I would love to walk around Napa Valley’s various wineries to see the beautiful landscapes of wine country. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure!🙂 Yes, a stroll around Napa Valley’s wineries is a great way to enjoy the scenery. To get panoramic views of Wine Country, fun options include riding bikes, hot air balloons, and the family-friendly Napa Wine Train. Thanks for reading, Aiva! Enjoy your day!
LikeLiked by 1 person