How to Have a Weekend Getaway in Napa Valley

Growing up in the Bay Area, Napa is the best (and easiest) weekend getaway destination. Gorgeous, picture-perfect vineyards, bikers along the riverfront, and a wine list bigger than the menu, Napa doesn’t disappoint and every visit feels like the first. This guide is a curated list of my favorite places and by no means an exhaustive list. 

Where to Stay

Note: Napa is a general term referring to the entire Napa Valley region (roughly from the town of Napa all the way to Calistoga). There are multiple well-known towns along Highway 29 that many wineries sit along including Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga. 

Choosing a hotel is a personal decision and frankly entirely dependent on your budget, which wineries you are planning to visit, and any other activities you may have planned. 

Downtown Napa – If you’re looking for a more “city” vibe with bars, boutique shops, and great food, you should definitely stay in the heart of Napa. Here you can check out tasting rooms (or breweries if you need a break from wine), bike along the riverfront, shop until you drop and you’ll be located within a short driving distance from some amazing vineyards.

Yountville – This is definitely a more upscale location with an amazing food scene (The French Laundry, Restoration Hardware, and Bouchon Bakery). I like that it has a quaint small-time feel.

Calistoga – This is the most rural part of Napa so this is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing weekend. It has a nice, small downtown area with bars and restaurants but the real unique aspect is the natural mineral spring spas that many hotels in the area offer. 

What to do in Napa

Wine Train – This is a three-hour round-trip journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena across beautiful wine country with a multiple-course gourmet meal. 

Hot Air Balloon Ride – A bucket list experience for all with sweeping views of rolling green hills and vineyards.

Bike Tour – Rent your own or take a tour through the Napa riverfront or travel between vineyards. 

Favorite Wine Tastings in Napa

1. Domaine Carneros – For all my sparkling wine lovers, this French chateau is your paradise. I highly recommend a reservation and tastings start at $40 per person that includes 4 samples. 

2. Artesa Winery – A couple of years ago, this winery was the first stop on my 21st birthday tour. It’s the perfect place for large groups and the architecture is stunning. This Spanish family has been making wine for over 400 years. 

3. Nicholson Ranch – The most recent find on my last trip to Napa. Nestled between Napa and Sonoma, this oasis makes you feel at home and is such a relaxing wine tasting experience. It’s $40 per person for a tasting and they are pretty generous with their pours. 

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4. Castello di Amorosa – This Italian-inspired castle is by far my favorite in the entire region. It’s a great place for wine lovers, families, and everyone in between. It has something for everyone and I recommend taking a tour of the castle. 

Places in Downtown Napa

1. Oxbow Public Market – One of my favorite eateries in all of Napa. This food market offers a diverse range of options that everyone in your group will love. Need a burger? Check out a Bay Area staple Grott’s. Crunchy taquitos and tacos? Go to C Casa. Something after a long day of wine tasting? Live Fire Pizza is your answer.

2. Napa Valley Coffee Roasting – Cute local coffee shop is such a convenient location if you’re exploring downtown Napa. 

3. Tarla Mediterranean – All I have to say is that make your reservation NOW! This place is beautifully designed, food to die for and you have to get the Baklava. 

Other places to check out are the small boutique shops, art galleries, and art installations, and if you’re there on a Saturday check out the farmers market.

For more on my California Adventures check out my blog post on San Francisco.