first time visit to napa valley

The Perfect Napa Valley Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

• by JESS LANDER
• on JULY 19, 2024

Picturesque Napa Valley. Photo Courtesy of Groth Vineyards and Winery

One hour north of San Francisco, all of life’s greatest indulgences—wine, food, relaxation, and adventure—can be experienced all at once in Napa Valley , one of the top Wine Country destinations in the world.

Thirty miles long and five miles wide, this small slice of heaven is home to more than 500 wineries throughout a collection of six quaint towns: Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Each has its own personality and places to discover; from Napa’s urban wine trail to Yountville’s renowned dining scene to Calistoga’s detoxifying hot springs , there’s something for every kind of traveler, whether you’re a oenophile, foodie, adventurist, or self-care aficionado.

There’s also no bad time to visit Napa Valley . While September and October are the busiest and warmest months, offering the chance to experience the annual grape harvest in action, the winter months have their own appeal. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and not too chilly, with temperatures mostly in the 50s and 60s. Plus, many hotels offer hard-to-beat off-season rates. Your best chance of rain is in the spring, but the blooming fields of bright, yellow mustard also make it one of the most Instagram-worthy seasons to plan a trip.

Whenever you do decide to pack your bags and pay Napa Valley a visit, we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for the first time visitor, covering all of the “must do’s” over a long weekend trip.

Visit a Historic Winery

Reserve a hotel room in Napa so that you can be within walking distance (or just a short drive) to downtown’s many restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms. The urban chic Andaz Napa is at the heart of downtown Napa activity, where loft-style rooms are both stylish and inviting, while Milliken Creek ’s peaceful riverfront location offers guests a quieter escape just a few minutes from the downtown scene.

For breakfast , head to chef Thomas Keller’s famous Bouchon Bakery in Yountville for pastries and espresso. Most likely there will be a line out the door, but it moves quickly. If you want to double down, you can head to Mini Model across the street. This is a smaller location of the locally-acclaimed Model Bakery . Get the English muffin. It’s so good that Oprah Winfrey actually has them flown straight to her front door. For a more elegant brunch option, head to RH Yountville , where dishes like avocado toast on charred sourdough and black forest bacon are perfectly paired with their signature RH mimosa.

Visit a Boutique Winery

Because you visited some of the oldest, largest, and most popular wineries on Day 1, make an appointment at a boutique or family-owned winery next and compare experiences. A boutique winery can mean several things: a more personalized experience (sometimes with the winemaker or owner), less of a crowd, and super primo wines (especially Cabernet Sauvignon, which Napa Valley is best known for). Some of our favorite family-owned and/or boutique wineries to visit UpValley are Goosecross Cellars , Jessup Cellars , and Cliff Lede Vineyards in Yountville, Clif Family Winery and Trinchero in St. Helena, and Groth Vineyards and Winery in Oakville or Staglin Family Vineyard in Rutherford.

Photos courtesy of Sequoia Grove Winery

Also in Rutherford is the family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery , where a variety of tasting experiences await. Check out the impressive Taste of Cabernet , where a multi-course menu crafte d by Executive Chef Spencer Conaty highlights the marriage between food and wine, o r the more approachable (and less filling) Wine + Bites experience to tide you over until lunch. 

Lunch in St. Helena

For the better part of the afternoon, drive the eight miles from St. Helena to Calistoga for some spa time. This quirky, little town is best known for its healing mineral waters from natural hot springs, plus mud baths that’ll make your skin as smooth as a newborn. Make an appointment for a spa treatment ahead of time; there are so many local spas to choose from, from luxe resorts like Indian Springs and Solage to hip boutique gems like Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs to more intimate and classically restorative escapes at Golden Haven Hot Springs .

If you have some time after, take a stroll down Calistoga’s main drag Lincoln Avenue and pop into CAMi Art + Wine for a tasting while admiring the contemporary art, or grab a pint at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery .

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A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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The Ultimate First Time to Napa Valley Itinerary

Looking to plan the ultimate first time to Napa Valley itinerar y and have no idea where to begin?

I get it, I have been in your shoes. Planning a trip to Napa Valley can feel very overwhelming.

There are over 400 wineries to choose from, tons of restaurants and accommodations, and your head is spinning with all of these decisions that you need to make. However, I am here to help.

I moved to the Bay Area in 2017 and Napa Valley quickly became one of my favorite destinations to visit on earth! Every time we go, I fall more and more in love with this place.

I am so excited to share with you all of my insider tips that I wish i knew before our first visit , to help you plan an unforgettable Napa Valley itinerary.

Let’s dive in!

💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting

If you are looking to save money on wine tasting, the   Priority Wine Pass  offers incredible discounts, including their famous 2-for-1 tastings at select wineries that can cut your tastings in half.  * Plus for the best deal, my readers can get an  extra discount  with the code TTWT.

What to Wear Wine Tasting in California

First time to napa valley itinerary.

First things first, I want to share with you an itinerary that I think is perfect for your first visit to Napa Valley. It includes a few of the more popular and iconic wineries in Napa, I have added tips on where to eat throughout the day.

Keep reading after the itinerary, you will find many more planning tips and top recommendations of where to stay.

Stop 1: Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery

My best piece of advice for a first timer in Napa Valley is to start early and with a full belly! Begin your day of exploring and wine tasting with a stop for some delicious pastries at the famous Bouchon Bakery.

Located in the town of Yountville, Bouchon is a French-style bakery by worldwide acclaimed chef, Thomas Keller. As you walk through the door you’re greeted by the heavenly smells of freshly baked goods and a cozy ambiance.

A favorite of mine are their delicious croissants. They are so buttery and flaky, and are definitely worth the wait. We also always order a box of macaroons to share.

Bouchon Bakery is a very popular spot in Napa and there is always a line out of the door. What we usually do to avoid waiting in a long line is to order ahead of time from their website so we can skip the line when we arrive.

Stop 2: Castello di Amoroso

🚗 Bouchon Bakery to Castello di Amoroso: approximately a 25 minute drive

Castello di Amorosa is a medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley. It is complete with a drawbridge, secret passageways, a torture chamber, and tasting rooms.

I suggest booking their Diamond Estate Tour & Wine Tasting , it is a guided tour of the castle with the sampling of 5 wines. I have done this tour four times and we still love it! The grounds are beautiful and will definitely wow you on your first time in Napa Valley. 

If you have a sweet tooth like I do, we also like to add the chocolate upgrade , which pairs three handmade Belgian chocolates with your tasting.

Stop 3: Sterling Vineyards

🚗 Castello di Amoroso to Sterling Vineyards: approximately a 2 minute drive

I am so excited to share with you that Sterling Vineyards has FINALLY reopened. It has been closed for over 3 years for renovations but they have opened their doors again for wine tastings and tours in the fall of 2023.

Sterling Vineyards is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of its beautiful vineyards. This winery is known throughout Napa Valley for its ionic aerial gondola.

To reach the top for your wine tasting, you have to take an aerial tram , which provides stunning views as you slowly make your way to the estate.

Stop 4: V. Sattui Winery

🚗 Sterling Vineyards to V. Sattui Winery: approximately a 15-minute drive

Located in St Helena, V. Sattui is one of our favorite wineries to visit in Napa Valley for lunch. Tip, the best way to enjoy V. Sattui is to NOT do a tasting here , but instead, order food from their artisan deli and buy a bottle of wine to sip on while you eat our lunch at their picnic tables.

V Sattui’s Deli has everything you would need for the perfect picnic, and their food is always so delicious. Their 2 ½ acres of beautiful picnic grounds provide plenty of room for you to sit back and enjoy the vineyard views. 

V Sattui is unique because most of the wineries in Napa Valley do not offer food. If they do, it’s usually a food pairing with a tasting that can get pretty expensive.

Stop 5: Stroll Downtown Napa

If it is your first time visiting Napa Valley then a trip to downtown Napa is a must! You could easily spend the whole day here, it is the largest town in Napa Valley and is usually bustling with people and a vibrant atmosphere.

Downtown Napa and the surrounding area have a little bit of everything , including paved bike trails, walks along Napa River, paddle boarding, restaurants, nightlife, and of course, a ton of wineries and tasting rooms.

Some of my favorite places to visit in downtown Napa are Model Bakery for their famous English Muffins, Oxbow Market to pick up local cheeses, meat and fish, organic produce, tasty cupcakes, and more.

I also really like Fatted Calf , which is a high-end butcher, they offer grass fed beef, house-cured meats, and sandwiches. We’ll stop here to pick up something to make for dinner.

Tip: Downtown Napa is the closest region to San Francisco. So if you are only in for the day, we usually like to stop here first on our way home to grab some goodies at the Oxbow Market.

Stop 6: Dinner at Brix Restaurant & Garden’s

For your first time in Napa Valley, Brix is the perfect restaurant to enjoy dinner with a view. Brix is a farm-to-table California fare restaurant. The food is so yummy, and a lot of their vegetables and herbs come directly from their lush gardens.

However, the best part about Brix is their outdoor patio oasis. You have upfront views of their gardens, vineyard, and stunning mountain views. After dinner spend time wandering through the beautiful gardens. I highly suggest you sit outside and make your reservations right before sunset.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

The Napa Valley region consists of 4 main major towns – Napa, Yountville, St Helena, and Calistoga.

Each town in Napa Valley differs from one another, in personality, things to do, and the type of wine they produce. For your first time in Napa Valley, I suggest that you stay in either downtown Napa or St Helena. Downtown Napa offers more nightlife and things to do. Whereas St Helena is laid back and closer to a lot more wineries.

The Archer Hotel Napa: Located in the heart of downtown Napa, The Archer Hotel is a popular option for accommodation in Napa Valley. It is in a walkable location where you will be footsteps from the Oxbow Market, numerous restaurants, and tasting rooms. They also have a great rooftop bar and restaurant.

✅ Check rates and availability at The Archer Hotel here

The Harvest Inn: Another highly recommended hotel in Napa Valley is the charming Harvest Inn. If you are looking to wake up to vineyard views , then this is the spot for you.

Nestled amidst lush vineyards, picturesque botanical gardens, and the captivating allure of a redwood forest in St. Helena, the Harvest Inn promises an unparalleled wine-country escape. I suggest booking the Vineyard Room for your stay.

✅ Check rates and availability at The Harvest Inn here

How to Get to Napa Valley

Napa Valley is located near numerous airports , the closest airport is Sonoma County Airport – Charles M. Schultz (STS), about an hour drive to downtown Napa.

However, there are several other international airports to choose from as well, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), Sacramento International Airport (SMF), and San Jose International Airport (SJC).

The best and most efficient way to get to Napa Valley would be by car. If you are traveling from out of town, I recommend renting a car for transportation. 

You can book a private shuttle or car to take you to Napa Valley. Another option would be by shared car, Uber/Lyft, which I typically don’t recommend. Unless you schedule one in advance, prices fluctuate or drivers may cancel your reservation.

Public transit is also possible, but there is no direct option. So you would need to do a combination of train, ferry, bus, or BART. And it could take 3 hours or so to get to Napa Valley.

Getting Around Napa Valley 

Getting around Napa Valley to the wineries your best options are to either drive, Uber, or hire a private driver.

Uber is available in Napa Valley. However, if you have a full day of wine-tasting reservations or are visiting some of the wineries in the mountains in a remote area, do not depend on Uber in Napa Valley as your main source of transportation.

You do not want to waste time waiting around for your Uber or Lyft to arrive, especially when most wineries only allow a 15-minute grace period for your wine-tasting reservations.

Hire A Private Driver

To me, this is the way to go when visiting Napa Valley . We did this on our last trip to Napa with a group of friends and had so much fun!

Hiring a private driver gives you the flexibility of planning your own itinerary of wineries. Also, it allows everyone from your party to have fun and participate in the wine tasting without worrying about driving later.

This custom and private 6-hour tour through Napa Valley will include pick up from your downtown Napa hotel and stops at 2 to 3 different wineries of your choice.

✅ Plan a private Napa Valley wine tour for 6 people here

 What is The Best Time of Year to Visit Napa Valley

In my experience, I think the best time of year to visit Napa Valley is in the spring. The wildflowers have swept over the lush green hillsides. The weather is absolutely perfect , warm sunny days in the mid-70s and chilly nights. Not the most popular time of year, so you are still able to book last-minute wine tastings.

Napa’s peak tourist season is during Harvest Season which is from August through October . During this time there are a lot fun festivals, grape stomping, and events at the wineries surrounding harvest season.

However, this also means that you are going to see more crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

November is the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway to Napa Valley. You will experience a slower-paced Napa with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.

During the wintertime, there can be chilly and rainy weather. However , you will find fewer crowds, off-season hotel rates, and still get to taste delicious wine !

How Many Days Do You Need in Napa Valley

To get the most out of your Napa Valley experience, I suggest four days and 3 nights in wine country. This is the perfect amount of time to get a good taste of Napa’s world-renowned wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and boutique shopping without feeling rushed.

However, if you are on a limited schedule, Napa Valley can be done as a day trip. We do it all of the time!

Tips for Your First Time in Napa Valley Itinerary

How many wineries should you visit in one day in napa.

To fully experience and enjoy each winery, you should only visit two to three wineries in a day in Napa Valley.  Two to three wine tastings in one day will  allow you to take your time at each winery without rushing from one to the next.

Wine tastings typically start at 10 am and most wineries close their doors at 5:00 pm, so the last tasting they will do is around 3:30 pm to 4:00 pm. 

Plan on spending an hour and a half at each winery , and with that in mind, book each wine tasting two hours apart. This will give you plenty of time at each winery.

Tip: If you are looking for wine tastings after 5:00 pm , the tasting rooms in Downtown Napa usually stay open later in the day. 

Wine Tasting Reservations

Wine tasting reservations at all wineries are required , especially on the weekends.

Most wineries cap their online reservations at 6 people. If your party is more than six people, I suggest calling the winery to ask for availability. Sometimes they can accommodate.

How to Easily Book Your Wine Tastings

You can book your reservation through the wineries website. Or, most not all, wineries usually CellarPass or Tock for their wine-tasting reservations.

Using one of these websites can provide you with a list of wineries and their available tastings for the day. You may find it easier to make reservations on CellarPass or Tock instead of individually looking at each winery’s website for availability. 

Do You Tip When Wine Tasting: What is the Etiquette?

For a wine tasting, tips are not expected, but they are, of course, appreciated. We always tip when we do a wine tasting or wine tasting tour. You will quickly notice that many of the staff working at the wineries are very passionate about their job and the wines they serve.

They will go out of their way to ensure that you are having a great time, answer all of your questions, and frequently will give you a free tasting of one of their favorite wines. If you received exceptional service and enjoyed your wine tasting, tipping your server or sommelier is greatly encouraged.

Wine Tasting Prices

As it is your first time to Napa Valley, you may be surprised by the prices of wine tastings. An average wine tasting will usually run you at $40 to $50 per person. However, it is not unusual to see tastings range between $75 to $100 or even more.

If you do three tastings a day, it starts to add up. Some wineries will waive tasting fees if you purchase a couple of bottles or even more likely when you become a wine club member.

If you are looking to save some money on wine tasting, a great option is the Priority Wine Pass .

Priority Wine Pass

The Priority Wine Pass offers you discounts at many of the participating wineries and experiences in Napa Valley.

They have a long list of wineries in Napa Valley and other regions in California for you to choose from; a few of our favorites there are Hall Wines, V. Sautti, and Black Stallion. The pass is good for three days, and after just one day of wine tasting, you can easily make that money back.

Especially, if you take advantage of their 2-for-1 tasting. Whereat participating wineries, you can get one tasting for free with the Priority Wine Pass. Pretty amazing deal!

* My readers get the Wine Pass at a discounted rate . Make sure to use the coupon code TTWT to get the best deal!

✅ To save money on your wine tastings get your Priority Pass here

Want to learn more about the Priority Wine Pass? Priority Wine Pass Is it Worth It: All You Need to Know

In Conclusion: First Time to Napa Valley

Napa Valley is a one-of-a-kind location! If you have the opportunity to visit, I think you should absolutely do it! When you drive through the rolling hills of vineyards and the quaint towns of Napa Valley, you feel like you have been teleported to Europe.

The wine is some of the best in the entire world, and if you don’t consider yourself a “wine person” you will still leave Napa with a great experience. There is so much to learn in Napa with winemaking. You will eat fabulous food, drink the best wine, and take in gorgeous views of vineyards.

I hope you have found this itinerary and guide to your first time in Napa Valley helpful in planning your trip!

More Napa Valley Guides on TTWT

For more Napa Valley advice and tips to help you plan your trip, see one of my guides below.

✔️ Is There Uber in Napa: How to Get Around Napa Valley ✔️ How Many Days Do You Need in Napa Valley? ✔️ Napa Day Trip: 6 Unique Itineraries ✔️ Closest Airport to Napa Valley Wineries & Top Tips for Getting There

Alisha Rose is the founder of TTWT and has lived in California since 2016. She is a Registered Nurse, but loves exploring her beautiful home of California every chance she gets with her family and two Golden Retrievers. Also a world traveler, she has traveled to over 21 countries, a total of 5 continents, and 27 states in the US.

A First Timer’s Travel Itinerary for Napa Valley

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PHOTO BY BOB MCCLENAHAN

There is no need to be shy about it. While many of your friends have likely already been to the Napa Valley and have favorite places to stay and restaurants they return to on every visit, everyone has their first time. But where do you start, where there are some 400 wineries, seven Michelin-starred restaurants, and plenty more offerings for culture, adventure, and wellness?

Our itinerary encourages you to approach the valley from south to north, with a day each in three of its most popular stops: Napa, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Yountville’s location in the middle of the valley makes it a good base for your stay.

Still, here’s an important thing to remember before worrying too much about getting it all right the first time: No matter where and when you go, you won’t go wrong. Visit in the spring, and you’ll be greeted by an abundance of wildflowers. In summer, it’s a playground for hiking and biking. In the fall, you’ll get to experience wine country at the height of its harvest. And the mild winters are a chance to enjoy the cozy atmosphere of leading restaurants with seasonal food and good wine.

A second thing to remember is that Napa Valley will always be there. This may be your first visit, but we are pretty confident it won’t be your last.

Itinerary / 5 DAYS

Insider tip, moving monument.

TRIP DESIGNER

Visit napa valley.

DAY 1 Arrival

DAY 3 St. Helena

DAY 4 Calistoga

DAY 5 Depart

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Napa & Sonoma Itinerary

Last Updated on November 28, 2023

by Audrey Webster

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out an ideal 2 to 3 days in Napa and Sonoma itinerary can be a joyful, if not overwhelming, task. There is so much to see and do in this iconic wine region of Northern California and you don’t want to miss anything – even if you’re short on time.

Both Napa and Sonoma County have more to offer than just wineries, as well, and is known for its fantastic restaurants, charming towns like Calistoga and Healdsburg and lovely hiking opportunities. Easily reached from San Francisco, it’s also the perfect getaway from the Bay Area.

So if you’re planning a trip to California Wine Country, use this itinerary to plan a few days exploring this wonderful area.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Napa & Sonoma?

So how many days should you spend in Sonoma and Napa in order to do the region justice? It can be tough to put your finger on it when you consider all there is to do in the area.

In general, if you want to see the highlights of both Napa Valley and dig a little bit deeper, then plan to spend at least 2 days in the area. With 2 days, this will give you ample time to visit some wineries and also explore the towns.

If time grants you a third day, venture out further to where wineries have been built on top of the hills, some straddling the line between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. The further you get from downtown, the more beautiful views you’ll get to enjoy while sipping the region’s most delicious wine. 

Getting To and Around Napa & Sonoma

You’ll absolutely want a car when you visit Sonoma and Napa, especially if you’re visiting for several days. Most wineries are spread out throughout the valleys. As we mentioned before, plan your days around certain regions of each valley.

This decreases your driving time between each destination and allows you to spend more time enjoying the wineries. If you need to rent a car for your trip, you can browse Rentalcars.com which shows deals across a number of major car hire companies.

You can also choose to hire a driver for the day. Most hotels in the downtown areas have connections to a driver service. You pay by the hour and are transported in your own car, which can be very convenient.

If you prefer to prebook, one option is this private wine tour for up to 6 people or this group tour if you prefer to join with other people. If you want to spend your day in style, you can even hire a private limo tour!

By hiring a driver, you remove any risk of driving while intoxicated and can rest assured you’ll be safely transported between stops during your day of wine tasting. 

2 to 3 Days in Napa & Sonoma Itinerary

Kick off your time here by spending day one exploring Napa Valley. If you have 2 days in Napa, use the second day to explore wineries seated deep in the valley and enjoy their breathtaking views. Finally, use day three to check out Sonoma Valley and downtown Sonoma. 

Day 1 – Visit Napa Valley

Explore downtown napa.

For your first day, spend the morning exploring downtown Napa. Enjoy breakfast by the waterfront, stop by Oxbow Market, and check out the many shops and tasting rooms this downtown area has to offer.

Several companies offer food and wine tours of downtown Napa. You can also opt for an historic kayak tour along the Napa River. Oenotri, Morimoto, and Allegria are three excellent food options to choose from, however there are countless opportunities for tasty meals in Napa. 

Keep in mind that downtown Napa will have more tourists than Sonoma, which is worth noting when trying to determine if you want to spend more time in Napa or Sonoma .

It’s larger and offers more commercial wineries and lodging, therefore, usually sees more tourists each year. However, if you have a morning, afternoon, or evening to spend in the area, you won’t regret it. 

Mumm Winery 

Throughout Napa Valley, you’ll find an assortment of wineries with a range of specialties. Mumm is located near Rutherford and is renowned for their sparkling wines and an excellent first stop while tasting in Napa Valley.

With roots in GH Mumm, the leading Champagne brand in France, Mumm Napa has mastered the art of sparkling wine. They use traditional French techniques in their winemaking and have been doing so in Napa since the 1970s. 

The tasting patio at Mumm overlooks vines backdropped by lush green hills. It’s quiet, quaint, and a peaceful destination to begin your wine tasting in Napa Valley. Make sure to book your reservation in advance.

Upon arrival, you’ll select which flight of wines to taste. At Mumm, you’ll sample the winery’s flagship wines as well as some of Napa Valley’s best sparkling wine. 

Pride Mountain Vineyards

If you can survive the drive to Pride, there’s a t-shirt saying such ready for purchase upon arrival. Pride Mountain Vineyards in Helena is known for its robust red wines.

A visit here includes a brief estate tour, wine cellar tour, patio tasting, and barrel tasting. The tour guide might even test your taste buds by offering a taste from a barrel and a bottle of the same wine. Can you taste a difference? 

Pride Mountain is famous for its stunning views. The curvy road to the vineyard rewards guests with outlooks over the valleys.

When visiting Pride, you might notice a brick line through the parking lot dividing the vineyard in half. This line marks where half of the winery is in Napa and half in Sonoma. Pride has several tasting options when making your reservation, so you can choose the one that works best for you. 

Domaine Carneros

As one of the most popular wineries in the Valley and a must-visit when planning a Napa itinerary, Domaine Carneros is the perfect final stop on your day of wine tasting.

The winery is known for its Pinot Noir and sparkling wines. We recommend Domaine Carneros as the final stop for the evening sunset view that comes with an end-of-day tasting here.

The estate is beautiful and stands out against the hillside. The patio at its front is where most wine tastings happen. This patio overlooks hills and valleys that are glowing in hues of pinks, yellows, and oranges during the evening hours. 

During your tasting, you’ll choose from three flights of Napa Valley wines. A flight of reds, flight of sparkling wines, and a mixed flight composed of the winery’s best of both categories. Domaine Carneros is located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley and was established in 1987.

Since it was created, the winery has been using the same traditional winemaking methods that the founding Taittinger family. It’s the perfect place to wrap up your first day of three. 

Day 2 – Calistoga & More Vineyard Tours

Explore calistoga.

Located on the northern tip of Napa Valley is Calistoga.

If you’ve heard of Calistoga before it was probably in conjunction with mud baths. The area around the town is volcanic. Many spas have transformed this natural feature into volcanically-heated mineral springs and mud baths. Downtown Calistoga is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.

There are several spas with a variety of relaxing packages for you to enjoy. Try sitting in a mud bath followed by a massage and mineral pool soak. You can also opt to stick with just a classic massage, manicure, or pedicure. If you want to spend a night in Calistoga, that option is also available to you.

From Calistoga, you can also hop on a hot air balloon for an unmatched view over wine country. You can visit a geyser, explore Calistoga’s Petrified Forest, go for a hike on Palisade Trail, as well as visit the nearby Castello di Amorosa.

Visit St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

As one of the few certified sustainable wineries in Napa and Sonoma, St. Francis Winery is one to add to your Napa Valley itinerary. Not only is the wine delicious, but the estate is also stunning and the views from the back tasting patio are unbeatable.

While sipping from your flight of wine, you’ll look out over rows of vines toward rolling hills. St. Francis also accommodates dinner parties, large groups, and other kinds of visits aside from a classic tasting.

Visitors can also opt to take a pedal wine trolley through the vineyards to sample the winery’s most renowned wines and see the vineyard. 

Chateau Montelena

Chateau Montelena’s estate will rival some of the most famous French vineyards. A visit to this winery is in such high demand that their tastings are fully booked out months in advance.

The winery prides itself on crafting wine from traditional methods, without the assistance of modern technology. Wines from this estate have consistently ranked among the best wines of the year by countless publications. Everything from Departures to Forbes has highlighted a wine produced by Chateau Montelena. 

Your experience wine tasting at the chateau and can be as personalized as you like. Reserve a private, customized tasting with a wine specifically curated to your preferences.

Stick with a classic tasting of Chateau Montelena’s premium wines or opt for an estate tour. Regardless of the route you take, a visit to this winery ensures a memorable time. 

Day 3 – Explore Sonoma

Hike sonoma overlook trail.

To break up your time in wine tasting rooms, try getting outdoors with a short nature hike in Sonoma Valley. The Sonoma Overlook Trail is an easy and pleasant 3-mile hike that offers great views of the valley at the end.

The trailhead is just a few blocks north of Sonoma plaza, making it an easy stop during your two to three days in Sonoma and Napa.

Along the hike, visitors are treated with colorful wildflowers and local wildlife. Guests should also keep in mind that dogs, bikes, and horses are not permitted on the trails. The lower portion of the trail is usually closed during the winter. 

Those who have completed the hike remark that it’s well maintained, but it can get muddy and slippery during wet or cold weather. A hike earlier in the day lends to a quieter and more peaceful walk. The trail sees more traffic later in the day. 

Taste at Landmark Vineyards

If you’re a lover of pinot noir and chardonnay, and if you want some of the best wine in Sonoma Valley, pay a visit to Landmark Vineyards. Landmark Vineyards was founded in 1974 by the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere.

Here, grapes are aged in French oak barrels and use naturally occurring yeast to ferment the fruit. Visitors can taste in one of two places when sampling Landmark wines.

The Kenwood Estate Tasting Room and the Hop Kiln Estate Tasting Room both offer opportunities to taste the winery’s most delicious wines. 

Visit Buena Vista Winery

Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California wine country. Located on the southern tip of Sonoma Valley, Buena Vista was founded in 1857 and is now a California Historic Landmark.

The founder, known as the “Count of Buena Vista” bolstered an unwavering love of wine. He had a vibrant and eccentric career filled with adventures in the American West and political exile. 

The Count’s sentiment toward creating excellent wine has been carried on through the years. Buena Vista produces everything from pinot noirs to zinfandels to champagne. Visitors can choose a classic tasting on the outdoor patio or indoor tasting room.

They can also opt for a tour of the winery’s barrel room. Buena Vista Winery comes highly recommended as a destination on your Napa and Sonoma itinerary. 

