Napa Valley

Arrive at San Francisco International (SFO) or Oakland (OAK)(1 hour)

Rent a car — essential for wine country. Drive 90km north via Highway 101 and Highway 29. Allow 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. Alternatively, take the Napa Valley Wine Train shuttle

Check into downtown Napa hotel(1 hour)

Stay in downtown Napa for walkability and restaurant access. Budget: Napa Valley Hotel & Suites from $150/night; mid-range: Andaz Napa from $280; splurge: The Inn on First from $400

Oxbow Public Market exploration(2 hours)

23+ artisan vendors under one roof. Try Hog Island Oyster Co. (oysters from $3.50 each), Gott's Roadside (burgers, $12-18), and Ca' Momi for Neapolitan pizza. Open daily 7:30AM-8PM. Free entry

Evening walk along Napa River(1 hour)

The riverfront promenade is lined with public art, tasting rooms, and restaurants. Stop for a glass at the Napa Valley Wine Bar on Main Street (flights from $25)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars(1.5 hours)

The winery that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, beating French Bordeaux in a blind tasting. Estate tasting from $65. Book 1-2 weeks ahead. The FAY Vineyard overlooking the Stags Leap palisades is stunning

Darioush Winery(1.5 hours)

Persian-inspired architecture with massive columns and reflecting pools. Tasting from $80 for their Bordeaux-style blends. One of Napa's most visually dramatic wineries

Lunch at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville(1.5 hours)

Thomas Keller's French bistro. Croque madame ($24), steak frites ($38), and the legendary Bouchon Bakery next door for pastries ($5-15). Reservations recommended

Walk downtown Yountville(1 hour)

This 1-mile strip has more Michelin stars per capita than almost anywhere. Walk past The French Laundry (peek through the garden gate), browse art galleries, and stop at Kollar Chocolates ($8-15 boxes)

Hot air balloon ride at sunrise(4 hours)

Float above misty vineyards with Napa Valley Balloons. Launch at dawn (5:30-6:30AM depending on season), 60-75 min flight. $280-350/person, includes champagne brunch upon landing. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Silverado Trail wine tasting — Clos Du Val(1.5 hours)

The quieter alternative to Highway 29. Clos Du Val offers elegant Cabernet tastings from $45 in a peaceful garden setting. Reservations required

Late lunch at Rutherford Grill(1.5 hours)

A Napa institution for rotisserie chicken ($24), burgers ($19), and iron-skillet cornbread. Outdoor patio seating under oak trees. No reservations for lunch — expect a 30-min wait

Joseph Phelps Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Famous for Insignia, their flagship Bordeaux blend. Terrace tasting overlooking the vineyards ($100). One of Napa's most scenic settings. Book well ahead

Drive to Calistoga(30 minutes)

50 minutes north of Napa. This quirky spa town has a completely different vibe from the polished southern valley

Mud bath at Indian Springs Calistoga(2 hours)

A Napa Valley tradition since 1862. The volcanic ash mud bath ($80) is followed by mineral soak, steam, and optional massage. The resort's Olympic-size mineral pool is heated by natural geothermal springs. Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Old Faithful Geyser of California(1 hour)

One of only three 'old faithful' geysers in the world, erupting every 30-40 minutes to 18m high. Entry $18 adults. Open daily 8:30AM-6PM

Lunch at Cafe Sarafornia(1 hour)

Beloved Calistoga breakfast-lunch spot. Massive omelets ($16), huevos rancheros ($14), and homemade biscuits. Cash and cards accepted

Castello di Amorosa(1.5 hours)

A 121,000 sq ft replica Tuscan castle winery. General admission and tasting $45. The guided tour ($70) includes the dungeon and Great Hall. 20 min north of Napa

Beringer Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Napa's oldest continuously operating winery (since 1876). The Rhine House historic tour ($50) is worth it for the architecture alone. Their reserve Cabernet is world-class

Walk Main Street St. Helena(1 hour)

Browse bookshops, olive oil tasting rooms, and boutiques. Woodhouse Chocolate ($6-12 per box) for handcrafted truffles. Small-town charm at its finest

Lunch at Gott's Roadside in St. Helena(1 hour)

