Housley Napa Valley: A Hidden Gem in Downtown Napa

Arriving in Napa

Our road trip from San Francisco to Seattle was packed with incredible moments, but our one-night stay in Napa became unforgettable thanks to our visit to Housley Napa Valley.

When we arrived in Napa Valley, we had no specific plans—we just knew that we definitely wanted to go to a winery. With so many options, we had no idea where to even begin. During the car ride from San Francisco, my friend Katrina and I sat in the backseat, searching for the perfect winery.

Our first stop was a large, upscale winery that we passed while driving. We stopped in to see how long the wait was, but ultimately decided we were looking for something a bit more cozy and less fancy. We hopped back in the car and the search was still on.

Discovering Housley Napa Valley

That’s when Katrina stumbled upon Housley Napa Valley and excitedly shared that it was owned by Tamera Mowry-Housley and her husband, Adam Housley. Growing up, I absolutely loved the Mowry twins! I remember watching Sister, Sister on TV and the Halloween movie Twitches. I still to this day love rewatching them both. Visiting their winery felt like stepping into a piece of my childhood, and it truly was the best experience. We were able to unwind, connect, laugh, and reminisce about old times—memories we’ll cherish forever.

The Housley family’s winemaking roots date back to 1977, when they planted their first vineyard in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. In spring 2019, Adam and Tamera opened their downtown Napa tasting room to share their passion for wine and create a welcoming space for guests. The winery was nestled in the heart of downtown Napa, conveniently close to our hotel and surrounded by many shops and restaurants. The online photos showcased a charming ambiance, making it the perfect spot for our short time in Napa.

Relaxing and Enjoying

We were able to find parking on the street right outside of the intimate downtown location. The atmosphere was lively, and cozy, with subtle nods to Sister, Sister throughout the space–which we all loved and got many photos in front of all the memorabilia. Our waiter even mentioned that Tamera and her husband, Adam, frequently stop by. We were really hoping they would make an appearance, but they didn’t unfortunately, but maybe next time we will catch them!

The staff were incredibly warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, making us feel right at home. They guided us through all the wines as they poured into each of our flights. Before we knew it, we were at the checkout line with bottles to take home.

I really loved that we ventured into downtown Napa and were able to see a different idea of a winery in Napa versus the ones you see on TV with sprawling vineyards. This boutique winery was just the perfect spot for us on our roadtrip from San Fran to Seattle. What truly sets Housley Winery apart is its unique downtown location.

All in all,

For those planning a visit, Housley Napa Valley offers a range of events and tastings that cater to both wine enthusiasts and casual visitors. Their downtown Napa location makes it convenient to explore the surrounding shops and restaurants, enhancing the overall experience.

Reflecting on our road trip from San Francisco to Seattle, each stop added a unique flavor to our adventure. We were able to unwind, connect, laugh, and reminisce on old times. Our time in Napa, especially at Housley Winery, was a perfect blend of relaxation and nostalgia. If you’re embarking on a similar journey, I highly recommend including this charming winery in your itinerary.

Stay tuned for more posts detailing the destinations we explored on our journey from San Francisco to Seattle. You can read about our full adventure here! Additionally, don’t miss my two posts highlighting 13 Things to Do in Seattle and 13 Things to Do in San Francisco for first-time visitors.