Take a Bike Tour

Try mixing up how you experience Sonoma by taking a bike tour. Explore historic downtown Sonoma or nearby vineyards. Starting from Sonoma, you’ll have easy access to paved bike paths that lead you throughout the area.

You can choose to take a full-day or half-day tour. Each tour is hosted by a knowledgeable guide who provides Sonoma wine and cultural history.

Bike tours lead you through the quieter roads of Sonoma Valley to visit wineries by an off-the-beaten path route. Some options include this 16-mile bike tour that visits up to 3 wineries or this leisurely small group tour.

Many bike tours change their path each day, so if you enjoy yourself one day, feel free to hop on a bike and cruise through a different part of Sonoma the next. Bike tours offer a unique and personalized visit to Sonoma Valley. You can prebook a bike rental here where they will also give you tips on routes.

Where to Stay in Napa & Sonoma

Inn at Sonoma – If you’re looking for a luxe stay in Sonoma but still want something quiet and cute, then look no further than this hotel. They have a number of wonderful rooms available, fantastic amenities, a central location and a full breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres are served daily.

Archer Hotel – Another great luxury option for your time in Napa, this hotel is an excellent choice for those with a bit of a higher budget. They have a range of plush rooms available and countless amenities to ensure that your stay is a great one.

Blackbird Inn – If it’s a cute bed and breakfast you’re after, this place is a fantastic choice in Napa Valley. They have a handful of wonderful rooms available, off freshly baked biscuits daily and have a number of other options to make your time in Napa truly memorable

Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn – Another family-run bed and breakfast, this place is a great choice for those wanting a boutique stay in Sonoma. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms on offer, a full English breakfast available each morning and a great location for discovering the regions.

Private Rental – If you’d rather have your own place than stay in a hotel, then a private vacation rental is a good choice for you. There are tons of options available in the area — this cottage on a private vineyard or this beautiful, modern cottage are just two great examples of many choices.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Napa hotels!

There are so many great experiences to be had in Sonoman and Napa that it’s impossible to map out the perfect itinerary for everyone. However, one thing is for sure – you’ll taste some of the world’s best wines and learn about their unique histories.

Are you planning a trip to Napa Valley and Sonoma? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Audrey Webster

Audrey Webster is a writer for The World Was Here First. She is an Oregon native who has visited countries across the globe and currently spends her weekends exploring the Pacific Northwest and surrounding states. Her approach to traveling combines exploring famous tourist sites and wandering off the beaten path to discover new destinations.

Hi there! we are from Canada and planning to visit Napa valley this September 2023. We are going to San Francisco and then will head to Napa Valley, we will rent a car. It is our first time to visit Napa, we are only staying for 2 full days, we just want to explore the area and do some wine tasting. For 2 days in Napa Valley, where do you think is the best area to stay and do you recommend any wine tours? Thank you!

My husband and I are planning to spend 2-3 days in Napa/Sonoma. We are active and want to hike, easy bike ride to see the scenery as well as 1-2 wineries per day if possible. Any recs? Also looking for nice hotel with great pool to enjoy

did you go? where did you stay? do you have an itinerary?

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Ultimate Napa Valley Weekend Itinerary You Should Steal

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission .

Are you a wine lover making a long-awaited trip to Napa Valley, California?  After all, this warm, mountain-encircled valley is basically the mother of all U.S. wine regions.  Since narrowing down wineries for your Napa Valley itinerary is half the battle, today I am sharing the best stops from my own amazing trips to help you on your way.

During our first February 2019 trip, my husband and I cozied up on heated patios and watched rainbows form over the vineyards. We recently returned for a fall visit, strolling past vines loaded with ripening grapes that were days away from harvest. However, this time we visited a maximum of two wineries a day and did a bit more hiking.

While these trips were very different, they felt equally romantic. The February Napa trip had sweater weather and Valentine’s Day ambiance, while our second trip exploring the mountains and seeing redwood trees was full of wonder and awe.

Below, I have created the perfect Napa Valley itinerary, whether you only want to taste wine or want to mix in some outdoorsy sightseeing. I will suggest two wineries per day, while giving an option for a third winery or potential hike. With that, let’s get into how to have an incredible weekend in Napa Valley, whether you have 2, 3, or even 4 days.

Napa Valley in February: 6 Reasons to Visit 6 Dreamy Wineries to Visit in Napa Budget Breakdown: Real Cost of a Trip to Napa Valley

The Perfect Napa Valley Weekend Itinerary

Get ready for a wondrous weekend of winery hopping and drinking some of the best fermented grapes you’ve had in your life. You’ll start each day with a nice breakfast at a charming inn or hotel, which will be a good base before wine consumption.

This Napa Valley itinerary is relaxed, with no more than three winery visits a day (trust me, that’s more than enough!). You’ll end each evening eating at trendy restaurants featuring creative dishes made with high-end ingredients.

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 1

Hit the ground running upon arrival in Napa Valley so you can maximize your full weekend itinerary, whether long or short. This can mean heading straight for wineries or stopping at one of the best places in California to see redwood trees.

If you prefer to prioritize wine tasting, plan to arrive into Napa Valley early since most wineries close anywhere between 4-6 pm.

Redwoods & Wineries

Would you like to see some redwood trees? If so, a stop at Muir Woods National Monument is easy to do on the way to Napa Valley from the airport.

Otherwise, it takes about an hour and a half to drive to Napa Valley from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), giving you time to schedule one or two wine tastings.

11:00am: Choose Between a Hike or Winery

Choose between option 1 or 2:

• See Redwood Trees at Muir Woods: The easiest and most popular way to add redwood tree sightings to your Napa itinerary is to stop at Muir Woods. Although this park is about an hour an a half from Napa Valley, it’s an easy stop on the drive from SFO. Be sure to reserve a parking spot in advance online ($9 per vehicle and $15 entry per person). While this lush park gets very crowded, it’s worth it to hike shady creek-side trails spanning from a half-mile to as long as 11 miles.
• Visit Silver Oak (Oakville): Kick your trip off at one of Napa’s most famous wineries with outstanding red wine. Silver Oak is a Cabernet Sauvignon paradise, with a grand tasting room surrounded by sprawling vineyards. Reservations required. Tastings of a selection of premium wines start at $60.

3:00pm: Biale (Napa)

Biale is one of my favorite Napa wineries for exceptional Zinfandel.  As our visit was in February, I was initially surprised that this tasting was held outside on their patio, especially on a chilly rainy day. However, the built-in heaters and provided blankets did the trick in making us perfectly comfortable

Our off-season visit also meant that Biale wasn’t crowded at all, and our server actually sat with us and educated us about each wine.  I really valued the personal touch, and the opportunity to learn more about Napa Valley wines.  Meanwhile, the rain was stopping, and a rainbow formed over the vineyard in the background. What a dream!

As a personal aside – Biale holds a special place in my heart, as their Black Chicken Zinfandel has come to be synonymous with crazy, but fun holiday gatherings at my in-law’s.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $50.

5:00pm: Domaine Carneros (Napa)

Cap off your first day of wine tastings with bubbly at Domaine Carneros , whose tastings are housed in a marvelous chateau. Ascending the long path and stairs through immaculate gardens for a grand hilltop entrance. 

While the wines matched the elegance of the building, don’t feel like you have to wear a ballgown to come here. My husband and I visited just a few hours after our cross-country flight, and were wearing sweatshirts with jeans. No one judged us.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $40.

Travel Savvy Tip

Be strategic about the order in which you do wine tastings. Each day, we started with the furthest one, and worked our way back towards where we were staying. You will be tired after hours of tastings, and it’ll be nice to be close to your hotel when you’re done.

Dinner in Napa

Keep your first night in Napa Valley casual. For a relaxed sit-down experience, visit Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ in Napa.  Where else besides wine country will you find a smokehouse that is also a wine bar?

For even more cost effective dining that is also delicious, visit the Tacos Garcia food truck in Yountville. My chorizo burrito was filling and oozing with flavorful seasonings and sauces.

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 2

Fuel up for day two of your Napa Valley itinerary, which features an array of awesome wines and stunning scenery.

Mountain Wine Tastings

11:00am: cade estate winery (angwin).

If Domaine Carneros has the most stunning building, Cade has the most breathtaking view.  Perched high up in Howell Mountain above the fog line, on a clear day you can see over the valley for miles. 

Admittedly, this is a splurge winery. However, Cade’s tasting is worth it for its wonderful selection red wines with a small cheese pairing, as well as a tour.  Somehow, the beautiful wines hypnotized us into pulling out our credit card to purchase a bottle technically outside our budget.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $100.

1:00pm: Choose Between a Hike or Winery

• Hike in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: If you missed Muir Woods, you can still see redwood trees at this state park conveniently located in Calistoga on the north end of Napa Valley. Hike the easy 3-mile Redwood Trail , which runs along a tranquil creek, or turn it into a more challenging 4.7-mile loop by adding the Coyote Peak Trail .
• Second Tasting on Howell Mountain: For an efficient wine tasting itinerary, stay on Howell Mountain to visit a second winery in this scenic appellation. To taste sophisticated cabernet sauvignon on the patio of an elegant estate run by Midwesterners, check out O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery . Alternatively, Summit Lake Vineyards is a family-run property where you can taste velvety Zinfandel as friendly dogs stop by for a pet.

4:00pm: Vincent Arroyo (Calistoga)

Please don’t overindulge today because you’ll want to save yourself for this tasting! This family run winery offers charm and a nice change of pace from more grandiose, large-scale operations.

The tasting we did at Vincent Arroyo is up there among the best wine tastings I have ever done in Napa ( Travel + Leisure agrees ). The vineyard-lined driveway to the barrel-filled barn housing the tasting was gorgeous during golden hour.

Once inside, we tasted so much wine that this is the first time I’ve ever had to dump any of my tastings! Expect to try (and love) an impressive variety of wines including Vincent Arroyo’s specialty: Petite Sirah. Also be ready to spend; we walked away with six bottles.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $30 .

Remember: there is no need to jam-pack your day with more than two or three wineries.  The tastings are meant to be slow, sit-down experiences, and normally take one to two hours each. 

In addition, wine tastings can really add up monetarily, and it’s not necessary to go broke to get the full experience. You can only drink so much wine in one weekend anyhow – by the end of the day it all begins to taste the same.

Dine in Yountville

The French Laundry is the most famous restaurant in Napa Valley, with three Michelin stars. It’s also the most expensive, with a daily tasting menu costing $390 per person. A lot of people like to check it out at least once for the experience, but there are plenty of other awesome restaurants nearby to visit instead.

Alternatively, you could visit its more affordable sister restaurant Ad Hoc , which sits just a little ways down the street. Known for upscale takes on American comfort food served family-style, the four-course menu changes daily and features luxurious add-on options, like caviar. As we visited on a Sunday night, our menu featured delightful build-your-own ice cream sundaes.

My husband and I also had the best date night at Bottega , an lively, upscale Italian restaurant in Yountville.  We both agree that our plates of fresh pasta were the best dishes of our entire February trip. Booking a reservation in advance is a necessity if you’d like to get a table.

Napa Valley Itinerary: Day 3

Final wine tastings.

It’s your last day in Napa, and you’ve got one more full day of wine tastings to go. Drink your morning coffee and let’s get to it!

11:00am: Schramsberg Vineyards for Champagne and Wine Caves

A tour and champagne tasting at the Schramsberg caves is one of the most iconic things to do on any Napa Valley itinerary. You’ve likely seen Schramsberg champagne before since this winery distributes all over the country. However, a tasting offers the chance to try five different types of bubbly side by side for thoughtful comparison.

What sends a visit here over the edge is the chance to tour the wine caves and learn about how champagne is made. The caves date back to the 19th century and look like something out of Harry Potter. Indeed, the rows and rows of glass bottles reminded me of the Hall of Prophecy in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Also giving spooky vibes were the thick sheets of lichen covering the stone ceilings, which could easily be mistaken for monstrous spider webs.

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $85.

• Explore the Petrified Forest: This is your chance to see trees that were preserved in a volcanic eruption over three million years ago! Located just 13 minutes from Schramsberg by car, it only takes about an hour to stroll The Petrified Forest’s two half mile loops. You’ll see evidence of an ancient lava flow and the redwood trees that were excavated from the ash.
• Taste wine at Duck Horn (Saint Helena): One of our favorite tastings from our initial trip to Napa Valley was at Duckhorn .  Our most valuable takeaway was doing a side-by-side tasting of two Cabernets, with one made from grapes grown on the valley floor and the other made from grapes grown on Howell Mountain. This eye opening experience demonstrated how dramatically growing conditions affect the flavor profile of any given wine. Reservations required. Tastings starting at $60.

3:00pm: Grgich Hills Estate (Rutherford)

A visit to Grgrich is essential. It was this very winery that helped originally put Napa on the map by beating a French wine in the famed “Paris Tasting” of 1976.

That said, our experience at Grgich was more than a history lesson; it was also a reminder to refer back to a physical Napa Valley itinerary throughout the trip. This is also what inspired us to stick to two daily wine tastings on our next trip.

Basically, we lost track of time and missed our scheduled tour at Grgich. Thus, we had to settle for a counter tasting only.  We still loved this winery and the moderate price point on the bottles, with rows of barrels giving oaky aromas that further engaged our senses. 

Reservations required. Tastings starting at $75.

Napa Valley Sign

This photo spot is touristy, but essential. The Napa Valley sign is a short four minute drive down Highway 29 from Grgich Hills Estate. It’s a wonderful spot for a quick photo op, and looks especially stunning at sunset.

Have one last elegant meal before leaving wine country. On our initial visit, we finished up at Torc in downtown Napa.  This chic, yet dressed-down restaurant featured delectable menu items like pork belly and mushroom risotto. 

On our subsequent visit, we felt a little more adventurous and let the students at the Culinary Institute of American cap off our trip. The Gatehouse Restaurant on the school’s campus features a coursed menu prepared by future student-chefs two years into their studies.

Dishes like crudo and seared pork loin are prepared with using fresh produce from the school’s garden. You can even add on wine pairings for an elevated experience.

Getting There

Unless you live close enough to road trip to Napa Valley, the majority of people will fly into San Francisco International Airport.  From there, it is about an hour and a half drive to Napa Valley.  You will likely drive over the Golden Gate Bridge en route, which is pretty cool!

The drive from the airport is easy and straightforward, although their will likely be some slow-downs going through San Francisco.  It was the calm before our exciting winery adventures, which we enjoyed while listening to my California-themed playlist .

Only Have 2 Days in Napa Valley?

If you only have two days available for your Napa Valley itinerary, simply skip the first day of this schedule. Rather than exploring Muir Woods, focus on seeing the best of wine country by exploring estates in the valley and in the surrounding mountains.

Do You Have 4 or 5 Days for Your Napa Valley Itinerary?

If you have additional time to spend on your Napa Valley trip, here are some additional wineries and unique places to check out in the surrounding area.

• Venge Vineyards in Calistoga for delicious red wines made from grapes grown in volcanic ash.
• Mumm Napa in Rutherford to sip bubbly and peruse the adjacent art gallery
• M.S. Torun is the only winery in Napa that produces more olives than grapes. In fact, the owner, Sid, is the official olive oil provider for The French Laundry. Book a tasting here for an intimate, Mediterranean-feeling escape into the hills while Sid brings you fresh dishes produced on his property.
• Visit neighboring Sonoma to get acclimated to a new California wine region. We thoroughly enjoyed our tasting and tour at Repris , who paired our wines with an impressive cheese and charcuterie board.
• Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve gives you a similarly impressive redwood tree experience to Muir Woods, if not better. The difference is there are way less people around and entrance only costs $10 per vehicle.
• Point Reyes National Seashore is the perfect last stop of your trip if you don’t mind a trek on your last day. Windy roads lead you into a rural coastal paradise where you can walk scenic hiking trails or descend steep stairs down to the 1870 Point Reyes Light Station.

Where to Stay

Napa Valley is made up of various little towns along Highway 29 and the Silverado trail.  Three of the most popular ones to stay in are as follows:

• Napa: We loved our stay at the charming Candlelight Inn in Napa – especially the breakfast that was included.  Napa is a great base, with a downtown that boasts many lovely restaurants.  However, being located further south, it is not the most convenient for reaching wineries on the north end of Napa Valley. 
• Yountville: This town is a popular destination for its walkability and easy striking distance to nearby wineries.  Yountville also has boasts of the most famous restaurants in Napa Valley, like the esteemed French Laundry . While hotels here run a bit pricey, Maison Fleurie offers affordability and charm right next to the highly touted Bouchon Bakery .
• Calistoga: Calistoga is unique from the other towns, with roads that become hilly and windy and great hiking and natural hot spring offerings nearby.  This northern town is not so centrally located in the valley, but is near plenty of terrific wineries, like the gems of Howell Mountain. The Bergson is a cozy hotel, with perks like fireplaces in the rooms and easy walkability to downtown Calistoga. We personally adored the Trailside Inn for seclusion and comfort on a budget.

Choosing Wineries

I have suggested some amazing wineries above, but of course you can swap these out for your own tastes. However, if you’re like me, the real issue is narrowing down the best ones from a rather large array of choices. After all, Napa Valley has over 500 wineries with tasting rooms you could visit. Yikes!

To combat the overwhelm of our first trip, I first made a list of all the wineries that we were considering and organized them by price and location. I narrowed down to just one or two splurge wineries, and basically played with the list until I was within my desired budget. I tried to arrange our itinerary so that we visited a max of three wineries each day, starting with the farthest out and working our way back to our hotel.

Don’t worry too much about choosing the perfect spots. Almost all the wine in Napa is good and everything is so beautiful. As long as you don’t overdo it, It’s impossible to fail at this!

Now your itinerary is all set for a mesmerizing weekend in Napa Valley.  This visit will be short, but it’s the perfect amount of time for doing some serious wine tasting.  You definitely can’t lose by visiting any of the ones I mentioned above.  After a blur of excitement, you’ll leave wondering when you can return to this magical wine region again.

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Thank you! We followed a lot of your guidance on our Napa trip, and loved it!

Yay! That is so great to hear 🙂

This itinerary is fantastic!! How did you get around to the wineries? Are shuttles available, or ride-shares?

Thank you! We did a combination of driving ourselves and using Uber/Lyft (traditional taxis are available as well). Ride-sharing several times a day can get very pricey though, so it’s good to plan out tastings to minimize how often you need to use it. That said, if you’re able to split rides with others, that will definitely help keep costs down!

This is perfect! My best friend and I are planning a trip and this has a lot of fantastic tips.

This is so great to hear! Napa is such an awesome destination with more things to do than meet the eye.

Just came across this! Love it. Planning our first trip to Napa for this fall. There will be 4 of us gals. Right now the dilemma is to rent a car or not? We will stay in SF our first night after flying in. Then 3 days (Sat-Tues) in Napa. Is it easy to get around via Uber?

Yes, you should be able to get around just fine with Uber!

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First-Time Visitor Guide to Napa Valley | Discover the Best of Wine Country

Planning your first trip to Napa Valley can be an imposing task. Booking your flight, finding a room, scheduling activities, picking out restaurants, and doing the research to make the right decisions might take up more time than the trip does. Don’t burn half your vacation days planning your vacation: just follow along here and we’ll do the leg-work for you.

FIRST TIME VISITOR GUIDE TO NAPA VALLEY.  To plan your first trip to Napa Valley, you’ll need to figure out the following:

• When should you visit?
• How will you get there?
• Where will you stay?
• What will you eat?
• What will you do?
• Which wine tours and tastings should you try?
• What should you know about wine before you go?

Individually, they’re not exactly huge questions, but when you list them all out it can look like a mountain of work. Not to worry, we’re here with your Napa Valley study guide. Just keep scrolling and we’ll hook you up with everything you need to know.

Deciding When to Visit

While there is not any one right time of year to visit Napa Valley, your experience there will vary drastically depending on the season.

From late August through the end of October is the harvest season. During this period, many winery tours allow you to watch as fresh wine is pressed. At the Grgich Hills Estate, visitors even have the opportunity to stomp grapes with their bare feet. Harvest events, such as the St. Helena Harvest Festival, are another Autumn perk.

Summer is recommended for beautiful weather, which brings the year’s largest crowds, and some of the valley’s most exciting events, including the Independence Day parade and The Napa County Fair & Fireworks in Calistoga every 4 th of July.

Budget conscious travelers can visit in the late winter or early spring, after the harvest, but before the weather really starts to warm up again. This is the least crowded time of year, which brings down travel prices, and you’ll also have the chance to see the valley’s famous mustard plants in bloom.

Flying into Napa

If you’re planning on flying into the area, you should know that there are 5 nearby airport options. You can compare travel itineraries for all 5 to get the best deals available.

• Charles M. Schulz Airport (STS) in Sonoma County is the closest to Napa Valley, though you’ll need to fly out of a limited number of west coast cities to get there.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) is 90-minutes’ drive from Napa, and often has great rates from the budget airlines.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the largest option, with the direct flights from almost any major point of origin, and extensive secondary travel options available to get you to Napa.
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is only 90 minutes away by car.
• Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is only two-hours’ drive from the valley.

For tips on getting from the airport to Napa Valley, check out these tips on the best way to get to Napa Valley.

Finding Your Hotel

Because the valley is so large, first-time visitors often have a hard time figuring out where to stay. The solution is to narrow your search down by town: each town has its own advantages and drawbacks, and your individual priorities will determine which is best for you.

• Yountville, CA. is usually the most expensive option, if only because it’s the most action-packed. It’s a beautiful town with a ton of dining options, and the Yountville Wine Walk has 19 wine-tasting rooms within one mile.
• Napa, CA. is slightly further from most wineries than Yountville, but it is a little more affordable, and equally lovely. There are plenty of tasting rooms in town, and lots of great food.
• Calistoga, CA. is just outside the valley to the north. It’s got a rustic vibe that travelers love, and it’s a good budget option, but there’s not as much to do there as in Yountville or Napa.
• American Canyon, CA. is outside the valley to the south, and has budget hotel chains that aren’t present anywhere else nearby. Traffic into the valley can be slow, but the savings may be worth it.

Whatever town you choose will have plenty of options for hotels and bed and breakfasts, but there are also great deals to be found on home rental platforms like AirBNB and VRBO.

If you’re really looking for a discount, try staying at one of these Napa Valley Campgrounds:

• Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
• Skyline Wilderness Park 
• Calistoga RV Park and Campground
• Napa Valley Expo RV Park Camping  

What Will You Eat in Yountville?

If you’re looking for a bite in Yountville, look no further than these recommendations, courtesy of our own Foster Daly:

• The French Laundry was named Best Restaurant in the world by Restaurant Magazine in 2003 and 2004.
• Yountville Deli offers locally loved specialty sandwiches, breakfast, and boxed lunches, and is one of the cheapest options in town.
• R+D Kitchen specialize in American classics.
• Ciccio’s wood-fired grill serves up authentic Italian pizza made from locally-sourced ingredients.

For the full rundown, and more recommendations, check out Foster’s original post on the best restaurants in Yountville .

What Will You Eat in the City of Napa?

Ellie Gebhardt has our hookup on the best spots to eat in Napa.

• Bistro Don Giovanni is a rustic Italian bistro with a truly intimate atmosphere.
• Galpao Gaucho Brazilian Steakhouse is an all-you-can-eat steakhouse with 17 cuts of flame-broiled meat to satisfy even the most devoted carnivores.

For more on those, and the rest of her recommendations, check out Ellie’s original post on the best restaurants in Napa .

Where Will You Eat in Calistoga?

When you get hungry in Calistoga, take one of these tips from Julie Workman:

• Evangeline is the French Bistro with a Creole Soul.
• Solbar-Solange serves up California soul food in a distinctly beautiful natural setting.
• Café Sarafornia serves classic diner fair so popular it often draws lines out the door.
• Pacifico Restaurante Mexicano has authentic Mexican food made from fresh, natural ingredients, with a live mariachi band on Friday’s for an added kick.

Julie’s got several more recommendations for you in her post on the best places to eat in Calistoga .

What Will You Eat in St. Helena?

 There are many excellent dining options in St. Helena. Gabrielle Malone offers these recommendations:

• Press is a great choice for a romantic dinner, set in a modern farmhouse.
• Meadowood offers fine dining in a casually elegant environment.
• Harvest Table offers all three meals from locally sourced ingredients.
• Market Restaurant is a cheaper option for classic American food.
• Cliff Family Bruschetteria offers award-winning Italian-American street food.

For the rest of Gabrielle’s list, check out the best places to eat in St. Helena .

Things to Do in Napa Valley That Do Not Involve Drinking Wine

Napa Valley may be most famous for its wine, but that’s not the only thing to do there. In fact, there’s a lot more to do in Napa Valley than most trips have time to fit, even if you skip the wine (don’t worry: we have a separate section for wine-tasting further down).

• Visit the Lincoln Theater , where the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center puts on some incredible shows, including the local Symphony Napa Valley orchestra.
• Kayak or paddle-board the Napa River with Napa Valley Paddle .
• Take a stroll Yountville Art Walk , where you’ll find 65+ unique outdoor sculptures.
• Hike Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. If you like, you can hike a 10-mile round trip to the top of Mount St. Helena.
• Tour the Hess Collection’s Contemporary Art Museum, where you’ll see art from the likes of Francis Bacon, Franz Gertsch, and Anselm Kiefer.
• See the Napa Chef’s Market. Every Thursday, you can see some of the best chefs in town perform culinary demonstrations where spectators are able to taste the foods they watch them prepare.
• Walk or Cycle the 12.5-mile Vine Trail.
• Visit the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville to see more local art.
• Hike the Westwood Hills Park , or Skyline Park .
• Try a quirky scavenger hunt in downtown Napa, courtesy of Viator’s Napa Puzzling Adventure .
• Catch a Napa Silverados baseball game at Napa Valley College’s Storm Field.
• Take a hot air balloon tour with one of the valley’s many vendors. Balloons Above The Valley and Aloft are two, but there are a handful of other services as well.
• Check out the Safari West Wildlife Preserve , a 400-square mile safari style zoo, where guests can even choose to sleep overnight in tents.
• Visit the Oxbow Public Market, for great food, unique local shopping, and a colorful, vibrant environment.
• Catch a show at Silo’s Jazz Club .
• Walk the Napa River Promenade for a relaxing, romantic evening.
• During the summer, enjoy a live outdoor show at Napa City Nights .

As you can see, Napa offers a plethora of fun even for those who aren’t interested in wine. Now that we’ve dealt with those lunatics, let’s turn our attention to the good stuff.

A Few Great Tour Options

If you’re looking for an educational tour, you can’t go wrong with any of the hot spots recommended by Maree Paul.

• At Conn Creek Winery they allow guests to blend their own wine.
• Rutherford Hill offers a similar tour.
• The estate tour at Deloach Vineyards is focused on sustainable farming methods, and very interesting.
• Beringer is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley, and their tour is a great slice of local history.

For more information on these, and a few more recommendations, hit up Maree’s original post on the best Napa Valley Educational Wine Tours .

For a few options that aren’t as focused on education, all of which cost $30 or less for a tasting, check these out:

• The St. Clair Brown Winery, which bills itself as an “urban winery, nano-brewery, and culinary garden.
• Black Stallion Winery, located on the grounds of a historic equestrian center.
• Etude Wines, known for Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Madonna Estate, a wine-crafting tradition that’s been running since 1922.

