3 Days in Napa Valley

 


One hour north of San Francisco you'll find a world of relaxation, fine dining, wine, spas, and beautiful landscapes.  Welcome to Napa Valley, one of the world's top destinations for wine.  

Napa Valley is a place you can visit year round mostly because of its mild climate but August through October tend to be the most popular due to it being the region's harvest season.  Right before Spring is also nice because the landscape is filled with the blooms of yellow mustard flowers.



Napa Valley is 30 miles long and includes the towns: Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga.  Each has it's own uniqueness.  Napa's downtown is filled with small tasting rooms, restaurants, and boutique shops.  Head up to Yountville and you enter a world of fine dining.  Keep going north and you'll be passing by some of the top name wineries in the area.

While I like to create customized itineraries based on preferences and taste, this here is a sample itinerary of what you can do in three days.  Something to inspire you to visit this wonderful area of California.





Day 1

Arrive in downtown Napa and take a walk along the riverfront.  Make sure to stop by at Oxbow Market and browse through many dining options.  You can find a glass of wine, oysters, sushi, chocolates, fresh produce, and desserts!  My favorite stop, Five Dot Ranch for one of their deliciously juicy burgers.  Once you've filled your belly you can browse around town and choose from many options of tasting rooms.  If it's a rich Chardonnay you want, take a seat at Alpha Omega Collective.  If it's a velvety red you're looking for, WALT Wines offers a range of tasty Pinot Noirs.

  


If you want to experience Napa like a local, Kim at Paper Napan Walkabouts will take you on a guided tour to see public art, historic homes, or to have a unique wine tasting experience at a boutique winery tucked away in an unexpected place.  I joined her on the Rail Arts District (RAD) tour which highlights the large murals painted along the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks.  These are stunning pieces of work, each unique in its own way.  We ended our tour with wine tasting of course and I learned that there are so many cute little places near my home that I never knew existed!  That is the value of having the perfect guide.






Day 2

Explore the smaller towns.

Continue up north of the Valley and enjoy breakfast at the popular Bouchon Bakery.  Most of the time there will be a line but it moves quickly.  Once you've picked up your pastry and coffee, head to Van De Leur Park and find a bench to enjoy your meal.  This quaint little park is filled with roses and named after one of Yountville's early residents.




There are many popular wineries to visit but the boutique ones will offer you a personalized experience and more time to enjoy your tasting.  If you love a little photography with your wine then make an appointment at Turnbull Wine Cellars in Oakville.  While drinking your Cabernet Sauvignon take a stroll through their garden or browse over their exhibit.



Before dinner, stop by Silver Trident Winery for The Potato Chip Extravaganza!  This unique tasting pairs potato chips with your wine and you'll learn the inspiration behind this idea.  It's a small tasting room decorated by Ralph Lauren Furnishings with some outdoor space which makes it quite intimate and a fun time.  Perfect appetizer before your dinner plans.




Day 3

Yes, there is a castle in Calistoga that you can visit.  I've been in real castles and I must say, this one is nicely done.  Castello di Amorosa is inspired by 13th century Tuscan castles and made by imported brick from Europe.  It's a beautiful visit for everyone.  


Make this day extremely relaxing by spending some time in a spa or taking a mud bath followed by some shopping on Lincoln Avenue.  


WHERE TO STAY




Napa Downtown:

Andaz Napa - Boutique hotel in the middle of Napa's downtown, walking distance to restaurants, art galleries, and tasting rooms.

Book with Claudia Austin Travel to receive the following Prive benefits:

  • $25 - $100 property credit, per stay
  • Room or Suite Upgrade confirmed at time of booking, subject to availability
  • Daily full breakfast for two at hotel restaurant
  • Welcome amenity
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability

Yountville:

Hotel Villagio at The Estate - In the heart of Yountville within walking distance to some of the most famous restaurants in the area.  Wake up early and you'll see the hot air balloons taking flight.

Book with Claudia Austin Travel to receive the following Virtuoso amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Napa Valley Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom served in the lobby
  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary Bottle of Champagne
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
*Tip: The $100 Resort Credit may be utilized at Bottega Napa Valley, Coqueta Napa Valley, Perry Lang's Steakhouse or The Spa at The Estate. Signature Experiences may be curated for guests by our Concierge.


Calistoga:

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection - The perfect getaway surrounded by mountains and vineyards with an award winning spa.

Book with Claudia Austin Travel to receive the following Virtuoso amenities:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Complimentary full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary bottle of house Napa Valley Cabernet
  • Early check-in and late check-out upon request (subject to availability)