Retro roadside stand with gourmet burgers ($12-18), ahi tuna burgers ($16), and garlic fries. Eat at the outdoor picnic tables. A Napa icon since 1999

V. Sattui Winery(1.5 hours)

One of the few Napa wineries with a deli and picnic grounds. Buy cheese, charcuterie, and bread at their Italian marketplace, pair with a wine tasting ($35), and picnic under the oak trees. Walk-ins welcome

Dinner at Press in St. Helena(2 hours)

A wine-country steakhouse with 3,000+ wine labels. Dry-aged ribeye ($68), duck confit ($42). The wine list is encyclopedic. Reservations essential

Napa Valley Wine Train lunch ride(3 hours)

Vintage train through 58km of vineyard scenery in restored 1915 Pullman cars. Multi-course gourmet meal included. From $175/person (lunch). Runs Thursday-Monday. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Drive to Sonoma Plaza(30 minutes)

Cross the Mayacamas Mountains to Sonoma — more casual, lower prices, and a charming town square

Sonoma wine tasting at Buena Vista(1.5 hours)

California's oldest commercial winery (1857). Tastings $30-50 — significantly cheaper than Napa. Beautiful stone buildings and cave tours

Dinner at The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma(1.5 hours)

A Sonoma Plaza institution. French country cuisine — duck confit ($32), fig salad ($18), and a Rhone-focused wine list. Lovely garden seating

Breakfast at Boon Fly Cafe in Carneros(1 hour)

Southern-inspired breakfast spot near the Carneros wine region. Signature donuts ($5), biscuits and gravy ($16). On the way south toward SFO

Artesa Vineyards & Winery(1.5 hours)

A stunning hilltop winery with modern architecture built into the hillside and panoramic views of the Carneros region. Tasting from $40. Excellent Pinot Noir and sparkling wine

Drive to SFO or OAK(1.5 hours)

90km south via Highway 29 and Highway 101. Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic, especially Friday afternoons. Return rental car

Arrive and drive to Napa(2 hours)

Rent a car at SFO or OAK. Drive 90km north via Highway 101 and 29. Allow 1.5-2 hours for traffic

Oxbow Public Market(2 hours)

Hog Island Oyster Co. (oysters from $3.50), Gott's Roadside (burgers $12-18), Ca' Momi pizza. 23+ vendors. Free entry

Evening Napa River walk(1 hour)

Riverfront promenade with art and tasting rooms. Glass at Napa Valley Wine Bar (flights from $25)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars(1.5 hours)

1976 Judgment of Paris winner. Estate tasting from $65. Book 1-2 weeks ahead

Darioush Winery(1.5 hours)

Persian-inspired architecture. Bordeaux-style blends tasting from $80

Lunch at Bouchon Bistro in Yountville(1.5 hours)

Thomas Keller's French bistro. Croque madame ($24), steak frites ($38). Reservations recommended

Walk Yountville and Bouchon Bakery(1 hour)

Peek at The French Laundry garden, art galleries, Kollar Chocolates ($8-15)

Hot air balloon ride(4 hours)

Napa Valley Balloons. Dawn launch, 60-75 min flight, champagne brunch. $280-350/person. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Clos Du Val on Silverado Trail(1.5 hours)

Elegant Cabernet in garden setting. Tastings from $45

Late lunch at Rutherford Grill(1.5 hours)

Rotisserie chicken ($24), iron-skillet cornbread. No reservations — expect a wait

Joseph Phelps Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Famous Insignia Bordeaux blend. Terrace tasting ($100). Book well ahead

Mud bath at Indian Springs Calistoga(2 hours)

Volcanic ash mud bath ($80), mineral soak, steam. Olympic mineral pool. Book ahead

Old Faithful Geyser of California(1 hour)

Erupts every 30-40 min to 18m. $18 adults

Lunch at Cafe Sarafornia(1 hour)

Massive omelets ($16), huevos rancheros ($14)

Castello di Amorosa(1.5 hours)

Replica Tuscan castle winery. Tasting $45, guided tour $70 with dungeon and Great Hall