A Few Free Tour Options

The only thing better than cheap is free. You can enjoy free wine tastings at these wineries:

• Buehler Vineyards  offer free tastings by reservation. In spite of the price, this might be the best vineyard tour in all of Napa Valley thanks to the true family nature of the business, and the attention they pay to visitors.
• Vincent Arroyo Winery in Calistoga offers freebies for groups of four or fewer. The reds come highly recommended.
• Heitz Cellar  nearby is a local favorite.
• Hendry Wines has a free tasting and a gorgeous mountain view.
• Artesa Winery  offer free group tours that end with a 5 wine sampling from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
• Sutter Home  are a bit commercial, but the wine is good, the tasting is free, and guests are allowed to tour the beautiful property and classic Victorian house.
• Homage Vineyard  is a more recent brand offering an excellent free tasting.

Another great way to wine taste is to book an all-inclusive tour package via a discount site, like groupon.com. The best packages include transportation, a full day of guided sight-seeing and wine-tastings, and even lunch, for under $120-per-person.

More free-wheeling travelers can start their improvised tours at the Napa Valley welcome center, where a staff of 80 local volunteers helps visitors plan their trips. The welcome center always has tons of coupons to pick up—not to mention famously clean restrooms, a cute gift shop, and complimentary wine tastings on Fridays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

Your Napa Wine Study Guide

You don’t need to be a wine expert to have an incredible time in Napa Valley, but it can help to have a little basic knowledge.

Napa Valley is most famous for two wines: Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. While the valley overall is famous for those wines, each of 16 sub-regions within the valley has its own specialty, described in this post about each area’s best-known wines . If you have a favorite type of wine, you might want to schedule a tour in one of the areas that specializes in your favorite.

There is no special etiquette for a wine tasting. Guests should respect the wine, vineyard, and vintner by paying close attention to what they are tasting, giving honest, respectful feedback, and refraining from becoming overly drunk. Remember that the wine, and the vintner’s hard work, should be the focus of the room’s attention. See the link for more detailed tips for novice wine tasters .

It is generally expected that wine-tasters will seriously consider purchasing a bottle of any wines that they really love. Once you’ve tasted a few Napa wines, we don’t think you’ll need much convincing. What you will need is a plan for getting those bottles home. In the United States, you need a special license to ship alcohol, and many wineries won’t ship it for you.

The options aren’t great. You can see a full rundown on how to ship wine from Napa Valley here, but the best option is probably a product like The Wine Check (or one of a handful of competitors), which is a protective insulated container designed for carrying bottles of wine as checked luggage on your flight home.

Related Questions

Can you walk to wineries in napa.

Unfortunately, most of the wineries in Napa Valley aren’t reasonably accessible on foot. If you’re really only looking for wine tasting, there are a couple of places you can go to find a wide variety of tasting rooms all within walking distance.

The first spot to look at is Yountville, where there are 19 wine-tasting rooms all located within 1 mile. The Yountville Wine Walk is a fantastic option for those who are concerned more with tasting than with touring the winery.

The Yountville Wine Walk is the most popular recommendation, which does sometimes mean that it’s a bit crowded. For a slightly less bustling option (that’s still got excellent tastings), you can head to Sonoma, where there has been a fairly recent boom in new, excellent tasting rooms that public perception hasn’t quite caught on to yet. They’re not all within 1 mile, but they’re certainly walkable.

Travelers who are dead-set on seeing the vineyards still aren’t necessarily stuck renting a car. Many vineyards offer hotel pickup services for tours, there are a handful of independent shuttle services operating in the valley, and several pre-arranged tour packages include van or bus transportation.

What is the priority wine pass?

Priority Wine Pass is a membership-based discount service offering discounts at over 350 wineries on the west coast, including Napa Valley. Deals vary from location to location. The most common deals are 2-for-1 tastings, but there are a plenty of complimentary tours and tastings, as well as discounts on meals, bicycle rentals, wine-tasting lessons, balloon tours, and even mud baths.

The pass also includes access a concierge service, which offers to craft customized trip itineraries for members.  

A one-year pass costs $120, although that has been marked down to about $60 at the time of this writing. The easiest way to decide whether it’s worth it for you is to head to the priority wine pass website and visit the list of discounts that are included. Count up the savings that align with your travel plans. If the total savings is greater than the cost of the pass, then you might as well take advantage.

As local experts in Napa Valley tourism, our team at Vacation-Napa.com has curated the ultimate first-time visitor guide. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the region, we provide trusted advice to ensure you make the most of your Napa Valley getaway.

Devin Arnold

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First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go To Napa

Napa Valley is a well-known wine region in Northern California. Planning a trip to Napa can be really daunting as there are so many wineries to explore (over 500!). Use this guide to help you plan the basics of your trip so you can focus on the fun: sipping wine! I’ve created a “First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley” with all the basics I wish I had known before my first trip!

Related Post: My Favorite Napa Valley Wineries

Best Time To Visit Napa Valley

August – October (79 / 43) Early fall is the peak time to visit Napa Valley. This correlates with the harvest season for the grapes and is also when the weather is the nicest. You’ll find that prices are at an all-time high, tourists are everywhere, and reservations are needed well in advance! I personally loved visiting at the end of October when things began to slow back down and the leaves began to change!

March – May (72 / 40) Spring in Napa is gorgeous as the vines begin to bloom. This is Napa’s wet season, so be sure to pack an umbrella just in case!

June – July (78 /50) Summertime in Napa … lush greenery everywhere you turn! Locals will flock to the area on weekends, which makes for larger crowds.

November – February (63 / 36) Napa gets rather chilly in the winter (40s-50s) so visiting during these months may require a few layers of clothes! The winter is considered Napa’s “off-season” as many tourists do not visit during this timeframe. However, if you’re looking to explore Napa on a budget – this is definitely the time for you! I wouldn’t recommend visiting in the winter because the best wineries in Napa for first timers won’t impress you with their lackluster grapes.

Do’s and Don’ts in Napa Valley

Do’s in Napa Valley:

• Do Wear Layers – mornings & nights get chilly
• Do Make Reservations in Advance – both wineries and restaurants will fill up quickly
• Do Schedule Rides / Chauffeur – plan your rides to/from wineries so you’re not scrambling
• Do Tip Your Wine Guide – average tipping is $5-$10 per person
• Do Drink LOTS of Water – the wine tasting will dehydrate you, don’t forget water!

Don’ts in Napa Valley:

• Don’t Wear Heels – walking in vineyards or on wine tours will be virtually impossible
• Don’t Forget To Eat – eat snacks throughout the da y
• Don’t Overbook Your Day – stick to 3-4 wineries a day, otherwise you’ll feel rushed & overwhelmed
• Don’t Drink & Drive – obviously! plan your rides ahead of time!
• Don’t Only Visit “Napa” – there are other beautiful regions and towns nearby worth visiting!

How To Get to Napa Valley

Napa Valley is fairly accessible via plane! The easiest and most obvious option is to fly into San Francisco. This airport is only 40-80 minutes away (depending on traffic). However, there are several airports nearby that are just as good of options!

• 70 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – most accessible!
• 63 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK)
• 75 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
• 34 miles from Sonoma County Airport (STS)

We personally flew into SFO, rented a car, and drove up to Napa Valley. Traffic made the drive a little over 1.5 hours, but the scenic views were great.

Once in Napa, we scheduled our Ubers in advance each morning so we had reliable transportation. Others often hire a driver during their time in Napa to ensure they can safely get to each wine tasting. More on this below!

How To Get Around Napa Valley

Okay, so you’re in Napa… now what?! Getting around Napa was one of the more challenging things to plan in advance. I had heard horror stories of Ubers/Lyfts being difficult to reserve and many people recommending booking a chauffeur. Obviously, you want to be safe while enjoying wines throughout the valley, so be sure to plan ahead.

Ubers/Lyfts: Like I said, I had heard many horror stories of Uber’s being scarce and hard to come by. However, for 2 adults, it was rather easy to schedule our Ubers first thing in the morning for the entire day. This guaranteed us a ride and helped us stay on time for all of our tastings. If you have more than 4 people, I wouldn’t recommend this as Uber+ are more limited.

Chauffeur: Many people opt to hire a driver to take them to each winery. The benefits are reliable transportation, someone to keep you on your schedule throughout the day, and a place to store snacks & waters in between wineries. We found it to be incredibly pricey, but it is definitely worth it if your group is 5 or more.

Rental Car: We rented a car from San Fran and drove it to Napa. Having a car at your disposal is so convenient to drive to breakfast, lunch, shops, etc… but be sure to have a DD if you plan on driving to the wineries. The good news is that all wineries have complimentary parking available.

Napa Valley Train: To avoid cars altogether, schedule a day on the Napa Valley Train! This will take you through the valley and offers stunning views. Some of the trains stop along the way at various vineyards which can be a nice way to explore.

Public Bus Transportation: I would NOT rely on public bus transportation to get around the valley. However – it is a good option to get around various towns within the valley. There are 2 towns that offer shuttle busses that are essentially free:

• Calistoga Shuttle : Call (707) 963-4229 to schedule a pick-up; arrive within 15-30 minutes. Cost: Free for lodging guests
• St. Helena Shuttle : Call (707) 963-3007 to schedule a pick-up; arrive within 15-30 minutes. Cost: $1

What to Pack for Napa Valley

Layers! Whatever you wear, make sure you have layers! Napa has chillier mornings & nights due to the wind coming in from the bay area – be sure to plan ahead and have a jacket nearby! Depending on when you go, it can get rather hot during the day! Always check the weather and plan for a variety of temperatures.

Packing List Ideas:

• Sweater / Jacket (for mornings & nights especially)
• Sunscreen or Hat
• Flats or Wedges (wineries sometimes have unpaved paths, especially in the vineyards)
• Umbrella or Rain Coat
• Electrolytes

While there isn’t an official dress code for most of the wineries, it is best to dress on the classier side, rather than the casual side. Avoid shorts or jeans and pull out your nicer dresses, sweaters, or dress pants!

The pictures below are from my trip to Napa in October – I wore boots with socks each day to keep warm, a hat, and dresses with short or long sleeves. I always had a jacket with me just in case and typically changed into jeans at night!

Napa Valley Questions from First timers?

What’s the difference between Napa and Sonoma? Napa is the more well known wine region. This means that it is often more crowded and more expensive. Sonoma, on the other hand, is more laidback and has hundreds of family owned wineries. Can I visit Napa & Sonoma both within one trip? Absolutely! Napa and Sonoma are only 9.28 miles apart, making them very accessible to one another. Many people opt to do 1-2 days in each region. How many days should I spend in Napa? I advise to spend at least 3 days in Napa! This gives you time to explore both wineries and the towns nearby. Should I go with a large group of friends or with a significant other? One of the best parts about Napa Valley is the wide variety of visitors it attracts! You’ll find honeymooners, bachelorette parties, retired couples, friends, and more! It’s a great place to visit with friends, family, or significant others. What can I do in Napa other than visit Wineries? There are plenty of other activities available in Napa other than drinking wine. A few of my favorites are listed below: – Hot Air Balloon Ride ($$$$) – Bike the Vine Trail ($) – Spa Day ($$$) – Cooking Class ($$)

What are the best wineries in Napa for first timers? Check out my full blog post for best wineries in Napa for first timers .

Final Thoughts First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley:

Are you ready to take on Napa Valley know that you know the best tips and tricks?! There’s no doubt you’ll enjoy your time here!

If you have other advice to add to the First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley, drop it in the comments below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. This helps me keep the content on my website free, like best wineries in Napa for first timers .

Be sure to save this post on “First Timer’s Guide to Napa Valley” on Pinterest for future reference:

To read more about my Napa experience, check out my blog post on My Favorite Napa Wineries .

Looking for more “Know Before You Go” Guides? Check out my full series below:

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We have been to Napa a few times. But this new timers guide had a few good tips for a return visit. Fall is always our favourite time to visit to enjoy the harvest season. I like your suggestion about scheduling rides so you don’t have to drive for tastings. And 3 wineries for a day is a great suggestion to ensure your enjoy each one.

We have several friends who live in Napa and keep saying ‘ we should.’ But, somehow other destinations make it on to the list. This is a wealth of information and may help us get Napa back on the list.

I love Napa Valley, and I was there a few times, but I still want to go back there. Great tips for people planning their first trip.

This is a great guide to the Napa Valley – and it really makes me laugh how happy you look in front of those four glasses 😀 No wonder there is public transport resp. shuttles there – any alternative might be quite dangerous.

I loved the part where you mentioned that wearing heels in the vineyards is a DON’T, something I had to learn (more than once) the hard way. Perfect guide to Napa, this makes me want to head there on a girls trip soon again!

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The Perfect Napa Itinerary for First Time Visitors: Best Things to do on a Weekend Trip

December 6, 2022 September 14, 2016 | Paroma

It is no secret that Napa valley is the most prized destination in California’s wine country where wining and dining and having a jolly good time amidst the most beautiful scenic views is the norm. Although Napa is an easy day trip from San Francisco ,  a Napa valley weekend getaway is an even better idea for some ample R&R. If you’re planning a weekend road trip from San Francisco to Napa for the first time for a romantic getaway from the Bay Area and are overwhelmed with what to do, I have crafted this perfectly doable Napa itinerary for first time visitors to help you out!

Why should you read this Napa itinerary for first time visitors?

Allow me to explain why the task of planning a Napa vacation can appear daunting for those visiting Napa for the very first time. From figuring out decent accommodations on a budget (which is tricky in this expensive part of California) to where to go wine tasting without appointments to what else to do when not wine tasting- there are so many things to keep in mind while planning a weekend at Napa  that it can seem quite a bit of a task to plan a hassle-free vacation.

Here is where I, a San Francisco resident and repeat wine country visitor , come in. With this go-to guide for first time visitors, I am here to answer all the burning questions that you may have for planning a successful weekend getaway to Napa.

From where to stay in Napa Valley to the best wineries to visit as a first timer, the best time to visit Napa valley to everything else that you should be doing when in California’s wine country, this guide has it all, thanks to my multiple wine guzzling visits. 

As a bonus treat for dog parents like me, I have also included information on pet friendly things to do in Napa, dog friendly hotels in Napa valley and dog friendly Napa wineries wherever possible. In a nutshell, consider this post as your intro to Napa and let’s get started!

Disclaimer: This post may contain some affiliate links. Clicking on them may earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you for the product. Thank you!

Best time to visit Napa Valley

Let me start by saying this: there is no wrong time to visit Napa Valley, aka paradise. However, there are some seasons/months that will definitely add to your visit/wine tasting experience if you’re a first timer to the valley and do not know its ways like local Bay Area folks do. 

I visit Napa Valley at least twice a year (which means I have been there over 2 dozen times during my 12+ years of stay in San Francisco) and I have pretty plonked my wine tasting butt in its beautiful tasting rooms in every season (yes, this part of California does tend to have more distinct seasons).

So with all this knowledge of the best time to visit Napa Valley, here is my verdict: GO IN FALL (Late September-November), followed by Spring (March-early June), Winter (Dec-March) and finally Summer (June-August, although early September is still very warm and a better option, especially to attend a harvest festival ).

Fall, hands down is the best season to visit Napa Valley. Personally, I feel September-October is the best time to visit to see the bejeweled, vibrant fall colors in Napa valley . Most of the crowd is gone, the days are still warm to enjoy outdoor activities such as wine tasting on the patio/garden and you might still catch sight of the last of the grapes hanging from the vines.

Spring is the next best time to visit Napa valley to see vines sprout to life with green tendrils and baby green nubs of grapes. The air is clean and fresh with warmer days and greenery all around and the crowds are still sparse.

Napa experiences dry winters, but there might still be rain and the vines are bare. Late winter is when you see rows of yellow mustard planted in vineyards greeting you cheerfully while you sip your wine indoors with few others. Wine tasting is one of the best things to do in California in December , so even in the dead of winter, there is something to look forward to! Plus Restaurant week happens in Napa in January where you get to sample world class delicious food at a fraction of the cost!

Summer is extremely hot, humid, insanely crowded  with tourists and definitely the most popular time to visit Napa Valley. That makes it the worst time to visit wine country because of the number of people descending on tasting rooms, the high hotel prices and hard to get tasting room appointments which leaves no choice but to visit the touristy vineyards where tasting feels like being hauled around as cattle.

If you really want to have a good time in Napa, I suggest visiting off season in Fall, Spring or winter for better deals. You can check this roster of year round food, wine and other festivals in Napa Valley to make the most of your visit.

First time visitors guide to Napa Valley: Places to visit in Napa County

Napa County, encompassing the verdant Napa valley wine region, lies 70 miles north of San Francisco. The county stretches from the city of Napa in the south all the way to Calistoga in the north. Sonoma County, another popular wine country destination with many dog friendly wineries , lies to the west of Napa county. 

For those of you planning a weekend Napa trip, the best way to get a flavor of the region is to not restrict yourself to the city of Napa alone . Instead, drive around to the other charming (and more famous/popular) towns of Yountville, St. Helena, Rutherford and Calistoga to enjoy the best of what this region has to offer in terms of wineries, dining and other attractions.

All of these towns are an easy drive from Napa along highway 29 and have some of the best Napa valley wineries for first time visitors. Here is a handy map of the Napa valley wine region that you can download.

Planning a weekend Napa trip: Where to stay in Napa valley

Napa valley is really expensive. Being a premier wine country destination visited by millions every year comes with a serious price tag.  For those of you wondering where to stay in Napa during your first time visit , you will definitely feel the pinch while looking for a decent accomodation (beyond the very basics) that does not bankrupt you and is close enough to different wineries.

Here are some of my recommendations based on personal experience which are not high up in luxury but chic enough to make you feel special without going broke. Definitely check out one of these spots when planning a Napa itinerary for first time visitors.

a) Hotels in Downtown Napa 

I highly recommend staying at the charming Napa bed and Breakfast Cedar Gables Inn   in the heart of Napa, a mere 15-20 walking distance from the famous Oxbow market as well as the Napa valley wine train. The property is beautiful, surrounded by a lush garden and the B&B offers free wifi and parking. Although the rooms are on the smaller side, the freshly made breakfast is incomparable to say the least and the hosts are extremely warm and friendly!

The other hotel, and that too pet friendly , is Hotel Napa Valley , an old worldly inn only minutes away from downtown Napa and about a 15 minutes walk to the famous Napa Oxbow Market. The rooms are spacious with a particularly HUGE bathroom (comes with a clawfoot Victorian tub to relax away in) and you are spoiled with free internet as well as complimentary handmade treats in the evening! Please call prior to making a reservation to enquire for pet friendly rooms.

b) Hotels in St. Helena and Calistoga

I’ll be honest here- our favorite places to visit in Napa Valley are St. Helena and Calistoga, both north of the city of Napa. While St. Helena will seduce you with its glamor, wineries and fine dining, Calistoga will woo you with its geothermal spas.  Finding budget friendly accomodations is easier in Calistoga than St. Helena. Here are some of the places that we stayed during our Napa trip:

i) Shady Oaks Country Inn (St. Helena): During our Napa weekend trip , we stayed at Shady Oaks Country Inn right on Zinfandel lane bordered by beautiful wineries, and loved the experience. This inn has a wine and cheese reception in the evening in their beautiful patio and a champagne breakfast in the morning in the parlor (you have to notify in advance if you want to opt out).

We stayed at the “winery retreat room”, adjacent to the main building and loved the classic decor inside with a high bed and a beautiful bathroom. Shady Oaks also has helpful brochures and provides coupons for several events in and around St. Helena for those of you eager to explore your surroundings. 

ii) Bear Flag Inn (Calistoga): Calistoga is one of our favorite destinations in Napa ( we’ve been there twice ) and is super dog friendly. Bear Flag Inn is a dog friendly B&B in Calistoga with cottages spread across acres of green for your dog to sniff and romp around. Dogs are welcome in the cottages or the outward facing rooms in the main building, all at no extra cost!

The highlight of your stay here will undoubtedly be the evening wine and snacks, with the red coming in from grapes from the vineyard facing the inn. Breakfast is included and dietary restrictions are taken into consideration with advance notice. We had a very comfortable stay and I highly recommend this place for the hospitality, cleanliness and major dog love shown by the hosts. 

iii) Enchanted cottage: Another excellent B&B serving a breakfast hamper is the Enchanted Cottage which is also one of the dog friendly hotels in Napa Valley. The cottage is super spacious with a living room, bedroom, personal bathroom and a beautiful fireplace that adds to its vintage charm! We loved our quiet weekend stay there and highly recommend this place for your Napa weekend getaway .

Napa weekend trip: transportation and getting around in Napa Valley

The easiest way to visit Napa is by renting a car (at the airport or in San Francisco). Just make sure you have a designated driver if you plan to do some serious wine tasting. For those of you who are not planning to drive, here are some options to take your there:

a) Public transportation

There are plenty of ways to get to Napa using public transit. From airport shuttles to buses to ferries, there is always an option that will be best suited for you. Here is a helpful link to all the different ways to get to Napa .

b) Conducted tours  

If you have a pretty penny to spare to forego the hassles of renting a car, then you might want to check out some of the conducted tours or day tours leaving to Napa from San Francisco . Most of these tours take you to touristy wine tasting destinations and might be a little generic but provide the hassle-free experience of transportation and pickup to and from your hotel.

Then you also have small group tours and private tours which are definitely more expensive since they take you to smaller wineries that are by appointment only. I went with Max Napa tours (a small sommelier led tour which does not cover lunch or wine tasting cost) several years ago and recommend it if you have  $$$$ and are looking to visit some small, exclusive wineries.

c) Napa valley wine train

Napa valley wine train bumper way to experience some of the best wineries in Napa (both large and small), starting all the way from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. The wine train leaves from McKinstry Street (5 minutes by foot from downtown Napa) and covers 36 miles in 3 hours while passing through Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford.

This is a luxury train where you’ll get a taste of fine dining apart from the customary wine tasting stops. For those of you departing from San Francisco, there is a Bay-Area connection in conjunction with the SF ferry to get you to Napa.

The best wineries in Napa for first time visitors

Be it a day trip or a weekend getaway to Napa valley , your mantra to spend some quality time at one of the most beautiful locations in California should not include the last minute hustle to find a winery that welcomes walk-in wine tastings. Or, for that matter, finding a winery where you’ll not have to elbow 50 other people in an overcrowded tasting room that can also get pretty intimidating for first timers.

So here are some of my super helpful pointers to find the best wineries for first time visitors to Napa valley that you should keep in mind while planning your Napa itinerary .

a) What kind of wine is Napa famous for?

The  whopping 45, 0000+acres of Napa Valley produces all kinds of delicious grapes, but what Napa is mostly known for is the full bodied Red wine Cabernet Sauvignon. Besides the bold, red “Cabs”, you will also come across crisp Chardonnays (white wine) and other red wines such as Syrahs and Merlots (the latter being medium to full bodied reds).

For those of you looking for lighter, fruitier wines-the neighboring Sonoma county as well as Anderson valley are the places to partake in the famous California Pinot Noir. Here is a super useful wine map of Napa if you are curious to know more.

b) Things to remember while choosing a Napa winery

Going wine tasting is an expensive affair in Napa . Unlike Sonoma or even the lesser known Lodi (the Zinfandel capital of California), individual tasting fees start from $25 and up for most wineries. Large, touristy wineries may charge less but they are also very crowded and will rob you off a relaxing experience that wine tasting is all about.

Small batch wineries are beautiful and allow a limited number of people, but that means making appointments before hand for a specific time . Finally, there is this third elusive category of wineries which cater to a very specific, high end clientele who know their wine and is not generally open to walk-ins.

Popular, large wineries also offer and added attraction of winery tours which can be really fun for first time visitors as they learn all about the wine making process. Such tours can be booked beforehand or during your visit. The famous Robert Mondavi winery in Oakville, Napa offers a signature wine tour and tasting that is very popular (and one that I have joined).

Scroll below to see my recommendations for the best wineries for first time visitors to include in your Napa itinerary.

c) Napa valley wineries to consider for your first time Napa itinerary

Popular (touristy) wineries where walk-ins are welcome.

i) Beringer winery :This winery in St. Helena is California’s longest continually operated winery and was established in 1876 by brothers Jacob and Frederick Beringer to rival the vineyards in Europe. Beringer now has 1600 acres of land for their grapes in Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles and is known for their bold, red cabernets. There are two separate tasting rooms, one for the light and medium bodied and the other for the their full bodied reds. Tasting is three wines of your choice/per person with $25 per head (as of 2016).

Beringer is open to the public all year round as a result of which the tasting rooms are extremely crowded . The property is vast and you can stroll along their lawn, stop by to listen to some live music and admire the centrally located manor. They also have a part of their other tasting room (where the full bodied cabs are served) reserved for their wine club members and patrons.

ii) Artesa winery : This winery is blessed with an incredible view since it is perched at an elevation. Wine tasting is$27/person that comes with 4-5 pours, again mainly cabernets (tasting fees are those from 2016). There is an enclosed space for patrons but the general tasting room is open to all. Artesa is easy to get into because there are no reservations needed. If you are not big into planning your Napa valley itinerary to the Y, I say go for this winery to enjoy the sweeping views with a glass of wine in hand.

iii) V. Sattui winery : Another massive winery in St. Helena, this one draws in major crowds for its beautiful picnic garden as well as a bustling market center selling everything from wine to local cheese and other products. No reservation is required for parties 8 and less for wine tasting and you can buy your favorite bottle from the marketplace to enjoy at the picnic grounds. V. Sattui is known for its bold cabernets and crips chardonnays. 

iv) Robert Mondavi winery : This winery, established in 1966 in Oakville, is perhaps the most well known in Napa valley. It draws huge crowds in summer for wine tasting and guided tours of their winemaking. Given the hospitality and the fun wine tour (I took my wine noob dad on one and he thoroughly enjoyed it), I recommend this one winery for first time visitors to Napa.

Small batch and boutique wineries in Napa

v) Black Stallion Winery : this sprawling estate winery in Napa stands on acres of land which was once home to prized race horses, but is now an abode for some of the very fine cabernets in the valley. At Black Stallion, you not only have a spacious tasting room, but also a beautiful shaded patio overlooking the lush green vineyards where visitors can relax and enjoy their flight of red or white varietals with some charcuterie pairing if they so desire.

Best of all, this is a dog friendly winery. Your little one needs to well behaved and on leash! This is an excellent winery to visit for first timers in Napa since you will be able to relax and drink wine at your own pace in the comforts of those deep cushiony seats in the patio!

vi) Darioush Winery: A staple on all Napa winery lists featuring the most beautiful jewels in the valley, there is nothing plain or average about this extraordinary Persian themed winery on the Silverado trail. Stemming from the passions of owner Darioush (75 and still going strong) who fled Iran prior to the Islamic revolution and found his true calling in wine-making after a grocery business stint in Los Angeles, this winery is a feast for the eyes with wine tasting a true luxury experience! 

As you enter through its pearly gates, you will be welcomed by a giant cauldron with a lit flame and then pass into the beautifully manicured garden (if accompanied by pups) or the incredibly tasteful dining room via a courtyard boasting of tall Persian style pillars, a homage to the owner’s roots.

Keep in mind that this one of the costliest one tastings in the valley, starting with $65 for their signature flight of 4 (comes with the tastiest olives and pistachios to munch on as you sip wine). I personally was extremely wowed by the ambiance (they have a mini museum of Persian arts inside the tasting room in case you want to get a sneak peak) and the hospitality, but the Chardonnay also hit the spot.

vii) Frog’s Leap Winery : This small batch winery in Rutherford is definitely more affordable than most Napa wineries but the downside is that a reservation is required. Given how charming this winery is, not to mention how relaxing your wine tasting experience will be in the laps of a beautiful garden, I highly recommend including this winery in your Napa valley itinerary .

This winery is known for its charming red barn, beautiful gardens and their novel dry irrigation vineyards where the grapes have to dig deep in their roots to tap the groundwater. We lucked out by getting a spot at 11 AM the day before, but I recommend making a prior reservation just to be safe.

