When the world thinks about Napa, they picture a beautiful city close to San Francisco, known for the best wine experience in America. But when we think about Napa, we think of the Hatton family — one of the first Black families to own land and establish businesses in the area back in the 19th century.
Their legacy is alive and thriving today, carried on by entrepreneurs who are not only making their mark but creating space for Black excellence in every glass of wine and every bite of food, but through entrepreneurship and great service! Napa’s Black community is ensuring that the region’s culture, history, and future are being written in the best way possible.
Eats
Thanks to some incredible chefs, Napa’s food scene is taking things to new heights, and the options are nothing short of delicious! After you sip some wine, pull up a seat and treat yourself to some mouthwatering bites at these spots that are making waves.
Stateline Road Smokehouse: Barbecue in Napa? Oh yes, and it’s finger-licking good! Stateline Road Smokehouse serves some of the best barbecue you’ll ever taste. What started as a weekend pop-up at the local farmer's market has evolved into a beloved Napa hotspot, thanks to Chef Daryl Bell, a Kansas City native. His restaurant is a tribute to great barbecue and the culinary pioneers who’ve inspired him, such as Chef Patrick Clark.
With the convenience of ordering and being seated with your food in under 10 minutes, this fast-casual spot has quickly become a local favorite! The menu? Everything hits the mark. Our top picks?
On the meat side, the burnt ends and sliced brisket are absolutely worth it. Most places require you to order the full brisket, but here, you can get it by the slice! The meat is so tender, it practically melts in your mouth, and you can choose from three different barbecue sauces to pair with it. Be warned, though—the spicy sauce packs a serious punch, but it’s the perfect complement to any of the meats.
As for sides, I had the beans and greens, and the flavor was out of this world, along with their amazing mac and cheese. Before she even started prepping mine, I saw her pour in some extra cheese roux, and I knew I was in for a treat! For those who lean vegan or vegetarian, their exceptional grain bowl is packed with vibrant flavors that I thoroughly enjoyed.
In the mood for an adult beverage? Darryl not only offers Black-owned wines like Brown and Okapi , but for our Beer lovers, he has options for you too. And for the adventurous, the Boosie slushy affectionately known as “The Dude Abides” is a sweet delight that will have you lounging and sipping for hours.
Lil Sistas Goodys: This Napa hotspot has taken the internet by storm, and trust me when I say, it’s worth every bit of the hype! With reservations for their famous Sunday Brunch booked solid through March, your best bet is to visit on a weekday for lunch or dinner if you want to experience Napa’s newest soul food gem.
We went in with the intention to keep it simple, but let's just say we ended up fulfilling every craving we had. We kicked things off with the deviled egg flight, which vanished in sixty seconds. We couldn’t get enough of the caviar deviled eggs, and even just thinking about them now makes my mouth water. Next, we indulged in their house salad and sweet potato honey cornbread, which we couldn’t resist.
For our main dish, we faced the tough choice between oxtails and fried catfish, and while both sounded amazing, the catfish ultimately took the crown. We paired it with collard greens and red beans and rice, which were delicious and just the right amount of flavor. Ofcourse, we finished strong with the peach cobbler. After that, I can tell you, nothing was the same! Lil Sistas Goodys is exactly what they say it is—amazing. Open Thursday through Sunday, get ready for a treat you won’t forget!
Vin en Noir : For those lucky enough to have dined at Magnolia St. Lounge & Restaurant in West Oakland, you already know that anything Chef Leilani touches is pure brilliance! Vin en Noir is a wine bar and event space nestled in downtown Napa, offering a cozy spot for tastings Thursday through Sunday. But this space isn’t just about wine—it doubles as a vibrant venue for all kinds of events!
Chef Leilani has curated a variety of experiences to keep visitors entertained. From sip-and-paint events to Mother’s Day brunches, there’s always something exciting on the calendar. And whenever food is involved, prepare to indulge in some of the best dishes you’ve ever tasted. With its energetic vibe, Vin en Noir is the perfect venue for special celebrations—whether it’s birthdays, engagements, or bachelorette parties. Every visit is an experience you won’t forget! To see what events she has approaching follow her on social or check her calendar of events!
Sips
Napa is known for its wineries, and we’re thrilled to see the growing number of Black vintners and the opportunity we have to support them in the region.
Housely : The Housely tasting room is well-known, especially thanks to Tamara Housley (yes, Tamara Mowry from Sister, Sister). But beyond her celebrity, the wine selection and the welcoming staff make Housely a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy Napa's finest offerings.