Beringer Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Napa's oldest winery (1876). Rhine House tour $50. World-class reserve Cabernet

Walk Main Street St. Helena(1 hour)

Bookshops, olive oil tastings, Woodhouse Chocolate truffles ($6-12)

Lunch at Gott's Roadside(1 hour)

Retro roadside stand. Gourmet burgers ($12-18), ahi tuna ($16). Napa icon since 1999

V. Sattui Winery picnic(1.5 hours)

Buy deli cheese, charcuterie, bread, pair with tasting ($35), picnic under oaks. Walk-ins welcome

Dinner at Press in St. Helena(2 hours)

Wine-country steakhouse. Dry-aged ribeye ($68), 3,000+ wine labels

Wine Train lunch ride(3 hours)

58km through vineyards. Multi-course meal in 1915 Pullman cars. From $175/person. Book 2+ weeks ahead

Dinner at La Toque in Napa(2 hours)

Michelin-starred French-California cuisine. Tasting menu from $145. Wine pairing $95. Located inside the Westin Verasa

Buena Vista Winery(1.5 hours)

California's oldest commercial winery (1857). Tastings $30-50. Stone buildings and caves

Walk Sonoma Plaza(1 hour)

Historic town square with shops, tasting rooms, and the Sonoma Mission (1823)

Lunch at The Girl and the Fig(1.5 hours)

French country cuisine. Duck confit ($32), fig salad ($18). Lovely garden seating

Benziger Family Winery biodynamic tour(1.5 hours)

Tram tour through biodynamic vineyards in Sonoma Mountain ($40). Educational and beautiful

Cooking class at CIA at Copia(3 hours)

The Culinary Institute of America's Napa campus offers hands-on classes ($100-175). Learn seasonal wine-country cooking with local ingredients. Morning classes daily

Domaine Carneros(1.5 hours)

A stunning chateau modeled after Tattinger's in Champagne. Sparkling wine flights ($35-55) on the terrace overlooking vineyards. No reservation needed for the patio

Artesa Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Hilltop winery with modern architecture. Panoramic Carneros views. Tasting from $40. Excellent Pinot Noir

Dinner at Compline in Napa(1.5 hours)

Wine bar and restaurant. Small plates ($14-24), natural wines by the glass ($16-22). The sommelier team is exceptional

CADE Estate on Howell Mountain(1.5 hours)

A modern, LEED Gold-certified winery at 560m elevation. Estate tasting $75 with panoramic valley views. Their Cabernet is dense and structured. By appointment only

Pride Mountain Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Straddling the Napa-Sonoma county line at 640m. The property line runs through the cave — wines from each side taste different. Tasting $45. Book ahead

Lunch at Charter Oak in St. Helena(1.5 hours)

Hearth-focused restaurant from the team behind The Restaurant at Meadowood. Smoked meats ($28-36), seasonal vegetables. Casual-upscale

Afternoon olive oil tasting at Long Meadow Ranch(1 hour)

Beyond wine — taste estate olive oils ($15 tasting), visit the farmstead, and browse the general store. Their charcuterie is outstanding

Bike rental from Napa Valley Bike Tours(30 minutes)

Rental from $45/day. The valley floor between Yountville and St. Helena is flat and perfect for cycling. Electric bikes available ($65/day)

Cycle the Silverado Trail to Mumm Napa(2 hours)

A scenic ride through vineyards. Stop at Mumm Napa for sparkling wine ($30-50 flights) on the terrace with valley views. Their photography gallery is free

Picnic at Crane Park in St. Helena(1 hour)

Pack a picnic from Giugni & Son deli on Main Street (sandwiches $10-14). Eat under the shade trees in this quiet park

Dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni in Napa(1.5 hours)

Italian-California cuisine in a vineyard setting. Wood-fired pizzas ($22), braised lamb ($34). The garden terrace is magical at sunset

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art(2 hours)

A 217-acre art preserve in Carneros with sculpture gardens, galleries, and a lake. Tours $15-25. Northern California's largest collection of Bay Area art. Book gallery tours online

Lunch at Torc in Napa(1.5 hours)

Creative American cuisine. Burrata salad ($18), short rib ($32). Locals' favorite with consistently great food