Wine tasting at Frog’s leap includes four wines which are most reds consisting of cabernets fused with some Petite Sirah, Merlot and Chardonnay ($ 20/person as of 2016). Being a reservation only place, you will not be jostling with others for a space at the pouring table and can get to know quite a bit about each wine as they are being poured. I highly recommend this winery for your Napa Valley weekend trip for a relaxing, one of a kind experience.

viii) Dutch Henry winery : This super dog friendly Napa winery   is located on this historic Silverado trail in Calistoga and is known for its small batch handcrafted wines crafted by owner/winemaker Scott Chafen.  DH winery waives the tasting fee if you buy one of their bottles. No prior appointment is necessary for wine tasting at this small yet charming winery.

Best of all, this winery is a little secluded (being up north in Calistoga) and so you get to enjoy a quiet wine tasting experience with your pup minus the crowds in their beautiful vineyard. Highly recommend to include in your Napa valley itinerary as first time visitors.

ix) Markham vineyards:  This winery in St. Helena not only has a cosy fireplace arrangement for wine tasting but also a spectacular gallery where people can enjoy some art while partaking in their delicious wine.  Markham vineyards offers a lot of different varietals of wine, all the way from Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon. 

x)  Laura Michael winery and tasting room : This is another dog friendly winery in Napa valley (Calistoga) that you should absolutely include in your Napa itinerary. The owner (Michael Swanton) is super friendly and chatty and fills you in on all interesting tidbits on wine making as well as the origins of this boutique winery. There is a beautiful love story of second chances behind the tagline “love at first sip” and you have to visit the winery to hear all about it.

xi) Hall winery : This beautiful dog friendly winery in St. Helena provides a wine tasting experience like no other. The outdoor tasting area overlooks a verdant lawn dotted with fun sculptures (you will see some at the very entrance) and the adjacent vineyard. Helmed by Kathryn and Craig Hall, this winery excels in Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlots. 

xii) Clos Pegase :  This high end winery in Calistoga is surrounded by acres of beautiful vineyards and is one of the premier dog friendly wineries in Napa . Although a pour of 5-6 wines costs upwards of $40 , the tasting room is one of a kind beautiful with an understated elegance and refinement.

The wine pourers are experts and will eagerly share their knowledge of the property and wine with you. The estate surrounding the tasting room is simply breathtaking and you must take a stroll here while sipping on your precious wine.

xiii) Jessup Cellars : This tasting room in downtown Yountville also doubles up as an art gallery, but the best part about this boutique place is an exceptionally friendly staff that will welcome both you and your pup heartily for outdoor tasting. No wonder they are known as the “friendliest tasting room in Napa valley”.

Their wines pair excellently with their local cheese platter which they source from the nearby JCB tasting salon. They have some of the crispiest chardonnay that I’ve ever tasted! This is simply  the best place for first timers in Napa to go wine tasting and a good addition to any Napa itinerary for first time visitors.

xiv) Chimney Rock winery : This is an extremely beautiful winery showcasing some of the best handcrafted cabernet sauvignons from the heart of Napa’s Stag’s Leap district. As you pull into the gravel strewn driveaway, what greets you is a majestic white building (built in the Spanish Mission style) overlooking the vineyard.

This is another dog friendly Napa winery where your furbaby is welcome in the shaded central patio for tasting. Although the tasting is more on the expensive side for a full flight, we loved the relaxed ambiance and the friendly service.

xv) Tres Sabores winery : Tucked away in one end of South Whitehall lane in St. Helena, this women owned and operated winery takes the cake in hospitality, quality of wines and an exclusive wine tasting experience that will make you want to return for more! This certified organic winery practices dry farming (that holds up well in our drought conditions) and grows mostly Zinfandel grapes over their 12 acres. 

All wine tasting is in their beautiful outdoor garden overlooking the vineyard where you’ll be surrounded by olive groves, lemon and pomegranate trees. Owing to their attention to detail and personalized service, the tastings are times and reservations are required. They are also incredibly dog friendly, with the owners and assistant winemaker’s dogs (one Labrador and two very friendly Golden Retrievers) roaming the property casually.

As of 2021, their tastings of 6 (mix of white and red estate wines-cabs, zinfandel and a very unique varietal that tastes almost like a Pinot Noir) cost $50. A single tasting fee is waived when you purchase 4 bottles. They also have snacks to go along with their tasting and you can also purchase small bites (charcuterie and cheese board) if you wish. Plus, they allow tasting friendly lunches onsite.

If you’re visiting Napa for the first time, please make the reservation for the most relaxing wine tasting experience that you’ll ever have in the valley!

Where to eat in Napa: The best of Napa restaurants and dining spots

No Napa valley itinerary can be complete without food recommendations. This area is a food lovers paradise because of the culinary heavyweights like Thomas Keller and Michael Chiarello calling the towns of Napa, St. Helena and Yountville their home. From fine dining to old timer restaurants to world class bakeries, Napa truly has it all for all taste buds and budgets.

The restaurant scene is constantly changing in Napa valley. The following recommendations are based on my personal dining experience and are constantly updated to reflect the current status-i.. changes and closures. 

a) Anything by Thomas Keller (Yountville)

Thomas Keller is the man with the Midas touch when it comes to dining in USA , with two legendary three Michelin star restaurants French Laundry and Per Se (NYC) tucked under his belt . Keller practically owns Yountville with French Laundry, Ad-Hoc, Bouchon Bakery and Cafe which cover the entire gamut of restaurant service from fine dining to fast casual and baked goods.

French Laundry serves a multi course Californian-American menu (a separate vegetarian menu is available for your selection) and reservations to walk through that famed “blue door” can be made via TOCK. I fondly remember my dining experience at French Laundry with delectable food, impeccable service and an unmatched ambiance inside a beautiful manor like house, where you get a cosy dining feel. The price, though $$$$, is at par with all three Michelin star restaurants in the Bay Area. The entire meal experience is definitely worth shelling out those Benjamins!

Bouchon bakery is unbelievably popular and has a long line going for it since its opening at 8 AM. I highly recommend arriving as early as possible to snag those baked goodies. 

Finally, the latest entrant in the Keller family is La Calenda , the Oaxaca inspired restaurant helmed by executive chef Kaelin Ulrich Trilling, son of Susana Trilling, who is considered an authority on Oaxacan cuisine .

Having been to Oaxaca, we did find the food to be more of a Californian take on the original, which I guess is not bad at all. Everything was delicious and we loved our dining experience. The colorful outdoor patio welcomes dogs ! This restaurant is committed to supporting Mexican artisans and sources its kitchenware and other interior decor items from down south.

b) Bottega (Yountville)

Bottega , Michael Chiarello’s long standing restaurant in Yountville, and one where had accidentally dined before when I had no idea of anything in wine country, continues to be my favorite via its subtle California kissed Italian fare.

The service is impeccable here as well and they have an outdoor dining area for those wanting to enjoy their food in the sun. The lunch menu is a good mix of vegetarian and meaty offerings and we went for the an vegetarian meal.

e) Lucy’s at Bardessono (Yountville)

The luxury resort Bardessono in Yountville also has a charming restaurant named Lucy’s serving Californian-American fare. Best enjoyed with a glass of wine in their lush green backyard/patio for al-fresco dining on a hot day.

d) Mango on Main (Napa)

This tiny Thai restaurant in downtown Napa is big and bold on flavors. They have a tiny outdoor dining space and so are dog friendly!

e) The Grove (Napa)

The Grove is the in-house restaurant of the Culinary Institute of America (The CIA at Copia). Helmed by talented chef Sayat Ozyilmaz, this restaurant offers a Mediterranean-inspired menu (think Persian, Italian and Turkish inspired) with produce from the Copia gardens. They have a lovely outdoor seating area as well for you to enjoy if visiting during Summer or with your pup. Don’t give the Persian inspired rice and Kunefe a miss!

f) Two Birds One Stone (St. Helena)

Update: As of June 29, 2020 Two Birds One Stone has been reinvented as Roadhouse 29 , a casual BBQ space serving smoked meat. I will miss their mouthwatering and unique Californian-Yakitori fare.

Two Birds One Stone is that California inspired Yakitori restaurant which took Napa by storm a few years ago and continues to be one of our favorite places. It is also a dog friendly restaurant in Napa where you can have lunch with your pup on their beautiful patio.

Portions are small and so its best to share 4-5 dishes between two people and there are several vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. The interior is spacious and adorned with dark toned wood for that rich, regal feeling with light reflecting off the glass lamps hanging off the ceiling. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to enjoy a meal here.

g) Farmstead (St. Helena)

Farmstead is another dog friendly restaurant in Napa which has a bustling outdoor patio equipped with heaters. Their deviled eggs are delicious and a must have and I recommend dog parents going there for lunch or dinner.

h) Solbar (Calistoga)

Solbar , the restaurant of the famous hospitality group Solage is extremely dog-friendly with a giant patio and a great place to include in your Napa itinerary for lunch. The food is top notch Californian-American with hints of Asian influence (think of lamb gyros with a twist or sweet potato chapatis) and all ingredients are locally sourced. The best part is that the menu changes daily as well as from lunch to dinner. Solbar is part of the Solage Hotel which is a dog friendly hotel in Napa.

i) Calistoga Inn and Brewery

Calistoga Inn & Brewery is a dog friendly Napa restaurant has a lively and spacious outdoor seating where well behaved dogs are welcome. The food is essentially Californian American with seasonal ingredients. 

Things to do in Napa valley other than wine tasting

Don’t drink the good stuff? No wine for your whining? No problem in Napa! Even if you are the one that does not require the “spirits” to get your spirits up, Napa has plenty of things to do minus alcohol. So here is a list of things to do in Napa other than wine tasting . Check them out and don’t forget to add them to your Napa itinerary !

a) Visiting Oxbow Public Market in Napa to check out the best of Northern California’ products and bounty

b) Visiting the Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum (founder of Williams Sonoma) to see about 4000+ of his European cookware and utensils inside the Culinary Institute of America (CIA at Copia)

c) Joining a food tour in downtown Napa (a must for foodies)

d) Going on a hot air balloon tour in Napa

e) Strolling down downtown St. Helena to check out the cute shops and boutique stores (dog friendly)

f) Visiting the petrified forest in Calistoga (dog friendly)

g) Visiting the “Old Faithful” mini geyser on Tubbs lane in Calistoga (dog friendly)

h) Treating yourself to some much needed R&R at a spa massage in Calistoga

I hope you enjoyed reading this post on how to plan to Napa itinerary as a first time visitor ! Hopefully this post has inspired you to get going on your own weekend getaway to Napa valley minus the headache and the hefty cost associated with visiting wine country. Thanks so much for reading and do share your Napa trip experience with me. For more on all things California, check out my California adventures right here . 

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22 thoughts on “The Perfect Napa Itinerary for First Time Visitors: Best Things to do on a Weekend Trip”

Wow. Seems like a great place. Keep travelling. Amazing photos. ?

I’ve experienced a similar transformation when it comes to wine. I like your itinerary, I’m saving it for later because Napa Valley is soo far from my home and it’s still on my list 🙂

This was amazing! Im visiting cali in August and Im def going to make a stop here! thanks for all the info. it looks like you had a blast!

Great post! I am not a fan of wine, but it would be neat to go to Napa and do some wine tastings.. maybe I’d find a wine I would like!

I absolutely love wine! I recently went wine tasting in Malibu, but I will have to check out Napa Valley whenever I next find myself in California. Thanks for sharing!

We’ve been to yountville and some of the spots you mentioned! I love wine! Just went to do some tastings out by where I live!

I love Wine! And i have definitely added this place to bucketlist to explore Napa Valley. The pictures are so amazing. While i just had my breakfast i am already hungry looking at those bakery items.

This sounds so perfect! My type of vacation! I’ve visited napa once but it seems I have waaaaay more to see! Absolutely beautiful photos as well!

What a great guide! I love wine tasting and seeing where things are made always interests me. I have never been to Napa but would definitely visit some of these places you write about 🙂

Once again your photos are AMAZING!! We don’t usually use V Sattui as a tasting destination but we LOVE grabbing a bottle of wine and picnic snacks to have a lovely pet friendly picnic on their lovely grounds!

Thanks Denise! V Satui is crowded with tourists but one of the few places we could go without a reservation. Next time we will take Babu with us:-)

I absolutely love Napa! We visited twice last year from Boston both the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley and we had such an amazing time. I hope the area recovers from the fires so terrible what happened there.

I’ve been dying to do a Napa valley trip! This looks absolutely amazing!

Ahh now I feel like going back to Napa. Went there a few years ago but don’t even have such good memories or photos 😀 Will follow these suggestions next time I visit!

I have heard wonderful things about Napa, love your pics! You’ve made me a little thirsty…

Love you’re pics! So sad about the fires in nearby wine regions ?

Amazing . Love the pics. Wine and food looks so delicious ?

That food looks delicious!! Great post and really comprehensive tips for visiting the area!

I don’t think I’ve ever been to a wine-tasting trip. I almost had an opportunity to go a few months back but somehow it didn’t work. Wish I had! Looking at this experience, the food makes me drool and the wine tasting experience… 🙂 if they go hand-in-hand with this trip, then count me in! Thanks for sharing.

? Everything here looks delicious and so lovely! I’m from Oregon and love visiting the vineyards up here, but I’ve still never gone wine tasting in Napa. This place is going on the top of my list!

I don’t drink so I’ve never had Napa on my radar, but the food and bakeries…wow! I think I need to visit now!

I visited a winery in South Africa and loved it! I’ve never thought of going to one in the states. Thanks for sharing how cool they are! Your meal at Archetype looks delicious though I’m intrigued by what the white stuff is on the fish and chips?

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The Perfect Napa Valley Itinerary: A Long Weekend in Napa

last Updated: November 29, 2023 california napa Northern California

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Headed to Northern California and looking for the best Napa Valley itinerary?! Keep on reading – this (super) comprehensive post will help you plan the perfect weekend in Napa! Wine tastings included, of course!

Imagine sipping on glasses of pinot, rose, merlot, and cabernet. Admiring rolling hills covered with vineyards. Strolling through charming towns with tasting rooms on every corner. Indulging in some of the region’s best farm-to-table restaurants. Relaxing in mineral pools and soaking in mud baths. 

If that sounds like your cup of tea (or wine, haha), you’ll love this world-famous wine region. Time to start planning your Napa Valley itinerary right away!

After living in the San Francisco Bay Area for almost 10 years now (!!!), we’ve been to Napa Valley more times than I can count. It’s only about an hour and a half north of us, so we find ourselves there pretty often! And despite visiting a dozen times, we’re still finding new things to do! 

We love driving up for long weekends, taking day trips to Downtown Napa, and meeting up with out-of-town friends for wine tasting fun. I’ve even helped my sister plan a night there with her husband recently (and they had the best time).

So it’s kinda crazy that it took me this long to finally write this weekend in Napa itinerary for you all (facepalm)! Whoops! Better late than never! I guess after so many visits (and wine tastings, haha – all in the name of research, wink, wink), I feel super qualified to write this Napa Valley itinerary!

Weekend in Napa Valley Itinerary Logistics 

Where is napa valley and how to get there .

First of all, where exactly is Napa Valley anyways?! The region is located in Northern California , only 50 miles or so north of San Francisco. It’s part of Napa County, bordering the popular Sonoma County (highly recommended for another weekend of wine!), and the relatively unknown counties of Solano, Lake, and Yolo. 

It’s a narrow valley, nestled between two mountain ranges (the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Mountains to the east) – meaning so many great mountain views! I always forget about this, and am blown away each and every time I visit.

When you think of Napa, you’re probably thinking of Napa Valley. It’s kinda confusing – the name “Napa” is the name of the county, valley, and one of the towns. Super tricky!!! 

Within Napa Valley you’ll find a few towns; the main ones being Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. There’s other smaller ones mixed in (Oakville, Rutherford, etc), but those four are the largest. And if you follow my Napa Valley itinerary, you’ll be visiting most if not all!

Driving to Napa Valley

Coming from the Bay Area or nearby county? Getting to Napa Valley is super easy! 

From San Francisco: Many people visit Napa Valley from SF, and it makes sense. It’s only about an hour away! Napa is north of San Francisco, so take this opportunity to cross off another of my favorite activities – Battery Spencer (by far my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge)!

There’s 3 different routes with 3 different bridges, so choose whatever’s got the least traffic! We typically just follow Google Maps. 

You’ll either be crossing the Golden Gate Bridge (via Highway 101) or the Bay Bridge (via Highway 80), and then possibly another to get into Vallejo (on the way to Napa). Regardless of which option you pick, it shouldn’t take longer than an hour and a half without traffic. But remember – this is the Bay Area we’re talking about… there’ll undoubtedly be some traffic. Leave early to avoid this!

Here’s some other popular spots in California to give you an idea of how far away they are from Napa Valley:

• From Santa Rosa: 45 miles (~1 hour)
• From Oakland: 50 miles (~45 minutes to an hour)
• From Sacramento: 60 miles (~1 to 1 ½ hours)
• From Half Moon Bay : 75 miles (1 ½ to 2 hours)
• From Santa Cruz : 115 miles (~2 to 2 ½ hours)
• From Monterey: 155 miles (~2 ½ to 3 hours)
• From Los Angeles : 400 miles (~6 hours, but expect tons of traffic getting out)
• From San Diego : 550 miles (~8 ½ hours)

Flying to Napa Valley

While there’s no commercial airport in Napa Valley itself, you’ve got your fair share of choices pretty close by! The Bay is super connected to tons of other major US cities, meaning you’ll likely be able to find nonstop flights no matter where you’re coming from. 

Here are the airports closest to Napa Valley:

• San Francisco International Airport (SFO) : SFO is the closest major international airport to Napa Valley – it’s only about 50 miles south. Expect the drive to take about 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on traffic and where in Napa Valley you’re staying. Make a quick pit stop at Battery Spencer for my favorite view of the Golden Gate Bridge on the way!
• Oakland International Airport (OAK) : Oakland Airport is another option, about 55 miles from Napa Valley.
• Sacramento International Airport (SMF) : Another great option, and only about 60 miles or so from Napa Valley! 
• San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) : The furthest from Napa Valley, but not terrible at about 85 miles. SJC is usually much quieter than busy SFO. Avoid rush hour or you’ll get stuck in tons of Bay Area traffic on the peninsula and in SF.

If you’re not planning to visit any of these spots and are solely flying in to see Napa, just choose whichever is cheapest! Regardless of which airport you fly into, you’ll wanna rent a car and drive the rest of the way.

Psst – you can also fly into Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (STS), but it’ll be wildly more expensive than those listed above. The only commercial airline flying into STS is Alaska Airlines, so the majority of runways will be occupied by private planes and charters.

Public Transport to Napa Valley

There aren’t TONS of public transport options to Napa Valley, but there’s a slim few! I’d only really recommend taking public transport if you’ve got a private driver waiting for you in Napa since it’ll be difficult to get around to the wineries and different towns without one. 

Here’s two great options for public transport:

• San Francisco Bay Ferry: From the San Francisco Ferry Building (accessible via BART – Bay Area Rapid Transit – from SFO), take the San Francisco/Vallejo Bay Ferry to Vallejo. Walk the block to the Vallejo Transit Center, then use the VINE Transit bus into Napa Valley.
• Amtrak San Joaquins: From the Bay Area or Central Valley, take the Amtrak San Joaquins train to the Martinez station and transfer onto Amtrak Thruway Bus Route 7. Get off just 3 stops later at the Soscol Gateway Transit Center in Napa, right near Oxbow Public Market and the Napa Valley Wine Train.

Can I see Napa as a day trip from San Francisco?

Certainly! Visiting San Francisco (and don’t have much extra time) or live in the Bay Area? You can totally take a day trip to Napa Valley! Luckily Napa is so easily accessible from the rest of the bay, and you can really do so much in a day if you leave early enough. 

Have just a day? Stroll Downtown Napa and choose 2 nearby wineries or so. Leave the ones further north for when you’ve got more time. Or book yourself on a guided day trip to Napa from San Francisco – zero stress and you can drink all the wine you want without worrying about a driver!

A few great day trip options:

• Full-Day Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco : Fine wines and the beautiful scenery of both Napa and Sonoma, plus an extra stop for views of the Golden Gate Bridge! Tastings at 3 boutique wineries are included with time to wander through the beautiful vineyards!
• Redwoods of Muir Woods and Napa Valley Combo Day Trip : Short on time? See the stunning tall trees of Muir Woods and go wine tasting in Napa all in the same day! Two of my favorites in Northern California!
• Half Day Wine Country Excursion with Tastings : Perfect if you’ve only got 2 or 3 days in San Francisco and don’t want to dedicate a full day to Napa. You’ll visit two wineries and still have the full morning free to explore the city.

How to Get Around Napa Valley

Yay, you’re spending the weekend in Napa! As mentioned before, Napa Valley isn’t just one main area – there’s lots of towns to visit with plenty of vineyards and wineries in between. 

Napa Valley stretches for about 30 miles (from north to south), so you need a reliable way to get from place to place. A lot of people don’t realize this and miss out on oh so much because they don’t venture north of Downtown Napa.

You’ll wanna think about the geographical location of the wineries you’re picking to ensure you’re not zigzagging around (and wasting precious time tasting!).

Driving around Napa

Driving is the most popular way to get around Napa Valley. We love the flexibility having our own car gives us, and we can easily zip from winery to winery and town to town. 

It’s important to note that there’s one main road that takes you through the valley – California State Route 29. It runs from the town of Napa (the southern end) to Calistoga (the northern end). This means there’ll undoubtedly be some traffic – plan for extra time in your Napa itinerary and you’ll be fine!

Okay, I guess there’s kinda two if you count the Silverado Trail, another major road that runs parallel to Route 29 with tons more wineries and vineyards. 

Safety: This is one of the world’s best wine regions – you’re here to go wine tasting and have a good time! With that being said, always, always, always plan a designated driver for your group. If you’re visiting a few wineries a day and are visiting Napa Valley with a few friends, you can switch DD’s from day to day. Or there’s always a private driver (more info below).

Hire a Private Driver

Sounds super luxurious right?! Having a driver take you around to different vineyards and wineries?! How fun!!!

Definitely the way to go if everyone in your party plans to drink and you don’t want to have to worry about transportation. Most private drivers let you choose up to 3 or 4 wineries (or they can give you recs depending on your preferences), and include pick-up/drop-off services. Really, it makes the day super easy and stress-free. 

And honestly, it’s not even that expensive! This private tour (wi t h private driver) of Napa Valley is ~$400, but that includes transport for 5 hours and up to 8 people – really not that pricey when you think about it. Great for a group of friends and/or a few couples!

Ride Shares 

Honestly, I wouldn’t rely on ride shares to get you around Napa Valley. There’s not tons of cars in the valley, and you may be waiting quite a bit to get from winery to winery. Don’t waste precious time during your weekend in Napa. 

But remember – if you don’t have a DD or private driver, Uber/Lyft may be the way to go. Safety first, ALWAYS. Even if you have to wait longer than expected.

Walking around Napa

Once you’re in town (remember — there’s quite a few), you can walk around the main streets and head to tasting rooms, restaurants, and cafes. 

Note you cannot walk to vineyards from town; you’ll need a car or private driver for that. But you can totally spend a whole day exploring a town or two by walking!

Public Transportation in Napa

I was pleasantly surprised to learn just how much public transit Napa has! And some are completely free!

VINE Transit : This is a bus system in the County of Napa, with routes that run the entire length of the valley (from Napa all the way up to Calistoga) plus down to the Vallejo Ferry terminal. Check out bus routes here.

Shuttles: There’s a few shuttles in the valley that provide on-demand service within their respective city limits. I’ve honestly never heard of anything else like this, and think it’s so cool! Extra important when you were planning to drive… but can’t anymore.

No shame – this is Napa!!! Enjoy the wine! Remember, safety first! Don’t be shy – this is why the shuttles are here! Different towns have different shuttles; make sure you call the right one! Most arrive within 15-30 minutes and are super low-cost.

• Calistoga Shuttle : Call (707) 963-4229 to schedule a pick-up. Cost: Free for lodging guests.
• St. Helena Shuttle : Call (707) 963-3007 to schedule a pick-up. Cost: $1
• The Yountville Trolley : Call (707) 944-1234 or (707) 312-1509 after 7:00 p.m. This trolley is completely free thanks to the generous support from the Town of Yountville.

When to Plan your Napa Valley Itinerary 

In all honesty, there’s never a horrible time to visit Napa Valley. Each season has its pros and cons, and after visiting multiple times of year, there’s probably not a time I’d say no to visiting. I do however favor fall a bit – seeing those leaves change color is absolutely spectacular! Especially since we don’t get much fall color in the Bay Area (okay fine, a little).

Spring (March to May) – Growing Season

This is an absolutely gorgeous time to plan your Napa Valley itinerary. The weather is mild (warm, sunny days and cool nights), there’s wildflowers on the hillsides, and the landscape is vibrant and green. So picturesque and beautiful, especially with the blossoming trees!

In terms of grapes and leaves, this is when the buds start to bloom and grapevines begin to produce new shoots and leaves. 

Summer (June to August) – Peak Tourist Season

Summer in Napa Valley gets HOT, with temps peaking in the high 80s/low 90s. Always make sure to stay hydrated and drink lots of water – especially when wine’s involved! Expect much larger crowds this time of year, especially on the weekends, and definitely make your winery reservations at least a few weeks in advance.

Pro Tip: Late summer is when the grapes are at their peak ripeness so you’ll get to see them in all their glory. This is the very start of the harvest season!

Fall (September to November) – Harvest Season

Autumn is a special time in Napa Valley – as it’s when the grapes are harvested! This is known as “crush”, typically occurring in September and October. Some vineyards even allow visitors to stomp on grapes – I crushed some grapes (with my feet!) at Sterling Vineyards a few years ago and it was such silly, yet messy fun.

There’s also a decent amount of fall foliage here, with the vineyards turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow (my favorite!!!!). The weather is still very pleasant, with warm days and cooler nights. We sat by the fire at our hotel in Calistoga one night and roasted marshmallows – what could be better than that?! The best time to plan your Napa Valley itinerary in my opinion.

However, there’s a major caveat to that statement. WILDFIRES. And unfortunately, wildfire season is very real around here. The entire region and its vegetation gets extremely dry – a combination of intense winds, high temps, and reduced rainfall calls for disaster.

The last major fire (in Fall 2020) caused extensive damage that took years and millions of dollars to rebuild. Some hotels were burned to a crisp, and acres and acres of vineyards were destroyed (thankfully no injuries or deaths were reported). I had never heard of “fire season” until moving to California, and it unfortunately seems to be getting worse every year. 

Just something to keep in mind if you’re planning your weekend in Napa during September or October.

Winter (December to February) – Off Season

Looking for way less crowds and cheaper prices? Welcome to winter in Napa Valley! Yes, the weather is cooler and it can be rainy, but the valley is much quieter and there’s no traffic. Plus, it’s the perfect time for wine tastings by the fire and relaxing spa getaways (there’s plenty of those here!).

Note that some wineries may have reduced hours or even be closed for renovations – always check in advance before visiting.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley 

Deciding where to stay in Napa Valley is actually pretty tricky. First of all, there’s multiple towns to choose from, and secondly, there’s a huge range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to charming bed and breakfasts. 

The area is way more spread out than most visitors realize — plan in advance (you don’t wanna be zipping around back and forth). They’re all slightly different with different vibes, so I highly encourage you to visit a few! 

Here are the main towns in Napa Valley, plus recommended hotels! 

