Napa Valley California Itinerary, Plan Your Perfect Visit
Have you been to Napa Valley? Napa is known worldwide for its wine; 3.3 million people visit Napa Valley each year! It is the perfect wedding destination, romantic retreat, girls’ weekend, or mother-daughter trip. Visiting Napa Valley Wine Country can be tricky and requires planning. First, Napa Valley is expensive. Search Air BnB for a deal on accommodations. Also, stop in the tourism office for 2 for 1 tasting cards and download the winery finder for promotions. Second, don’t drink and drive. Consider alternative transportation such as Uber, the Wine Train, or an organized tour. If you do decide to drive, be sure to schedule time between tastings. Many of the large wineries are open to the public for tours of the grounds. There are hot springs in the area and many of the spas offer grape-based treatments. Shopping is always a good way to spend an hour or two! Continue on the plan for your perfect Napa Valley Itinerary.
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Napa Valley Itinerary: The Wineries
There are over 400 wineries in Napa Valley. The wineries are spread throughout the area and may require reservations. Deciding how to spend your time in Napa is overwhelming and requires planning. Of course, you will want to pick wineries that produce your favorite wine. Consider visiting a combination of high-end and family-owned wineries. Take a class to learn about wine. Tour a large winery for an informative behind-the-scenes tour. Touring a barrel room is also fun. Not only is Napa Valley known worldwide for its wine, but it is also a foodie destination and home to four-star restaurants. Many wineries have incredible chefs who pair the wine with food. I highly recommend these pairings!
Napa Valley Itinerary: Yountville
Yountville is a great stop in Napa Valley. There are several tasting rooms, V Marketplace for shopping, and incredible restaurants including French Laundry. Unfortunately, $550 for a meal is outside my price range but we did walk through the restaurant’s garden. While in Yountville I recommend a stop at Kollar Chocolates and Thomas Kellar’s Bouchon Bakery. Yountville is also the home of Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides.
Napa Valley Itinerary: Napa (the city)
Downtown Napa has shops along the waterfront. Oxbow Public Market has live music, cooking demonstrations, wine, and beer tastings, and a farmer’s market. Stop in the Olive Press for vinegar and olive oil tastings. Consider purchasing a Napa Tasting Card to enjoy the many wine bars and tasting rooms in the area. Check out the Napa Art Walk, go to the Opera House, or see Shakespeare in the Park. Design your own blend at District 4 Wine or take a foodie tour of Downtown Napa with Gourmet Walks. This is also where you catch the Napa Valley Wine Train.
Napa Valley Wine Country is a 1.5-hour drive from San Francisco and a 3-hour drive from Lake Tahoe. It is a perfect stop during a Northern California road trip.
Check the Napa Valley California Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
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Sonoma and Napa Valley California Travel Guide
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