Far Niente Winery in Oakville(1.5 hours)

A gorgeous 1885 stone winery with immaculate gardens. Cave tour and tasting $100. Their Chardonnay and Cabernet are benchmarks. Book 3-4 weeks ahead

Robert Mondavi Winery(1.5 hours)

The winery that put Napa on the world map. Architecture tour and tasting from $40. The mission-style courtyard hosts concerts and events. Walk-ins often available

Lunch at Ad Hoc in Yountville(1.5 hours)

Thomas Keller's casual, family-style restaurant. Fixed 4-course menu ($64) changes daily — fried chicken on Mondays is legendary. No substitutions

Opus One Winery(1.5 hours)

The iconic Mondavi-Rothschild collaboration. Tasting of the single wine: $100/glass. The modern architecture and hilltop terrace justify the splurge. By appointment

Petrified Forest(1.5 hours)

Ancient redwoods petrified by a volcanic eruption 3.4 million years ago. Self-guided walking trail through massive stone tree trunks. $12 adults. 8km from Calistoga. Open 9AM-6PM

Hike on Oat Hill Mine Trail(3 hours)

A moderate 8km out-and-back trail from Calistoga with views of Mount St. Helena and the valley below. Historic mining route. Free. Bring water — it gets hot in summer

Lunch at Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery(1.5 hours)

Napa's only brewery. House-brewed ales ($7), wood-fired pizzas ($16-20), creek-side patio

Sunset wine tasting at Sterling Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Take the aerial tram ($39, includes tasting) to this hilltop winery for 360-degree valley views. Self-guided tour through the white Mykonos-inspired building

Breakfast at Boon Fly Cafe in Carneros(1 hour)

Signature donuts ($5), biscuits and gravy ($16). On the way south toward SFO

Domaine Chandon in Yountville(1.5 hours)

Elegant sparkling wine house with a garden terrace. Flights from $28. A light, celebratory way to end the trip

Drive to SFO or OAK(1.5 hours)

90km south. Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic. Return rental car

Arrive and drive to Napa(2 hours)

Rent a car at SFO or OAK. Drive 90km north via Highway 101 and 29

Oxbow Public Market(2 hours)

Hog Island Oyster Co., Gott's Roadside, Ca' Momi. 23+ vendors. Free entry

Napa River walk and wine bar(1 hour)

Riverfront promenade. Glass at Napa Valley Wine Bar (flights from $25)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars(1.5 hours)

1976 Judgment of Paris winner. Estate tasting from $65

Darioush Winery(1.5 hours)

Persian-inspired architecture. Tasting from $80

Lunch at Bouchon Bistro(1.5 hours)

Keller's French bistro. Croque madame ($24), steak frites ($38)

Walk Yountville(1 hour)

French Laundry garden, galleries, Kollar Chocolates ($8-15)

Hot air balloon ride(4 hours)

Dawn launch, 60-75 min flight, champagne brunch. $280-350/person

Clos Du Val(1.5 hours)

Elegant Cabernet in garden setting. Tastings from $45

Late lunch at Rutherford Grill(1.5 hours)

Rotisserie chicken ($24), cornbread. No reservations

Joseph Phelps Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Insignia Bordeaux blend. Terrace tasting ($100)

Mud bath at Indian Springs(2 hours)

Volcanic ash mud bath ($80), mineral soak, Olympic pool

Old Faithful Geyser(1 hour)

Erupts every 30-40 min to 18m. $18 adults

Lunch at Cafe Sarafornia(1 hour)

Massive omelets ($16), huevos rancheros ($14)

Castello di Amorosa(1.5 hours)

Tuscan castle winery. Tasting $45, tour $70

Beringer Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Oldest Napa winery (1876). Rhine House tour $50

Main Street St. Helena(1 hour)

Bookshops, olive oil, Woodhouse Chocolate ($6-12)

Lunch at Gott's Roadside(1 hour)

Gourmet burgers ($12-18), garlic fries

V. Sattui Winery picnic(1.5 hours)

Deli, charcuterie, tasting ($35), picnic under oaks

Dinner at Press(2 hours)