Downtown Napa, or “Napa” (or the Town of Napa), which most locals use, is the closest to San Francisco out of all the towns and the largest. It’s known for its late 1800s and early 1900s architecture, a cute riverfront promenade (with shops and restaurants), and boasts the Oxbow Public Market (a farmers market and cheese shop) and the Napa Valley Wine Train. 

It’s a bit more touristy than the other towns in the region, and further from wineries and vineyards deeper into the valley. But it’s a great introduction to the area, with so much going on.

• Andaz Napa : Super modern and chic, and super true to the brand. Especially the soaking tub in the room.
• R Inn Napa : My sister stayed here when she visited Napa, and it’s got such a cozy, homey feel with some modern eclectic touches.
• The George Napa : A new-ish 9-room luxury boutique inn a few blocks from downtown. An elegant home away from home – complete with homemade breakfast and historical charm.

Yountville is small and picturesque, with tons of gourmet dining and world-renowned restaurants, some even with Michelin stars! It’s ain’t called the culinary capital of Napa Valley for no reason (there’s Ad Hoc, Bouchon Bistro and Bakery, and French Laundry here). There’s art galleries, boutique shops, and tons of charming streets to wander. 

St. Helena feels more boutiquey and upscale, and it’s home to many high-end wineries, boutique shops, and art galleries. Both are great options for your Napa Valley itinerary, especially because they’re located in the middle of the valley, making it easy to get everywhere!

Check out Lavender (A Four Sisters Inn) , Napa Valley Lodge , North Block Hotel , and The Estate Yountville .

Calistoga : Ohhh… I love the vibes here in Calistoga. It’s kinda a mix of Napa and Sonoma; much more laid back and less pretentious (aka less stuffy) than other towns in the valley. It’s famous for its hot springs and mud baths, and the Old Faithful Geyser and Petrified Forest. Stay here if you want a small-town atmosphere with tons of wellness (read: SPA!) opportunities. 

Note that it’s the furthest from San Francisco and deeper into the valley, so you’ll be driving a bit more if you decide to stay here.

• Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs : Oh so trendy and so fun, with a unique retro vibe. The pool area is so hip and happening, and we loved hanging out on the grass eating our meal from House of Better (their on-site restaurant) and playing lawn games while watching the sunset (open to everyone!). Don’t miss a rejuvenating massage, mud bath, and/or the mineral springs! On my list to stay next time!
• Calistoga Motor Lodge & Spa : Recently renovated with lots of pops of color and a great spa and mineral pool area! Reminded me a bit of Palm Springs. We loved roasting marshmallows by the fire at night! It’s usually less expensive than other hotels in the area, and they’re super dog friendly – perfect for us since we brought Kona along! Look out for the amusing armadillo art pieces on the hotel walls, haha. Such a quirky design!

Also check out The Bungalows at Calistoga (on my California bucket list!), The Francis House , and Indian Springs Resort and Spa (the restaurant looks amazing!).

Regardless of where you stay, ask if your hotel has any partnerships with any nearby wineries. Free or reduced tastings, anyone?! Our hotel on our last visit (Calistoga Motor Lodge) was affiliated with 3 wineries, meaning we got some free tastings and saved over $75!

Other Important FAQs about Visiting Napa Valley 

How many wineries should I visit in a day? I say max 3. Two if you wanna spend more time in town and have a more relaxed day. Each tasting takes a minimum of 1 to 1 ½ hours or so, and always give yourself extra time to wander the winery grounds and explore. 

Up for more wine? You can always go to a tasting room in town later on.

Do I need reservations for tasting at the vineyards? Yup, you certainly do! Ever since the pandemic, most wineries and vineyards are reservation-only. Meaning you can’t just stroll up and expect a tasting. 

Plan in advance the tours and tastings you wanna do – it’ll make your entire weekend in Napa way less stressful, and you’ll be able to make sure you choose a variety of smaller, family run vineyards and those larger, more popular hotspots!

Can I wander wineries/vineyards without a reservation? Really depends on the vineyard – you used to be able to stroll up to most and walk around sans-reservations. Nowadays, some won’t even let you onto the property without a reservation. 

Always call in advance before heading over so you don’t waste any time on your Napa Valley itinerary. I know for a fact Chateau Montelena lets visitors walk around, while Castello di Amorosa most definitely does not (although they used to).

How to decide which wineries/vineyards to visit? With over 400 wineries, it’s always SUCH a hard decision! There’s small boutique spots, to large, well-known sprawling estates. Pick a mix of well-known wineries and a few smaller, family-run ones (where you typically get more personalized service).

How much do wine tastings cost? Napa ain’t cheap, y’all! Most tastings run about $30-$75, with some upwards of $100+. This is why I strongly urge you to do your research and pick vineyards that have your preferred type of wine – all those tastings really add up! 

Looking for cheaper wine tastings? Consider going to nearby Sonoma instead (it’s much more chill over there), or a few hours south to Paso Robles near the Central Coast.

Is Napa worth a visit if I don’t drink? That’s totally up to you of course! While the area is renowned for its picturesque vineyards, wineries, and wine production, there’s really so much to do in Napa besides drink ! I’m honestly not the biggest wine fan (don’t @ me!), and I still enjoy coming up to Napa every year or so. 

There’s a huge culinary scene (with several Michelin-starred restaurants), beautiful wineries to check out, mud baths and mineral waters to soak in (true story!), and you can even float above the vineyards in a hot air balloon in Napa !

What makes Napa Valley so great for wine?! It’s climate and geography!!! Napa Valley’s got a Mediterranean climate (warm, dry summers and mild winters), which is absolutely perfect for grape growing! 

The mountains provide protection and shield the valley from excessive rainfall – while maintaining the dry, sunny conditions that grapes thrive in.

How long to stay in Napa? I personally think 3 days in Napa is perfect if it’s your first time to the region. There’s enough to keep you busy for over a week, but our bodies can only handle so much wine! Since we live so close we typically go for a day or two.

Can I bring my dog to wineries/tasting rooms? Unfortunately, most wineries do not allow pets. We found this out the old-fashioned way – by trying to take Kona wine tasting with us, haha. Didn’t pan out too well, but we clearly didn’t do our research in advance. 

Thankfully, there’s a few wineries that do allow dogs ! We find the wineries in Sonoma to be much more dog friendly.

Napa vs Sonoma: While Napa is more glam-worthy, Sonoma is more spread out and expansive (at almost double the size of Napa!), with a much more chill vibe. Sonoma’s kinda like the gloriously laid-back sister of nearby Napa Valley, and we love it! If you’ve got the time, I highly encourage you to visit both – even if you pop by Sonoma for the day from Napa!

Long Weekend in Napa Valley Itinerary 

I’m calling this a weekend itinerary to Napa Valley, since most people nearby visit on Saturday and Sunday (we typically do!). 

BUT — if you’re coming from further away (and planning to combine San Francisco and/or a longer California road trip with Napa), I’d aim to visit Napa Valley during the week. It’ll be far less crowded and the traffic won’t be as horrendous. Plus, you’ll get way more personalized service at the wineries and definitely some hotel discounts. 

Notes about this weekend in Napa itinerary:

This Napa Valley itinerary plans for 3 full days in the region , and starts on the morning of Day 1. If you’re planning to arrive the afternoon of Day 1 (maybe your drive is a bit further?), no worries! 

You can easily adjust the itinerary by taking out a winery (or two, if you don’t have tons of time). Or, you can simply swap out the wineries/vineyards on Day 1 for tasting rooms in town instead.

The wineries I recommend are solely that – recommendations. Considering there’s over 400 wineries, tasting rooms, and vineyards, there’s way too many for me to list and know about! Feel free to do some research! 

Especially if you have a preference for certain types of wines and/or are looking for a specific experience (food/wine pairings, cave tours, grape stomping, etc). There’s tons of resources out there with tons of information – I’m not gonna pretend to know every single winery.

Make restaurant recommendations in advance. If you know there’s a particular restaurant you wanna try, I’m begging you to make reservations, at least a few weeks in advance. Some of the more popular spots get booked up weeks if not months ahead of time. Do your homework; Napa really is a culinary gem, perfect for all you foodies out there.

Okay, phew! Enough with all the chatter – let’s get this Napa itinerary started!

Napa Valley Itinerary Day 1: Downtown Napa

We’re starting this Napa Valley itinerary in Downtown Napa since you’re probably coming from the San Francisco Bay Area. Downtown Napa is technically on the way to the other towns in Napa Valley, so it just makes sense to stop here first before heading to your hotel for the night elsewhere.

Morning: Arrive, Breakfast, and Napa Riverfront

Welcome to the world-famous wine region of Napa Valley! I’d aim to arrive in Downtown Napa around 9 or 10am or so – that gives you a whole day to enjoy the town and even check out a winery/tasting room or two.

Breakfast at Winston’s Cafe and Bakery: First up, breakfast! If you’re planning to check out some wineries today, make sure you fuel up! Don’t go wine tasting on an empty stomach! Locals and visitors love Winston’s, with its blend of Filipino & East coast influences. Not only is the food delicious, but the presentation is beautiful as well (and we know I love pretty plates and airy spaces)!

Walk along the Napa River : Even though Napa isn’t on the California coast , you can still have a relaxing stroll by the water. The Napa River is over 55 miles long, and there’s a really pretty section of it right by Downtown Napa. 

The region spent over 20 years revitalizing and updating it’s Riverfront Promenade area, and there’s now lots of trendy shops, restaurants, and cafes. Grab a coffee/iced tea from Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company and get in your steps before all the wine!

Early Afternoon: Options!

Option #1: Wineries/Tasting Rooms and Lunch

Wineries : Time for the main event of the day – wine tasting! I mean, this is a Napa Valley itinerary, isn’t it?! Makes sense to start your weekend in Napa off on the right start. 

Depending on how much time you have and what your preference is, you can either visit a few tasting rooms in town, or head over to 1-2 nearby wineries. Or, do both! 

Here’s a few favorite wineries near Downtown Napa:

• Domaine Carneros: If you love champagne, you need to add this spot to your Napa itinerary. They specialize in both still and sparkling wines, and the entire estate and formal gardens are absolutely gorgeous – inspired by a chateau in France! Super photogenic with scenic views of the vineyards. Psst – get the charcuterie plate; it’s phenomenal. And book outside seating at the back of the building for the best views! 

• Artesa : Modern architecture lovers, you need to add this winery to your Napa Valley itinerary. There’s fountains, art, and even an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards. Sit outside on the terrace for great vibes and views!
• Black Cat Vineyard: While I haven’t been to this spot myself, I’ve heard such good things! It’s not as well known as the other vineyards, and it’s known for being super personal, private, and interactive. And get this – the founder, Tracey Reichow, was one of the first women to work the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Complete 180, haha!

If you’re looking for tasting rooms in town instead, check out:

• The Studio by Feast it Forward: A multi-winery tasting room for California wineries without their own tasting rooms, meaning the wines change every so often. A great spot to visit if you wanna try a whole bunch!
• Be Bubbly: A new-ish champagne and sparkling wine lounge with high-end small-plates like caviar, foie gras, French country pate, and grilled cheesy toast bites! Plus a delicious prosciutto cheese plate featuring Mt. Tam’s finest – Cowgirl Creamery.

• JaM Cellars: One of the most well-known tasting rooms in Downtown Napa, AND they’ve got weekly JamSessions (Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights). Makes sense since they’re technically a music studio as well! 
• Wine Girl Napa Valley : Super trendy and instagrammable, with chic interiors and plush cushy seating. The perfect spot for bachelorette parties and girls weekends! I’ve been to the location in Scottsdale, Arizona and it was such a fun time!

All of these tasting rooms are within walking distance, so you can hit up a few without worrying about your car! It’s impossible for me to list them all (there’s dozens!), so be sure to peruse this list for more tasting rooms!

Lunch at Oxbow Public Market: This lively marketplace is one of the most popular spots in Downtown Napa, and I can totally see why! It’s full of so much fresh produce, a few farm-to-table restaurants, and a full on cheese shop. Kinda like the Ferry Building in San Francisco !

There’s Ritual Coffee Roasters (always a long line in the AM), Hog Island Oyster (a trendy oyster bar, with its original location in Point Reyes), Kara’s Cupcakes, Loveski Deli, and so much more. We loved snacking on some Italian meats from Fatted Calf (right outside). You can even pick up a few things from different vendors and have a DIY picnic nearby.

Psst – Gott’s Roadside is literally right next door if you’re feeling classic diner vibes with an elevated menu instead. I can never say no to garlic fries and a California burger. It’s popular so expect a wait, but the food comes out surprisingly fast.

Option #2: Napa Valley Wine Train

If you’re planning to hop on the Napa Valley Wine Train, you’ll do so in Downtown Napa! What is it exactly?! A vintage train with gourmet dining experiences that travels through the vineyards of Napa! We haven’t done this ourselves just yet, but friends in the area tell me it’s definitely worth it!

You’ll of course need to drastically alter the first day of your Napa itinerary –  it’s a three-hour, 36-mile round-trip journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. Quite the commitment and experience! But hey – what’s better than sipping some bubbly while watching the sweeping views of the valley pass by?!

There’s a few different experiences, and I’ve got my eye on both the Afternoon Tea and Vista Dome Lunch.

Late Afternoon/Night: Dinner and Napa Valley Gondola

Greetings from Napa Mural: I love finding these murals wherever I go ( San Francisco ! San Diego ! Austin !), and I was thrilled to find one right outside Downtown Napa. 

You’ll need to drive over since it’s definitely not within walking distance, but it’s only a few minutes from downtown and parking is super easy (the mural is located in a large lot).

Sky and Vine Rooftop Bar: Come here before dinner for some crafty cocktails overlooking the valley! There’s even a few drinks on tap! Located on the roof of the Archer Hotel in Downtown Napa – it gets busy, so make a reservation (especially if you’re visiting on the weekend!). 

There’s also a secret whisky bar with a large whiskey collection that’s reservation-only, so get on it if you wanna sip some of the good stuff by the stone fireplace.

Dinner in Downtown Napa (or closer to your hotel): The culinary scene has gotten way out of hand in the best way possible – there’s everything you could possibly want here! Think fine dining, world-class cuisine from Michelin-starred chefs, and even more casual, flavorful bites. A few DoNapa favorites:

• Oenotri : If you’re craving some fresh pasta and woodfired pizzas, this is your spot. Some of the best southern-Italian cuisine I’ve had in a while outside of Italy. I’m still dreaming about that creamy pesto I had!
• Cole’s Chop House: We walked by Cole’s and were instantly drawn to the menu. It’s primarily a steakhouse, with some other fun additions. Like a lobster and shrimp puff pastry bisque that I really wanna try. It’s also a bourbon bar – something my husband would totally approve of, haha.

Napa Valley Gondola at sunset: This is a new-ish addition to Downtown Napa, and perfect if you’re spending the weekend in Napa with your significant other. 

You’ll ride down the Napa River in an authentic gondola (brought all the way from Italy!), and your gondolier will sing you songs and answer all your questions about Napa Valley. Psst – bring your own wine and cups, it’s BYOW(ine)! 

While I haven’t done this activity myself, my sister and her husband raved about it! Such a romantic hour on the river, learning about the history of Napa while watching the sunset snuggled up in a blanket.

A bit closer than Venice, Italy of course, haha. Although arguably a tad different!

I really only recommend this if you’re staying in Downtown Napa, so you don’t get back too late. Especially if you’re planning to join in on tomorrow’s early morning activity…

Weekend in Napa Day 2: Yountville and Oakville/Rutherford

Today’s Napa Valley itinerary starts off with a bucket list experience (you won’t believe you can do this in Napa), then some more wine tasting of course! Whatever you do, promise me you’ll grab a chocolate almond croissant from Buchon – by far the best bakery in all of Napa!

Morning: Hot Air Balloon Ride (!!!) and Breakfast

Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Valley

Now for one of the most epic experiences on this Napa Valley itinerary – a hot air balloon ride above the Napa Valley vineyards ! Just imagine floating above the perfectly aligned rows of grapes and the spectacular landscape – all between 1,000 and 3,000 feet above the valley floor! 

Yes, it’ll undoubtedly be an early-morning wake up call, but well worth it in my opinion! Especially if you’ve never been in a hot air balloon before. 

You can say I have a thing for hot air balloon rides – I’ve ridden them in Mexico City above the pyramids of Teotihuacan, in Tanzania on a balloon safari over hippos (!!!), in Scottsdale, Arizona above a landscape full of cacti, and of course, now in Napa Valley! 

Our experience was nothing short of amazing – the balloon ride was so smooth and I honestly never knew if we were drifting or going up or down. The panoramic views were inspiring; I couldn’t peel my eyes away from the balloons in the distance and the vineyards down below. Plus, we ended with a champagne brunch – what could be better?!

We rode with Napa Valley Aloft , and felt super safe and secure at all times. Sure, it’s probably the most expensive activity on this Napa Valley itinerary, but SUCH a bucket list activity. You’ll launch from the heart of Yountville, and the company even does hotel pick ups from nearby (there’s optional shuttles for everyone else).

Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery or Bistro in Yountville

If a hot air balloon isn’t your idea of fun (hey, a fear of heights is no joke!), then make your way over to Bouchon instead.

There’s both a casual, take-away bakery, or a sit-down bistro to choose from. We typically grab a few pastries from the bakery, and sit outside under the umbrellas sipping our coffees. Try some macarons, a chocolate almond croissant (our favorite), a peanut butter cookie (filled with the most delicious peanut butter filling), a lemon meringue tart, and a salted caramel latte. Actually, everything we’ve ever tried we quickly devoured, haha.

There’ll most definitely be a long line – I think we waited almost a half hour on our last visit. But I promise you it’s ALWAYS worth the wait. I mean, it’s a Michelin-star bakery, what do you expect?!

There’s actually another location in Las Vegas (which we’ve gone to a bunch), but the one here in Yountville is the original.

Afternoon: Wineries/Vineyards and Lunch

Time for more wine tasting! I recommend picking 2-3 wineries/vineyards, and having a relaxing afternoon at those. You don’t wanna cram too many in, and honestly, after a while, you’ll get confused where you went, haha. Especially if you’re drinking at them all! Plus, the tasting fees do add up, with each tasting costing about $45-90, depending on what you choose of course.

If you’re not a wine connoisseur, the tastings will all begin to blend together, especially after your first few flights. I choose my vineyards and wineries not only by wine selection, but by views, experiences, and overall distinctness. 

Here’s a few in the Yountville and Oakville/Rutherford area to choose from:

• CHANDON : Sparkling wine and champagne, anyone?! With beautiful grounds and a light bite menu (with macarons I might add!), it’s a great stop. I especially love how you can just walk in and sip a few glasses – something that’s kinda unheard of now in Napa. (Yountville)
• Silverado Vineyards: This winery specializes in small production, estate-grown wines, and is situated on top of a hill that looks right over the Stags Leap District. Make sure to request a table on the back patio – it’s absolutely stunning! They’re also got some add-ons like a caviar pairing, cheese and charcuterie boards, and my favorite – a chocolate bonbon pairing! (Yountville)
• Quixote Winery: Looking for something a tad different? Head to Quixote – the architecture is super unique and boutique with a stained glass entrance and custom stone steps – kinda reminds me of buildings found in Barcelona ! It’s right off the Silverado Trail, and perfect if you like big, bold wines. They even have a s’mores and cabernet tasting; something I’ve never seen before! (Yountville)

• Far Niente Winery: I haven’t been here myself (yet!), but my friends who have tell me it’s such a special place with such a long history. Be sure to book a tour of the property to visit the historic caves (from 1883!) and learn about the estate. Tastings are done in a lovely garden setting, with a pond and lots of flowers nearby. Come if you enjoy rich and full wines! (Oakville)
• Peju : With its pinkish buildings and perfectly polished landscapes, I don’t think Peju could be any more cute and sophisticated all at once.  You’ll want to make a reservation at multiple tasting rooms, which are both unique and gorgeous (some even with stained glass), especially if bigger, bolder reds are your preferred choice of wine (they have excellent ones here).  We just came for the ambiance and scenery (and koi pond!), but I’ve heard fantastic things about their wine selections. (Rutherford)
• Mumm Napa: Life is better with bubbles! Another excellent spot for some sparkling wines and champagne – there’s a wide variety and the outdoor tasting patio overlooks their beautiful grounds. (Rutherford)

Welcome to Napa Valley Sign

While you’re on the main road, stop by the Welcome to Napa Valley sign! It’s a quick stop and a must on any Napa Valley itinerary! There’s sometimes a short line for photos, but everyone’s respectful and it moves pretty fast.

A Few Lunch/Dinner Options

If you’re not having a food and wine pairing at one of the wineries, you’ll 100% need to stop for lunch between wine tastings! You can either do something quick (if you wanna get back to the vineyards ASAP), or book something a bit more special. 

This area’s got a lot of great restaurants (many fine dining!), so I recommend planning in advance and making a reservation if you’ve got your eye (stomach!) on something in particular!

• Ad Hoc/Addendum: Two words. Buttermilk fried chicken. Okay, fine, that’s three, haha. A famous Thomas Keller restaurant, and great if you want Michelin level food without paying the price tag. Note that they’ve got different hours depending on the day of the week. Addendum is behind the restaurant – a great spot for a super casual lunch of chicken and waffles to-go.
• RH Yountville : Go for the glitz and glam, stay for the burrata and truffle fries. Admittedly the menu’s pretty small, but the chic vibe and elegant atmosphere are so fun. So many chandeliers and even a fireplace. Great for a special occasion or chic girls lunch!
• The French Laundry: A true bucket-list experience by world-renowned Chef Thomas Keller. I’d save this one for a super special occasion as dinner here is a major investment (about $500 per person – yes, quite the expensive meal!). Note that this spot is only open for dinner, and you need to make reservations months in advance.

Looking for something a bit more casual? Check out Oakville Grocery for artisanal sandwiches, La Calenda for upscale Mexican flavors, and Mini Model for delicious, baked goods.

Napa Itinerary Day 3: St. Helena and Calistoga 

On your last day of your long weekend in Napa, take things a bit slower. Have a long, leisurely breakfast, hop over to another winery (or two, or three!), and end the day with a mineral-rich mud bath in Calistoga!

Breakfast in Calistoga

• Sam’s Social Club: Hip and trendy in the Indian Springs Hotel, with a full brunch menu of benedicts, avocado toast, and their “egg in the hole” brioche. Psst – no dogs allowed, even on their outdoor patio. We made a reservation and noted we were bringing Kona, and found out when we got there he wasn’t allowed in. I was so bummed – mostly because I wanted an order of their famous churros oh so badly! Next time!
• Café Sarafornia: No frills and super casual, right in downtown Calistoga. They’ve got all your typical breakfast fixins’, and my huevos rancheros were absolutely delicious. 

• Sam’s General Store: This is definitely our favorite spot for a light bite and some coffee in Calistoga. Tons of charm in a historic property – sit outside under an umbrella in the shade with your latte or cold brew and something sweet!
• Fleetwood Restaurant: Located at Calistoga Motor Lodge, this casual spot’s got smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, chilaquiles, eggs your way, and french toast. A little bit of everything! 

More Tastings at Wineries and Vineyards

Again, I’d only choose two for wine tastings, especially if you’re doing a mud bath or mineral springs soak later on this afternoon.

• V. Sattui: This is the place for a picnic lunch when checking out the vineyards! If you’re visiting in the spring, summer, or fall, keep an eye out for their Barbeque, Wood-Fired Pizzas & Mozzarella Bar.  An order of the jalapeños shouldn’t be missed.  If bbq food doesn’t tickle your fancy, head to the Marketplace (on V. Sattui grounds), where you’ll find a large array of meats, cheeses, and other deli items. Bring your bottle of wine to the picnic tables and you’re good to go!
• Sterling : The main draw of Sterling is that you need to take a gondola up the hill to even get there! While it’s only a 5 minute ride, the views are absolutely remarkable, especially in the fall when the colors are changing. You can even stomp grapes in a wine barrel here as well (special activity – book in advance).  A one-of-a-kind experience for sure.  

• Chateau Montelena : I LOVE THIS SPOT. I mean, there’s an ivy-covered stone chateau and lakes and ponds with resident swans. You’re allowed to wander around the (stunning!) property without a reservation AND all the staff are all so kind and helpful. I randomly showed up and they were so accommodating – gave me a map, let me look inside all the rooms (there’s some interesting history there), and made me feel totally welcome even though I wasn’t spending a dime, haha.
• Castello di Amorosa: A winery inspired by a medieval castle in Tuscany?! Sign me up! Sure, it’s pretty touristy and honestly a bit gaudy, but the views are great and they’ve got really good wines – all Italian-inspired. There’s even goats, emus, and peacocks roaming the property! We used to love coming here to wander around the castle, see the animals, and go for a stroll, but that’s not possible anymore unless you’re signed up for a tasting. You’re not even allowed to drive to the property grounds without a reservation.

• Tank Garage Winery: By far one of our best finds in downtown Calistoga! Upon first glance you’ll think the winery is an old vintage gas station, but nope, just a quirky tasting room! The tasting was so chilled out and fun – the wine labels are so unique and we were able to pick whatever types of wine we wanted to taste. Take a peek in the back club room – the Prohibition rebellion feeling and rock n’ roll style decor is so different from any other winery I’ve been to! If you’re staying at the Calistoga Motor Lodge, make sure you tell them – you’ll get the tasting for completely free. They even welcomed our pup with open arms (super refreshing since most won’t allow dogs at all).
• Davis Estates: This sustainable property specializes in culinary offerings, like food and wine pairings (they’ve got an indoor pizza oven!), with gorgeous views out to the valley. Make sure to sit on the outdoor terrace – there’s sweeping panoramic views of the northern Napa Valley, including a 50-foot “new-antique” windmill. The estate is family owned and operated, and it shows! We chatted with the staff for a while and they were so helpful, giving food and winery recommendations for Napa. Highly recommend adding one of their experiences to your Napa Valley itinerary – don’t miss the 11,000 square feet of caves!

I’ve also got Quintessa Winery (ohhh the architecture!), Beringer Vineyards, and Markham Vineyards on my Napa bucket list for next time. 

Late Lunch in St. Helena or Calistoga

Just like on Day 2 of this Napa Valley itinerary, you’re gonna need to refuel throughout the day! Especially if you’re visiting a few wineries! 

And luckily, there’s loads of great spots nearby, including the original Gott’s Roadside, House of Better at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, The Station (we made a quick stop here for some cold drinks), Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery, Lovina, and The Restaurant (Michelin star!).

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Next up on this Napa Valley itinerary – the small, scenic geyser in Calistoga. It’s got mixed reviews, so honestly not an absolute must, but hey, you can decide!

We decided to skip it because I’ve already seen geysers in Iceland and blowholes in Hawaii , but if you’ve never witnessed a geyser before, you’ll probably wanna go! 

I heard it’s kinda expensive for what it is – currently $15 to wait for the geyser that goes off once every 30-40 minutes or so. And there’s not tons else to do on the property besides see some goats. Your choice! I’d personally rather spend that money on an extra tasting.

Mud Bath and/or Mineral Pools in Calistoga

End the last day of your Napa Valley itinerary with a good soak – in either a bath full of mud (yup!), or relaxing in a mineral pool (or two!). Two things that Calistoga is oh so famous for!

Wait – a mud bath?! What in the world?! I know what you’re thinking – what’s a mud bath and why would I even think about sitting in one?! Imagine sitting in a bathtub full of warm squishy mud, with mud between your toes, all over your body and face, and um, quite everywhere you can think of, haha. Just like Louis Litt from Suits did all the time, haha. 

Don’t worry – the mud’s got special properties (the area has tons of geothermal activity after all) and is great for detoxifying, has many anti–inflammatory benefits, and even helps skin conditions like eczema and rosacea. It’s technically a spa treatment, and you’ll find them offered at plenty around town. 

