The beautiful Napa Valley countryside is home to more than 400 wineries. It’s one of our favorite local destination because there’s plenty to see, do, sip, and eat. Napa Valley is perfect for a little day trip and also for a multi-day getaway. We hope this Napa Valley Travel Guide will help you plan your next wine country trip!
NAPA VALLEY? Or SONOMA? We love BOTH. This guide is focused on the Napa Valley region (stay tuned for a dedicated Sonoma guide!). Napa Valley includes Yountville (a town known for high-end restaurants and sparkling wine), St Helena, and Calistoga.
HOW MANY DAYS? When we do day trips, we visit 2-3 wineries. If you plan on staying longer, you can leisurely enjoy more of wine country.
Without further ado, here are my absolute favorite wineries: for their wine, vibe, and for the gram.
⭐ As always I’m linking my entire Napa stories on my Instagram highlights!
Napa Valley Travel Guide
1. Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros has the most darling estate in Napa. Everything about this place whispers the elegance of French wine country. It was actually modeled after a classic 18th century château in Champagne, France
Pro tip: make a reservation for their sparkling wine tasting flight in the outdoor terrace, and pair it with a cheese board (or caviar if you’re feeling extra fancy!). We shared a tasting sparkling tasting flight, and then ordered our own glasses of our favorites.
Known for: Sparkling wines
2. Restoration Hardware
Restoration Hardware is restaurant + wine tasting room + modern furniture store all-in-one. Start your day at amidst bubbling fountains, olive trees, and crystal chandeliers at Restoration Hardware’s indoor-outdoor dining room. Their ingredient-driven brunch is ???? Then head to the garden for a private tasting of rare and limited production wines.
Known for: Red and white wines
3. Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon’s chic cabanas overlooking the vineyards are a perfect way to catch the California sun. Their “Picnic On The Lawn” or “Summer Cabana” experiences come with all the ingredients for a perfect afternoon: crisp bubby, cheese, and lots of seasonal goodies.
Known for: Sparkling Wine
4. Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards is perched on a hilltop and the best way to get there is via their exclusive aerial trams. The ride offers incredible 360 views of the valley and vineyards. The views only get better when you arrive at the winery. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the winemaking rooms and end on the rooftop for the full tasting experience. The tram ride price is included in your tasting fee.
Known for: Red, white, rosé, and sparking wines
5. Artesa Winery
You’ll find a bit of Spanish countryside magic at Artesa. The Raventós Codorníu family set out to create their first winery outside of Spain. Designed by a renowned Barcelona architect, the tasting room is decked out in Spanish tiles and tapas tables. The exterior is minimal and modern with sweeping views of the vineyards. Come here for their Spanish-American vino and tapas pairing
Known for: Spanish wines and tapas
6. V. Sattui
V. Sattui is probably our most frequented winery with large groups. They have an expansive grove and lawn area, perfect for picnics. Their artisan deli has all the picnic favorites: cheeses, charcuterie, sandwiches, salads, and pastas. Don’t sleep on desserts: seasonal fruit tarts and their house-made gelato. They also have a food truck serving made-to-order Italian-style thin-crust pizzas and bbq. What more can you ask for?
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignons
7. HALL Wines
HALL is a modern art gallery + winery located in the charming town of St. Helena. The Wine and Art Exploration experience at HALL features some of the most internationally acclaimed artwork and structures. With over 35 pieces of contemporary art, this 150 year old winery is really one of its kind. They also have a grand lawn area, perfect for relaxing with your glass of cab
Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
8. Napa Valley Travel Guide to Where to Eat
- RH Yountville Restaurant: Great for brunch or dinner. Vibes are A+
- Bouchon Bakery: Keller’s boulangerie featuring artisanal breads and desserts. Pick up a macaron, a croissant, and one of everything that’s left
- Adhoc Addendum: Thomas Keller’s relaxed-but-refined dining concept. Come for the fried chicken
- The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil: pair your meal with sweeping views of the vineyards and grounds
- Miminashi: Japanese Izakaya. Also known for their soft serve ice cream counter
- Morimoto: Asian fusion. Sticky ribs were notable
- Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch: a farm to table affair
- The Restaurant At Meadowood: New American with a modern flair
- The French Laundry: 3-Michelin-starred French dining
Hope this Napa Valley Travel Guide helps you in planing your getaway! Other resources to help you plan:
If you have any questions, leave a comment below or message me on Instagram @croissantsandcaviar!
And as always, thanks for stopping by, have a super day!
Shway
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