Come Shopping with Me: St. Helena, Napa Valley Edit

Welcome to the charming wine country town of St. Helena and the place I also call home. It might easily be voted as one of the friendliest towns in America, with it’s active community spirit, family run businesses, outstanding food scene and picture postcard appeal. As a celebrated world class travel destination, it also has a decidedly sophisticated shopping district. But first, a little history ~

Charming Main Street, St. Helena.

Based in the heart of the Napa Valley, St. Helena was officially incorporated as a town on March 24, 1876. The arrival of the railroad in 1868 significantly boosted St. Helena's growth, facilitating the shipment of local products and early agricultural development. The town has a rich history rooted in its early settlement of immigrant winegrowers and vintners, heralding the growth of the burgeoning viticultural industry. Now 148 years later, St Helena’s wine history is the basis of a multi - billion dollar industry and the downtown atmosphere is ever evolving. It continues to be a top travel spot and brings visitors from afar to enjoy it’s relaxed pace, stellar culinary scene and legendary hospitality.

Here you will find more than 400 vineyards and 80 wineries. Amongst the most historic are wineries Beringer and Charles Krug, dating back to the pre-prohibition era and both are home to many wonderful events throughout the year. I am truly spoiled for choice, living within 10 minutes of these great locations to host out of town friends.

 St. Helena landmark wineries Beringer Vineyards and Charles Krug.

In addition, The Cameo, a single-screen theater, is one of the oldest continuously running cinemas in the United States. Playing current box office hits and serving local wines, it's a fun evening out.

The legendary Cameo Theater.

It's also the location of frequent Napa Valley Film Festival screenings with world premieres and many luminary film makers panel discussions and high energy after parties.

The documentary film making community has been well received here bringing broad and thought provoking topics to the spotlight.

Now, come shopping with me to a few of my favorite home furnishings sources. These one and only destinations offer highly curated collections and are my go-to's for projects, gifts and my own home. 

Vintage Home takes the corner of Main, at the beginning of downtown and offers two floors of luxuriously appointed items for the home. Tableware, textiles and an emphasis on the Napa Valley lifestyle are Vintage Home’s great appeal. Featuring brands such as Astier de Vilette, Juliska and Simon Pierce, start here for all your entertaining essentials.

Juliska Tableware.

There is a comprehensive collection of cookbooks to plan your menus by and all the inspiration on hand with a wide array of table linens, serving pieces and wonderful wooden charcuterie boards. Simply anything one would want to dress an elegant table. Additionally, stock up on candles and home scents from Dyptique and Cire Truedon, the latter being the oldest French luxury candlemaker dating back to the 17th c. My favorite is Spiritus Sanctus, which leaves one feeling very confessional indeed.

Table linens and the always evocative Cire Trudon candles.

Other highlights include throw cushions and other textiles by Fermoie, a sought after UK brand of gorgeous patterns and prints, another favorite for those cozy finishing touches to a great room.

Fermoie Textiles

There are so many unique decor finds; wonderful bath and body products, and who doesn't need a new trinket or two? I love the signature gold vermeil bee series jewelry collection by Julie Voss. Also not to be missed are original works by the late Ira Yeager, a greatly celebrated Napa Valley painter.

Head upstairs to browse more lovely design books...

And it's up here in the ateleir that you will discover the Maison Marigold Resort Wear Collection. Recently launched by store owner Laura Rombauer together with her daughter Ransom, these cotton and linen pieces, such as tunics, caftans and light summer frocks have hand blocked print details in bright, fresh saturated colors. Perfect for a summer afternoon lunch with friends by the pool or packed and ready to go for an effortless travel wardrobe to chic and worldly destinations.

Maison Marigold

Acres Home & Garden offers a truly seasonal collection year round with an accent on garden wares such as classic vases, planting containers, finely made tools, birdhouses and botanical themed objects.

Acres Home & Garden.

The home accessories, statuary and candle collections all could easily find their way into my house. The large size Voyage et Cie candles will last you for ages or make a great host gift. Try the earthy Santal Espice. There is also a great selection of books on garden design and outdoor living to peruse.

So goes the same for the wonderful botanical, feather and nest art prints on parchment. In fact, I own several of the nest and branch studies. I prefer them unframed with the soft edges against a color drenched painted wall but they would be lovely float mounted, as well.

Also find gourmet condiments and serving items here to layer into your kitchen shelves for well styled appeal. Oh, and all those vases full of gorgeous flowers?  Not quite fresh from the fields but actually some of the best faux blooms you will find to give an exuberant flair to any interior.

Spring is all year round at Acres!

My best shopping tip: Do say hello to Annie, who has long been a part of Acre’s staff. With her gracious service and infectious giggle, she is truly one of St Helena’s favorite locals!

Carter and Company is the retail home of handmade artisanal ceramics created by Artist Richard Carter and apprentices at his Pope Valley Ranch.

Carter and Co.

The minimalist dinnerware, vessels and sculptures have fine textural details with earthy fired finishes that elevate the every day through pottery craft. So tactile and resonant with a human touch.

A perfect compliment to this modern edit are carved wooden items, handmade furnishings and a thoughtfully selected offering of kitchen provisions and pantry essentials such as those from cult favorite Flamingo Estate. Watch the events listings for occasional pop-up installations that feature local multi-disciplinary creatives and their wares.

Hand turned wooden vessels. Flamingo Estate Provisions

The space is also a sensitive use of one of downtown St Helena's more historic locations. A former butchery, it still retains it’s deeply patinated, well worn wide floor boards and vintage iron equipment. Richard has also been a champion of support for other artists. As founder of the St. Helena Winter Market, this celebrated annual event brings together over 25 artists and makers for one weekend at St Helena's historic Native Sons Hall. Plan accordingly to gather friends together for shopping during the festive season.