Check out Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort, Spa Talisa at Four Seasons Resort, MoonAcre Spa, Golden Haven Hot Springs Spa, and Spa Solage.

So there ya have it – the perfect weekend in Napa Valley itinerary! Are you headed off to wine country soon?!

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June 16, 2024 at 8:46 am

You forgot that you can fly directly into Santa Rosa now. Most people prefer it.

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Angela Darnell | Realistic & affordable life and style inspiration for the everyday woman

First Time to Napa Valley Itinerary

May 30, 2023

Napa Valley has been on our bucket list for a while now and as we’ve become avid wine drinkers, Jared’s 31st birthday felt like the perfect time to go. We’re typically east coast travelers but we were excited at the chance to go to California for a few days. It can definitely be overwhelming as you start planning with so many wineries to go to so here are our recommendations for your first time to Napa Valley Itinerary.

Day 1 (Sunday) – Travel Day

Lunch in San Francisco

Relax by the pool

Grab snacks

Chateau St. Jean at 3

Check-in and freshen up at 5

Dinner at Salt and Stone

There are a few ways to to get the Napa Valley area you can fly into Santa Rosa, which is super common but since San Fransisco is only about an hour away and a direct flight, we decided to fly into San Francisco rent a car and take advantage of some sightseeing on the way. And when in California we decided to rent a Tesla to complete the Cali vibes!

We grabbed brunch at The Dorian in Cow Hollow and then headed across the Golden Gate Bridge. It was pretty foggy the day we arrived so we didn’t stop for photos and headed straight to Sonoma/Napa Valley.

Everyone we talked to said Napa Valley was far too snooty and glam and that Sonoma was where it was at. So we booked the cutest hotel called the Kenwood Inn and Spa , which was the ultimate romantic getaway. Each room felt like a suite and was very private complete with a sound system, fireplace, private patio, etc. Kenwood Inn and Spa also had complimentary breakfast and complimentary happy hours every day from local wineries. They had a spa, hot tub, pool, and fire pits, truly I couldn’t have asked for a better hotel.

Check-in wasn’t until 4 so we relaxed by the pool for a bit after a long travel day and then headed down the street to a little market to grab some snacks and water before our first tasting at Chateau St. Jean . I am going to be completely honest, our experience at Chateau St. Jean was subpar. The grounds were beautiful but the crowd was not quite what I expected and the wine/service was average. It was a great one to start with but I don’t know if it would make it on my list of recommendations.

After our first tasting, we checked in, freshened up, and then headed to dinner at Salt + Stone which was just down the road from the hotel. Since it was day 1 we wanted to keep things fairly simple and close together. Salt + Stone’s food was delicious and the pricing was fair but again I had higher expectations for the atmosphere.

Day 2 (Monday) – Napa Valley

Stopped at Oakville Grocery

Despite what everyone told us we knew we couldn’t come all this way without checking out Napa Valley. We planned to spend the first full day in Napa Valley and knock out some of our must-stop vineyards. We started the day off bright and early at Faust . The experience at Faust compared to Chateau St. Jean was NIGHT and DAY! The service was phenomenal, it was quiet, everyone respected everyone’s tastings, and the view was breathtaking, truly fantastic all around. Along with our tasting, they provided some light bites to eat of some pimento cheese, hummus, and nuts, which was a nice switch up from the typical charcuterie board.

The branding, storytelling, venue, everything was so thought out. Every detail had been covered and made for an outstanding experience. We ended up joining the membership here because we loved the wine and we loved the brand. This would be my number 1 must-stop add for your first time in Napa Valley itinerary.

Following Fasut, we went to Duckhorn . Duckhown is definitely a little more mainstream so they also had all of the details covered. They had a gorgeous property where we sat on a porch and were able to really take our time tasting. The service here was also great, I think 80% of the tasting is really determined by the person helping you. For us, we want to know all of the details about the wine, how and where it’s made, the history, etc.

Our rule of thumb was 2 tastings per day, especially since we were driving we wanted to take our time to enjoy, not be rushed, and also not get sloppy. I would recommend 2.5 hours per tasting especially if you want to grab an extra glass and hang out. We also found that even though the tasting might be set to 4 wines, but 9 times out of 10 if they had bottles open they would let you try them.

After Duckhorn, we stopped by Oakville Grocery to grab a cookie. We had heard their chocolate chip cookies were to die for and let me just tell you they were the best cookie I’ve ever had!

We then headed over to Chandon . Chandon was not offering tastings on Mondays but you could buy by the glass. We got a glass found a shady spot and hung out there for a long. I personally thought was really cool to see the tasting grounds for a large-scale wine like Chandon . I don’t know if I’d recommend a tasting but grabbing a glass and hanging out was perfect before dinner.

Since we had just been snacking on charcuterie boards and cookies we were ready for dinner. Jared snagged a reservation at Bouchon which is the same chef, Chef Thomas, as the famous French Laundry. The French Laundry is about $450 per person which was outside of our budget so visiting their sister restaurant was the perfect solution. Reservations can be tricky so make sure you plan ahead.

After dinner, we headed back to Sonoma enjoyed some time in the hot tub and headed to bed.

Day 3 (Tuesday) – Sonoma

Matanza’s Creek

Jacuzzi Family Winery

Mary’s Pizza Shack

Day 3 was focused on Sonoma, we started the day off at Matanza’s Creek . We had an 11 AM reservation and it was very peaceful and quiet. Unlike Napa, Sonoma was definitely more laid-back and rustic. We enjoyed Matanza’s Creek and their grounds were stunning with beautiful lavender fields and tons of places to explore and relax in peace. I was also very impressed by their selection of aged wines and their price of them. They definitely felt like they had the best deals. Service was fine, but not exceptional, I think the grounds are really what made this place stand out.

From there, we headed to Jacuzzi Family Winery . This was probably the most disappointing winery of all. It had so much potential with Italian-inspired grounds and architecture but their tastings happened in a room that was basically a bar when they had a beautiful patio. The wines were honestly trash and the service was not good either. Our server did not seem knowledgeable and didn’t really seem to care. Overall it was such a letdown.

The next day we had planned to visit Cline Family Cellars and Viansa, owned by the same people as Jacuzzi. Since our experience was so terrible about halfway through the tasting I told Jared “This might be crazy but what if we cancel all of our tastings tomorrow and go back to Napa”. I just knew we’d leave saying “I wish we would have spent more time in Napa”. Jared was game so we quickly pivoted our reservations and were lucky enough to snag some great vineyards, swap around dinner reservations and we were good to go.

After Jacuzzi, we hung out by the pool, reading and relaxing before dinner. We had initially planned to Glen Ellen Star for dinner but since we moved things around we moved it to the next day and I wanted something super casual. We had been eating fancy food and I craving some casual. We ended up going to Mary’s Pizza Shack and it was exactly what we needed! We sat outside enjoyed some pizza and were able to just take it easy!

Day 4 (Wednesday) – Scrapped Sonoma went back to Napa

Gotts for lunch

Stags’ Leap

Glen Ellen Star

The first day we were in Napa we drove past Prisoner Wine Company and Jared said he wish we could go there. They had a 10 AM opening we were able to snag and it could not have been more perfect! The place was empty and our server, Roberto, was so knowledgeable and so accommodating. We were able to pick exactly where we wanted to sit and had signed up to taste 4-5 wines and I think we left trying 9-10 we tasted just about everything on the menu. Similar to Faust, the branding, storytelling, details, and everything had been thought through extensively. This is definitely a more modern winery but I would say this was my number 2 choice of the trip followed by Faust.

From Prisoner Wine Company , we stopped at Gotts Roadside which we had driven by previously. This is a roadside diner known for its burgers and milkshakes. Just what you need after trying 10 wines!! 10 out of 10 recommend Gotts!

From there, we headed to Stags’ Leap . An interesting note about Stags’ Leap there are actually two different wineries named Stags’ Leap, one is Stags’ Leap and the other is Stag’s Leap. They give you a breakdown of the history of the apostrophe and to be honest, we thought we were signing up for Stag’s Leap, not Stags’ Leap, however, our experience turned out amazing. We had the perfect porch view, enjoyed some charcuterie, and also got to taste numerous wines. Our server also took around giving us a mini tour and taking tons of photos of us… my kind of girl!

After Stags’ Leap we headed back to the hotel, took a nap and then went to dinner at Glen Ellen Star . Glen Ellen Star is a Michelin Star restaurant with limited seating and you can only make a reservation about 2 weeks in advance but I HIGHLY recommend it. When booking on OpenTable you can book the Chef’s Table and this was such a cool experience. These chefs preparing the food are mesmerizing and it was amazing to watch them work and literally cook your order right in front of you. I’m not a huge French cuisine girl so I actually would recommend this over Bouchon.

Day 5 (Thursday) – Travel Day

Drive to San Franscico

Golden Gate Bridge View Point

Painted Ladies

Check-out was at 10 and our flight was around 3 so we headed to San Fran pretty early because we wanted to make a few stops. The first stop was a Golden Gate Bridge View Point. This was the perfect photo location and really cool to see it up so high.

We then headed to The Painted Ladies, because as a Full House fan, this was a must-do! We didn’t stay long and I will say be careful parking around there because I’ve headed some horror stories.

We then wanted a bite to eat before flying out and what’s more Californian than going to In and Out? There was one right by the airport which was filled with travelers but it was perfect to kill some time and grab a bite before heading back to Houston.

We loved our time in Napa Valley and I am so glad we stuck with our gut and changed the plans around. Everyone is so different and for us, we loved Napa Valley, but others might prefer Sonoma. I think the time of year we went also played a big part because it was pretty calm and slow. Peak season is August through October. Roberto at Prisoner told us this is because this is when grapes are picked however, you can’t really see the grapes being picked because it happens at night so to avoid the hustle and crowds I’d definitely recommend the May time period to visit!

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About Angela

Blogger behind, Thrifty Pineapple. I love chips and queso, trashy reality tv and pineapples...duh. Sharing my life and tips and tricks I learn along the way.

June 1, 2023 at 1:40 pm

Hey there! I love reading your blogs and following you on IG. I was in Napa at the same time you were – so bummed we missed each other as I would have loved to meet you. I am from Sacramento so it was a day trip for us. We didn’t wine taste as I had my two year old with me. Im so bummed to hear you had a bad experience at Jacuzzi. I have never had their wine but love their olive oil and vinegars at the Olive Press and had a completely different experience in the gift shop and olive oil tasting. Overall it sounds like you still had a great trip.

Keep blogging!!

August 4, 2024 at 10:14 am

Great blog post. I love your dress (pink and white) in the first photo! Can you share what brand? Thank you!!!

September 9, 2024 at 10:44 am

It’s from Victoria Dunn!

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Wine Country Travel Guide: First Time in Napa Valley

• Uncategorized
• by WINECOUNTRY ADMIN
• on NOVEMBER 11, 2013

HOW TO GET THE MOST OF NAPA VALLEY – YOUR FIRST TIME AROUND

Winecountry admin.

WineCountry Media is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next escapade, planning a wine-fueled weekend away, or embracing the Wine Country lifestyle every day, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.

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THE BEST NAPA VALLEY ITINERARY 2024

Napa Valley, California is best known around the world for their wine region! Napa’s gorgeous scenery, luxurious accommodations, Michelin-star restaurants, geothermal hot springs, and of course its world-famous wineries make Napa Valley a beloved destination for travelers!   Here’s my perfect Napa Valley itinerary for you to sip and savor the best of this beautiful Northern California region. Cheers!

In a Hurry? Pin this Post for Later! 

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Napa Valley Itinerary 

• Day 1: Hop Aboard the Wine Train 
• Day 2: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
• Day 3: Pool Day & Mud Baths  
• Day 4: Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

After a visit to Napa in the 1880’s, writer and poet Robert Louis Stevenson proclaimed “wine is like bottled poetry” .  Stevenson was speaking to Napa Valley’s early wine growers.

These young winemakers aspired to produce wines with similar taste and quality that you would find in France and Italy. Fast forward to the 1970’s and that’s exactly what happened! Napa Valley wine exploded onto the world’s winemaking stage , and wine connoisseurs from around the world began to savor Napa Valley wine.

Best Time of Year to Visit Napa Valley 

Napa Valley has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days throughout the year! If you’re looking for the best weather, spring (March – April) and harvest season (August – October) is a special time to visit Napa Valley. 

During spring, wildflowers are blooming and the vines are waking up after winter! In harvest season, the weather is near perfect and the vineyards are lined with grapes ready to be picked! During harvest season, you can see the wineries in full action picking, crushing, and fermenting their grapes!  

On the other hand, the off-season between November – February is also a lovely time to visit Napa. Winery reservations are easier to come by, and the hotel rates are at their lowest! In late January, Napa Valley Restaurant Week spans for 10 days with special discounts at some of Napa Valley’s best restaurants!

Getting to Napa 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO),  Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) are the closest largest commercial airports to Napa Valley. Most first-time visitors automatically book their flights into SFO/OAK. However, any local will tell you that flying into Sacramento is about equal in driving time, and the drive is much easier than navigating the Bay Area traffic!

Getting around Napa

A car is essential to have in Napa. The geographical region of Napa Valley stretches out along a 30-mile-long 5-mile-wide valley. If you plan on visiting several wineries in a one day taxis, ride shared services, such as Lyft and Uber, are available. 

Napa Valley does have an easy to use bus system called The Vine . However, when visiting wineries its easiest to go at your own pace instead of having to plan your day around the bus schedules.

How Many Days in Napa Valley?  

This Napa Valley itinerary is broken down into four days. I would recommend 3-5 days in Napa to not feel rushed. Three nights and four days in Napa Valley gives you the perfect balance to enjoy the wineries and a time to explore the other activities Napa is known for (I’ll share more on those later!).

The Best Napa Valley Itinerary 

Here’s what not to miss in Napa Valley in four days. At the end of this post, I’ll share the best restaurants in Napa and my favorite hotel in the heart of Napa Valley that you’re going to love!

Day 1 – Climb Aboard the Wine Train

All aboard! Begin your first day in Napa Valley by exploring the region’s spectacular scenic views aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train . 

Your journey begins in downtown Napa, and you’ll travel through the charming towns of Oak Knoll, Yountville, Oakville, and Rutherford . The duration of your trip depends on which journey you book. You can select experiences anywhere from  2-hours to 6-hours.

History of the Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train has been a Napa bucket list experience for visitors for over 30 years, but the rail line actually dates back to 1864 ! The railway was originally used to take visitors north to the resort town of Calistoga. 

While the views on the Napa Valley Wine Train are stunning, the experience inside the wine train is just as charming! The 20th-century Pullman train cars have been elegantly restored to show visitors a step back in time to the luxury train travel era from the early 1900s. The train does not have an enforced dress code, but I encourage you to dress for the occasion!

The Wine Train Experience 

For this Napa Valley itinerary I recommend booking a shorter journey that’s over lunch. We chose the Afternoon Tea experience and loved it! The Afternoon Tea is only offered Friday – Sunday. You can see the full list of available wine train experiences here.

The Afternoon Tea experience is three-hours and includes a glass of sparkling wine, unlimited tea refills, a soup, salad, finger sandwiches, and pastries . All of the food is prepared onboard in their train car kitchen! We loved the lobster bisque, and the salad was light and refreshing. A beautifully assembled tray of finger sandwiches came next- my favorite was the lobster puff pastry! Save room for the delicious tray of homemade macaroons, chocolates, and cheese before your journey ends! 

The three-hour journey on the train for the Afternoon Tea service was perfect. It’s just enough time to explore the train, but not feel too rushed. If you’re a non-wine drinker, this is a great option to still experience the beauty of Napa Valley without having to worry about any wine! 

During your journey, the team onboard will share history about the Wine Train and the Napa Valley region. You’ll also pass by the “Welcome to Napa Valley” sign during your trip!

Helpful Tips for the Napa Valley Wine Train  

Tickets vary in price – depending which experience you choose. Tickets range from $195 – $795 per person. It’s often cheaper if you book in advance and on weekdays rather than weekends. 

Wine is not included in the cost of the wine train;  however, it’s available for purchase! You can choose a selection of Napa Valley wines by the glass, bottle, or a wine flight once you’re onboard. You can also bring your wine onboard for a $20 corkage fee. 

Children are welcomed onboard. However, due to safety issues, strollers and carriers are not permitted on board, but booster seats are available. The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a holiday experience with a visit from Santa that would be great for children. 

If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you need to make sure it’s noted in your reservation in advance to allow time for accommodations to be made.

You will take a group photo before you board the train. You can use a QR code that they give you afterwards to download the picture for free!

Day 2 – Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

On your second day in Napa Valley ,  it’s time to explore the wineries! Napa Valley has 45,000 acres of grape vineyards and over 400 wineries! Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular grape grown in the Napa Valley , followed by Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. If you appreciate a good Cabernet , you will surely fall in love with this region. 

You’ll quickly learn in Napa Valley that tasting reservations are required at almost every winery. Tastings can run anywhere from $30 – $150 or more per person depending on the winery. If you’re spending your entire day wine tasting ,   plan on visiting a maximum of three wineries per day . Most wineries are open between 10AM to 5PM. 

Below are a few of my favorite Napa Valley wineries to add to your list!

Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amorosa is a 13th century style, authentically-built, Tuscan castle and winery that overlooks Napa Valley atop a hill in the city of Calistoga. The idea for the construction of the castle came from the Italian-American winemaker, Dario Sattui (who also owns the V. Sattui winery in St. Helena).

Dairo had a passion for the architecture of the Middle Ages, and no detail was spared in the construction of Castello di Amorosa . He flew Italian architects from Europe to live in Napa for two years to help build Castello di Amorosa. Dairo even purchased several of the stones and material used inside the Castello di Amorosa from across regions of Italy.

When asked about the construction of the castle, Dairo was quoted saying “ You can’t fake something like this. You either do it right or people will know it’s not authentic”,  15 years later in 2007 Dairo’s architectural  masterpiece, Castello di Amorosa , was completed. 

When you visit Castello di Amorosa , splurge on your experience and include a tasting with a tour of the castle grounds. You’ll learn and see so much more on a guided tour. 

I recommend the cheese & charcuterie wine pairing tour . A selection of local cheeses are chosen specifically to pair with Castello di Amorosa’s Italian-style wines. All of the meats and cheeses were excellent. I’ll give you a little hint that we were treated to far more than the five reserve wines that are promised on this tour! After a few extra pours – the cheese and crackers were a great idea!

Why I Recommend

Unique experience inside an authentically-built Tuscan inspired castle. Excellent Sangiovese wines. Splurge for the cheese and charcuterie tasting that includes a tour of the castle. 

Tasting Prices

The Cheese & Charcuterie Wine Pairing Tour is $95/person.

Frank Family Vineyards 

A short drive away from Castello di Amorsa is Frank Family Vineyards . 

A tasting at Frank Family feels like a reunion with old friends over outstanding wines . Frank Family Vineyards has a no-frills approach to their tasting. Guests can relax outside on their comfortable patio furniture as their friendly sommeliers walk through the tasting. Frank Family has a r eputation for having the friendliest hospitality in Napa Valley , and I can absolutely vouch for that title! 

Not only are they friendly, but they make fantastic wines! Frank Family has consistently ranked as one of the best Napa Valley Wineries . For many years in a row, their tasting room has won the reader’s choice for “Best Napa Winery” in the annual Bay Area A-List contest. One sip of their award-winning Cabernet, and you’ll see why! 

Frank Family Vineyards was founded in 1992 by former Disney Studios president Rich Frank and his wife Leslie Frank who was an Emmy-award-winning journalist. What was originally supposed to be a hobby turned into a full-time business. 

Today, Frank Family Vineyards produces nearly 150,000 cases of wine a year. Rich and Leslie continue to oversee the daily operations, and it’s not uncommon to find them at the winery visiting with guests. 

Why I recommend

Guests love their no-frills hospitality where every guest is treated like family. Their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon were both excellent! 

Tasting prices

The Frank Family Estate Tasting is $60/person . 

Beringer Vineyards 

The final winery on your second day in Napa Valley itinerary is Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena! Beringer Vineyards is a piece of history in Napa Valley as it is the oldest continuously operating winery in California . Established in 1876 by two brothers with a desire to produce world-class wines from Napa Valley

The jewel of Beringer Vineyards is the gorgeous 17-room Rhine House Victorian mansion , which was  designated as a Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. You can enjoy your tasting on the veranda of the Rhine House. Fall and late spring is a lovely time to visit Beringer to sit and sip outside on the patio. 

Beringer is unique as being the first and only winery in the world to have both a white and a red wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine (1986 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon and the 1994 Private Reserve Chardonnay). 

 Beringer is the place to visit for those who wish to experience the unique history and taste a wide range of award-winning wines. 

For a tasting inside the Rhine House mansion that includes Beringer’s reserve wines it is $65/person.

Day 3  –  Pool Day & Mud Baths 

After a full day of wine tasting there is no better feeling than to have a relaxing day to look forward to! If your hotel has a pool, this is the perfect day to recharge! 

Chances are you’ll likely have the pool area to yourself if you visit during the late morning / early afternoon. Hotel guests will usually be off wine tasting during the day.

The pool area at the Napa Valley Lodge was perfect – I cannot recommend this hotel enough! We spent our morning  between the pool and hot tub. They have spacious cabanas and hammocks for guests to relax. We took a break from wine and had a poolside cocktail instead! 

Get Down and Dirty in a Mud Bath! 

In the 1880’s it wasn’t wine that everyone was talking about in Napa Valley – it was the mud baths! At the north end of the Napa Valley, is Calistoga. Calistoga is famous for their natural hot springs mixed with mineral water and volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount St. Helena millions of years ago. The combination of mineral water and volcanic ash create the perfect mud bath experience! 

Besides being relaxing, mud baths help muscle and joint pains, detoxifies, and leaves your skin soft and renewed . Calistoga offers a variety of mud bathing experiences, but for the traditional experience you need to visit Golden Haven ! 

Golden Haven Mud Baths 

The mud baths at Golden Haven use a combination of clay, peat and hot springs mineral water. They’re one of the oldest in the area with the most experience and knowledge about mud bathing. The staff at Golden Haven is so friendly, and the team will go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable . Plus their mud bath prices are the best in Calistoga with prices starting as low as $112 / person. 

Unique to Golden Haven is their three-step approach to your mud bath. First, you’ll soak in the mud bath for around 15-20 minutes. Then after a quick shower, you’ll take a dip in a private mineral water jacuzzi. Finally, you’ll end with a comfortable blanket wrap to cool your body. 

Golden Haven is known for their couples mud baths if you want to enjoy your first mud bath experience with a loved one! They have an excellent package that includes their full mud-bath experience followed by a  relaxing massage. 

Day 4 – Wine Tasting in Napa

Here’s a fun fact – did you know that 90% of the wine purchase in California is consumed within 24 hours ? All the more reason to treat yourself to a bonus day of wine tasting in your Napa Valley itinerary on your last day in Napa! With so many fantastic wineries you’ll be happy with another day of wine tasting! 

For lunch in between wineries, I recommend stopping at Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena for the best classic burgers and California-inspired dishes (think ahi burgers  and avocados tacos) all made using locally sourced ingredients. Oakville Grocery in St. Helena is another great option for foodies who appreciate high quality delicious made-to-order sandwiches and wood-fired pizzas. 

Pestoni Family Estate Winery

Pestoni Family Estate Winery , (formerly Rutherford Grove) traces its Napa Valley roots back to Albino Pestoni, an immigrant who came to Napa Valley in 1883 from Monte Carasso in Switzerland, just north of Lugano near the Italian border. 

Today, Pestoni wine is crafted with the same high standards and practices of their great-great-grandfather’s winemaking tradition . From growing to harvest, fermentation to bottling, every step in their process is done by hand to achieve the best tasting wine and honor their family heritage. 

Pestoni Family has a large property with spacious patio seating for guests ! Unique to this winery are their complimentary use of the large picnic grounds in the back of the winery as well as the bocce ball court! 

Pestoni Family has excellent selection of red wines including their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Petite Sirah! Their large picnic grounds are perfect on a beautiful Napa day to pack your own picnic and sip a bottle of Pestoni Family Wine!

Pestoni Family offers a Heritage Tasting  which is $50/person that includes four tastings or a Legacy Tasting that is $65/person which includes five tasting. I recommend their Legacy Tasting to have a comparison tasting of their Rutherford and Howell Mountain estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

Silver Oak Cellars 

Cabernet lovers, this winery is for you! Silver Oak Winery began in the early 1970’s with a focus on producing the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the entire world . 

Silver Oak is unique for many reasons! For starters, they have one vineyard in the Alexander Valley and one in Napa Valley. The production of the same wine from two premier vineyards gives Silver Oak Cabernet an unmistakable taste that will win the heart of any Cabernet lover! 

The other quality that makes Silver Oak unique are their barrels! All of their barrels are handcrafted and American made in Missouri using aged American white oak wood . The American white oak barrels create the perfect balance of spice and vanilla flavors that complement the black fruit character of Silver Oak wines. 

 The ultimate winery for Cabernet lovers! A beautiful property and tasting room! 

 Silver Oak has a seated tasting experience for their guests at their Napa Valley location that’s between $60-$90/person depending on the tasting you select. They also offer a tour and tasting for $65/person that includes three wines on an hour tour of their winery production area and cellar. This tour fills up fast – booking ahead is essential! 

Pop the bubbly! End your final tasting and day in this Napa Valley itinerary with some bubbles! 

Mumm Napa’s sparkling wines are the perfect combination of French roots and California flair. The sparkling wine house was founded in the late 1970s by G.H. Mumm, one of France’s most iconic champagne houses. 

Mumm Napa’s sparkling wines are made using a technique called méthode traditionnelle — a process that the estate’s founder, Guy Devaux, brought to Napa Valley more than 30 years ago. 

Tastings are held on a shaded outdoor patio that overlooks the vineyards. Guests choose from a variety of signature flights that includes four different sparkling wines. 

 A must-visit for sparkling wine lovers! The Mumm property is beautiful, and their sparkling wines are one-of-a-kind. 

 At only $40 / person, their tasting is very reasonable in price for the quality of sparkling wines you taste! 

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

When choosing a hotel in Napa Valley, my biggest tip would be to choose your location carefully. It’s best to pick your hotel in a town nearby where you’ll be exploring the most – especially if you plan on visiting wineries. Ubers are available in the valley, but the farther north you go the harder they are to come by. 

There is no better town in Napa Valley to stay at than Yountville ! Yountville is in the heart of Napa Valley.  Its location is perfect for travelers who would like to visit wineries during the day and still be within walking distance to some of the best restaurants in the evening. If you’re looking for a charming wine country getaway in Yountville, look no further than the Napa Valley Lodge . 

Napa Valley Lodge 

This tuscan-style boutique hotel has 55 rooms and thoughtful details at every turn. Their friendly experienced staff is exceptional and will make your stay memorable. 

Sleeping at Napa Valley Lodge  

The rooms at the Napa Valley Lodge are sophisticated and spacious with details that make you right at home. During winter, guests can cozy up next to a wood burning fireplace, or watch the sunset on their private verandah.

All rooms have a Nespresso coffee maker and kettle for hot tea . One of my favorite details of the room was actually the luggage racks! Most hotels only have one luggage rack per room, but the Napa Valley Lodge had two for each guest in the room! It’s small details like this that made our stay so special! 

Amenities at the Napa Valley Lodge 

Champagne breakfast .

Mimosas, waffles, and coffee – can you think of a better way to start your morning? A complimentary continental breakfast is included for all guests at the Napa Valley Lodge . This breakfast buffet is not to be missed! The mimosa bar was an added treat!   