Steakhouse. Dry-aged ribeye ($68), 3,000+ wines

Wine Train lunch ride(3 hours)

58km in 1915 Pullman cars. Multi-course meal. From $175/person

Dinner at La Toque(2 hours)

Michelin-starred. Tasting menu from $145, wine pairing $95

Buena Vista Winery(1.5 hours)

California's oldest (1857). Tastings $30-50

Sonoma Plaza and Mission(1 hour)

Historic square with shops and the 1823 Mission

Lunch at The Girl and the Fig(1.5 hours)

Duck confit ($32), fig salad ($18). Garden seating

Benziger biodynamic tour(1.5 hours)

Tram tour through biodynamic vineyards ($40)

CIA at Copia cooking class(3 hours)

Hands-on seasonal cooking ($100-175). Morning classes daily

Domaine Carneros(1.5 hours)

Chateau modeled after Tattinger's. Sparkling flights ($35-55) on the terrace

Artesa Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Hilltop winery. Panoramic views. Tasting from $40. Excellent Pinot Noir

Dinner at Compline(1.5 hours)

Wine bar. Small plates ($14-24), natural wines ($16-22)

CADE Estate, Howell Mountain(1.5 hours)

LEED Gold winery at 560m. Estate tasting $75 with valley views

Pride Mountain Vineyards(1.5 hours)

Straddling Napa-Sonoma county line at 640m. Tasting $45

Lunch at Charter Oak in St. Helena(1.5 hours)

Hearth-focused. Smoked meats ($28-36), seasonal vegetables

Long Meadow Ranch olive oil tasting(1 hour)

Estate olive oils ($15 tasting), farmstead, general store

Bike rental from Napa Valley Bike Tours(30 minutes)

From $45/day. Electric bikes $65/day

Cycle to Mumm Napa(2 hours)

Sparkling wine ($30-50 flights) on the terrace. Free photography gallery

Picnic at Crane Park, St. Helena(1 hour)

Pack from Giugni & Son deli (sandwiches $10-14)

Dinner at Bistro Don Giovanni(1.5 hours)

Italian-California. Wood-fired pizzas ($22), braised lamb ($34). Garden terrace at sunset

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art(2 hours)

217-acre art preserve. Sculpture gardens, galleries, lake. Tours $15-25

Lunch at Torc(1.5 hours)

Burrata salad ($18), short rib ($32). Locals' favorite

Far Niente Winery(1.5 hours)

1885 stone winery. Cave tour and tasting $100. Book 3-4 weeks ahead

Robert Mondavi Winery(1.5 hours)

Architecture tour and tasting from $40. Walk-ins often available

Lunch at Ad Hoc(1.5 hours)

Keller's family-style. Fixed 4-course $64, fried chicken Mondays

Opus One Winery(1.5 hours)

Mondavi-Rothschild collaboration. $100/glass. Hilltop terrace. Appointment only

Petrified Forest(1.5 hours)

Ancient redwoods petrified 3.4 million years ago. Self-guided trail. $12 adults

Oat Hill Mine Trail hike(3 hours)

Moderate 8km out-and-back from Calistoga. Valley and Mt. St. Helena views. Free

Lunch at Calistoga Inn Brewery(1.5 hours)

House ales ($7), wood-fired pizzas ($16-20), creek-side patio

Sterling Vineyards at sunset(1.5 hours)

Aerial tram ($39 includes tasting). 360-degree hilltop views

Drive to San Francisco(1.5 hours)

90km south via Highway 101. Park at Fisherman's Wharf garages ($30-40/day)

Golden Gate Bridge walk(1.5 hours)

Walk across the 2.7km span from the south vista point. Free. The fog rolling through the towers is iconic. Dress warmly — SF is much cooler than Napa

Lunch at Boudin Bakery on Fisherman's Wharf(1 hour)

San Francisco sourdough clam chowder in a bread bowl ($14). Watch the bakers through the window. A tourist must but genuinely good

Explore North Beach (Little Italy)(1.5 hours)

Walk Columbus Avenue, stop at City Lights Bookstore (the Beat Generation's HQ), and grab espresso at Caffe Trieste ($4)

Wine blending experience at Conn Creek(2 hours)

