Napa Weekend Itinerary

Visiting a new area can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you’re limited on time. Finding the right balance between exploration and relaxation is tricky—how you maximize each day to squeeze-in all the quintessential must-see places is key when traveling. If you’ve never been to Napa Valley, or perhaps considering a return trip, I’ve rounded up some of our favorite recommendations—from wineries, hotels, cafes/bakeries, and restaurants. Each stop is conveniently located en route from San Francisco to Calistoga (peek season traffic can get heavy so strategically planning your stops is always helpful). At the very end of this post you’ll find a condensed 48-hour itinerary for quick reference; I hope this is enjoyable and please let me know if you do end up visiting the area!

I can still remember my first visit to Napa, and California for that matter, when I few all the way from Florida with girlfriends for a Bachelorette party; when we stepped off the plane we were instantly greeted by the cool, crisp California air (a refreshing change from South Florida’s humidity) which was just the beginning of what resulted in an enchanting weekend, leaving me wanting more. Looking back now, it’s crazy to think I had no idea what life would have in store for me—relocating to the San Francisco area just a few years later, and it ultimately becoming the place where I would get married (in St. Helena!). Perhaps it was a fortuitous trip.

One thing you must know is that Napa is a general term used for the area, but in fact each city is quite distinct, particularly when you’re comparing Sonoma and Napa counties which are neighboring areas separated by the Mayacamas mountains. Napa is a bit more commercialized than Sonoma, but both have its charm. This post is centered around the vast places in Napa.

So now to the fun part: wine tasting! There are hundreds (literally!) of wineries you can visit, but for sanity sake I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of places we love and recommend, starting with Domaine Carneros.

Wineries

Domaine Carneros (featured photos)

What better way to kick-off  a Napa weekend than with some sparkling wine. Domaine Carneros is conventionally located off highway 12 and one of the first wineries en route to Napa. Upon arriving you’re immediately transposed to what feels like a European chateau—just one of many Wine Country’s mystical beauties.  Surprisingly you don’t need a reservation here, but if you’re visiting during peek summer months it’s always wise to schedule a tasting (particularly if you’re a larger group). If you have time, and enjoy Sparkling Wine, Schramsberg is another one high on our list; this winery is located a bit further north in Calistoga, but offers the most dreamy underground tour in the wine caves—you’ll definitely need a reservation here.

A few of the other wineries we love include:

  • Far Niente – is known for its world class Chardonnay and Cabernet. The property is absolutely stunning, and one of my personal favorite venues for its traditional aesthetics and old world charm. Finding an open reservation can be challenging, so make sure to plan well in advance.
  • Viader – is a small production boutique winery managed by an Argentinean family. The views are breathtaking, making it the perfect place to unwind and relax at the end of the day. During our wedding weekend we brought our families here for a personal tasting, and we got to chat with the wine maker herself (in Spanish—of course—which my family loved!).
  • Silver Oak – is one of the area’s flagship wineries, and offers a reliable tasting that won’t disappoint. Over the summer we attended their release party, which was such a fun experience! If you ever find a winery you love make sure to join the wine club, and better yet plan your next Napa visit around the release of their new harvest; this is always a great way to try a variety of vintages, and enjoy local cuisine in a celebratory atmosphere.

And if you have extra time in the Valley, check out Alpha Omega, Nickel & Nickel, Duck Horn Vineyards, Quintessa, or Heitz Cellar (one of the few places in Napa that offers a free tasting!).

Restaurants

Fremont Diner (featured photos)

Fremont diner is just a short 5 minute drive from Domaine Carneros, which makes it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after your sparkling wine tasting, particularly if you’re wanting something on the quick-side. Don’t let the casual facade fool you; the food here is quite scrumptious and offers a southern-inspired menu with delicious burgers and shakes (the fired chicken and waffle combo is Chris’ favorite).

With a multitude of unbelievable Michelin-rated restaurants in the area, it’s challenging to narrow down our recommendations to a short list. Napa Valley is known for its farm-to-table dinning, so any restaurant you choose promises to delivery high-quality, fresh cuisine. Here are a few of our favorites:

 

Bakeries & Cafes

Bouchon & Model Bakery (featured photos)

Chef Thomas Keller opened the Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, just a few steps away from the infamous French Laundry restaurant. This French inspired cafe has blossomed into a popular establishment and is known for its lengthy lines. But if you have a sweet tooth, it’s worth the wait! After you grab a cappuccino and delicate macaron, stroll the quaint sidewalks of Yountville as it’s one of the cutest towns in the area (and also houses some fantastic restaurants and hotels).