Concierge Service 

For assistance with winery or dining reservations, the Napa Valley Lodge has an exclusive concierge service to assist their guests with dining reservations, winery appointments and activities in the Valley. Before my stay their concierge service called to ask if I needed reservation assistance, and to see if we were celebrating something special during our stay! 

Pool & Spa 

The pool area the Napa Valley Lodge is a beautiful place to relax in their landscaped courtyard on a comfortable daybed. In the morning, you can sit next to their outdoor fire pits and watch the fog roll in from the Valley. 

Their spa staff have created a variety of spa treatments, from massages to facials to body treatments, using centuries-old healing techniques.

Bocce Ball 

A game at their bocce ball court is a fun a way to end your day! Bocce ball is one of the oldest lawn games in the world. If you need a quick refresher, they have instructions by the court! 

Bike Rentals 

The town of Yountville is very bike friendly! The Napa Valley Lodge has complimentary bike rentals for their guests . You can even a rent a tandem bike – a true test of balance and always a good laugh! 

Where to Eat in Napa 

Napa Valley is a foodie’s dream! Its culinary scene is diverse with something for every palate! Below are a few of my favorite spots you can add to your Napa Valley Itinerary that range from casual, farm to table, and fine dining. 

Gott’s Roadside  

Along Highway 129 in Saint Helena is Gott’s Roadside serving up the best burgers in Napa with a California twist. Gott’s Roadside uses locally sourced ingredients with a modern twist to their menu.

Not in the mood for a burger? Try their ahi poke crispy tacos, teriyaki chicken, or avocado tacos! My pick is their California Burger with locally sourced Cowgirl Creamery’s Wagon Wheel cheese, Zoe’s bacon, arugula, balsamic onions and  mayo on a toasted sesame brioche bun. 

Farmstead Restaurant 

If you eat at one restaurant in this Napa Valley Itinerary – make it Farmstead ! This farm-to-table restaurant was once a nursery barn from the 1870’s. The interior is rustic chic with high ceilings and a menu that will blow your mind ! Dishes here lean more on the comfort side with large portions that are perfect for sharing. 

Start with the smoked chicken wings! They’re smoked to perfection with a flavorful Alabama white sauce. The St. Louis smoked ribs fall right off the bone and the Dungeness crab roll is sandwiched between a buttery brioche roll. For dessert their homemade chocolate chip cookies were delicious!  

Goose & Gander 

Tucked away in Saint Helena in Napa you’ll find a Goose & Gander housed in a 1920’s colonial home. Goose & Gander is my top recommendation if you’re celebrating a special occasion . Not only is their food fantastic, but they’ll make sure to spoil you for your special occasion! 

The cocktails here were delicious and so creative! The “Orange Julius” and “Cucumber Collins’ ‘ were two of our favorite cocktails. You can’t go wrong with any dish here! The Beef Chicharróns are a perfect appetizer. I also recommend the G&G Burger  with duck fat fries. If you managed to save room for dessert the key lime pie was delicious! 

Oakville Grocery 

Oakville Grocery has been a staple in Napa Valley since 1881, and a must visit for any foodie! It’s the oldest continuously operated grocery store in California that still holds its original charm.  It feels more like an old general store with vintage hand-painted wooden signs and wooden benches underneath a front porch. 

The Oakville Grocery is a favorite with locals for their hot and cold made to order sandwiches and wood fired pizzas. Their deli is extensive with several local cheeses, meats, olives, honey, spreads, etc. you can buy to elevate your lunch or picnic. 

Chef Thomas Keller introduced Bouchon , to the Napa Valley dining scene in 1998 after his success with The French Laundry. Bouchon will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a classic Parisian bistro – with a menu to match. Popular dishes at Bouchon are their roast chicken, moules-frites, and my favorite steak frites. Save room for dessert, their crème brûlée is magnifique! 

Bouchon Bakery 

Right next to Bouchon is Bouchon Bakery ! The smell of Bouchon Bakery alone will transport you to Paris’ many cozy patisseries and boulangeries – if you haven’t been to Paris yet spoiler alert! 

In the mood for savory? Sweet? Bouchon Bakery has it all! The bakery often has a line wrapped around on weekends- don’t worry it moves fast! Everything at Bouchon Bakery is made for takeaway, but you can sip on your latte in the tree-shaded courtyard lined with benches adjacent to the bakery. 

So what to order? Truly, everything here is fantastic. I recommend starting with a pain au chocolat, or one of their mouthwatering macarons. Add a French baguette to order to munch on later in between wineries! 

Mustards Grill  

An iconic Napa eatery! Mustards Grill was named for the wild mustard flowers that bloom in the vineyards every spring. Their on-site garden produces ingredients routinely seen on their seasonal menu ! If you’re early for your reservation, wander around the garden adjacent to the restaurant for a sneak preview of your menu that evening. 

Start with a haystack of onion strings (after a day of wine tasting I promise nothing will taste better) or their crispy calamari. Their famous Mongolian pork chop with sweet and sour red cabbage with house made mustard is a must try! Do not skip dessert here! The lemon-lime meringue tart topped with fluffy meringue is fittingly described on the menu as “ridiculously tall”, and it did not disappoint! 

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in your Napa Valley Itinerary 

Don’t: Forget a jacket

Napa Valley’s climate is known for having warmer temperatures during the day with cool evenings and mornings. Expect temperatures typically drop 30-40 degrees in the evening. The mornings year-round also tend to be chilly and foggy.  The best rule of thumb when packing for a Napa trip during any month of the year is to bring layers.

Don’t: Forget to make reservations 

Winery reservations are essential! I would recommend booking tasting reservations at least 30 days out, if not earlier. Dinner reservations are just as essential too – especially on weekends! 

Don’t: Forget to pack snacks in between wineries 

Very few of the wineries have food for purchase. Therefore, pack your favorite snack (or a baguette of Bouchon Bakery bread) and by the second winery you’ll be glad you did! 

Don’t: Cram too many wineries in a day

Three wineries is the magic number! If you try to fit in more than three, you’ll feel rushed in between wineries. 

Don’t: Forget to pay attention to the geographical location of each winery

From the town of Napa north to Calistoga is 35 miles long! When you’re booking your tasting map out the driving distance between the wineries. Plan for each tasting to last around 60 – 90 minutes. 

Napa Valley Itinerary –  A Map 

Finally, below is a map of all the locations I’ve mentioned in this Napa Valley itinerary! Save this Google Map to make your Napa Valley trip planning a breeze! 

The beauty of visiting Napa Valley again and again is your itinerary can completely change with every visit! With over 400 wineries and 150 different restaurants in Napa Valley, you can always experience something different! 

Above all, I hope this Napa Valley itinerary helped inspire your trip planning, and most of all get you excited for the memories you’ll make (and the wine you’ll sip)! 

Foodie like me? Here are some more travel guides inspired by food and wine you’ll love! 

• Best Fredericksburg Wineries  
• Where to Eat in Copenhagen 
• Perfect Two Days in Traverse City 

Looking for other California travel guides? 

• Perfect 4 Days in Palm Springs
• Ultimate Lake Tahoe Ski Trip

Want to save this Napa Valley Itinerary? Pin it here!

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33 comments.

The Napa Wine Train looks like the perfect way to enjoy Napa for sure! What a beautiful place to rest and enjoy great wines.

Yes! The wine train is definitely bucket list worthy!

OMG, adding this to my bucket list STAT! The wine train, the mud baths, I had no idea there was so much to do in Napa Valley besides wine! Your trip looks amazing!

Wow of this looks amazing. I want to ride the train and try the mud baths.

Both amazing experiences!

What a great guide! It brings me back awesome memories of my trip to this area. Next time I would love to take Napa Valley Wine Train. Thanks for the detailed information and gorgeous pictures.

OMG, sign me up for everything! This itinerary is a blast….love it!

I love traveling to different wine regions but I still haven’t checked out Napa Valley!! It’s definitely on the list though. That wine train looks like so much fun!

The wine train looks like so much fun! I’m not much of a wine drinker but this itinerary looks like an amazing experience.

Even if you’re not a wine drinker Napa is still such a beautiful area to visit!

What a great itinerary! I would 100% go on the wine train it looks so beautiful. And of course I would definitely enjoy the mad bath, looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for sharing

EKKKK! this post just motivated me to move up my trip to Napa..it looks idyllic..and I love food and dining recsthe most- thank you!

The only form of alcohol I’ll drink is wine so this looks like an absolute dream! The wine train is something I’ve never heard of but is immediately added to my bucket list! Thank you so much for shedding light on this fun experience!

The only form of alcohol I’ll drink is wine so this looks like an absolute dream! The wine train is something I’ve never heard of but looks like it’s worth the investment! Thank you so much for shedding light on this fun experience I never knew existed!

The wine train was such a unique experience! I really recommend it!

Napa Valley Lodge looks amazing! And I might just forget wine for a day to try a mud bath!

This guide is so comprehensive! I’ve visited Napa Valley, but I’d love to return and see more. I would love to go on the wine train and take a mud bath. I’ll save your guide for when I revisit the area. Great post!

Yes! It’s definitely a great place to visit again and again!

What are some other activities that you recommend doing in Napa Valley?

A hot air balloon ride is also very popular!

Wow! I looove everything about this! Wine train, check! Mud bath, check! Wine resort, check! What a lovely experience you had. I hope to be able to visit one day too. I also love your photos, they are all so gorgeous! What presets do you use? Thanks again for the tips and recommendations!

Thanks Isabella! I use the presets from Helene in Between!

This really is the ultimate guide! I need to go now. Your photos are gorgeous. Great tip about the Sacramento airport. Thanks.

Of course! Driving near Sacramento is so much easier than the Bay Area!

Napa Valley looks like heaven to me! I would love to try the wine I’ve heard wonderful reviews and this guide has given me a lot of inspiration. I like the idea of only 3 a day, not too rushed and time to explore thoroughly.

Thanks, Laure! I agree that 3-4 days is the perfect amount of time!

I really want to go here with my mum, sounds like such a lovely few days! Thanks for putting this helpful itinerary together. Definitely saving for late

Absolutely perfect itinerary! I’ll be sharing with my SIL because it is right up her alley. I’m actually not a wine drinker but the tea service is right up MY alley! The mud bath and the pool! the food! freaking fantastic!

Yes! Please share it with her! thank you!

Well, next time you’re in town look me up I would love to take you to a couple of my favorite 💎 gems in Napa and Sonoma I look forward to your next visit. Thank you. Marty Paradise Paradise Tours LLC

Thank you, Marty!

Hey! First of all, thank you for this wonderful guide! Just one more question – what was actually your favorite restaurant?

I loved the wine train! The afternoon tea experience on the wine train was so unique!

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20 Best Things to Do in Napa Valley — Mud Baths and Exceptional Wine Tasting Included

Experts weigh in on how to explore the famous California wine region.

BDyksen/Getty Images

Northern California’s Napa Valley has achieved near-mythical status, not only as the top wine region in North America but as one of the most outstanding wine destinations in the entire world. It’s hard to have a conversation about wine — and maybe even impossible if you're talking cabernet sauvignon — without mentioning the prodigious wine country , which is located just 50 miles north of San Francisco.

While Napa Valley is rolling with flourishing vineyards and has its fair share of world-class restaurants , too, the region also offers an Eden-like escape into nature in a multitude of ways. With input from Julie Johnson, winemaker and owner of organic winery Tres Sabores ; Jay Jeffers , longtime St. Helena resident and co-owner and designer of Sonoma’s The Madrona ; and Vincent Morrow, wine director at Press Napa Valley , we've compiled a list of the most wonderful things to do when visiting Napa Valley.

Related : The Best Times to Visit Napa Valley for Beautiful Weather and Affordable Rates

Go wine tasting.

Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure

With more than 400 vineyards and almost 100 separate tasting rooms, Napa is like an adult Disneyland when it comes to wine tasting — it’s that magical. Note that many wineries require advance bookings, and that tastings can be quite expensive. A few treasured ones to kick off your research include Faust Haus , Cliff Lede Vineyards , Duckhorn , and Darioush .

Experience Christopher Kostow’s cooking.

Illustrious and oft-awarded chef Christopher Kostow helmed the kitchen at three-Michelin-star restaurant Meadowood until it burned to the ground in 2020. The good news is that you can still sample Kostow's fare at The Charter Oak in St. Helena. Jeffers recommends the “broccoli salad, the wings that change monthly, and the best burger ever.” Another option? “Don’t miss Ciccio ," says Jeffers. "It's a local favorite that doesn’t take reservations and is home to some of the best pizzas and pasta in the valley.”

Ride the Napa Valley Wine Train.

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You don't need a designated driver if you climb aboard the historic Pullman rail cars of the Napa Valley Wine Train . The cars have been fabulously restored and riders get a taste of slow travel–meets–culinary tourism. Easily accessible in downtown Napa, this is luxurious way to savor renowned wines alongside fine multi-course lunches and dinners with gracious, vintage-inspired service to match.    

Visit di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art.

Though many wineries boast impressive art collections, Johnson especially loves Napa Valley's di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art , calling the 217-acre art park “especially stimulating.” Set in Napa, the center is home to galleries, gardens, and a 35-acre lake. “Works by modern Northern California artists are provocative and varied,” says Johnson. “I’m a sculpture person, so my first stops are always the Wine Bottle House (gorgeous in the light at any point in the day) and the Chartres Bleu installation by Paul Kos.” 

Join a grape stomp.

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If winemaking makes you think of that famous scene from I Love Lucy , it’s imperative that you visit Napa during the fall harvest and attend a grape stomp — antics not guaranteed. Grgich Hills Estate is a beloved option, as it puts on several stomps throughout the season, while V. Sattui Winery practices the old-fashioned tradition during its October Crush Party. Other wineries, including Conn Creek Winery , host them select years. 

Go kayaking.

Uncrowded and gorgeous, the Napa River is a well-kept secret for water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. “Half and full-day kayak rentals are available off the dock downtown,” says Morrow. “It’s a great way to be active and take a break from wine tasting.”

Visit Oxbow Public Market.

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“ Oxbow Public Market is filled with fantastic fresh food, wine, and a little bit of everything,” says Jeffers. The vibrant gathering spot has crowd-pleasing dining options for the whole family or friend group. “My favorite is — wait for it —Kostow’s amazing Loveski Deli . The Ruben sandwich will change your life.”

Take a hot air balloon ride.

Multiple operators offer awe-inspiring hot air balloon rides over the verdant valley. Morrow recommends it as “a great (early) way to start the day and get a much better perspective of Napa Valley topography.”

Experience regenerative agriculture and grape-growing.

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With so many exceptional wines being produced in Napa, it only makes sense that the farming practices are extraordinary, too. Plenty of growers practice regenerative agriculture with their grapes and other produce. “A number of my colleagues’ fabulous gardens yield not only an array of delectable products but expand the healthy diversity of their farms by creating beneficial conservation habitats,” says Johnson, who recommends celebrating these progressive operations in her “front yard” at Tres Sabores, as well as Matthiasson Winery , Hudson Ranch , Frog’s Leap , and Long Meadow Ranch . 

Book a special wine tasting.

Courtesy of Promontory Winery

For a particularly happy occasion, go all in on an exclusive tasting experience; it may cost a pretty penny, but it will surely leave you with more than tingling tastebuds. Jeffers’ picks are “ Promontory Winery , an architectural marvel and such a special spot,” and “ Rudd Estate , a beautiful, woodsy spot that’s full of soul and wonder.”

Take a hike.

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After indulging in many glasses of cabernet sauvignon, it’s a good idea to balance them with ample time outside, and there are plenty of beautiful hiking trails to trek in Napa. Jeffers recommends the five-mile Lake Hennessey Shoreline Trail, which he says “might be challenging to find, but even the drive to it is beautiful.” For her part, Johnson says, “When I need a true pause, a respite from the cellar, I head to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and the peaceful presence of its towering coastal redwoods, including ‘fairy circles.’” The park is home to 10 miles of seasonal trails, as well the historic Bale Grist Mill and camping opportunities, too.

Listen to live music.

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In addition to its exciting food and drink scene, Napa is a great destination for music lovers, and not only during the annual BottleRock Napa Valley festival. Johnson loves to listen to jazz at Blue Note in downtown Napa, and gathering alongside other locals for “world-class classical in an intimate setting with exquisite acoustics” at Chamber Music Napa Valley , where performers might include pianists Garrick Ohlsson and Emanuel Ax, or the Takács Quartet. 

Go shopping in St. Helena.

“Be sure to walk all of short Main Street in St. Helena — a lovely town of 5,000 people — as there are many charming, locally owned shops to see,” says Jeffers. His favorites include Erin Martin’s avant-garde atelier M, Dione Carston’s shop Trick Pony, and Elyse Walker’s clothing boutique. “You won’t find a chain store anywhere near St. Helena,” he adds.

Take a mud bath in Calistoga.

Since the mid-1900s, mud bath treatments have been a thing in Calistoga, a Napa destination with a rich history when it comes to mineral springs and healing mud. Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs offers a spa garden for al fresco treatments, plus four indoor mud baths, even more mineral baths, and a geothermal mineral pool. Indian Springs Calistoga — an ancient healing destination for the indigenous Wappo tribe — features a spa, volcanic mud baths, a water plunge, and rolling gardens.

Picnic at a waterfall.

Linda Falls is one of Napa’s few waterfalls, and it only requires a 1.6-mile hike (roundtrip). It's especially enjoyable to visit the falls with a picnic in the summer, says Morrow. Pack foods and beverages from local purveyors and independent producers by stocking up on to-go items at Johnson’s favorite stops, including Fatted Calf , Crisp , Cal Mart , and Contimo Provisions .

Splurge on a Michelin-starred meal.

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Auberge du Soleil , Kenzo , La Toque , and The French Laundry all have Michelin stars, though none but the latter, chef Thomas Keller’s icon, has three. Reservations are near impossible to get (so plan way ahead to try to score one), but dining at any of these diverse standouts will surely be a lasting and multi-sensory memory of your Napa Valley trip.

Take a scenic drive or detour.

“It’s one thing to visit wineries on the valley floor," says Johnson, "but one of my true pleasures is taking in the vistas that this stunning valley has to offer.” Johnson is particularly fond of drives from the north after a hike at Robert Lewis Stevenson Park on Mt. St. Helena (one of the few places with snow in winter), or “Anywhere on the Howell Mountain road on the eastern slopes of the Vaca Range. Stop at Vader to catch some really special scenery.” Take one of these “grand, picturesque ascents and descents from over 1,800 feet and you may find yourself above the cloud line.”  

Strap in for a spin class.

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When a bike ride, run, or hike isn’t in the cards, Jeffers heads to state-of-the-art FitNV in St. Helena. “Casey Miller’s gym has a mean spin class, among other personal training and classes,” he says. “A little sweat is always welcome before wine and lunch the following day.”

Dine where the locals do.

The French Laundry, acclaimed as it is, isn’t exactly a go-to dinner destination for locals. Morrow adores Il Posto Trattoria for Italian comfort food, Kitchen Door for American-Vietnamese fusion and ZuZu for Spanish tapas. At the latter, Johnson regularly orders the boquerones , while she heads to Bouchon (also a Keller restaurant) for the raw bar, and Bistro Jeanty for a butter lettuce salad, a cone of spicy aoili smelt, and a glass of bubbly. Jeffers visits the famous Gott’s Roadside for tuna poke tacos. 

Plan a day on a lake.

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The natural wonders of Napa Valley never cease. Lake Berryessa — one of California’s largest freshwater lakes — is a half-hour drive from Napa proper in the Vaca Mountains. “It has plenty of things to do: swim, kayak, paddle board, or enjoy other water activities,” Morrow says.

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A First-Timer's Guide to Visiting Napa Valley

Napa Valley is only about 30 miles long and a mile wide, but this beautiful region in Northern California is packed with more than 400 wineries, plus divine restaurants and elegant hotels. If you’re visiting for the first time, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the options.

Caroline Horwitz, Allianz Global Assistance’s Director of Customer Experience, USA, has been to Napa 10 times — she even got married there. Here are her best tips for visiting Napa Valley if it’s your first visit. We’re pretty sure it won’t be your last.

When You’re Visiting Napa Valley, You Have to Pace Yourself

Many first-timers try to cram seven vineyard visits into each day. That just doesn’t work, Horwitz says — the Napa experience isn’t about rushing from place to place. A better schedule looks like this: Start with a hearty breakfast, then hit one or two wineries in the morning. Take time for a nice lunch, whether picnic-style or at a local restaurant. Then visit two more wineries in the afternoon. Four to five in a day should be the maximum. You may want to visit fewer and instead spend time taking a tour or enjoying a guided tasting. Have dinner at a Napa Valley restaurant and go to bed early: “You’re exhausted from the day, and ready to go again the next day.”

Consider Hiring a Driver When Visiting Napa Valley Wineries.

Whether you plan to visit three wineries in a day or five, a designated driver is a must to carry you safely from place to place. If no one in your group is keen on being the DD, hire a driver! For an hourly rate of $25-$50, you’ll get an experienced driver who can recommend great wineries. Also consider group tours or the Napa Valley Wine Train.

The Best Wineries Don’t Always Have the Fanciest Tasting Rooms.

Part of the pleasure of visiting Napa Valley is seeing beautiful architecture. Domaine Carneros , for instance, is known for its stunning chateau. Sip wine on the terrace and you’ll feel like you’re in France. But don’t overlook the more modest-appearing wineries. One of Horwitz’s favorites is Caldwell Vineyard , which specializes in Bordeaux-style reds. Its tasting room is in a cave 90 feet under the ground, which keeps the wine at 59 degrees right now. The cave may not be as elegant as a castle, “but the wines are pretty phenomenal,” Horwitz says.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Recommendations.

Once you find a winery you really enjoy, ask the tasting room manager for recommendations for other, similar places. They’re happy to do it! This will help you develop a unique Napa wine tour built around your personal tastes.

Plan Tours and Guided Tastings Ahead of Time.

Don’t expect to waltz into Napa Valley wineries on a busy Saturday and get personalized tours or service. Research your destinations ahead of time to see if they require appointments, and make reservations well in advance for tours or special tastings with food pairings. If you enjoy learning about wine, definitely plan for at least one guided tasting. Horwitz particularly likes Swanson Vineyards’ salon tastings for small tables of 8-10 people, with caviar and chocolate.

Enjoy Some Effervescence.

Whether you’re a fan of reds, whites or both, make time in your Napa Valley vacation for at least one winery specializing in sparkling wine. This cleanses your palate, Horwitz explains, and is just plain fun. A few of her favorite Napa Valley vineyards for sparkling wine:

• Schramsberg Vineyards — Try the Blanc de Blancs or Brut Rose.
• Domaine Carneros — Enjoy a four-vintage sparkling sampler on the chateau terrace.
• Chandon — Chandon makes an unusual sparkling red.
• Mumm Napa — Mumm’s signature wine is the Brut Prestige.

Give Sonoma Its Own Day.

On a map, Napa Valley and its sister region, Sonoma, look like they’re really close together. There’s a mountain range between them, however, so don’t plan to dash over to Sonoma to visit a winery and then zip back to Napa. Instead, spend some time exploring Sonoma. You’ll find the same excellent wines, but fewer crowds and lower costs.

Napa is Lovely in Any Season.

Most Napa Valley vineyards are open year-round, but may close for a few days during the busy fall harvest season. The scenery’s most beautiful during the fall, Horwitz says, when the grapes are ripe and ready to pick. In the winter, the vines are dormant and look like brown sticks, but the weather’s still pleasant. During a recent February visit, temperatures hovered in the 60s and 70s. In the spring, yellow mustard blooms in the vineyards; in the summer, everything’s lush and green. Whenever you go, don’t forget to protect your Napa Valley vacation with travel insurance from Allianz Global Assistance.

Caroline’s Picks for Where to Go in Napa Valley and Sonoma

Favorite Sonoma and Napa Valley vineyards

• Blackbird Vineyards
• Caldwell Vineyard
• Chateau St. Jean
• Frog’s Leap
• Ledson Winery and Vineyards
• Nicholson Ranch
• Nickel & Nickel    
• Swanson Vineyards
• Vineyard 7&8

Favorite Sonoma and Napa Valley restaurants:

• Bottega Napa Valley
• Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen
• Mustards Grill
• Gott’s Roadside
• Maya Restaurant
• Napa General Store
• Harvest Moon Café
• The Girl and the Fig

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Experience a Taste of the Good Life in Napa Valley

The best things in life are the experiences we share, savor, and discover. nowhere is that more apparent than in napa valley, where anyone – and everyone – can experience a taste of the good life., napa valley trip ideas, napa valley in every season.

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Spring is vibrant in Napa Valley, with sun and cool breezes, blooming flowers, and budding grapevines

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Summer in Napa Valley is paradise, with sunshine, alfresco wine tasting and dining, hiking, and music

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Winter in Napa Valley is tranquil, with fewer crowds, picturesque vineyards, and cozy wine tasting rooms

Best Things to Do in Napa Valley

Napa Valley's deep roots produce world-class wine. Enjoy intimate winery tastings, expansive outdoor spaces, and behind-the-scenes...

Wine Tasting Rooms

Otherwise known as urban wineries, downtown tasting rooms offer similar wine-sampling experience as a winery, just without the...

Wine Tours & Transportation

Sit back and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving. Your options range from private tours in a town...

Where To Stay

From intimate boutique inns to full-service luxury resorts, and everything in between, Napa Valley properties welcome you with...

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With farm-fresh cuisine ranging from casual food trucks to Michelin-Star fare, you’ll find unforgettable meals to complement...

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Hot air ballooning is one of the most adventurous and inspiring ways to appreciate Napa Valley's lush, rolling hills wine...

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Napa Valley offers a variety of pampering packages, from half-day treatments to full-day spa circuits, from massages to a...

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Explore Napa Valley's 5 distinct towns and 4 regions where you can dine, shop, sip, and stay

With hundreds of wineries and miles of the valley to explore, we want you to know there's no wrong way to enjoy Napa Valley  

How many wine tastings can we do in one day?

We recommend 2 or 3 winery visits , but not more than that as most experiences take a minimum of 90 minutes and there is travel time in between. You can also hire a driver or tour company to drive you to the wineries, and they can even plan your day of tastings.

What should I wear in Napa Valley?

Spring/summer = sun dress with a cardigan and sandals . Fall/Winter = denim, sweater, scarf and boots. Denim is acceptable year round, if it is a fancier scene wear dark denim. Always bring a light jacket for the nighttime breeze from the bay.

Where is Napa Valley?

Napa Valley wine country is located in Northern California, 50 miles northeast of San Francisco , which makes it a short drive from several airports in the San Francisco Bay Area. Napa Valley is one of the world's famous wine regions, with stunning landscapes and exceptional wines .

What is Napa Valley known for?

With more than 400 wineries open for tastings and 90 urban tasting rooms , Napa Valley is known for world-class wine , as well as beautiful countryside and near perfect weather year-round. It is also known for Michelin-star restaurants, and luxurious accommodations and spas .

Napa Valley is such a beautiful part of the world. Everyone is warm and friendly and as you drive to the wineries through the valley and up into the mountains, you know it's a special place.

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Napa Valley is heaven on earth... or at least in the same zip code for sure!

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Home » Travels » The Best Wineries to Visit in Napa for First-Time Visitors

The Best Wineries to Visit in Napa for First-Time Visitors

What Are the Best Wineries to Visit in Napa?

If you’re planning a trip to wine country, you’re probably wondering which are the best wineries to visit in Napa! Because, let’s face it, with over 400 wineries located in one of California’s premier grape-growing regions, there is no way you can do them all. You are going to need to be selective in the wineries you visit, and you only want to visit the best in the short time you have to enjoy this fantastic region.

