Fuel Up, Wine Down: The Essential Bakeries of Napa Valley
You came to Napa Valley for the world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and stunning vineyard views, but any seasoned traveler knows that a day of wine touring requires the right fuel. Before you hit the cellars, you need the perfect pastry and a great cup of coffee!
At A Drive for Wine, we believe the morning ritual is just as important as the afternoon tasting. We've compiled a list of our favorite, must-stop bakeries—the ultimate pre-tour itinerary to guarantee a sweet start to your Napa adventure. Each bakery has its own feel and specialties, and we are self-proclaimed experts and love them all for different reasons.
1. The Legendary English Muffin: Model Bakery (St. Helena & Napa & Yountville)
No list of Napa bakeries is complete without Model Bakery. This is where tradition meets celebrity, but forget the famous faces for a moment and focus entirely on one thing: the English Muffin. These aren't your average supermarket muffins; they're thick, airy, and textured with the perfect amount of nooks and crannies to catch butter and jam. Snag a half-dozen to enjoy during your stay, or grab a breakfast sandwich made with one for instant morning bliss. It’s an essential Napa Valley experience.
2. World-Class French Pastry: Bouchon Bakery (Yountville)
Located in charming Yountville, Bouchon Bakery is the brainchild of renowned chef Thomas Keller. Stepping inside feels like being instantly transported to a Parisian patisserie. The pastries here are pure artistry—crisp, buttery, and decadent. You can't go wrong, but we always recommend one of their cream cheese danish, a warmed savory cheese roll, some macarons to enjoy later in the day (every flavor is divine), or their famous TKO (Thomas Keller Oreo) or Better Nutter (Nutter Butter) cookies. It’s the ideal spot for a luxurious, elevated start to your day.
3. The Sweet Escape: Sweetie Pie’s (Napa)
Sometimes, you just need something with a little extra love and sweet comfort, and that’s where Sweetie Pie’s steps in. Located in the Napa Riverfront, this cozy spot is your destination for decadent pastries and baked goods designed to bring a smile to your face. Their selection of amazing scones, muffins, and cookies is expansive, but their giant cinnamon rolls are often the star of the show. Grab a treat, walk along the river, and let the sweetness carry you into the day.
4. Unfussy and Fabulous: Winston’s Bakery (Napa)
For a laid-back, local vibe that feels miles away from the tourist bustle, head to Winston's Cafe & Bakery. This is a quintessential casual breakfast spot where the focus is on quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to grab a no-fuss coffee and a freshly baked scone or pastry or even some made-to-order breakfast platters before hitting the road. Think warm comfort food made with care—ideal for those mornings when you need simplicity and deliciousness rolled into one.
5. A Modern Morning Vibe: Under-Study Coffee & Kitchen (Napa)
If you’re looking for a sleek, modern spot with truly excellent coffee and a refined pastry program, Under-Study Coffee & Kitchen is your new go-to. Located mid-valley, this establishment offers a curated menu of fresh, seasonal pastries and light breakfast fare that feel elevated and contemporary. It is truly the artistry of pastry.
The Napa Valley is a culinary paradise, and these bakeries prove that the food scene is just as rich and diverse as the wine. Whether you’re craving a flaky croissant or a truly world-famous English muffin, starting your drive with one of these gems is the perfect prelude to a day among the vines.