Pokémon Go is alive a well in Napa Valley. From the rustling grass (marking Pokémon in the area) and local landmarks disguised as PokéStops and Pokémon Gyms, it’s safe to say that many a wine country visitor is hunting with a wine glass in hand.
Pokémon come in variety of types, shapes, and sizes: Of the over 100 Pokémon available for capture, you’ll find creatures of the Fairy, Psychic, Electric, Grass, Water, Ghost, Bug, Rock, Ground, Poison, Flying, and Normal type. We haven’t spotted any Legendary Pokémon quite yet, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t out there hiding.
Each geographical area has a specific Pokémon type, and some creatures are more difficult to find than others. If you keep running into the same group of Pidgey and Caterpie, don’t lose hope: Head to water sources to find Water-type Pokémon, for example, or wait until the evening to have a better chance at grabbing a Fairy type. Want to combine your love of Pokémon with your love of
wine tasting in Napa Valley? We’ve found some of the best places to capture them all and enjoy your favorite vino.
Darioush Winery
4240 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 257-2345
Reservations: Required
Why you should GO: Perfect place to stock up on Poké Balls and Revive. Especially if you are Team Valor because you’ll be hitting a Gym shortly.
What you should drink: Cheese & Wine Pairing – The 90 minute shared tasting experience kicks off with a tour of the winery followed by a seated tasting in their Barrel Chai, where limited release wines, like Signature Viognier and Shiraz, are paired with cheese preparations inspired by Darioush’s own recipes and small artisan cheeses found the world over.
Stag’s Leap Winery
6150 Silverado Trl
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 257-5790
Reservations: Required
Why you should GO: Stag’s Leap has an awesome Gym for Team Valor. More than one PokéStop, while we were there we almost caught a Paras, but it ran away.
What you should drink: Enjoy an intimate 90 minute tour and tasting experience that explores the history of the estate, its unique terroir, and its superlative wines. Finish with a seated tasting on the elegant Manor House Porch with award-winning field blend, Ne Cede Malis, and opulent “The Leap” and “Audentia” Cabernet Sauvignon.
ZD Wines
8383 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(800) 487-7757
Reservations: Required
Why you should GO: ZD Wines has high CP Grass, Poison, and Normal type Pokémon hiding all over the place. It also had a Lure (special stops that lots of Pokémon flock to for a limited time).
What you should drink: Enjoy the UnWind Tasting. During this seated experience, guests have the opportunity to select the ZD Wines they want to enjoy from their comprehensive list—the 2014 Pinot Noir, Carneros is a must try.
Brasswood Bar + Kitchen at Cairdean Wine Estate
3125 St Helena Hwy
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 968-5434
Why you should GO: Hang outside, grab a bite at Brasswood, and turn on your PokéStop to recharge and purchase more Poké Balls. Drop some Incense to bring out all kinds of creatures.
What you should do: Sit outside at Brasswood Bar + Kitchen and order the Fritti and Arancini with a glass of red. You can’t go wrong on their extensive wine list.
Culinary Institute of America at Greystone
2555 Main St
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-1100
Why you should GO: It’s a Level 2 Gym for Team Valor and a PokéStop as well. Walk the grounds while you incubate more eggs and await your next capture.
What you should do: See which critters you can find on your way to The Bakery Café by illy. Grab a pastry and espresso while taking a break from the sun.
V. Sattui
1111 White Ln
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-7774
Why you should GO: A natural place to find Leaf and Water type Pokémon. Another great place to use Incense and see what comes out.
What you should drink: Buy a bottle of 2014 Dry Rosato and pick out some cheese and charcuterie in their deli. Bring it outside and enjoy under the oak trees while you go hunting.
Franciscan Estate
1178 Galleron Rd
St Helena, CA 94574
(707) 967-3830
Reservations: Recommended
Why you should GO: A regular PokéStop. This winery was crawling with PokéMon—the PokéMon sensor had at least six on deck at any given time.
What you should drink: An exclusive tasting which showcases Napa Valley’s signature high-altitude red wines. The Mount Veeder Flight includes classic wines, cult production releases, and Reserves.
Author
WineCountry Collective
WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.