Napa Valley Itinerary: Three Options For Your Grape Escape!

Dreaming of a Napa Valley getaway? Look no further. This guide offers three distinct itineraries to cater to every wine lover, from first-time visitors to seasoned connoisseurs.

Whether you’re seeking iconic wineries, hidden gems, or a blend of Napa and Sonoma, these curated experiences will ensure an unforgettable trip.

Get ready to indulge in world-class wines, savor exquisite cuisine, and immerse yourself in the beauty of California’s most famous wine country- Napa Valley.

Jump to your favorite itinerary

• Itinerary For First-Timers – Welcome, Wine Padawan!
• Itinerary 2: Napa Valley Ninjas – Been There, Sipped That, Now Do This!
• Itinerary 3: Conquering Both Napa & Sonoma – The Ultimate Wine Warrior!

Itinerary For First-Timers – Welcome, Wine Padawan!

New to Napa? This itinerary is your magic bottle, uncorking the best of the valley. Get ready for iconic wineries, delicious eats, and unique experiences.

A Day In St. Helena & Yountville

Robert Mondavi Winery

• Address: 7801 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
• Website: robertmondaviwinery.com
• Price Point: $$

Channel your inner winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery. It’s like Napa 101, with top-notch Cabernets, Chardonnays, and Fumé Blancs.

2024 edit: The location on Hwy 29 is temporarily closed for renovations. You can visit their downtown Napa location but we recommend substituting Turnbull Wine Cellars or Nickel and Nickel.

Bouchon Bistro

• Address: 6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
• Website: thomaskeller.com/bouchonyountville
• Price Point: $$$

Channel your inner Francophile. Bouchon Bistro in Yountville offers a vibrant, Parisian-inspired dining experience right in the heart of Napa Valley. The lively atmosphere, with its classic bistro decor and bustling energy, makes you feel like you’re in a charming French café.

Renowned for its French cuisine, fresh oysters, and decadent pastries, Bouchon Bistro is a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of France. Indulge in the culinary masterpieces crafted by Thomas Keller’s team and immerse yourself in a culinary adventure that’s sure to be a highlight of your Napa Valley trip!

V. Sattui Winery

• Address: 1111 White Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574
• Website: vsattui.com
• Price Point: $$

Feeling adventurous? V. Sattui Winery is your jam! This family-run winery has a ton of wines to try, from classic Zinfandels to the famous Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, their picnic grounds are perfect for a post-wine cheese fest. (Cheese not included, but strongly recommended!)

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

• Address: 738 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574
• Website: longmeadowranch.com/eat-drink/restaurant/
• Price Point: $$ – $$$

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in Napa Valley offers an enchanting farm-to-table experience in St. Helena. With a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, it combines the freshest ingredients from its own vineyards, gardens, and olive groves to create seasonal, innovative dishes.

Enjoy estate wines, artisanal olive oil, and immersive tours and workshops, all while supporting sustainable and eco-friendly practices. This gem promises a unique and unforgettable adventure for foodies, wine lovers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Sip In Style In Yountville & Calistoga

Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Ride

• Address: Vintners Golf Club – 7901 Solano Ave, Yountville, CA 94599
• Website: Napa-and-Sonoma/Napa-Valley-Hot-Air-Balloon-Ride-with-Sparkling-Wine-Brunch
• Price Point: $$$

Take your Napa Valley experience to new heights with a hot air balloon ride! See the vineyards from a whole new perspective (and grab those oh-so-intsta-worthy shots). Don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!

Gott’s Roadside

• Address: 933 Main St, CA-29, St. Helena, CA 94574
• Website: gotts.com
• Price Point: $$ – $$$

Need a refuel after your sky-high adventure? Gott’s Roadside is your answer. Think gourmet burgers and epic milkshakes. Because, balance.

Castello di Amorosa

• Address: 4045 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515 
• Website: castellodiamorosa.com
• Price Point: $$-$$$

Feeling like royalty? Castello di Amorosa is a 13th-century-inspired Tuscan castle winery. Sip on Italian-style wines like Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio while feeling like you’re on a movie set. The vibe is enchanting and grand, with stunning architecture, authentic drawbridges, and even a dungeon!

