Discover Napa Valley’s culinary gems with a private tour through the Culinary Institute and Oxbow Public Market. Perfect for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights and insider knowledge.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; the tour requires light walking and standing but no strenuous physical activity.
Wildlife
History
Yountville was one of Napa Valley’s earliest settlements, and the Culinary Institute is housed in the historic Greystone building, once a Christian Brothers winery.
Conservation
The region emphasizes sustainable agriculture and supports local farmers, ensuring the culinary experience promotes environmental responsibility.
Gourmet Food and Wine Tours
Discover Napa Valley’s culinary gems with a private tour through the Culinary Institute and Oxbow Public Market. Perfect for food enthusiasts seeking gourmet delights and insider knowledge.
Gourmet Food and Wine Tours is a Yountville, California based tour operator specializing in curated food and wine walking experiences across Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Sausalito. The company offers a range of guided culinary tours that showcase local restaurants, tasting rooms, markets, and historic sites. Signature experiences include the Taste Napa: Culinary Institute & Oxbow Market Foodie Tour, the river-side Napa Food and Wine Tour visiting Michelin Guide–featured restaurants, and the Yountville Food and Wine Tour highlighting Michelin-starred dining in the village known as the “Culinary Capital of Napa Valley.”
Other offerings include the award-winning Sonoma Food and Wine Tour flagship experience on Sonoma Plaza, a Sausalito Food and Wine Tour with bay views, a Sonoma Escape farm-to-table brunch paired with a scenic hike, and specialty walks such as The Sonoma History Scoop for groups. The Hidden in Plain Sight tour connects visitors with historic tasting rooms and architectural highlights while sampling boutique wines. Tours range from short 1.5-hour history walks to 3.5-hour culinary itineraries, with pairings of local Napa and Sonoma wines and curated multi-course bites at respected establishments. Groups, private bookings, and themed experiences are available across the itinerary roster. With a focus on local flavors, scenic strolls, and connections to culinary landmarks, Gourmet Food and Wine Tours serves visitors seeking immersive, on-foot exploration of Northern California’s wine country.
Descriptions reference celebrity chefs and local history on select itineraries. Booking details, seasonal menus, and group policies vary by tour; guests should review individual trip information and terms before booking.
Base Location
Yountville, CA
Home base for Napa Valley tours
Duration Range
1.5–3.5 hours
Short walks to half-day culinary tours
Tours Offered
9 tours
Napa, Sonoma, and Sausalito itineraries
Flagship Experience
Award-winning Sonoma tour
3-hour flagship on Sonoma Plaza
Check availability for exact trip names and book preferred dates online.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking on paved paths and inside market areas, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a small bag
Carry a lightweight bag to hold any food samples or purchases you make during the tour.
Book in advance
This private tour can fill up quickly during peak Napa Valley seasons, so reserve your spot ahead of time.
Stay hydrated
Even though it’s mostly walking, summer temperatures can get warm; bring water to stay refreshed.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive footwear is important as the tour includes walking around the market and culinary grounds.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months when temperatures can soar.
summer
Light jacket or sweater
Ideal for cooler mornings and evenings in spring when temperatures can be unpredictable.
spring
Small backpack or crossbody bag
Useful for carrying samples and personal items comfortably during the tour.