Hartford House is a new addition to St. Helena, having recently opened in May 2025 and is the former location of the much loved, long established Pennyweight stationary and gifts.

Hartford House and the beautiful Ardmore windows.

The new iteration is now under the helm of Helen & John Thompson. Originally from South Africa and England respectively, they have brought their truly global eye to expanding on the collection of exquisite luxury leather goods, fine jewelry, writing instruments and unique gifts. Hartford House has an exciting focus on sourcing exclusive collections from England, Australia and South Africa.

Notably, they are one of the few US stockists of the Ardmore Collection from South Africa and now bring this sensational new arrival to the Napa Valley. Comprising of luxury fashion accessories and home decor, Ardmore is celebrated for the sumptuous exotic floral prints, playful animals and insects that all come together in a palette richly evocative of African craft.

Ardmore hand painted ceramics and exquisite scarves.

The story began with the founding of Ardmore Studios in the Drakensburg foothills of Kwa Zulu Natal, S.A. and working with the extraordinary local people to produce the signature, one of a kind hand painted ceramics. This is how the collective was born, a brand was founded and equally provided the imperative for a sustainable movement of high craft. Using only the best materials, it's also wonderfully witty. Look twice at the beautifully arranged storefront that has the Ardmore floral patterns emblazoned on the windows. Such a stylish moment.

If picnics in the vineyards are on your itinerary, then discover the trailblazing Melvill & Moon. This is South Africa's answer to retro safari style with its renown canvas and leather travel accessories. It exudes rustic chic, durability and a touch of the wild. Toss it in the Land Rover & go!

Safari Inspired Melvill & Moon.

Don’t forget to bring along the best in stylish beverage coolers by The Field Bar Collection.  The 10 quart drinks box holds two bottles of champagne quite nicely, thank you. I'm told it also works well for a batch of fruity, minty Pimm's. Very Isak Dinesin and Denis Finch Hatton meets Napa Valley!

Field Bar Drinks Box.

South African maker Cape Cobra is another stand out and exclusive to Hartman House. This third generation family legacy is purveyor of handmade leather goods with such details as exotic snakeskins and carved wood handles. So very lux. Add to this the quintessentially English heritage brand of Halcyon Days. A personal favorite, I’ve been collecting the bracelets and enamel boxes for years. Each one is an heirloom. These signature bracelets would pair nicely with the Cape Cobra clutch bags. Finish the look with an Ardmore silk twillie. Always stack, for good measure!

Cape Cobra exotic leather accessories paired with classic Halcyon Days Torque cuff bracelets.

Or, the perfect gift: A Cape Cobra Bag with a Halcyon Days bracelet tucked inside, add a pretty gift card and tie it all up with a beautiful bow for your mum or sister. Hartford House has a bit of everything lovely for the giving. A great addition to St. Helena, we wish them every success!

Dione Est.1965 If you can’t quite put a finger on it, that's exactly the point. The swerves and curves of this eclectic design space will keep you in a suspended state of discovery.

Truly never the same twice, this moody collection by tastemaker Dione Carston will always reveal a new luxury treasure nestled amongst the oddities. Sculptural artifacts, leather crafts and a rare bit of taxidermy mingle with small batch botanical lines of fragrance and luxury skin care.

Cast your spell with small batch botanicals, wise owls and pink satin heels.

Sangre de Fruita’s Jasmin de Nuit tonic is a self care spa treat. Fischersund, an Icelandic line of fragrance and home scents are highly sensory with blends of fruit, spice and woodsy notes that are absolutely transporting. I purchase the No. 8 fragrance on repeat. People stop me to ask. It's spicy, earthy, a little sweet but not too precious. I also regularly pick up a few cylinders of the Jol Incense sticks that give a bit of Nordic magic to Fall evenings by the fire.

Sangre De Fruta & Fischerlund

Lately, Dione is also offering up a capsule wardrobe of vintage apparel. Think rare Vivienne Westwood, limited edition YSL and truly vintage Gucci - these pre-loved, highly sought-after iconic pieces are a rare find and tend to go quickly, hunted down by fashionistas. When you visit, look up at the wonderful grasscloth ceiling treatments and lengthy expanse of cowhide drapery that divides the space. Swoon.

Punching Bags. YSL Bags. And a rather happy hog sitting beside the amazing leather drapery.

And must love dogs - Yogi, the resident Cane Corso will meet you at the door. He is the top dog, store mascot and the chunkiest hunk of sweetness. May eat naughty children. Just kidding.

Wish Napa Valley is a riot of colour, perhaps known most for it’s vintage collection of repurposed Hermes vintage scarves. Denim jackets are tailored with the unmistakable lux silk twill trim details and gets a big mention from me for major statement making.

Vintage Hermes meets denim, each being one of kind. The framed prints are pretty fabulous.

Throw one over a little black dress and skip out for a sexy date night.   The framed vintage Hermes prints and custom pillows also offer an indulgent bit of Parisian panache to any interior. For inspiration: how much fun would these be to style your expansive dressing room? Fashion as art and art to wear, Wish certainly has the market cornered for these one of a kind custom finds. The store is also a great source for unique painted lacquer trays, unusual antiques and art works.

Wonderful finds at Wish

Artist and owner Cynthia Carey has a great eye and is always on hand to show you her latest finds. What is your greatest wish? Drop a comment below!

So many irresistible luxury things, so little time! Never miss an opportunity for a good day’s shopping in St. Helena. And always follow with a very chilled glass of bubbles, as this is wine country after all, my darlings! Cheers and see you on Main Street! xoxo