Blend your own Bordeaux-style wine from barrel samples of different AVAs. $65/person. You take home your custom-labeled bottle. Educational and fun — you'll never taste wine the same way

Lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-table. Estate-grown burgers ($22), seasonal salads ($16). Beautiful outdoor seating among the gardens

Dinner at Angèle in Napa(1.5 hours)

French brasserie in a converted boathouse on the Napa River. Steak frites ($36), duck ($34). The riverside terrace is beautiful at sunset

Drive to Healdsburg(1 hour)

Cross to Sonoma County. Healdsburg's town square is one of California's most charming

Jordan Vineyard & Winery(1.5 hours)

Chateau-style winery modeled after Bordeaux estates. Estate tour and tasting $60. Stunning grounds with views across Alexander Valley

Walk Healdsburg Plaza(1 hour)

Browse bookshops, wine tasting rooms, and Shed market. Taste at Banshee Wines (flights $20) right on the square

Lunch at Barndiva(1.5 hours)

Farm-to-fork in a converted barn. Seasonal menu ($24-38 entrees). The garden patio with art installations is special

Matthiasson Wines(1.5 hours)

Cult winemaker Steve Matthiasson's tasting room in Napa. Distinctive white blends and lighter reds. $40 tasting. Intimate, no crowds

Tres Sabores(1.5 hours)

Julie Johnson's organic, old-vine estate in Rutherford. $50 tasting by appointment. Authentic, unconventional wines. She might greet you herself

Lunch at Cook St. Helena(1.5 hours)

Italian-inspired with market-fresh ingredients. Pappardelle bolognese ($22), burrata ($16). A neighborhood gem

Hendry Vineyard & Winery(1.5 hours)

Family-run since 1939. Block 7 Zinfandel is outstanding. Tasting $30. The owner often pours himself. A refreshing contrast to corporate wineries

Morning farmers market (seasonal)(1.5 hours)

Napa Farmers Market (Tuesday/Saturday at Oxbow Commons). Local produce, artisan cheese, baked goods. Or St. Helena market on Fridays

Wine shopping on First Street, Napa(2 hours)

Browse tasting rooms and wine shops on Napa's revitalized First Street. Back Room Wines has an excellent curated selection with knowledgeable staff

Lunch at Grace's Table(1.5 hours)

Global comfort food. Eggs in purgatory ($16), Korean fried chicken ($22). Beloved local spot, no pretension

Drive to Point Reyes National Seashore(1.5 hours)

90km west via Petaluma. A stunning contrast to wine country — wild coastal cliffs, elephant seals, and tule elk

Point Reyes Lighthouse(1.5 hours)

Descend 300+ steps to a historic lighthouse on a dramatic headland. Free. Best for whale watching January-April. The views are extraordinary even without whales

Oysters at Hog Island Oyster Co. farm(1.5 hours)

The source of Oxbow Market's oysters. Reservations for picnic tables ($10/person) — bring your own sides and shucking gloves. Dozen oysters from $35. On Tomales Bay

Morning at a favorite winery(2 hours)

Revisit whichever winery captured your heart. Many offer wine club sign-ups with shipping — a great way to keep Napa in your life

Final wine shopping(1.5 hours)

Ship cases home from wineries or pack carefully. Most wineries ship within the US. International shipping is more complex — ask the tasting room

Lunch at Bottega in Yountville(1.5 hours)

Michael Chiarello's Italian restaurant. Polenta with short ribs ($32), burrata pizza ($24). The patio is lovely

Farewell dinner at The Restaurant at Meadowood(2.5 hours)

The valley's most celebrated fine dining. Multi-course menu from $275. Wine pairing available. A fitting finale to three weeks in wine country. Book well ahead

Breakfast at Boon Fly Cafe(1 hour)

Signature donuts ($5), biscuits and gravy ($16). In Carneros, on the way south

Quick stop at Domaine Chandon(1 hour)

One last glass of sparkling on the garden terrace. Flights from $28. Celebratory farewell to Napa

Drive to SFO or OAK(1.5 hours)

Return rental car. Allow extra time for Bay Area traffic, especially on weekday mornings