Planning your first visit to the Napa Valley can be a daunting task. It can be overwhelming and confusing to make the best decisions about your visit if you do not have knowledge of the area. Aside from this, there is much more to Napa than just wineries to visit including indulgent restaurants and endless luxurious accommodations. With all of these choices at your fingertips, it may seem impossible to sift through the options. After visiting the Napa Valley multiple times, I hope to help you plan your perfect visit to the area and narrow down your decision making to create your personalized Napa Valley Itinerary.
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Getting There
There are a number of ways to access the famous Napa Valley in California. You can fly into all of the following airports: San Francisco (58 miles), Oakland (51 miles), Sacramento (63 miles), and Sonoma County (45 miles). I have traveled through both the San Francisco and Santa Rosa/Sonoma County airports. Traveling into San Francisco leaves you with a multitude of flight times and carriers. This allows for a lot of flexibility with travels. As it is such a busy airport, car rental and traffic leaving San Francisco can add time to your trip and create challenges. It does allow for a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge.
My preference is the Sonoma County Airport. The main issue with this airport is the limited carriers that service the airport. They are American Airlines, Alaskan Airlines, and Avelos. Car rental from this airport is very easy. The only other important point may be if you are considering Oakland Airport. This is another good option, but they do not have service from American Airlines or United Airlines.
Getting Around
I believe the best way to explore Napa Valley is by renting a car. You can search your options for car rental here with Discover Cars. If you fly into San Francisco International Airport and prefer not to rent until arriving into Napa, you can consider a shuttle from SFO airport into Napa. This is a shared option called the Wine Country Airporter. Although it is still beneficial to have a car, dependent upon how many wineries you plan to visit per day, there may be a benefit to hiring an independent driver to be a designated driver for your rental versus using a private chauffeur service to take you to different wineries. Many of the hotels can assist you with providing options and pricing for each.
Where to Stay
Probably the most difficult decision to make may be where to stay on your trip. There are a multitude of luxurious options scattered throughout a rather large area. Let your goals for the visit dictate and guide you on where to stay. Think about whether there are certain wineries or restaurants that you must visit on your trip. If not, a stay in Yountville leaves you in a very central location to visit many of the wineries. Some of the areas you can consider for your stay are Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Sonoma, Healdsburg, and Calistoga.
On my second visit to wine country, I stayed a portion of my trip in downtown Napa. This seemed a little foolish looking back after realizing that I much preferred the charm of the downtown area in Healdsburg and St. Helena. Yountville doesn’t have quite the charm of Healdsburg or St. Helena, but the Main Street does leave you a multitude of restaurants to choose from and wonderful wineries a short drive away.
Carneros Resort and Spa
This property is located to the south and west of Napa town and just over a 20 minute car ride to Yountville. I would describe the vibe as modern farmhouse chic. My cottage included a petite living area with couch and electric fireplace, a cozy bed, and a large bathroom with heated floors. The doors in the bedroom opened completely into a spacious patio with an assortment of furniture and a fire pit.
There is plenty of exploring to do on property. They have several restaurants including FARM, Boon Fly Cafe, and their upscale general store. This store includes numerous bottles of wine that could be enjoyed in your cottage and a variety of gifts. The property has a garden, pool, hot tub, and a spa. Relaxing at this property is a vacation in and of itself. Explore your options for booking with Carneros by clicking here.
Andaz Napa
This hotel places you in the perfect location to explore downtown Napa. It leaves you within walking distance of a number of restaurants and stores. The rooms are very nice and modern. I felt the bed was rather comfortable. While it does not offer the amenities of some of the more luxurious properties, it is a great place to stay for a shorter trip or weekend getaway. It is also more affordable than some of the options. You can book the Andaz at this link.
Farmhouse Inn
Farmhouse Inn is a boutique property that is located in close proximity to the Sonoma County Airport. It leaves you in a completely different area of the wine country than many of the other properties listed. This can be very convenient for an early flight out or a leisurely morning before traveling to the airport. Of course, there are plenty of wineries still within close proximity to the property.
This small boutique property is a family run business. They provide great assistance prior to your trip with planning if desired. Farmhouse Inn was able to provide us with a wonderful babysitter that had worked for the family for years. The concierge also assisted us with dinner plans. Their website includes a comprehensive list of artisan and winery partners that are designed to aid you in planning the best experience in Napa. Even if you don’t land on Farmhouse Inn for your stay, consider looking into the list on their website. If you want to learn more, explore your options for booking a stay by clicking here.
