Uncork the Ultimate Napa Valley Adventure - Your Guide to California Wine Country

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Advisor - Amy Walter
Curated By

Amy Walter

  • Napa Valley

  • Food & Wine

  • Luxury Travel

  • Local Culture

  • Local Food

  • Entertainment

A picture of a wine glass with black grapes.
Curator’s statement

Napa Valley is widely regarded as a paradise for wine and food lovers, and it's easy to see why. Spanning just 30 miles in length and five miles across, Napa Valley is home to numerous exceptional wineries renowned for their top-quality Cabernet Sauvignon, luxurious hotels and restaurants that consistently make it onto the must-visit lists. Its picturesque rolling hills adorned with vineyards create the perfect backdrop for a destination worth exploring this year!

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay in Napa Valley

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Things to do in Napa Valley

A picture of vineyard with black grapes during the daytime.

Wineries

No trip to Napa Valley is truly complete without stopping by some of the nation's most breathtaking wineries. Whether you prefer Cabernet Sauvignon, Sparkling Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, or my personal favorite, Pinot Noir, here are a few recommendations for your visit:

  • Cult Favorite Cabernet Sauvignon - Promontory

  • Dog-friendly Winery serving top-notch reds - Alpha Omega

  • Classic Cabernet (and a stellar Pinot too!) - Silver Oak and its sister winery, Twomey.

  • Casual tasting room in central Yountville featuring Reds, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc & Rose - Stewart Cellars

  • Classic tasting experience with beautiful views - Frog’s Leap

  • Hidden gem family-owned winery featuring Chardonnay & Pinot Noirs - Saintsbury

Spas

Take a moment to prioritize your wellbeing and treat yourself to a spa experience at top-notch, luxurious spas such as:

  • The Spa at Meadowood - Consider selecting from massages, facials, or perhaps booking their signature experience in the "Tree House Retreat" - a unique private space that is partially open to the elements, complete with a fireplace and a hand-crafted copper tub for custom baths. It's an indulgent treat!

  • Spa Talisa - At the Four Seasons Napa Valley is a calming retreat - enjoy beautiful vineyard scenery while indulging in a soak in the Spa Garden whirlpool, soaking up the sun with a layer of detoxifying mud, or simply relaxing with some time in steam room.

Adventure

For individuals seeking a bit more excitement, they can savor the beauty of Napa Valley from above by embarking on a Hot Air Balloon ride, or explore the hills on a bicycle, which is usually offered by most hotels. Another option to consider is experiencing the stunning scenery from the historic Napa Valley wine train!

Places to eat & drink in Napa Valley

An outdoor table setting with wine glasses in a wine yard during daytime.

Napa Valley is a foodie’s dream, top hits include:

  • The French Laundry: Thomas Keller's three Michelin star restaurant offers an ultimate luxurious treat that will be a night to remember. Indulge in over 10 courses featuring local ingredients, including vegetables from Chef Keller’s garden right across the street from the restaurant.

  • Bottega: Bottega is derived from the Italian word for an artist’s workshop, where a skilled craftsman practices and perfects his trade - and award-winning chef Michael Chiarello did just that, with a unique menu featuring rustic Italian favorites.

  • The Charter Oak: As you enter the courtyard of The Charter Oak, you'll immediately feel teleported to a chic, modern but classic atmosphere that sets the stage for a delightful family-style dining experience. The menu features simple, approachable, and seasonal dishes that are sure to please. This is a can’t miss restaurant when you’re in Napa Valley!

  • Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch: This American farmhouse restaurant is the epitome of comfort, offering farm-to-table classics such as oysters, deviled eggs, pulled pork, homemade mac and cheese, delectable biscuits, and other mouthwatering delights.

  • RH Yountville: Enjoy the luxury of the World of RH - located in the five-building RH “compound” in Yountville, you will experience plush interiors, a five-star wine list, and curated menu of timeless classics for brunch, lunch, and dinner. And make sure not to skip dessert - the ice cream treat is simply irresistible!

  • Ciccio: This is the ideal spot for a relaxed meal after a day of wine tasting or during your travel to Napa. The menu is inspired by California-Italian cuisine and includes wood-fired pizzas and freshly made pastas. Buon appetito!

  • Gott’s Roadside: A Napa Valley staple offering a variety of casual "roadside" dishes in a relaxed outdoor setting - popular items range from burgers and salads to tacos and fries. This isn't just any ordinary drive-up eatery; it incorporates a Napa flair, complete with an impressive selection of beers and wines, making it an ideal pit stop during your wine country escapade.

  • Morimoto Napa: A change of pace, where you can sip on sake, in a contemporary restaurant by Chef Masaharu Morimoto, before indulging on fresh sashimi, nigiri, and more. The tuna tacos are a standout item, and if you’re in for a real experience splurge on the omakase tasting menu - no matter your pick you won’t be disappointed.

Advisor - Amy Walter

Travel Advisor

Amy Walter

Get in touch with Amy

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

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For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Kara Hayes’s guide, Long Weekend From San Francisco: Sausalito and Napa Valley.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Napa Valley.