A Detailed 3-Day Vacation Itinerary to Napa, California

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley, California, is one of the world’s most renowned wine regions, offering beautiful vineyards, gourmet dining, scenic landscapes, and luxurious spas. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, foodie, or just looking to relax in a picturesque setting, Napa Valley is the perfect escape. Here’s a detailed 3-day itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to Napa Valley.

Day 1: Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours

Morning:

• Arrival and Check-In: Arrive in Napa Valley and check into your accommodation. Staying in downtown Napa, Yountville, or St. Helena will keep you close to restaurants, shops, and vineyards.

• Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery: Start your day with breakfast at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville, a famous French bakery by Chef Thomas Keller. Enjoy fresh croissants, pastries, and coffee in this charming café.

Mid-Morning:

• Domaine Carneros: Begin your wine-tasting journey at Domaine Carneros, a stunning chateau-style winery known for its sparkling wines and scenic views. Enjoy a guided tasting on the terrace, overlooking the vineyard-covered hills. Try their signature sparkling wines and Pinot Noir for a great introduction to Napa’s diverse wine offerings.

• Oxbow Public Market: After Domaine Carneros, stop by Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa to browse local food and artisan stalls. It’s a great place to pick up local cheese, chocolate, and artisanal foods to take with you.

Lunch:

• Lunch at The Grove at Copia: Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at The Grove at Copia, located at the Culinary Institute of America’s campus in Napa. The restaurant’s seasonal menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, with a relaxing garden setting.

Afternoon:

• Robert Mondavi Winery Tour: Head to the famous Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville for a guided tour and tasting. The tour includes an overview of the winery’s history, the wine-making process, and a guided tasting of their renowned Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc wines. It’s a must-visit for any wine lover.

• Opus One Winery: For an exclusive tasting experience, make a reservation at Opus One Winery. Known for its luxurious Bordeaux-style blends, Opus One is one of Napa’s most prestigious wineries. The winery offers seated tastings in a stunning, modern setting with views of the vineyard.

Evening:

• Dinner at Bistro Jeanty: For dinner, enjoy classic French cuisine at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. This cozy, traditional French bistro offers delicious dishes like coq au vin, escargots, and steak frites, with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

• Explore Downtown Yountville: After dinner, take a leisurely walk around downtown Yountville. The charming streets are lined with shops, art galleries, and bakeries. Stop by Kollar Chocolates for handcrafted chocolate truffles, or grab a nightcap at a nearby bar.

Day 2: Wine, Art, and Wellness

Morning:

• Breakfast at Boon Fly Café: Start your day with breakfast at Boon Fly Café in Carneros. This modern rustic café is famous for its donuts, eggs benedict, and avocado toast. The cozy ambiance and hearty breakfast are perfect for fueling up for another day of exploration.

Mid-Morning:

• Castello di Amorosa: Begin your day with a visit to Castello di Amorosa, a 13th-century-inspired castle winery in Calistoga. Take a guided tour of the castle’s medieval-style rooms, including the grand hall and wine cellars. End the tour with a tasting of their Italian-inspired wines, including Sangiovese and Pinot Grigio.

• Sterling Vineyards: Next, head to Sterling Vineyards, where you’ll take an aerial tram up to the winery. The tram ride offers beautiful panoramic views of Napa Valley, and once you reach the top, you’ll enjoy a self-guided tour of the winery with stops for tastings. The outdoor terrace provides stunning views and is a perfect spot for photos.

Lunch:

• Lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch: Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena. The menu features seasonal ingredients from their own farm, and dishes range from wood-fired pizzas to grass-fed beef burgers. The outdoor seating area in a charming, rustic setting adds to the dining experience.

Afternoon:

• di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: Take a break from wine tasting to explore di Rosa, a 217-acre contemporary art center set amid vineyards. The center features an impressive collection of Northern California art, sculpture gardens, and a lake. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the region’s creative side while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

• Afternoon Wine Tasting at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars: End the afternoon with a visit to Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, a historic winery known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Stag’s Leap won the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting, which put Napa Valley on the world wine map. Their elegant, full-bodied wines are an excellent representation of Napa’s finest.

Evening:

• Spa Evening at Indian Springs Resort and Spa: Head to Indian Springs Resort and Spa in Calistoga for a relaxing evening. The resort offers a range of spa treatments, including mineral baths and mud baths, using natural thermal waters. Soak in the mineral pool, which is open at night, for a rejuvenating experience.

• Dinner at Solbar: Enjoy dinner at Solbar, a Michelin-starred restaurant at Solage in Calistoga. The menu features California-inspired dishes with global flavors, made with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed, making it a perfect end to your day.

Day 3: More Wine and Scenic Exploration

Morning:

• Breakfast at Model Bakery: Start your final day with breakfast at Model Bakery in St. Helena, famous for its English muffins and pastries. Grab a coffee and a pastry to enjoy in the outdoor seating area.

Mid-Morning:

• Balloon Ride over Napa Valley (Optional): For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider starting your day with a hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley. Several companies offer sunrise balloon rides, allowing you to see the vineyards and rolling hills from above as the sun rises over the valley.

• HALL Wines: For a morning wine tasting, visit HALL Wines in St. Helena, a modern winery known for its contemporary art installations and award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. The property is home to sculptures and art pieces, creating a unique ambiance as you enjoy your tasting on their scenic terrace.

Lunch:

• Lunch at Gott’s Roadside: Stop for lunch at Gott’s Roadside in St. Helena, a Napa institution known for its gourmet burgers, fish tacos, and milkshakes. It’s a casual spot with picnic tables and outdoor seating, perfect for a quick yet delicious meal.

Afternoon:

• Beringer Vineyards: Continue your wine journey at Beringer Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley. Take a tour of the historic Rhine House, followed by a tasting of their wines in the elegant tasting room. The beautifully landscaped grounds and historic architecture make Beringer a memorable stop.

• Scenic Drive Along Silverado Trail: Conclude your Napa experience with a leisurely drive along the Silverado Trail. This scenic route runs parallel to Highway 29 and offers beautiful views of rolling vineyards, wineries, and hillside landscapes. Stop at any wineries along the way that catch your interest for a spontaneous tasting or two.

Evening:

• Dinner at The Charter Oak: For your final dinner in Napa, dine at The Charter Oak in St. Helena, a restaurant that emphasizes simple, ingredient-focused dishes. The open, inviting dining room and wood-fired cuisine make it a memorable place to savor your last night in Napa.

• Nightcap at Archer Hotel Rooftop Bar: Head back to downtown Napa and end your evening with a nightcap at Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel. Enjoy craft cocktails, small bites, and panoramic views of downtown Napa from the rooftop terrace.

Conclusion

This 3-day itinerary in Napa Valley offers the perfect mix of wine tasting, scenic exploration, art, and relaxation. From iconic wineries and vineyard tours to luxurious dining experiences and beautiful views, Napa Valley is an ideal destination for unwinding and indulging. Whether you’re savoring world-class wines, exploring historic estates, or simply relaxing in a scenic setting, Napa Valley promises a getaway filled with unforgettable moments. Cheers to an incredible Napa Valley experience!