I’m Devin Joshua, the founder and guide of Napa Zero Proof Tours, the world’s first non-alcoholic walking tour experience. Many of you have been curious about what a typical tour is like, so I am here to give you an insider’s look. I created the NZP Tour experience to showcase the diverse world of non-alcoholic libations now available in Napa and to elevate the creative taste-makers leading the charge in America’s wine, hospitality and culinary capital. Every tour is a unique experience. Where we’ll go, who we’ll meet and what we’ll see and taste will vary, but the description below provides a glimpse into what a typical tour is like. Each tour offers a chance to explore a diverse array of flavors while taking in the beautiful sights of Downtown Napa, all alongside fellow enthusiasts eager to expand their palates and learn more about the changing zero proof landscape.
Starting Point: Napa Yard
We kick off our journey at Napa Yard, a place I have come to cherish for its commitment to quality and innovation in the non-alcoholic space. This expansive open air beer garden has a great vibe and is a new local favorite. Here, I have built relationships with people who share a passion for crafting extraordinary beverages served with warm hospitality. As our tour-goers arrive, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and a connections quickly start to form among the diverse group. Spanning from individuals in their early 20s to seasoned explorers in their 60s and beyond, each brings their own unique story and journey into the world of zero-proof libations. I’ve hosted die-hard teetotalers to hard-drinking, reluctant plus-ones placating their significant other. Many participants, myself included, are mature adults who’ve enjoyed wine, beer and spirits for many years, now exploring options for scaling back without sacrificing the flavors and lifestyle we enjoy.
Our first NA libation of the day, dubbed False Fire, is a mocktail crafted by Napa Yard’s Bar Manager, the talented Nate Stearns. This drink brings together the smoky notes of Agave de los Andes tequila alternative, spicy tincture, fresh rosemary from the Napa Yard garden, grapefruit, lime, and soda water. As you take your first sip, the layers of flavor unfold, amplified and structured by the heat from the spice tincture, all followed by a refreshing citrus burst.
As we savor the False Fire, we dive into a selection of appetizers that elevate our tasting experience. Think Parmesan Truffle Fries, crispy and rich, delivering an umami punch that pairs perfectly with the drink’s smokiness. Lightly blistered Shishito Peppers, sprinkled with sea salt, add a subtle heat that mirrors the spice in our mocktail, sparking conversation among the group as we share our reasons for embarking on this adventure. Warm, freshly baked pretzels and tempura battered buffalo cauliflower add more comfort food flavors to the Smorgasbord.
Moving on to Fieldwork
With our appetites whetted, we walk north from Napa Yard and cross First Street, pass The CIA at Copia and take a short short stroll past Oxbox along the edge of the Napa River to Fieldwork, one of my go-to breweries in the Bay Area. Upon entering, the familiar aroma of hops and malt greets us, reminding me of why I love this place.
At Fieldwork, you will find an impressive selection of non-alcoholic craft beers that exemplify how far this category has come. I’m a “Hazy Guy”, so the Encore NA Hazy IPA is my favorite. This new NA beer is bursting with tropical fruit flavors framed by subtle hoppy bitterness. It hits the spot every time! Headliner is their NA version of a classic Westcoast IPA that features balanced bitterness and a lightning bolt of hop aroma that strikes the palate with exciting notes of white grapefruit wedges, passion fruit, white wine grapes, papaya, blueberry skins, and pine needles. Rounding out Fieldwork’s (current-at-the-time-of-this-writing-but-sure-to-change-frequently) NA beer selection is Day Money NA Grapefruit Blonde, a crisp and zesty option that brings a delightful citrus flavor to the forefront, perfect for a sunny afternoon. In addition to their NA beers, Fieldwork offers Tonics and artisanal soft drinks, and each guest chooses their own libation from this wide NA selection.
To complement these beers and other NA beverages, Fieldwork offers a host of food options that include several pizzas and flatbreads. Today we opted for their classic Margarita Pizza made in their signature Detroit style. And for a bolder, meatier choice, we ordered their FIREBALL Pizza, which is loaded with garlic puree, sausage, shishito peppers, and a hint of Calabrian chili, delivering a satisfying kick. These delicious food selections from our first two stops will keep us fueled for our two-mile route through Napa’s Oxbow Commons, Main Street, SoFi District, Riverfront and the historic Napa Mill section of Downtown Napa. We’ll pass scenic vistas, historic landmarks, learn Napa lore and enjoy some of Wine Country’s best hospitality during our three hour tour!
A Scenic Walk
To work off all that food, our group walks southwest through the Napa Flood Gates on McKinstry Street and across Oxbow Commons, headed to the heart of downtown. This segment of the tour allows me to explain the importance of Napa’s flood prevention zone and its vital role in the revitalization of Napa’s downtown. I always enjoy sharing how this beautiful, yet unassuming part of Napa serves as a gathering point and event venue, while also acting as a very effective flood prevention corridor. The engineering involved is amazing.