Another one of my favorite bakeries is The Model Bakery in St. Helena; we’ve been long-time lovers of this small, unassuming cafe and it’s one of our go-to stops for breakfast while we’re in town (you can read more about it from a post I wrote last year). Oprah must have got wind of their tasty English muffins as it’s on her ‘Favorite Things’ list too!

 

Accommodations

Depending on in which town you’d like to lay your head down, there are a variety of options and price-points for hotel accommodations. In general, I’d say hotels in Napa Valley are on the expensive side (unless you’re traveling during slow months, which honestly is becoming less and less a season). We’re fortunate to live close enough where we can book impromptu trips  via Hotel Tonight, which offers accessible deals!

Solage  (featured photos)

Solage is an Auberge property located in St. Helena, which is our favorite of the neighboring towns in Napa. The resort offers complimentary bikes, and has the most amazing Spa! The Solbar restaurant, on property, is a must-try dinning experience either for breakfast, lunch or dinner (or all three!); that’s how good this place is. Quite honestly, you don’t even need to leave property if you’re desiring a relaxing stay. When booking a hotel, I always like to check the amenities as this can help justify what may feel like an expensive nightly rate. Anytime bikes are included amenities, I’m sold; a casual bike ride through the vineyards is an activity you don’t want to miss while visiting Napa.

A few other places we recommend include:

  • Hotel Yountville – Recognized by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the “hot 100 new hotels and restaurants in the world,” this hotel offers specialized service to each guest. It’s conveniently located in the heart of picturesque Yountville and you’ll love the European aesthetics.
  • Southbridge – Southbridge is a sister property of the luxurious Meadowood Resort, located directly on Main Street in St. Helena. This is an ideal choice if you’re wanting to remain in the heart of town, near restaurants and wineries (several in walking distance). Each room includes a fireplace which is always a cozy treat during the winter months.
  • Carneros Resort – The vibrant colors of this resort are infectious, and as my blogger friends would say, get your cameras ready for an “instagramable vacation.” Similar to Solage, Carneros houses a delicious restaurant and cafe on property, making it tempting to never leave during your stay. It’s located on the outskirts of Napa, and one of the closest resorts to San Francisco which is often an appeal for many San Francisco residents who are wanting a quick and easy weekend getaway. If you like bike rides, then this is your choice—glide your way around property on the cutest orange cruisers.
  • The Meadowood – Last but definitely not least, our favorite place is the Meadowood (as it’s where we got married). This splurge-worthy resort will exceed all your expectations, and leave you relaxed as can be nestled in a luxurious tree-house suite. There is a tranquility and a traditional spirit on property,  in all aspects from the service, croquet lawn, to the dining experience. This place is a gem worth seeing!

I hope this gives you a flavor of the vast choices for your next trip to Napa (perhaps one or two will peek your fancy). As always, feel free to reach out to me directly if you need any further recommendations. Whatever you decide, the Valley will captivate your heart as it has for so many already! Be sure to check out my condensed 48-hour itinerary below for easy reference. Happy traveling! xo


48-hour Napa Itinerary

Saturday

Sparking Wine tasting at Domaine Carnerors – 10am

Casual pit-stop  lunch at Fremont Diner – 12pm

Silver Oak wine tasting – 1:30pm

Afternoon treat & coffee at Bouchon Bakery – 3:00pm

Hotel check-in at Solage – 4:30pm

Sunset bike ride (time permitting)

Dinner at Solbar – 7:00pm

 

Sunday

Brunch at Archetype – 10am

Viader wine tasting – 12:30pm

Final wine tasting at Far Niente – 3:00pm

Early dinner at Farm – 5:30pm

4 thoughts on “Napa Weekend Itinerary

  1. A very informative post on Napa, enjoyed immensely. Also went to the wedding! How fun😎

  2. We’ll be doing this itinerary at the end of the month! Thanks for taking the planning work out of it for us!! Looking forward to it!

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