Weekender Encore: Downtown Napa — A Look at Old and New Favorites
By Eduardo Dingler
NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — Despite challenges and questions about its future identity, Napa Valley continues to thrive as a premier tourist destination, with the city of Napa at its core. The downtown area has transformed into a vibrant hub for both visitors and locals, offering a variety of experiences that cater to diverse interests.
A weekend stroll along First Street reveals a lively, energetic scene, with families, young groups celebrating milestones and adults exploring the wide array of local businesses. The city draws a wide range of visitors, from those seeking a relaxing wine-country retreat to those looking for unique dining and shopping experiences.
During a recent trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, I attended a sake dinner, where casual conversations led to stories of Napa. One attendee, a hospice doctor nearing retirement, shared a joyful recollection of a recent trip to the valley with her friends.
“We made so many great memories, not just at the wineries but also in the shops and restaurants,” she said, grinning. “The Fink had the perfect vibe for us. We wandered in after it was recommended by a tasting room, and to our surprise, they had live music that night, which made the whole experience even better.”
Her remarks stirred memories of Uva Trattoria, a beloved spot on Clinton Street that closed its doors years ago. Uva remains a common topic of conversation among former patrons and employees, often evoking nostalgia for the times when you could enjoy a Moretti beer, a slice of Neapolitan pizza and live jazz in a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere. It wasn’t about having the best food in town; it was about the comfort and familiarity that made Uva a favorite for many.
While Uva may never return, Napa’s downtown is flourishing with a wealth of new and established venues. Local newsletters like Paul Franson’s NapaLife and Napa Valley Features Weekender list dozens of events and happenings, showcasing the area’s dynamic social scene.
One such venue, Folklore, has become a cultural hub in its own right. With a calendar packed full of culinary pop-ups, winery spotlights, album releases and artist performances, it’s quickly established itself as a community favorite. Recently, I attended a Creole-themed pop-up by Kent Jarman, which filled the room with excited attendees savoring his well-crafted dishes.
Another standout event was the Iron Shaker Mixology Competition, hosted by Napa Valley Distillery. Originally planned for the distillery, the event moved to the CIA at Copia due to a recent fire but still drew more than 200 cocktail enthusiasts. The competition featured talented mixologists crafting innovative drinks judged in three stages. I had the honor of serving as a judge, alongside several esteemed peers, and was blown away by the creativity on display.
Not to be outdone, Cadet Wine Bar recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, continuing to pack in guests for events like Winemaker Wednesdays. Across town, Compline Napa has also found success with its educational seminars, often featuring wine regions or specific wineries. I recently collaborated with Matt Stamp on an event that paired samurai film clips with sake, paired with Asian-inspired bites from chefs Edwin and Ryan. It was an evening that perfectly blended education and entertainment for an appreciative audience.
In my view, the enthusiasm and participation in these events reflect a community that embraces the wide range of activities offered in downtown Napa. Whether it’s supporting a local chef’s pop-up, enjoying a new cocktail creation or attending a wine seminar, Napa’s residents and visitors have shown time and again that they are eager to engage with what the city has to offer. The variety and quality of events, in my opinion, make this an exciting time to be in Napa.
As Napa continues to evolve, it's clear that the city is carving out a unique identity that blends its rich wine culture with new and exciting ventures. From old favorites to fresh new faces, Napa's downtown is becoming a place where history meets innovation, and where both locals and visitors can find something special to enjoy.
If today’s story captured your interest, explore these related articles:
Weekender Encore: Celebratory Atmosphere Welcomes Costco to Napa Valley
Weekender Encore: Ted Hall of Long Meadow Ranch — A Musician Hiding in a Vintner’s Body
Weekender Encore: Napa's Terry Family Band Collaborates With Chamber Orchestra for Season Opener
Weekender Encore: "Amplifi" Napa Valley — A New Fund for Performing Arts
Weekender Encore: Coppola Reflects on a Legendary Career at the Cameo
Weekender Encore: Napa’s First Presbyterian Church Turns 150 Years Old
Sunday E-dition: Elodie Hogan and Hilaire Belloc — A Transcontinental Love in the 1800s
Weekender Encore: Nature’s Sweet Treasure — The Blackberries of Napa Valley
Birdwatching in Napa County Reveals Avian Wonders and Conservation Champions
Eduardo Dingler is a Napa Valley-based wine writer, wine judge and sake aficionado. Follow Dingler’s sake journey @sakedrinker.