Despite global economic challenges and declining wine consumption, Napa continues to thrive. Thanks to its haute-living appeal and a relentless pursuit of excellence, the region has remained in the American fine-wine winner’s circle. Once its wines achieved cult status among collectors, Napa never let up, and today, its best bottles rival Burgundy and Bordeaux in terms of quality, price and exclusivity. As such, Napa Valley is home to some of the finest wine shops in the country – even its local Costco made recent headlines when it launched with what the retailer claims to be its largest wine selection nationwide, and which reportedly boasts bottles of anything from Shafer and Heitz to Lafite Rothschild and Haut-Brion within its offering.
So where should you shop to ensure your money and time are well spent? Go where the wine pros go
Away from the supermarkets, Napa Valley’s best wine boutiques are as much about the in-store experience as they are about the purchases. There’s a real savvy to staff behind the counter, often keen to impart the histories of the wines in stock. Ask as many questions as you can and you’ll be in line for an impromptu education. The shelves are lined with eye candy for Napa enthusiasts, but they are also home to the smaller jewels of Napa that don’t have as wide a distribution or the same connections to big retail.
For wine-savvy travellers, it’s easy to max out both luggage space and budgets when in the Valley. So where should you shop to ensure your money and time are well spent? Go where the wine pros go. Here’s a guide to where Napa Valley insiders buy their wine – some of the region’s most compelling wine shops, and by extension, among the best in the world.
Ten of the best Napa wine shops
Compline Wine Shop
Downtown Napa
Associated with the restaurant of the same name – lauded as one of America’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants less than a year after opening – Compline’s urban yet upscale wine shop on Napa’s First Street has become a go-to for the region’s wine pros. The carefully curated selection is nothing short of spectacular, offering a jaw-dropping array of French, Italian and Spanish wines plus Champagne labels ranging from iconic producers to sommelier secret weapons. The California section alone is a veritable who’s who of the state’s top wineries, while additional selections include excellent Port and Sherry as well as an impressive lineup of large-format bottles for those looking to splurge. Compline also regularly hosts winemaker-led tasting events and talks, often featuring well-known names (recent examples include Dan Petroski of Massican among the locals, and from further afield, makers from the likes of Jean-Louis Chave and Gravner). The shop itself is brightly lit and inviting, designed for both browsing and lingering. A comfortable front room allows guests to sit and enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, for those keen to explore before committing to a purchase. Compline also offers the option to purchase a bottle to drink directly in its sister restaurant, just metres from the shop’s front door.
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Maison Fayard
Downtown Napa
Featuring only wines crafted by renowned winemaker Julien Fayard, stepping into Maison Fayard on Downtown Napa’s Second Street feels like entering a luxurious, sophisticated wine retreat. While it functions as a tasting room, it’s designed more like an impeccably curated wine shop – beautifully lit with handsome chandeliers made from wooden staves that call to mind a deconstructed wine barrel. High ceilings give the feeling of being in a classic library, one where the ‘bookshelves’ display eye-catching labels instead of the spines of classic novels. While it offers a rare opportunity to explore Fayard’s highly sought-after wines in one place, the brands Fayard works with are the stuff of Napa Valley legend – including Somnium, Covert, Sire and Mithra – and often otherwise difficult to obtain. In this elegant, intimate setting, guests can not only taste and purchase bottles but can also find a selection of high-end wine accessories to complement their selections.
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Outer Space Wines
Downtown Napa
Restaurateurs Thad and Emily Duprey purchased Outer Space Wines from Napa wine professional Dan Dawson – the inaugural sommelier at Thomas Keller’s renowned The French Laundry in Yountville – in August 2024. Located in Downtown Napa, this kitschy yet engaging tasting room and event space may appear whimsical with its astro-themed decor, but the selection is taken very seriously. The inventory is thoughtfully divided, with approximately half dedicated to Northern Californian wines and the other half to carefully curated European selections; this includes rare sparkling and dessert wines from small producers. The wine bar offers daily tastings of local wines, as well as special events (typically later in the week). Cheese plates and wine-friendly snacks are available at all times to complement the wine – and the shop also hosts food-and-wine pairing events on Thursdays and Fridays.
Decant Bottle Shop & Bar
Highway 29
Sommeliers Cara Patricia and Simi Grewal (pictured) founded Decant in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood and in 2024, expanded into Napa with a wine shop located at 2999 Solano Avenue. Decant specialises in off-the-beaten-path wines sourced exclusively from sustainably farmed vineyards. The shop’s ‘School of Decant’ classes explore wine regions and growing concepts through comparative tastings. The shop organises its selection from a fresh perspective, highlighting women-owned, BIPOC-owned, and LGBTQ-made brands. In addition to wines, Decant offers cheese, tinned seafood, beer, cider, and various bottle formats, from small to large. The Napa location also features a bar area where patrons can enjoy wines by the glass or bottle in a truly welcoming atmosphere.