This tasting room is perfect for the whole family, it's not uncommon to see Tamara, her husband Adam, and even their kids, along with other families there (pack them kids and bring them). With great music, both indoor and outdoor seating options, and a friendly vibe, Housely should definitely be on your wine-tasting list. We particularly loved the chocolate pairing, and with tasting prices as affordable as $25, it’s definitely the best $25 you’ll ever spend!
Brown Estate : We love Brown Estate not just for their exceptional wine, but for their incredible story. When we talk about generational wealth, the Brown family truly understood the bigger picture. In 1980, they set out to create their own legacy. As the first Black-owned winery in Napa, Brown Estate is a tribute to Black excellence, and you can feel that energy in everything from their wines to their decor.
The venue itself is stunning, and Brown Estate offers tastings by appointment only. With light bites available, you’re in for a memorable experience. While their tastings are traditionally priced higher than most, you’ll get a truly unique experience paired with exceptional service.
J.Moss Winery - Since 2001, James Moss has been crafting wines and creating impact in the vitner industry. With his deep knowledge of the winemaking process and his passion for being the change he wants to see, it's easy to understand how we instantly fell in love with his story and tasting room. We had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Moss and learning firsthand about the intricacies of winemaking. By special request, you can take a tour of the premises and gain valuable insights.
Not only does he open his space to wine lovers, but he also provides a platform for local winemakers, helping them build their brands and have access to someone who knows the industry inside and out! We were truly blown away by his impact on Napa and his dedication to supporting others building their own paths.
We especially appreciated Mr. Moss’ patience, considering we aren't avid wine drinkers ( We are sweet white wine drinkers, don't judge). The way he broke down the process and made wine education understandable was life-changing for us. We promised him we’d drink more wine and diversify our palates, so next time, we can learn even more and be able to hold conversations with colleagues about good wine.
We left as members, inspired and eager to join the ranks of wine enthusiast. With both whites and reds available, J. Moss Cabernet is definitely the talk of the town. When we asked him what he’d love to see the most, he simply said, “Support!” And that’s exactly what we urge you to do. When you’re planning your Black-owned Napa itinerary, be sure to include J. Moss Tasting Room—you won’t regret it!
Sleep
The McClenllan House: Most people are unaware of the stunning McClellan House, a beautiful Victorian-style home tucked away on the corner of Randolph Street in Napa. From the moment you step through the charming white picket fence, it's like you’re being transported into a world of luxury. With sparkling chandeliers, soaring 12 to 16-foot ceilings, and e-bikes at your disposal, every detail is designed for comfort and style. Don’t forget the electronic shades that add an extra touch of convenience. This six-room property is truly a gem. The spacious front yard and inviting backyard are perfect for enjoying warm summer evening dinners.
The McClellan House is Napa’s best-kept secret, but with the vision and genius of innkeeper Choolwe Kalulu, it’s sure to become one of the most sought-after accommodations in the region. His meticulous attention to detail in the property’s restoration is felt in every corner. Whether you’re planning a girls’ weekend or any other special celebration, we highly recommend buying out the entire property for a truly unforgettable experience.
Play
Napa Valley Chauffer offers the ultimate service for everything Napa Valley and the surrounding areas. From private transportation to custom itineraries, Mr. Marcus and Ms. Darlene Mitchell will ensure your Napa experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Serving the Napa area since 2014, Napa Valley Chauffeur has earned the trust of locals and visitors alike, thanks to their exceptional customer service, personalized attention, and dedication to meeting every need.
What began as a small two-car operation has now grown into a fleet of eight vehicles, catering to both small and large groups. With their deep knowledge of the area, they are trusted by Napa’s businesses and are eager to welcome you. With competitive pricing, they want you to do nothing but show up and enjoy yourself. No one wants to worry about driving after visiting three tasting rooms, and they’ll make sure you don’t have to! To book, visit their website or call Mr. Marcus directly.
Now, let’s be clear, yes, these businesses are Black-owned, and that’s exactly why we’re shining a spotlight on them here, but let’s not forget that they are also exceptional establishments! Every owner is dedicated to providing an unforgettable experience, and their commitment to excellence shines through. From the Black Joy Parade and Black Vines to the Black Food and Wine Experience and the Blue Note Jazz Festival, there’s no reason you shouldn't be visiting the Napa region.
If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant region, make sure to explore the ABC Travel Greenbook App or refer back to this article. Supporting these businesses not only ensures you have an incredible time, it also empowers the community and keeps Black legacy alive and thriving.