A trip to Castello di Amorosa is a magical adventure that blends history, romance, and world-class wine, making it an absolute must-visit for first-timers in Napa Valley!

Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company

• Address: 835 Charter Oak Ave, St. Helena, CA 94574 
• Website: nvoliveoilmfg.com
• Price Point: $$

Take a break from the wine and immerse yourself in local flavors at the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company. Sample their artisanal olive oils and learn all about the olive oil-making process.

The French Laundry

• Address: 6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599
• Website: thomaskeller.co/tfl
• Price Point: $$$$($)

If you can score a reservation, buy a lotto ticket. Tonight’s all about treating yourself. The French Laundry is a Michelin-starred masterpiece, serving up a multi-course tasting menu that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

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Still not sure how to navigate around Napa Valley? In our travel guide, we’ve pinned every winery, every must-visit restaurant, and must-try activity. It’s an interactive map that can be sorted by town or attraction. We’ve even included a database that can be sorted by varietal, town and whether they offer food pairings with your tasting.

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Spend time In Napa

Domaine Carneros

• Address: 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
• Website: domainecarneros.com
• Price Point: $$$

Domaine Carneros is all about the bubbly! Get your fill of delicious sparkling wines in a stunning chateau setting. Perfect for feeling fancy and celebrating.

Oxbow Public Market

• Address: 610 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
• Website: oxbowpublicmarket.com
• Price Point: $$-$$$

Feeling like a foodie explorer? Oxbow Public Market is a must. With tons of vendors offering delicious eats and artisan goodies, you’re guaranteed to find something to tantalize your taste buds.

Auberge du Soleil

• Address: 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573
• Website: aubergeresorts.com/aubergedusoleil
• Price Point: $$$$

End your Napa adventure on a high note at Auberge du Soleil. This luxurious dinner spot offers stunning vineyard views and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine that’ll leave you saying “Napa Valley, I’ll be back!”

Itinerary 2: Napa Valley Ninjas – Been There, Sipped That, Now Do This!

Napa’s no stranger to you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t discover new gems! This itinerary is all about off-the-beaten-path wineries, Michelin-starred magic, and unique experiences to keep your Napa game strong.

Napa Next Level

Darioush Winery

• Address: 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
• Website: darioush.com
• Price Point: $$$

Ditch the crowds and head to Darioush Winery. This Persian-inspired winery boasts stunning architecture and premium Bordeaux-style wines. Prepare to be pampered like royalty while you sip!

Mustards Grill

• Address: 7399 St. Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558 
• Website: mustardsgrill.com
• Price Point: $$ – $$$

Mustards Grill is a Napa Valley institution for a reason. Mustards Grill is famous for its legendary Mongolian pork chop, wild mushroom tamales, and decadent desserts. This spot offers upscale American comfort food that’s guaranteed to satisfy. Make a reservation for lunch. You’ll be glad you did.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

• Address: 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
• Website: stagsleapwinecellars.com
• Price Point: $$$

Consider yourself a wine connoisseur? Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is a must. Renowned for their world-class, award winning Cabernet Sauvignons and their role in the Judgement of Paris tasting, this winery is steeped in history.

Alpha Omega Winery

• Address: 1155 Mee Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574
• Website: aowinery.com
• Price Point: $$$

Seeking high-quality, artisanal wines? Look no further than Alpha Omega Winery. Known for their balanced and complex wines, you’re sure to discover a new favorite here.

La Toque

• Address: 1314 McKinstry St, Napa, CA 94559
• Website: latoque.com
• Price Point: $$$$

La Toque is where it’s at for a refined French food fix. Think Michelin-starred magic with a focus on seasonal ingredients. Renowned for its exceptional tasting menus and extensive wine list, La Toque promises an unforgettable culinary journey, making it a must-visit for fine dining enthusiasts in Napa Valley. Your taste buds will thank you.

Itinerary 3: Conquering Both Napa & Sonoma – The Ultimate Wine Warrior!