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V Wine Cellar
Yountville
This cosy yet sophisticated shop in Yountville has been affectionately dubbed ‘Napa Valley’s Living Room’. Founded nearly two decades ago, it is led by Larry ‘Shup’ Shupnick, a hospitality veteran with six decades of experience, and Scott Lewis, a former hotel food and beverage professional. While the shop offers plenty of local staples, what sets it apart is its ability to secure stunning, hard-to-find releases from Napa and beyond, making it a favourite among local wine pros. V Wine Cellar also provides concierge and cellar appraisal services, hosts private receptions, and features an outdoor cigar patio – a rare luxury for Napa’s wine scene.
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K.Laz Wine Collection
Yountville
A high-end tasting destination in Yountville, K. Laz Wine Collection was founded by wine industry insider Kerrin Laz, former wine director for the renowned California grocer Dean & DeLuca. Laz’s portfolio showcases her remarkable ability to acquire some of the most sought-after wines in the region, including bottles that command five-figure price tags (think Screaming Eagle, Harlan, Futo, Realm, Hundred Acre, Bryant Family, Abreu and Dalla Valle). Beyond Napa, the selection extends to standout Champagnes, often served by the glass and paired with exquisite caviar in-store. Despite its elite offerings, K. Laz maintains a welcoming atmosphere, avoiding any overt sense of exclusivity. The space is designed for browsing, sipping and private tastings, making it a go-to destination for collectors and enthusiasts.
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Honor Market
Yountville
Honor Market easily takes the spot as the most fun shop on this list. Don’t let its simple yet charming façade fool you – at this well-appointed quick stop, you can fill up your tank while also filling up your wine basket. This combination grocer and petrol station houses an impressive wine selection to complement the array of local delicacies stocked within its old-school Napa walls. Think hard-to-obtain bottles from the likes of Farella, Groth Vineyards, Royal Prince (made by Maayan Koschitsky of Atelier Melka), Paul Hobb’s Crossbarn Winery, Textbook, Paradigm and Flowers. It offers a great chance to pick up something absolutely delicious at a very fair price tobe enjoyed back at the hotel room or over dinner. And while waiting on the petrol, there’s no better way to pass the time than with Honor’s excellent coffee and pastry selection.
Acme Fine Wines
St Helena
This women-owned-and-operated boutique has been a cornerstone of Napa Valley’s wine scene for over two decades. Founded by Karen Williams, who moved to Napa Valley in 1998 to immerse herself in the wine industry, ACME specialises in discovering and launching inaugural releases from emerging Napa Valley brands, many of which are exclusive to the shop. Among them, you’ll find Summer Dreams by Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre and Nid Tissé, a very tiny production wine from Marie-Laure Ammons, who worked for 18 years at wine consultancy Atelier Melka. The gallery-style setting offers a curated selection of highly allocated, iconic wines from both classic producers and under-the-radar makers and from various wine-growing regions worldwide, although the focus lies on local Napa Valley creations. The dynamic team of sommeliers provides a personalised service, tailoring selections to individual preferences and budgets. ACME also offers curated tasting experiences, daily email offerings with exclusive releases, and wine club memberships that focus on undiscovered wines of the highest quality. The shop is open to the public by appointment or by chance: calling ahead is advised.
Oakville Grocery
Oakville
Oakville Grocery has been a staple of the area since 1881 and remains a must-visit while in Napa. Now owned by Jean-Charles Boisset, this historic shop is a true institution and one of the region’s most photographed landmarks. While its artisanal fresh fare is its modern claim to fame, the wine selection is equally impressive – a who’s who of Napa’s top producers, filled with icon wines and exciting discoveries for both collectors and casual drinkers alike. Inside the shop, the Wine Vault boasts an exceptional selection of both local and imported wines, from Krug Champagne to JCB sparkling wines and sought-after Burgundy selections. Frequent events, including live music nights, add to the charm, making Oakville Grocery not just a stop for provisions but a lively community hub. For those looking to explore even more, the adjacent Oakville Wine Merchant & History Museum offers insight into Napa Valley’s rich viticultural past.
Back Room Wines
Downtown Napa
Back Room Wines has become a (quite justifiably) famous destination for wine shopping in Napa Valley, having been in business for nearly a quarter of a century. Specialising in collectable, rare, and limited-edition wines – not just from Napa, but worldwide – the shop currently boasts an inventory of more than 800 bottles from 14 different countries. Hard-to-find local gems from names such as Paloma, Kongsgaard, and O’Shaughnessy are often in stock, alongside an impressive selection of spirits. Those seeking something truly special should peruse the ‘Rare & Collectible’ section, where it’s all too easy to part with a significant sum for a coveted bottle. The shop’s intimate and unpretentious setting is a refreshing contrast to some of the valley’s grander winery tasting rooms, offering a welcoming, no-frills environment where wine lovers can browse at leisure or seek expert guidance from knowledgeable staff.