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa
This Fairmont property in Sonoma offers reasonable prices and a good location. It aligns you close to the main square in Sonoma and provides a shuttle service into town. I have stayed here on a number of occasions and been very happy with my visit. Fairmont also has a great loyalty program with Accor. If you are not a member, look into signing up for their loyalty even if this will be your first or only stay with a Fairmont. Explore your booking options with this link.
Silverado Resort
This resort was chosen for me on a more recent visit to Napa. I would not have stayed here had it not been for a meeting that I was attending on property. The prices here are probably the least expensive as compared to the other options listed. It is very family friendly and turned out to be an ideal choice for bringing along a baby. The rooms were a great size with plenty of space and included a wet bar area with mini refrigerator. The bathroom had only a shower and single sink area for getting ready.
You can book your stay by clicking here.
Hotel Yountville
As I mentioned, if you are visiting Napa for the first time and want a central location, a stay in Yountville places you in close proximity to many wineries and also leaves you within walking distance of a number of wonderful restaurants such as the famous Bouchon Bakery. Hotel Yountville is a reasonably priced option located in the heart of Yountville. Rooms are appointed with traditional decor. The hotel has a beautiful pool for relaxing at the end of the day. If you want to experience a relaxing European style vibe in the heart of Napa, explore more about Hotel Yountville by clicking here.
27 North
If you want to stay in a different area, 27 North is located in Healdsburg. Healdsburg has a beautiful town with many lovely stores and restaurants to explore. It leaves you in proximity to different wineries, so if you have specific winery interests this may not be as practical. This 16 room boutique hotel is currently in the process of a rebranding to 27 North. The property is also a former Relais and Chateaux hotel, which typically sets a precedent for high standards by which they operate. If you want a personalized experience, this might be a great option. Explore more about 27 North at this link.
Where to Eat
From burgers to coursed menus, the wine country provides you with a plethora of incredible dining experiences. I have personally tried all of the selections listed below except one. Reservations for dinner are rather essential. Once you have confirmed your trip dates, start looking into booking winery and dinner reservations.
Bistro Jeanty. This French bistro located in the heart of Yountville has yet to disappoint me. They serve very traditional French fare such as escargot, salad lyonnaise, steak frites, and coq au vin. I am not the biggest fan of French cuisine, but this restaurant was good enough for me to return on another visit to Napa. We did bring our toddler on one occasion, and they provided a high chair and crayons. Reservations are a must.
Gott’s Roadside. If you are looking to indulge between winery visits, Gott’s Roadside is the perfect choice. It is conveniently located and provides fast service. Gott’s serves up everything from burgers and fries to salads with plenty of ice cream to choose from for dessert. This property is outdoor and you walk up to the window for ordering. They have plenty of picnic style seating areas, or it is an easy place to stop for a to go order. Gott’s Roadside also has a location in Oxbow Public Market in Napa.
The Oxbow Public Market is the ideal option for trying multiple different types of food. They have the Fatted Calf for Charcuterie, Model Bakery, the Hog Island Oyster Co, and so much more.
Model Bakery. This bakery is famous for its English muffins and an Oprah favorite. I have ordered everything from breakfast sandwiches to pastries. It is always a great stop in the morning to pick up a quick breakfast. Typically, there is almost always a line, but service is fast. They do have several locations.
Torc. This restaurant in downtown Napa is still one of my absolute favorites after trying many restaurants in the area. The service was friendly and welcoming. Their food was incredible, every single dish. If you are tired of wine, their craft cocktails are very well executed. If you aren’t tired of wine, they have a list that will impress. You can also bring your own bottle for a corkage fee.
Bouchon. When in Napa, you probably need to try a restaurant by chef Thomas Keller. The French Laundry is obviously difficult to secure a table, and I have an alternate recommendation listed below. Instead, consider trying Bouchon or Ad Hoc while in Napa. Both will require reservations in advance like nearly all of the dining options I have mentioned. Bouchon was a great meal, but it was not as memorable as some of the other choices. I don’t have a great urgency to return immediately on future visits.
