Even seasoned wine travelers are surprised to find out there are are casinos near Napa Valley. Napa has a carefully cultivated image as a serene getaway. Bright lights and jingling coins typically don't pop into people's heads. That's a shame because there are some top-notch casinos near Napa.
When you want to take a break from the tasting trail or if you just love gaming, you need to check these out. This can provide a great contrast to the gentle murmur in the tasting rooms.
A Brief History Of Casinos In Nothern California
1850 to 1910 was the heyday of gaming in Northern California. Most, if not all, towns featured one or more gambling halls. These were ornate structures that served as the primary entertainment focus of the community. They also served as centers of live entertainment, places for lodging, bars, and restaurants. The prosperity of these new frontier towns and cities was often measured by the number of gambling halls they could support. There was no stigma on gambling at that time, so many members of the community happily took part in card games, roulette and other gaming fads of the day.
There were many casinos in and around Napa at that time. Napa was a focal point of the silver rush and was an outpost for many miners during the gold rush. You can be certain those rough and ready frontiersmen and women entertainment themselves at the local card rooms and gambling halls.
In 1872, California began to regulate certain types of gaming. That led to a slow decline in gambling halls. In 2000, tribes of Native Americans won the right to establish and run casinos on tribal land. The casinos near Napa today are mostly run by members of local tribes. These casinos are allowed to offer slot machines and table games to customers.
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Casinos Near Napa Today
Those who enjoy gaming on vacation would do well to check out the many casinos wine country, though if you plan on playing poker in Napa, it would be a good idea to brush up on the rules before you go as you could find yourself up against Francis Ford Coppola who is known for playing in the area.
Graton Resort & Casino
288 Golf Course Dr W, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
The first casino near Napa Valley we recommend is just across the mountain road to Sonoma County. Sonoma is a wonderful wine tasting region just to the west of Napa. The sleek and shiny Graton Resort & Casino is an $800-million complex built in 2013 with more than 140 table games of every iteration that you can imagine.
Dining: There are four casual dining options. The highlight is 360 Park steakhouse. This is one of the best steakhouses in the area and that's saying something. There is also a casual Italian restaurant and an Asian themed option. This isn't casino grub. This is the fine dining you would expect from a casino near Napa Valley.
Entertainment: From music to comedians, there is always something fun happening here. There are live bands in the lounges and top acts at the event center.
Wine: The Graton Resort and Casino has relationships with local wineries. You will receive special discounts and VIP treatment at their partner wineries. Would you expect anything else from a casino near Napa?
You can book your stay at the Graton Resort and Casino here.
Twin Pine Casino & Hotel
Twin Pine Casino & Hotel 22223 California 29, Middletown, CA 95461
This is another fun casino near Napa Valley. The Twin Pine Casino is a bit older than Graton Casino. It was opened in 1994 by the local Pomo tribe of native Americans. The casino offers a wide assortment of table games and the newest slot machines. There are 500 slots and plenty of blackjack and three card poker tables to keep you entertained in the 25,000 sq foot casino.
Dining: There is one casual dining restaurant, a bar, lounge and coffee shop in the casino. The restaurant offers a surf and turf menu and various comfort foods. You are sure to find an appealing dinner option on the diverse menu.
Entertainment: There are live bands in the lounge on Friday and Saturday. There are scheduled concerts every few weeks with some very entertaining cover bands.
Wine: Twin Pine has there own label produced by Langtry Winery. The casino hosts daily wine tastings. Call ahead to schedule one. The winery also hosts tastings and Q&A with local wineries. You can find a list of wineries that will be on site by visiting the casino's website. What more could you ask for from a casino near Napa?
River Rock Casino
3250 CA-128, Geyserville, CA 95441
Our final choice for casinos near Napa is River Rock. This casino is also in neighboring Sonoma Valley. That's an easy drive from the Napa wineries. You can be sipping on a big Napa Cab during the day and enjoying a few hands of blackjack at night. The 62,000 sq foot casino operates day and night. You have 24-hour access to the more than 1,100 slot machines and table games. The casino also features stunning views of the surrounding wine country. The views alone make it worth visiting.
Dining: There are three dining options. The Quail Run buffet offers international and local fare in a buffet setting. You can enjoy your meal inside or out on the terrace. The Fortune Cafe offers Asian dining options and there is a bar & grill called Center Stage.
Entertainment: There are live bands scheduled to perform a few times per month. Check the casino's website to see who is performing during your visit.
Wine: There has to be wine at a casino near Napa right? The River Rock has relationships with local wineries like Kendall Jackson and Francis Ford Coppola. Ask about tasting discounts when you visit the casino.
The River Rock Casino doesn't have their own lodging. They do partner with some great local hotels like the Geyserville Inn.
What To Do When You Aren't Visiting The Casinos Near Napa
For those seeking the relaxation of a beautiful valley setting along with the opportunity to sample some of the finest wines in the world, Napa Valley has everything a wine lover could dream of. Just 45 miles (70 km) north of San Francisco, the area is home to a mixture of families, celebrities, and Silicon Valley millionaires. This is a hotspot holiday destination for the rich and famous along with anyone with a passion for winemaking. So we ask, with over 400 wineries and seven Michelin-starred restaurants, where do you begin planning a trip to this stunning part of the world?
First and foremost, it’s worth remembering that a vacation here at any time of the year is magical. Spring brings fresh air, a glorious array of wildflowers and the first buds of the vines while summer provides the ultimate playground for those who love to spend time in the outdoors as well as a glimpse of the small clusters of grapes forming on the vines. Fall denotes the start of the harvest and with it, the change in the colors of the leaves while the mild winters are the perfect backdrop to cozy nights spent in front of log fires sampling the delights of the region. High season is the same as most places, usually between spring to late fall, but the most expensive time to go is when the harvest starts during late summer/early fall.
Whichever season you choose, make sure that you get to experience the area in its full glory by taking a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. This three-hour round trip takes guests on a 25-mile trip through the town centers of Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena while serving gourmet meals and obligatory glasses of wine. Head to the Tasting Car to sample some of the 40 boutique wines on board as you soak up the beautiful scenery dashing past the picture windows and alight at the Love Lock Bridge to add your padlock to the fence.
Napa Valley is also home to a wide range of beautiful and unique art, just pick up a map from the visitor’s center near the Napa General Store and head out on the art walk downtown, which is free of charge and features around 10 pieces of art that are changed every two years. Make sure to bring your camera to keep a memory of these incredible pieces as they might not be there if you return to the area in the future!
Of course, a visit to at least one winery should be high on the list of priorities. It’s always a good idea to schedule appointments in advance to ensure that you aren’t disappointed as some wineries take limited numbers or have scheduled sit-down tastings. It is possible to taste almost all the wines in the region without even leaving downtown, as you can just head to one of the many tasting rooms and wine shops, but for the full experience, you can’t go wrong with a scenic tour of your favorite wineries.
Finally, no visit to Napa Valley would be complete without a visit to the famous Napa Valley Farmers’ Market, held twice-weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Showcasing some of the finest farms and artisans in the region, you can delight in organic heirloom apples, artisan cheeses, wild-caught seafood, pasture-raised meats and sweet raspberries. Check out the weekly chef demonstrations to find out more about how to cook with the fresh produce and grab a crepe and coffee from one of the many trucks offering refreshments.
Conclusion - Casinos in wine country
Most people don't realize there are gaming options so close to Northern California's wine country. These casinos can add a unique element of excitement to your wine tasting trip. We know there are even some of you who don't love wine or wine tasting, but your significant other does. Adding a few nights at the casino can be a great compromise for the non-wine lover!