Jeffrie’s General: The Lightening Round
Next, we head to Jeffrie’s General in the SoFi district, where my friend Chrissy Jeffries is the hostess with the mostest! I have known Chrissy for over a decade, and her passion for non-alcoholic drinks is truly infectious. Her general store stocks a rotating and artfully curated selection of food, drink, clothing and home goods like no other in Napa. Here, we jump into what I like to call the Lightening Round, where we sample a variety of ready-to-drink beverages from her handpicked assortment. This is where we experiment with flavors and brands like Pentire, Ghia, Curious Elixirs, Aplos and many more. Each sip introduces you to a different facet of the non-alcoholic world, showcasing the creativity that has blossomed in recent years.
Wilfred’s Louge: A Tiki Bar Like No Other
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to Wilfred’s, located at First and Main in the heart of downtown. Here guests have the opportunity to soak in the sun on the restaurant’s rooftop deck overlooking the Napa River while enjoying a selection from their vast array of delightful mocktails. If you pay some attention to the river, you may see one of Napa’s gondola’s glide by.
Currently, Wilfred’s has six original NA Tiki cocktails available at the bar. One of my favorites is the OBEAHMAN, a vibrant mix of Lagunitas non-alcoholic hop water, pineapple, lime, orange, and hibiscus; a drink full of bright, refreshing flavors that evoke a tropical paradise. Then there is Blue Skies, a visually stunning combination of non-alcoholic blue curacao, pineapple, lemon, and soda, providing a balanced sweetness. For something a bit more whimsical, try Watermelon Sugar, which brings together fresh watermelon, ginger ale, spice #1, lemon, and mint. And If you are in the mood for something truly indulgent, my absolute favorite is UBE-BAE-BABY! This aromatic and flavorful libation is a luscious blend of purple ube, pineapple, coconut, and more shaved ube on top. With its eye-catching purple hue, lusciously creamy, tropical mocktail is as lovely to admire as it is tasty to sip. By the time we leave Wilfred’s the tour is in full swing! New acquaintances talk like old friends and the group is buzzing, though decidedly not buzzed.
The Fink: A New Hot Spot
From Wilfred’s, we head over to the Historic Napa Mill complex for a visit to The Fink, a local favorite that celebrated its one-year anniversary in fall 2024. Founded by my longtime friend and former boss, Judd Finkelstein, The Fink showcases the magic that happens when culinary creativity meets mixological mastery. The lively atmosphere and nostalgic nautical decor transport guests to another era, creating an experience that’s as captivating as it is delicious.
Here, Andrew Salazar, the Director of Mixology, showcases his talent by crafting each mocktail with precision and flair. Watching him work is a lesson in artistry. He crafts NA flavors with the same care and creativity as any traditional cocktail. Each guest will have the opportunity to select a mocktail tailored to their taste, making this stop a hands-on and engaging experience.
Strolling the Riverfront District
After our time at The Fink, we enjoy a leisurely stroll along Napa’s Riverfront, taking in the sights and sounds of this scenic hospitality hub. If time permits and appetites allow, we may make a quick stop into Vintage Sweet Shoppe for a chocolate covered strawberry or some other sweet treat to enjoy during our home stretch. This final leg of the tour is a moment to absorb the local culture as we pass renowned spots like Angele and Morimoto. We cross the Third Street Bridge, where we can soak in the historic architecture, including the Borerro Building, now home to Mondavi Winery’s Arch and Tower Restaurant and Tasting Salon. The dramatic backdrop of Napa’s rich history and diverse architecture brings added depth and interest to our tour. There is something noteworthy for tour-goers to see and experience at every turn.
Ending at Oxbow Market
Finally, we wind down at Oxbow Market, a culinary haven and shopping destination filled with local artisans and producers. Here, we may sample local cheeses from Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant. Expect delights like Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, a creamy goat cheese with a distinctive layer of edible ash, and the sharp, savory Point Reyes Original Blue. You might even get to try Bellwether Farms Sheep Milk Ricotta, a delightfully spreadable cheese that is perfect for any palate.
Or we may end the tour with something sweet from Kara’s Cupcakes. Think classic Vanilla Bean or decadent Chocolate Ganache. These treats are the cherry on top of an already delightful day, ensuring you leave with a satisfied palate and great memories.
The Bigger Picture
This is just one potential tour route. Our tour supports many other incredible partners like Be Bubbly, Sky and Vine at the Archer, Folklore, Napa Palisades Saloon, and Bar Lucca. Each tour is designed to highlight the best of Napa’s non-alcoholic scene while keeping things casual and enjoyable. My longstanding relationships with tastemakers in Napa’s Food and Beverage industry and with local entrepreneurs allow NZPT to create a range of unique experiences.
If you are ready to explore the world of zero-proof beverages in Napa, let us take a leisurely stroll together, sip some delicious drinks, and share laughs and stories along the way. You will leave not only with a deeper appreciation for the non-alcoholic landscape but also a few new friends and plenty of memories.