FARM. This restaurant is located on the grounds of Carneros Resort and Spa. Regardless of whether you book a stay at Carneros, this restaurant is worth a try. Not far from the restaurant, you will see the gardens where much of the produce is grown. Additional suppliers are typically local. I love to see these qualities in a restaurant. This is another great choice.
Oakville Grocer. Whether you enjoy something from their counter service or wonder their shop, the Oakville Grocer is such a fun visit. They now have only one location in St. Helena not far from many of the popular wineries. Like Gott’s Roadside, this is a great lunch spot between winery visits. They sell jams, spreads, olive oil, seasoning, gifts, wine, and so much more. Their sandwiches made in store are pricey but consistently tasty.
Single Thread. This farm, inn, and restaurant has been gaining a lot of press as of late. Although I have never tried their restaurant, I think this may just be the new and improved French Laundry. Obviously, the French Laundry is a classic Napa staple, but there are now places that rival this institution. Plan well in advance to make reservations if you would like to try the tasting menu at Single Thread.
Barndiva. This Healdsburg restaurant caught my eye quite some time ago. This farm to table family business is Michelin recommended. Their Bucatini pasta, onion bhaji, and goat cheese croquettes are all fantastic choices. Their menu offers quite the variety with something for everyone.
Napa Valley Wine Train. If you are looking to celebrate a special occasion or really go big on your first trip, try a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train. I booked my reservation to include a coursed meal on the train with multiple stops along the way taking the majority of the day. There are different types of journeys that you can choose from. Napa is not an inexpensive destination to visit and that would also be true of booking a ride on the train. I loved this experience, but it is something that probably needs to be experienced just once and not repeated on future travels.
Little Saint. This Vegan restaurant in Headelsburg offers a really unique dining experience. They are 100% plant based and also have a coffee bar, wine shop/lounge, and cocktail bar. The space is large with cozy seating areas. If you are interested in a plant based menu, Monday is a great day to dine at Little Saint. They offer a price fixe dinner with an optional wine pairing. Every day of the week has a different offering. If not for dinner, stop in for a coffee to check out this space.
Restoration Hardware. This Yountville restaurant definitely provides some atmosphere. The inside is filled with trees and glamorous chandeliers, but the food is also tasty. I went in with low expectations thinking this restaurant would provide atmosphere but not deliver as much with the food menu. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the food served. This is a great option for a leisurely lunch.
Spread Kitchen. If you are in Sonoma and want a quick lunch, this small restaurant is shockingly good. This Lebanese kitchen provided the most beautiful spread of food. I tried one of their dip plates and lavash wraps, and they were both absolutely fantastic. My only regret is not finding this restaurant sooner.
Wineries to Visit
While in Napa, wine tasting is obviously the centerpiece. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just love wine in general, here is a selection of places that you may want to consider visiting. I have personally visited all of the wineries listed and many others, but these are some options that I really enjoyed. Some are very mainstream and others may fly under the radar.
1. Far Niente. Far Niente will conjure feelings of being stuck in a fairytale with a cozy facade greeting you as you approach. You can enjoy both whites and reds during a tasting at Far Niente. One of my favorite things was trying their Dolce. This is their dessert wine that you will either love or hate. The visit starts with a tour of their property and caves and ends with snacks and a tasting. Nickel & Nickel is one of their sister properties in close proximity. The vibe is definitely different here with an elegant farmhouse and the most beautiful landscaping. You may enjoy their tasting in their barn after a tour of their property.
2. Bricoleur Vineyards. This property can be quite a drive dependent upon where you are planning to stay in Napa. That being said, if you are looking for a food and wine pairing, this vineyard offered such a well executed meal paired with a tasting of their wines. Their “rooted” experience takes you through multiple courses and six wines. They start your experience with a tasting of one of their sparkling wines and take you from whites to reds. Finally, if you have children, Bricoleur is also fully child friendly even providing a high chair if needed. This is one advantage many other wineries do not provide.
3. HALL. This winery has locations in both St. Helena and Rutherford. They have some locations for tasting rooms as well. That being said, their St. Helena property offers the majority of their tastings. The Rutherford property allows tastings for a much smaller number of guests due to its location and size. I would suggest trying their St. Helena location first and returning to visit Rutherford on another visit. One thing that I absolutely love about HALL is their love for art. Each property has fabulous modern art pieces to explore that make their properties absolutely gorgeous. Not only does their art collection impress, but their wine is most definitely pulling its weight. They have also recently introduced a line of champagne.
