Napa Valley is one of my favorite destinations in the US! I am so grateful that we live less than 2 hours away and so we can easily head there just for a day trip or a quick weekend getaway. I wanted to put together this quick Travel Guide to Napa Valley in this blog post. If you are ever visiting San Francisco or the Bay Area then Napa is a must do roadtrip!

Napa is more than just excellent wines. Whether you are a wine lover or not, you are bound to fall in love with the beautiful landscapes in California wine country, incredible dining, chic hotels and inns, and the overall rustic charm of this destination.

Where to stay ?

If you are staying over in Napa Valley for a few days or a quick weekend there are tons of amazing resorts and understated country inns to choose from. Some of my faves are :

1 ) Farmhouse Inn (Sonoma Valley)

Farmhouse Inn is a beautiful countryside inn tucked away in Russian River valley. This lil’ boutique inn has all the charm of a cozy wine country B&B while also offering fantastic 5 star luxury services – including an amazing spa and a Michelin rated restaurant. The Inn has also been consistently voted as one of the Best Hotels in California and Best hotels in the US among many other awards. It is situated conveniently in between Napa and Sonoma and is a great option for a romantic weekend getaway in Norcal. We stayed here over my birthday a few years ago and have been dying to go back ever since!

 

2 ) Auberge Du Soleil 

My absolute favorite resort in Napa Valley; everything about this resort is so quintessential Napa! Auberge du Soleil is undoubtedly wine country’s most iconic luxury property, nestled in a 33-acre sunlit olive grove on the slopes of Rutherford Hill, featuring majestic views of the renowned Napa Valley. Even if you go here for a day trip, try out their incredible 5 course brunch at their 13 time recipient Michelin star restaurant.

 

3) Solage Calistoga

We recently stayed at Solage and absolutely loved it. Bonus – its pet friendly too! Only one and a half hours from San Francisco by car, Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, is located in the heart of California Wine Country. Situated on 22-acres surrounded by panoramic mountains and picturesque vineyards, Solage boasts 100 spacious and modern studios. With a stunning pool, 2 award winning restaurants and an incredible spa and wellness center, this is the perfect escape in Napa.

4) Carneros Resort and Spa :

Set within the most picturesque wine countryside in Napa Valley, this charming resort was the perfect luxe private retreat and a quintessential Napa experience that we were looking for in our mini getaway. Check out my blog post to Carneros resort here.

 

 

Where to go wine tasting ?

With over 400 wineries spanning across all of the valley covering Napa, Sonoma, St Helena, Yountville, Calistoga and Healdsburg, the choices are plenty! Over the many times we have been, here are some of my favorite wineries to go wine tasting, both for the wines as well as the ambiance :

• Domaine Carneros – my no 1 fave! Go here for all the champagne. The setting, service and ambiance is beyond impeccable.
• Castello Di Amorosa – my first winery that I visited in Napa and quite possibly the most beautiful setting! There is a castle in the middle and it makes you feel like you are in the South of France.
• Frogs Leap Winery – super chic boutique vineyard that we have been to a bunch of times.
• V sattui winery – great for groups and for picnics.
• Beringer Vineyards
• Tres Sabores – Tres Sabores is an organic, family-run, woman-owned, dog-friendly winery in Napa Valley.

 

Where to eat ?

Napa Valley is a culinary destination like none other. With tons of luxe Michelin star restaurants, roadside cafes and other chic eats to go along with all the incredible wines – you are going to leave Napa with a very satisfied belly haha!

Here are some of my fave eats in Napa :

• The Restaurant at Auberge Du Soleil

Michelin star restaurant ; try their incredible 5 course brunch.

• Solbar and Picobar at Solage

A local favorite and destination for foodies, the resort is home to acclaimed signature restaurant, Solbar, featuring playful, seasonally driven and soul filling Napa Valley cuisine. Also the newest addition to Solage – Picobar has an incredible Mexican inspired menu – don’t miss out on their margs and whipped avo!

• Gott’s Roadside

A must stop when in Napa! We have one location  in Palo Alto too and it is a weekend fave. Try their incredible burgers and soft serves.

• Bouchon Bakery

Handsdown the best bakery in wine country! Owned by renowned Chef Thomas Keller.

• R + D Kitchen

Love this casual eatery in Yountville.

• Boon Fly Cafe

Casual Californian dining with a lively vibe & modern roadhouse feel. Try their yummy donuts!

• Ciccio

Best Italian and pizza place ! Great for a cozy dinner in a wine country.

• Brix Napa

One of my fave places for brunch in Napa!

• French Laundry

A 3 star Michelin restaurant by Thomas Keller – this fine dining restaurant is a Napa Valley classic and a culinary experience by itself.

• Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Farm to Table restaurant in a renovated rustic barn.

• FARM at Carneros Resort and Spa 

Perfect for a romantic date night in Napa!

 

Other things to do :

• Hot Air Balloon over the vineyards 

This is very high on my list! Taking a Hot Air Balloon ride over Napa that ends in a champagne brunch sounds like the most perfect weekend idea.

• Take the wine train

A great way to explore wine country is to take the Wine Train , no need to worry on who is going to be the designated driver! The train ride is a 30-mile journey through one of the top wine-growing regions in the world, from Downtown Napa to St. Helena. Sipping on some bubbly, over a meal and with 360 degree spectacular views – sign me up on this fabulous plan!

• Other things to do aside from wine tasting 

Napa Valley offers so much more than just wine tasting from shopping to biking to arts and entertainment to culinary classes and so much more. Check out this site for all the latest news.

Hope this guide helps you plan a trip to Napa Valley soon! Check out my other must do California roadtrips in this blog post.

Cheers and thanks for stopping by. xoxo

Jyo