Ah, Sonoma

Chateau St. Jean

• Address: 8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452
• Website: https://www.chateaustjean.com/
• Price Point: $$-$$$

Kick off your Sonoma adventure with a visit to Chateau St. Jean. Chateau St. Jean offers great morning tastings with their specialty being white wines.

Explore their beautifully manicured gardens and discover their famous Chardonnay selection. One of the most beautiful properties in Sonoma, this is a treat for both wine enthusiasts and garden lovers!

Hamilton Family winery

• Address: 8860 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, CA 95452
• Website: http://www.hamilton.wine/
• Price Point: $$-$$$

Hamilton Family Winery, located in the heart of Sonoma County in Kenwood, CA, is a boutique winery and tasting room known for its dedication to producing high-quality, small-batch wines. The winery is family-owned and operated by Lindsay and Greg Hamilton. Emphasizing personalized service and a welcoming atmosphere, they make every visitor feel like part of the family.

Hamilton Family Winery believes that great wine starts with great grapes, which is why they partner with select growers to source the best fruit from ideal sites—cooler climates for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, and warmer spots for Cabernet Sauvignon.

What’s really fun is tasting warm climate Sauvignon Blanc next to a cold climate Sauvignon Blanc. Same grape. Vastly different taste.

All their fruit comes from organically-managed vineyards which has been a passion of theirs for years. They manage two vineyards: the Hamilton Family Vineyard in Kenwood, reestablished after the 2017 wildfires, and the McGraw Vineyard in Glen Ellen, both farmed organically. Each bottle they produce proudly displays its vineyard or appellation, and showcases their commitment to quality and sustainability.

Benziger Family Winery

• Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
• Website: https://www.benziger.com/
• Price Point: $$$

One of our favorite wineries in Sonoma County, Benziger Family Winery, in the charming town of Glen Ellen, is celebrated for its commitment to sustainable, organic, and biodynamic farming practices. Since its founding in 1980, Benziger has been dedicated to producing high-quality wines while nurturing the environment and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

The winery is set against the picturesque backdrop of Sonoma Mountain with breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere. Benziger’s wine portfolio includes a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, with popular varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir.

Benziger Family Winery offers a unique opportunity to experience exceptional wines while learning about the importance of sustainable agriculture, making it a must-visit destination for wine lovers and eco-conscious travelers alike.

Glen Ellen Star

• Address: 13648 Arnold Dr, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
• Website: glenellenstar.com
• Price Point: $$ – $$$

Experience the charm of Glen Ellen Star tonight. This cozy, rustic restaurant offers wood-fired cuisine with Mediterranean influences, creating a warm and intimate dining experience to end your Sonoma day.

Split Your Day: Napa & Sonoma

Artesa Vineyards & Winery

• Address: 1345 Henry Rd, Napa, CA 94559
• Website: artesawinery.com
• Price Point: $$$

Take in breathtaking views alongside your wine at Artesa Vineyards & Winery. This winery is famous for its stunning architecture and excellent sparkling wines.

Sonoma Plaza

• Address: 453 1st St E, Sonoma, CA 95476
• Website: sonomaplaza.com
• Price Point: $$

Take a step back in time and explore Sonoma Plaza. This historic plaza features shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms, perfect for strolling, soaking in the local culture, and maybe grabbing a souvenir.

The Girl & The Fig

• Address: 110 W Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476
• Website: thegirlandthefig.com
• Price Point: $$ – $$$

Enjoy a relaxed gourmet meal at The Girl & The Fig (Sonoma). This spot offers rustic French cuisine prepared with fresh, local ingredients, satisfying your taste buds without breaking the bank.

Pick your favorite Napa Valley Itinerary

Ready to embark on your Napa Valley adventure? Whether you’re a first-time visitor seeking an introduction to wine country or a seasoned traveler looking to explore hidden gems, these itineraries offer a taste of the incredible experiences awaiting you.

Remember, this is just a starting point; Napa Valley is a world of possibilities. Customize your trip to match your preferences and create unforgettable memories. Cheers to your perfect Napa Valley escape!