4. Quintessa. This lovely property offers both white and red varietals. You will start your visit with an outdoor tour of the property with a glass of wine in hand. As your return to the entrance, you will be seated for a tasting and snacks. We happened to be seated in one of their wine cellars, which provided some great atmosphere for the tasting.
5. Larkmead. If you want a smaller winery with wonderful wines, Larkmead provides a very high quality option. Their selection of reds will leave you impressed. They have recently added a sauvignon blanc to their collection as well. You will be seated in their modern farmhouse with beautiful views to enjoy your tasting out of Zalto glasses. These wine glasses are my favorite and of great quality possibly attesting to Larkmead’s standards.
6. Domaine Carneros. You have to love sparkling wines in order to visit Domaine Carneros. This estate has quite the entrance and will have you traversing quite the staircase outside to their entry. Inside you will be seated at a table and offered the tasting that you booked in advance. I went with the Art of Sabrage which allows you to taste 4 of their sparkling wines paired with a really amazing charcuterie offering filled with high quality ingredients including Caviar. They also brought around a tasting of a couple of other varietals. Finally, you will end your experience by sabering your own bottle of champagne.
7. Artesa. This winery is located in close proximity to Domaine Carneros. The architecture of the building is beautiful with amazing views from the entry. There are many tasting offerings with a number of them paired with foods. My tasting started with a glass of their sparkling wine and tour of the property. It ended with a seated tasting and food pairings. This was another pleasant experience that I really loved.
Travel Tips & Tricks
1. You may find yourself wondering exactly how many wineries you should visit per day. On my first and even second visit to wine country, I thought the more that I could cram into one day the better. Trying to fit three wine tastings into a day is certainly possible, but I think the ideal number is two wineries per day.
2. There is more to do in Napa than just visit wineries. I loved wandering the towns of Healdsburg, St. Helena, and Yountville. They are small and can easily be enjoyed in a half day. Spa experiences are a great way to unwind as well. If you want an experience unique to the area, you might want to try a mud bath. Calistoga, in particular, located north of Napa offers some of the world’s best mud baths.
3. After visiting during every season, I do not feel there is a bad time to visit Napa. In winter, there are less visitors. I have found this favorable after visiting twice in the winter due to ease with scheduling winery visits. There is certainly more availability for last minute bookings. It can also mean better prices at many of the luxurious hotels throughout Napa.
4. You may be wondering how many days is adequate when visiting Napa. I have made several shorter visits, but I also spent an entire week on one of my visits. After visiting for a week, the winery visits were not quite as exciting as they were at the beginning of the week. Spending a longer time frame does allow you to explore more of the area that isn’t just hopping between wineries. I enjoy wandering the downtown area in St. Helena and also Healdsburg. It is also nice to spend one day just relaxing at your hotel.
5. Napa Valley Wine Train. The Napa Valley Wine Train is certainly a fun and exciting thing to do, and you may wonder if it is worth your time. They offer different experiences, and they can be rather pricey. On a shorter or first time visit, I don’t think I would recommend riding the train. If you have more time to spend or have been to the area a number of times, I would consider this experience.
6. Reservations. Dependent upon the time of year you are visiting, you may need to make reservations further in advance. During the winter months, it can be easier to secure both winery reservations and dining closer to your arrival dates. For other times of the year, plan your trip well in advance to take full advantage of your visit. You will need reservations for both dining and the wineries. There are a small number of places that you are able to walk in for a tasting; however, the more coveted places require much more advance planning.
Final Thoughts
Whether it is your first time in Napa Valley or return, planning your itinerary can be a rather daunting task to undertake. If you are a first timer, there are so many things to take into consideration. Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg, St. Helena, etc. encompass such a large area. This was something that I didn’t quite grasp prior to my first visit. I wanted to breakdown all of the major points that will help you to plan your perfect Napa Valley itinerary. Most importantly, think about what you want to accomplish during your visit. Are there specific wineries you must see? Restaurants you don’t want to miss? Plan your visit and where you would like to stay from what your ideal Napa valley vacation might look like.
