St. Helena is legendary around the globe for its understated elegance and picturesque beauty, rendering it not just a leading destination for visitors but also a prime and highly coveted place to call home. Surrounded by bucolic vineyards and home to two of the most iconic wineries in the country, Charles Krug and Beringer, St. Helena’s Main Street is a veritable sight to behold — and a tremendous pleasure to experience. Gorgeously-preserved historical buildings, an array of enthralling art galleries, world-class restaurants, and unique boutiques can all be found in this warm, inviting enclave.
Extraordinary properties are peppered throughout St. Helena, from luxury homes with the highest-end touches to sprawling vineyard estates with sweeping views of the hills and mountains. Add sublime weather to St. Helena’s list of fabulous traits, and you have all the ingredients you need for an exceptional and deeply enjoyable way of life.
St. Helena’s cultured, refined vibe and collection of wineries and restaurants make it a natural fit for affluent professionals who want effortless access to luxurious amenities, while the high-ranking schools in the region lures families with young children. St. Helena has a high concentration of artists in every genre and retirees who derive joy from the assortment of splendid outdoor activities. With a population of less than 6,000, St. Helena has an appealing, tight-knit community ethos.
Shopping in St. Helena is always a treat, whether you simply want to browse works by local artisans or find a genuinely unique gift. St. Helena is home to the internationally acclaimed Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone. As such, the level of gastronomical talent in this beloved town is phenomenal. Indeed, St. Helena maintains a radiant reputation throughout the world as a mecca of the finest eateries in the country.
To wit: The chic and urbane PRESS Restaurant. Situated inside a former barn, the Michelin-starred gem plates out sumptuous Modern American fare made only with the highest quality and freshest ingredients. Bay scallops with winter citrus and Meyer lemon kosho, poached lobster with Sorana beans and charred broccoli, and truffle-glazed chicken with roasted sunchokes are just a few of the dishes you’ll find on their stellar menu. And while PRESS is famed for its cabernet, its artisan cocktails are just as memorable.
Gatehouse Restaurant is just as unforgettable, namely because the impeccably-trained chefs at the CIA at Greystone spend their final semesters running this exquisite eatery. Multi-course meals are punctuated with the likes of pumpkin risotto with crispy sage and roasted sunchoke soup with black garlic, but the attention to detail in this notable restaurant is equally impressive.
The Charter Oak Restaurant is also a terrific spot that’s ideal for the whole family. Here, you’ll find a range of excellent vegetarian, seafood, and steak dishes. And when you’re in the mood to linger over a long and lovely Sunday brunch? Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch delivers irresistible Bloody Marys and melt-in-your-mouth biscuits and gravy.
Naturally, a huge part of St. Helena’s charm is the wineries it houses. Tastings are amply savored at the majestic Beringer Vineyards, where you can sample a range of delectable vino at a venue that’s listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Are you interested in seeing the magic behind Napa Valley’s most exquisite culinary feats? Demonstrations are available to guests at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. The beauty of the campus alone is worth the (albeit short) trip.
Sunny days — and trust that there are many of them — are best spent at Linda Falls, a visually arresting cascade 15 minutes away in Angwin. Post-hike, you can indulge in a heavenly massage at Auberge du Soleil, a luminous, five-star resort minutes away on the flanks of Rutherford Hill.
School-aged children in St. Helena are served under the St. Helena Unified School District and may have access to a handful of high-ranking institutions, like:
Gorgeous open spaces and expansive views abound in this Northern California city.
Serenity awaits in this rustic Napa County sanctuary.
A vibrant, youthful energy abounds in this stylish Northern California city.
Exquisite vistas and an abundance of serenity define this upscale Napa Valley enclave.
Perennially warm weather and gorgeous natural splendors characterize this Napa Valley s...
Stunning landscapes and historic charm coalesce in this Napa Valley haven.