NAPA VALLEY TRAVEL GUIDE
Napa Valley is the place to travel to California wine country. Having the prestigious status that comes with 400+ wineries and producing some of the world’s best wine, Napa provides for an experience of a lifetime. Napa Valley winemakers will educate you on the winemaking process, while allowing you to truly appreciate wine, connect more to the brands, and often family, history and culture.
You may be asking yourself, with over 46,000 acres of vine and 400+ wineries and options galore; How do you plan on which vineyards to visit? I would first encourage you to know what you want from your vacation. Is it to try something classic? Learn about wine? Roam beautiful gardens? Eat at top-rated restaurants? Relax or seek adventure? Understanding what you want from your time in Napa, will help direct your itinerary.
It is hard to know where to start but I would recommend checking out NapaValley.com, they have the BEST winery map/diagram showing the appellations, and all the wineries! (AND if you need reservations!) Group and select wineries by the same location (appellations) to help on travel time between them. It really does give a perfect snapshot of the valley. All of the wineries have something special to offer, and you can not go wrong!
VINEYARDS
I recommend getting an early start to the day, and check the hours for the wineries even if you don’t have a reservation, some of them close early!
Take your time, and enjoy yourself. We purchased the book ‘Wine Folly: The Essential Guide to Wine’ to help us gain confidence with tasting notes, handling, and food pairing. We brought the book to each vineyard and wrote down flavor profiles!
DOMAINE CHANDON, Yountville, CA
Known for their sparkling wine. Try a bubbly tasting and enjoy the stunning grounds.
V. SATTUI, Saint Helena, CA
Saint Helena, CA- Affordable tastings Pro Tip: Swing by Dean & Deluca and grab some sandwiches to bring and picnic.
STERLING VINEYARDS, Calistoga, CA
It is a little touristy, but such a unique experience to take a gondola ride to a tasting room! Views of Calistoga are breathtaking.
BERINGER VINEYARDS, Saint Helena, CA
This beautiful winery was our first stop as a Napa novice, and walk-ins were welcome.
ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY, Oakville, CA
This winery helped to bring worldwide recognition to Napa Valley. Robert Mondavi has a fascinating history, and really helped ‘wine become a daily staple at the American dinner table.’ This winery was a top on my list- as it represents wine from California that ranges from affordable to luxury.
FROG’S LEAP WINERY, Rutherford, CA
This is a very popular winery, so make a reservation! They have beautiful gardens, and the tour explains more of the sustainable methods integrated into their wine making.
SLEEP
There are so many great rental options and hotels in Napa. With an opulent reputation, most hotels will range anywhere from $300-$1000, and you will not be short of options. If looking for more budget conscious check out Airbnb or VRBO a little further in Calistoga.
Napa Valley is sprawling, so it’s good to know where you plan to visit, and determine your stay accordingly. I personally would recommend being close to downtown Napa, St. Helena, or Yountville.
GETTING AROUND (Transportation)
Flying In:
You can fly into the major international airports of San Francisco or Oakland and rent a car (depending on traffic could take 1-2hrs) or take the Amtrak service.
To experience Napa Valley and the surrounding areas to the fullest, walking is not the best option unless you plan to only stay downtown Napa. Uber or Lyft could get expensive.
Rent a Car
Driving between the picturesque wineries of Downtown Napa, Calistoga, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Yountville are part of the full Napa Valley experience. Almost all of the wineries are off St. Helena Highway 29 (or the Silverado Trail which runs parallel). Enjoy the driving with the impressive backdrop of vineyard-vine hills and rent a convertible. You will not be disappointed. BUT remember to choose a designated driver!
Arrange for Transportation (for tastings)
The vineyards are spaced out and not much is designed for walking around. This is a more expensive option but the safest.
Bus tours or the Napa Valley Wine Train
Options if you are looking for an alternate experience. Depending on where you stay, a lot of hotels offer shuttles to downtown Napa, and the town of Yountville has a trolley service.
EAT + DRINK
Bouchon Bakery
Chef Thomas Keller provides a small yet charming bakery in the heart of Yountville, and any traveler would say it is a must visit when traveling to Napa. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and longer lines. The breakfast pastries are worth the wait.
Oxbow Public Market
This Farmers market is a must visit for picnic snacks, souvenirs, or is a perfect place for a casual evening dinner.
Oakville Grocery Co.
Check out the Welcome Sign to Napa Valley, and then grab lunch at this local institution. This small grocery has all the gourmet snacks, sandwiches and drinks you will need. Grab a covered spot on their patio and enjoy the weather.
La Luna Market & Taqueria
This unassuming market off Rutherford has unforgettable and authentic tacos. It is a perfect stop between wine tastings. Nothing fancy, but great food.
Bottega
This beautiful Italian Restaurant by Chef Michael Chiarello, was a perfect spot in Yountville for dinner. Food was excellent.
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil
This resort and Michelin rated restaurant is nestled in the valley. Beautiful sunset views pair perfectly with wine.
Gott’s Roadside
A perfect stop along the multiple vineyard tastings. The burgers are unforgettable.
ON MY NEXT VISIT
The French Laundry Yountville has a lot of notable fine dining, but this Thomas Keller restaurant has been on the top of my list for a while.
Rutherford Grill A perfect spot for lunch between wineries.
Far Niente Winery This spot just looks beautiful.
The Model Bakery- Oprah loves the English Muffins, so we love the English muffins. :)
Inglenook- Francis Ford Coppola’s winery- need I say more?
Chateau Montelena- The beautiful ivy-covered chateau was made famous by The Judgment of Paris.
Artesa- Spanish Winemaking with a sophisticated and elegant property.
Castello di Amorosa- Always interested in checking out castles.
Stag’s Leap Winery (make sure you get a reservation)
It was so gratifying to learn how the wine we drink is being made, bottled, and how much passion and art goes into each bottle. A visit to Napa Valley is essential for any wine lover.