There are many things to consider when making your first time to Napa Valley itinerary.

First, you need to know what type of wine you prefer, white, reds, sweets, or sparkling. (And it’s O.K. if you like then ALL!)

Second, consider the experience you prefer. Are you looking for a relaxing sit-down experience with food pairings or are you looking for a quick taste and on to the next winery?

Finally, is there a particular type of winery you prefer? Would you like breathtaking views for great photography, a small family-owned vineyard, or are you looking for the more significant or historic wineries that offer one-of-a-kind experiences? Maybe something the whole family can enjoy?

Evaluating your preferences will help you narrow down that massive list of wineries in Napa available to visit. Then you can focus on specific towns or plot your route up Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail.

In this guide for the best wineries to visit in Napa, I’d like to focus on those Napa Valley wineries that I believe are the best choices for the first-time visitor. Many of these wineries are the ones I visited the first time I ever went to the Napa Valley. Several of these wineries we recently visited with a friend who was visiting from Italy.

If you’re a first time visitor to Napa Valley, these winery destinations offer one or more of the following: gorgeous views, one-of-a-kind experiences, food pairings, tours and, of course, delicious wine. These are the best Napa Valley wineries offer a little bit of everything.

If you’re reading this first time to Napa Valley itinerary post, you’re most likely going to Napa so if you need some help putting together stylish outfits check out my ultimate guide on what to wear to a winery !

12 of the Best Wineries to Visit in Napa

I’ve tried my best to narrow down best wineries to visit in Napa. Don’t get me wrong hundreds of other Napa Valley wineries are unique, one of a kind, and deserve a visit but this is a list for first-time visitors.

If it’s your first time in Napa Valley, these are best wineries in Napa for you. I’ve also broken down the list by Napa wineries that don’t require reservations and those that do so if you are pressed for time and didn’t plan to make reservations look at the no reservations required list first.

If you would like to learn about the regions, rake wine tours, or schedule a food pairing, skip to the list where reservations are required.

Wineries in Napa – No Appointment Needed

Sterling Vineyards

If a spectacular view is what you’re aiming for then a visit to Sterling Vineyards is a requirement. With an aerial tram that takes visitors 300 feet above the town of Calistoga, you’re treated to panoramic views of the wine country.

You should opt for the self-guided wine-tasting tour, taking your time as you tour the grounds, see part of the winery’s operations, and finally end up on Sterling View Terrace, which is “the” place to take pictures.

Once you make it to the top you can sit and relax if you so desire or move on to the next winery, Castello di Amorosa, which you’re able to see from Sterling View Terrace.

Sterling Vineyards No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $29 to $39 per person. Address: 1111 Dunaweal Lane Calistoga, CA 94515 (800) 726-6136

Castello di Amorosa

This castle winery is unlike any other you will visit in the Napa Valley. Just like Sterling Vineyards, you visit here for more than just a taste of their wine.

When stepping foot on the 170-acre property you’re walking into an authentically styled, 13th-century Tuscan castle. It’s the only one of its kind in the valley and has its own drawbridge, as well as traditional defensive towers, interior courtyard, torture chamber, chapel, knights’ chamber, and a great hall.

If you so wish you can pay for a guided tour of the castle or explore it on your own. The tastings take place in a cave-like setting with a dark and moody ambiance.

Castello di Amorosa No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $25 to $80 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Address: 4045 Saint Helena Highway Calistoga, CA 94515

Robert Mondavi

Robert Mondavi winery is the perfect place to sit down and relax. If you’re planning on selecting a place toward the end of your day to unwind, this would be a great winery to do so.

With gorgeous outdoor seating and the option to buy wine by the glass, it’s a beautiful place to take in the Napa Valley Beauty!

Robert Mondavi No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $5 to $30 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Address: 7801 ST. Helena Highway Oakville, CA, 94562

Beringer is an icon in Napa Valley because it’s one of the oldest operating wineries, founded in 1875 in St. Helena. It is listed in the National Register of Historical Places and as a California Historical Landmark.

These large grounds give you plenty to see and tour. If possible, opt for the Reserve Tasting Bar at the Rhine House and take a seat outside to enjoy the gorgeous weather and relax. They also offer a huge platter of cheese and nuts to enjoy with your tastings, which of course we had to partake.

Beringer No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $25 to $125 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Address: 2000 Main Street St. Helena, CA 94574

V. Sattui is a very active winery with a deli and cheese shop, weekend barbecues, and picnic area, located at the southern end of St. Helena.

Have a tasting, buy your favorite wine, pair it with a cheese from the cheese shop, and take it outdoor to enjoy. This is a gorgeous place to end your day. If you scheduled some extra time to enjoy yourself at one location V. Sattui is a great choice.

V. Sattui No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $15 to $25 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Reservation required for food pairings and gold room tasting. Address: 1111 White Lane St. Helena, CA 94574

Peju Province Winery

This is a good example of a smaller, family-owned winery that is also sustainably farmed. But don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not as good as its larger counterparts dotting the Napa Valley. This Rutherford winery is well known for its gardens, contemporary artwork, and some very, very good wines.

I recommend going on one of their tasting experiences (tours which are led by wine ambassadors). One allows you to taste straight from the barrel, while another pairs local cheeses. You won’t be disappointed.

Peju Province Winery No reservation required. Tasting Fees range from $35 to $65 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Address: 8466 St. Helena Highway Rutherford, CA 94573

Domaine Chandon

This vineyard is known for its sparkling wines, which is not surprising as its parent company is Moet & Chandon, the well-known champagne house in France.

Established in Yountville more than 40 years ago, their tours are very educational, and I found that it’s a wonderful place to wind down your day, sitting on their terrace, sipping bubbly.

No reservation required. Reservations are required for parties of 10 or more. Sparkling Tour + Tasting $40 per person Tours Available. Address: 1 California Drive Yountville, CA 94599

Newton sits atop Spring Mountain in St. Helena and provides breathtaking views of the valley. They are well known for bottling their wines without filtration, something you will not find at many wineries along the Napa Valley, so for that alone, this winery is worth the visit.

While tours and tasting must be arranged in advance (no drop-ins), it is worth the trouble and drive to get here. You can walk amongst their formal English gardens, visit the pagoda, tour their cellars, and taste some extraordinary wines.

Newton Vineyard Best to make a reservation. Tasting Fees range from $50 to $105 per person. Tours Available. Address: 2555 Madrona Avenue St. Helena, California 94574

Domaine Carneros

This Napa winery lures you in with its beauty! Driving by you can’t help but make a U-turn and stop at this 18th-century inspired château. The château resembles that of the one where Champagne Taittinger winery resides in Champagne, France, who also own this property.

Domaine Carneros is a tableside service winery with sparkling wine as its specialty. (No surprise there!)

Reservations are a must because it is always very busy. Reserve a seat on the terrace to enjoy the vineyard-covered hills of the valley.

Domaine Carneros Reservations are required. Tasting Fees range from $30 to $95 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Address: 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, CA 94559

Stag’s Leap

Located along the Silverado Trail in Napa, this 240-acre winery is hidden in a valley in the valley, making for unique terroir and some marvelous wine. The 19th-century stone winery lends to the overall appeal, although it can be hard to find, as there are no signs.

Take their 90-minute tour (all visits by appointment only) and tasting and you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time, amongst the old stone cellars and musty wine bottles.

Stag’s Leap Reservations are required. (We dropped in during the offseason without a reservation.) Estate Tour & Tasting $65 per person. Address: 6150 Silverado Trail Napa, CA 94558

The Hess Collection

This unique winery is located on Mount Veeder in Napa, housed in a historic stone building constructed over a century ago. The gem of this winery, other than the wine itself, is the access that you have to contemporary art. The vineyard’s owner has opened his private art museum to the public. It is an absolute must-see venue.

Hess offers several exclusive tastings experiences, which are worth the time and money. I’m fond of the Wine & Chocolate Experience, which provides a tour of the museum and a wine-and-chocolate pairing that will make you swoon.

The Hess Collection No reservation required but they offer a lot of experience options. Tasting Fees range from $35 to $165 per person. Tours & Food Pairings Available. Exclusive Experiences Require Reservation. Address: 4411 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558

Schramsberg Vineyards

This winery, located in Calistoga, is well-known for its sparkling wine, of which they have an impressive array. That array is primarily stored in caves that were dug out of volcanic rock in the late 1800s and now hold over 2.5 million bottles.

The cellar is a sight to behold, and I marveled at how many bottles could be stacked in the arched cubbies throughout the cellar. I highly recommend a tour, but arrangements must be made in advance, as the traffic up the road to the winery is limited each day and drop-ins are not allowed.

Schramsberg Vineyards Reservations are required. Tasting Fee $120 per person Address: 1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515

While this is by no means a complete list, it’s a good starting point for a first time to Napa Valley itinerary. We recommend no more than four wineries in a day, with at least one full tour of operations. And make sure you check the wineries’ websites; many require booking appointments for both tastings and tours.

If you plan on staying in the Napa Valley, I highly recommend the Meritage Resort , a gorgeous Napa Resort that has tons of amenities and beautiful views of the vineyards. If you’re looking for something a little more luxurious stay at, Bardessono for an amazing experience.

There are also numerous B&Bs, with owners who have a good knowledge of the best restaurants, secret tours, and out-of-the-way places, like Milliken Creek Inn . For larger groups or more extended stays, you might consider Solage Calistoga .

I hope our best wineries in Napa guide will help you with your wine tasting itinerary. Napa Valley has a lot to offer, and there is no shortage of wine tasting experiences, if you need more information about these Napa Valley wineries just send me a message , I’m happy to help!

Stay Stylish, -V

PS. If you’re planning a trip to Napa Valley make sure you read my ultimate travel guide: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting the Napa Valley.

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Thank you. This was very helpful as a first time to Napa.

Tamara Landre

Hello Vanessa,

Lovely article, very well done with great photos. I thought you might want to know that you’ve included a photo of the wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (5766 Silverado Trail), but the address you’ve given is for Stags’ Leap Winery (6150 Silverado Trail). Two different places, though they both share the name of the iconic viticultural area. I see someone else mentioned this, so I posted both addresses for you.

Cheers, Tamara Napa Local

Thanks! This is one of the best articles I’ve read. Very informative!

Terry Gutman

On our next trip to Napa my husband and I are hoping to visit some of these that we didn’t get to last time. I must point out though that you have confused Stag’s Leap Cellars with Stags’ Leap Winery. Both are located on the Silverado Trail and both are worth visiting. Stags’ Leap Winery as described above will take you back in time and give you a great history of the Napa Valley in general. Stag’s Leap Cellars is the picture above and will be our first stop on our next trip. Their wines are outstanding. Yes there is a story behind the similar names and different spellings and I will let you and your readers figure that out on your next trip to Napa.

Terence Sims

These wineries are definetly the busiest in the valley. Maybe a little warning to the first timers that they are very busy and unlike most of the rest of the wineries the valley has to offer. Otherwise they are going to think every winery is packed. I’m referring to Saturday and Sundays for sure. Other modest but awesome first time wineries would be Raymond, Frank Family, Silver Oak and Silverado Vineyards without the crush of people. But a very good article.

The Wine Ho

Schramsberg for sure! I would also say Silver Oak (new wine and food pairing from Chef Orsini) and Artesa (stunning architecture and lovely Pinots.) Cheers… The Wine Ho http://thewineho.net

Kathy johns

My husband and I were able to make it to Sterlington & Robert Mondavi, and they were suburb! Absolutely gorgeous wineries highly recommend if you visit.

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California's Napa Valley produces some of the world's best wine, on par with centuries-old vineyards in warm Mediterranean regions. Known for its wine, the area is also home to famous Michelin starred restaurants, and local gourmet food due to the county's excellent growing conditions. Napa Valley is easily reached via major cities Sacramento and San Francisco.

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With about 800 square miles of land in Napa County and over 400 different wineries within, it can be hard to know where to start, especially if you're new to the area. Here are 10 of the best Napa vineyards for first-time visitors. Don't worry if you're not a wine connoisseur at these wineries, they won't judge you for not telling your oak notes from your florals.

10 Beaulieu Vineyard, Rutherford

Beaulieu Vineyard is one of California's oldest wineries, having opened its doors in 1900. When the de Latour family bought the vineyard, they established their own unique winemaking process that is still in practice today.

Beaulieu offers a number of tasting experiences. Visitors can opt to taste indoor at the bar or on the outdoor patio, with views of the vast expanse of grape fields. Cabernet fans will especially enjoy Beaulieu's famous cabernet sauvignon varieties.

9 Castello Di Amorosa, Calistoga

If you wanted to go to a European vineyard but couldn't quite make it, Castello di Amorosa is for you. Dario Sattui, owner of the vineyard, completed this replica of a medieval Tuscan castle in 2007 with all the features of a 13th-century fortress, including an operating drawbridge, dungeon, and hidden chambers.

But the castle's best features are undoubtedly its wine cellar and tasting rooms, where guests can taste some of Napa's best Italian-inspired wines. You can choose to do a wine and chocolate or cheese pairing experience, or even bring the kids along (grape juice provided).

8 Far Niente, Oakville

A product of John Benson's fortune in the California Gold Rush, Far Niente was founded in 1885. Above ground is a massive estate with impeccably landscaped gardens, while underneath is an intricate system of caves where the wine is stored and aged at the perfect temperature.

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Both red and white wine fans will enjoy Far Niente's tastings. They're famous for their cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, as well as the cave collection, for which you can book an exclusive tasting and tour.

7 Beringer, St. Helena

With a history of over 144 years, Beringer Vineyards is California's oldest operating winery, and they've had a lot of time to perfect their wines. Beringer's website claims to be the most awarded American winery, having received a number of awards from Vinous, Wine Enthusiast, and Wine Spectator, among others.

You really can't go wrong with a tasting and tour at Beringer. With its beautiful Victorian estate and patio, you'll have the most idyllic experience tasting some of their best wines. You can also take the underground tour of Beringer's hand dug tunnels.

6 Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville

Robert Mondavi's winemaking process revolutionized modern wine culture and gave way to some unique and innovative new practices. Founded in 1966, Robert Mondavi Winery represents the modern attitude towards the growing, fermenting, and aging process.

To Kalon vineyards, where the winery grows its grapes, has achieved worldwide fame for its cabernet sauvignon. It also grows famed sauvignon blanc grapes, from which comes Mondavi's signature Fumé Blanc wine. If you still can't get enough, book the gourmet picnic lunch with your tasting.

5 Silver Oak, Oakville

Silver Oak winery was established in 1972 with the exclusive purpose of creating cabernet sauvignon. Formed by friends Raymond Twomey Duncan and Justin Meyer, the property remains in the Duncan family to this day. They still produce only cabernet sauvignon, aged in American White Oak barrels for their signature vintage flavor.

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You can take Silver Oak's tour of the winemaking process in their cellar, or take a tour of both Silver Oak and Twomey, Silver Oak's sister winery. Alternatively, Silver Oak does offer walk-in tastings if you forgot to book but are crazy about cabernet.

4 Inglenook, Rutherford

Founded in the 1870s, Inglenook Winery was well established as one of America's best when Francis Ford Coppola bought it with the fortune made from The Godfather films. It turns out Coppola not only creates brilliant films but outstanding wines as well. The Inglenook name is as celebrated now as it was in the Victorian era.

Your experience could be as simple as a tasting in the parlor, or as extravagant as a private event, but wine enthusiasts should take the Inglenook Experience, a guided tour of the vineyards with a tasting in one of its caves.

3 Chateau Montelena, Calistoga

For an American wine that impresses even the French, head to Chateau Montelena. In 1976, at the Judgement of Paris wine tasting, an impressive list of established wine connoisseurs awarded Chateau Montelena's chardonnay the winner, surprising all the French judges on the panel.

You can still get Chateau Montelena's award-winning chardonnay on their tastings and tours, or by the bottle for those a little more indulgent. They offer a variety of experiences but make sure to take advantage of those that include tours of the estate, its cellar, and the elaborate Chinese gardens on the property.

2 Stag's Leap, Napa

Stag's Leap owes its name to a native Wappo legend about a stag leaping to evade hunters, and lots of legends regarding the property and its wine ensued. A favorite among Hollywood stars during the mid-20th century, Stag's Leap has been popular since its founding in the 1880s.

Stag's Leap produces a wide variety of wines, but try the 90+ point cabernet sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. You won't find a more romantic winery, so honeymooners take note and enjoy the scenery and estate as much as the wine.

1 Hall Napa Valley, St. Helena

Hall Napa Valley is perhaps the most modern of Napa's most famous wineries. Here, the grapes are all sustainably grown, the estate's modern architecture is stunning, and owner Kathryn Walt Hall's impressive contemporary art collection is on display for you to admire while sipping Hall's finest.

Hall, who grew up on a vineyard and later became the U.S. ambassador to Austria, bought the St. Helena property to revive her family's winemaking techniques against a contemporary backdrop. Stroll the organic gardens and revel in the modern engineering of the production facilities on a tour, or relax in the bar for a tasting.

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Hundreds in Napa set to ride for ALS research and celebrate 20 years of advocacy

How to support the napa valley ride, walk and roll to cure als.

To participate or sponsor a rider or team at the Napa Valley Ride, Walk and Roll to Cure ALS on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Justin-Siena High School, 4026 Maher St. go to www.alsnetwork.org and search “Napa.”

Howard Mattfield first noticed it when playing golf. Something was up with his left hand.

He thought surely it must be something like trigger finger. So he made an appointment with his physician, got a cortisone shot and kept playing.

Six months later, he got another shot. Soon he started noticing something similar happening in his right hand.

He made another appointment. On this visit, the doctor noticed his muscles twitching.

“He said, ‘OK, are going to have to start an investigation,’” Mattfield said. “We are seeing nerve problems.”

All manner of tests and scans followed.

Then Mattfield’s doctor wanted him to come in. They asked him to bring his wife, Mandy Page.

“They wanted me to come in,” Page said. “Which should have been a hint. But for me, it wasn’t.”

“The doctor said, ‘It looks like you have ALS,’” Mattfield said.

A second doctor confirmed the diagnosis of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Then 67, Mattfield, an avid golfer, handyman, traveler and former soccer player, learned he had a debilitating disease that has an estimated life expectancy of 2-5 years.

“It’s not a fun thing to have,” he said. “I get weaker every day.”

This November will mark the two year anniversary of Mattfield’s diagnosis.

It is estimated that by 2017, there were 31,000 patients living with ALS in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. An average of 5,000 new patients are diagnosed with ALS every year.

The cause of ALS remains unknown. It is a progressive disease that affects the nerve cells, eventually causing them to stop working and die. As the disease progresses , patients’ brains lose the ability to control voluntary movements such as walking, talking, chewing and breathing, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

But record keeping on the diseases has been spotty, according to the CDC. And without solid numbers to fortify their case, advocates for more research funding for ALS are hampered.

In California, starting on July 1, 2023, Health and Safety Code began requiring hospitals, facilities, physicians, surgeons, and other health care providers to report to California Department of Public Health cases of ALS.

Those are small wins that drive organizers and supporters of the annual Napa Valley Ride, Walk and Roll to Cure ALS event.

Celebrating its 20th year, the event on Saturday, Sept. 14 aims to raise $1.2 million through participants’ fundraising efforts.

Distances range from 1.2 to 90 miles, and participants can ride, walk or any combination therein. All routes start at the festival site at Justin-Siena High School, 4026 Maher St. in Napa.

Online registration ends Sept. 12, but people can register the day of the event.

Participants who sign up online will pay a fee of $99 while walkers will pay $35. The prices increase to $150 and $45, respectively, for day-of registration. Virtual participation is free.

A week out from the event, fundraising had not yet hit the halfway point of the goal.

“It is about raising funds to advance the mission of the ALS Network, which has three components: Care services, research into prevention, strategies, treatments and cures, as well as advocacy for the ALS community,” said Bruce Friedricks, co-chair of the ride and an ALS Network board member.

But Saturday’s event, with the ride and the festival at the finish line, is also about offering support for patients and caregivers and the wider ALS community, he said.

“It’s also about raising awareness and building community and inspiring people to get involved, not just in giving money but as volunteers,” he said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to do a lot of good for people who could really use the support.”

To that end, Mattfield and Page have organized Team Lionheart which has grown to 36 participants set to walk and ride Saturday.

“We have lived in Napa 32 years. He has a lot of friends,” Page said. “Over half the team is walking because they can accompany Howard. They want to be his entourage.”

Mattfield begs to differ. He insists Team Lionheart exists to shower love on Page who works tirelessly to support her husband.

“They are doing it for Mandy,” he said. “I’m just there.”

After a pause, he adds something.

“It’s very emotional,” he said of the folks who turn out for the family. “It’s hard to put into words. It’s great to see people there.”

Last year, Mattfield walked the 1.2 mile course. This year that might be too taxing, so he plans to use a wheelchair.

He’s lost a lot of function in his hands. His wife has to help him with buttons now. Zippers too. She washes his hair.

But Mattfield continues to find small joys that keep his spirits up. He loves a pint of Guinness (or two). He looks forward to his weekends away with Page. And he relishes spending time with Pepper, his 3-year-old German shepherd, Rottweiler mix.

He still gets to soccer games. He went to the Bay FC versus FC Barcelona game Aug. 27 in San Jose.

And he cherishes time with friends. They take him to lunch. They take him to the Moose Lodge. They do small repairs at his Napa home.

And they’ll show up in force on Saturday. To walk, to roll, to be in community fighting an as yet incurable disease.

“It’s a really bad disease to get just because they can’t figure it out,” Mattfield said. “And you have a time frame. There is ‘This is how long you have to live.’ ALS is two to five years. I’m shooting for five years.”

“I’m not really afraid of saying goodbye,” he said. “I just don’t want to do it yet.”

You can reach Staff Columnist Kerry Benefield at 707-526-8671 or [email protected]. On Instagram @kerry.benefield.

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Napa Valley Cabernet 2021: Full report and buyer’s guide to the vintage’s finest wines

• Magazine: September 2024 Issue
• Napa 2021 Vintage Report
• Napa Cabernet
• Tastings Home

Having tasted over 500 wines, Jonathan Cristaldi delivers his summary and buying advice for the Napa Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 releases. Drought conditions, light winter rains, and a cool spring set the stage for one of the best growing seasons in the last 25 years.

After a delayed bud break, near-perfect conditions persisted throughout Napa Valley, and harvest came on the early side, delivering positively gorgeous wines that are concentrated, layered, and framed by ripe, sleek, and densely packed, super-fine tannins, with loads of savoury qualities and vivid minerality.

Rudd Estate’s Natalie Bath. Credit: Rudd Estate

Napa Cabernet 2021 vintage rating: 5/5

Authenticity, complexity, density and power are the hallmark traits of the 2021 Napa Cabernet wines. Savoury-packed and mineral-rich with ample mid-palate concentration and densely layered red and black-fruited profiles, wines are framed by compact tannins that etch themselves onto the palate with a fine, pinpoint granularity. They are unquestionably age-worthy wines.

The low-yielding 2021 crop of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes in Napa Valley delivered bewildering wines of authenticity, total intrigue, bordering on the flirtatious, with captivating complexity and staying power designed to build impressionable nuance over long-term cellaring.

So, if you stopped reading this report right here and set about buying up as many bottles as you can find, you’ll be thanking us in the years to come. But read on to understand why this is such a terrific year.

Scroll down to see tasting notes and scores for the top Napa Cabernets of 2021

See all wines rated 98-100 points in this report, napa cabernet 2021: cristaldi’s top-most recommendations.

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Mary’s Pizza Shack corporation files for bankruptcy; Napa, other restaurants stay open

Jennifer huffman.

• Sep 11, 2024
• Sep 11, 2024 Updated 1 hr ago
• ZMG - Buzz60

Pizza often gets a bad rap for being cheesy, greasy, and unhealthy, particularly frozen and fast-food varieties, which tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium. Buzz60’s Maria Mercedes Galuppo has the story.

Updated at 1:09 p.m. Wednesday  — The Mary’s Pizza Shack Corp. filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday, the company said in a news release.

However, all Mary’s Pizza Shack restaurants remain open. No locations are closing, including Napa's eatery at 3085 Jefferson St.

Mary’s Pizza Shack co-owner and operator Vince Albano prepares pizza dough in Napa in November 2023.

"This is has no effect on us at all. Zero,” said Vince Albano of Napa’s Mary's restaurant.

Albano co-owns the Napa location with business partner Mayra Martinez.

“We’re solid,” Albano said. “We’re doing great.”

The bankruptcy “is the final step of a larger process our family began a couple of years to ago to preserve the Mary’s Pizza Shack brand,” according to the company's statement.

Albano, part of the family that originally started the pizza business, was the CEO at Mary’s Pizza Shack Inc. from 2009 to February 2023.

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The Napa Mary’s isn’t part of the corporation that filed for bankruptcy, he said. “We own this location as an independent operation,” said Albano.

The Napa restaurant is owned by CJA Restaurants, which has a licensing agreement to operate a Mary’s Pizza Shack, he explained.

“We’re trying to make sure people know that the brand is not going anywhere,” Albano said. “None of the Pizza Shacks are closing. No employees are being laid off, and all gift cards are still valid.”

The company announced in the fall of 2022 that it was restructuring from a single corporation into smaller family-owned units “to improve guest experience by having third- and fourth-generation owners work alongside the next generation of Mary’s Crew Members.”

The corporate restructuring occurred in February 2023, “and a thorough discovery process determined this is the best route to preserve Mary Fazio’s, our Noni, legacy. Mary’s granddaughters will acquire the brand in this process.”

“This year, we celebrated 65 years of being in business, and we’re not going anywhere. The legendary recipes you grew up on are staying the same and gift cards will continue to be honored and sold at all locations,” the release said.

The Napa Mary’s Pizza Shack temporarily closed in February 2023. But by that September, it had reopened with Albano and Martinez as co-owners .

Napa’s Mary’s location has more than 40 employees and recently signed a 10-year lease at the Jefferson Street location, according to Albano.

The Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing refers to the company as MPS Inc.

September 10 recap: Napa Valley and nearby news you may have missed today

Get a recap of Tuesday's local news stories from Napa Valley Register.

• Barry Eberling
• Updated 1 hr ago

The sagging fourplex at 1938 Brown St. is to be demolished.

Pollution of the potent warming gas methane soars and people are mostly to blame

• SETH BORENSTEIN Associated Press
• Updated 16 hrs ago

The amount and proportion of the powerful heat-trapping gas methane that humans spew into the atmosphere is rising, helping to turbocharge climate change, a new study found.

Shooting in American Canyon sparks police investigation

Shots were fired in American Canyon on Monday night and now American Canyon Police seek public's help with a roadway shooting investigation. 

Napa Valley Noir concierge aims to ‘redefine luxury’ in wine country

• FOR THE REGISTER
• Updated 5 hrs ago

Wine expert and journalist Kelly E. Carter has launched Napa Valley Noir, a new luxury concierge service for wine country visitors. 

Authorities have identified a Napa resident who died before dawn Tuesday in a collision that blocked a major city intersection for nearly five hours.

Community Calendar: Things to do in Napa Valley

• Samie Hartley
• Sep 10, 2024

Your guide to arts, entertainment and other community events happening in Napa County. To submit your event for possible inclusion,  click here .

What drove California Democrats to seek stiff bills governing retail theft? Experts explain.

• ISHANI DESAI The Sacramento Bee
• Updated Sep 10, 2024

Lawmakers introduced bills cracking down on so-called smash-and-grabs in past legislative sessions, but this year has drawn intense attention in a Legislature seeking to increase penalties for shoplifters. 

You can reach reporter Jennifer Huffman at 707-256-2218 or [email protected]

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