I must say I’m kind of a master at planning trips. It’s definitely my thing. In fact, my friends usually ask me each year what I’m doing for my birthday for that reason. It’s much easier for them to just join me on a trip because they know everything will be planned and an itinerary will be in there inbox 24 hours after they say let’s go!
So here it is! Here is what I did in Napa. No need to plan your own trip. Just use my itinerary.
How to get there?
Napa does not have an international airport so you will need to fly into San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport which is about 50 miles away from Napa. I flew into San Francisco because it was the most cost efficient. My flight from Tampa (TPA) to SFO was about $600. It’s a bit lower for cities that have airline hubs (for example Delta in Atlanta or United in Texas). I rented a car from National to drive down to Napa. It’s about 1.5-2 hours depending on traffic. It’s very scenic so it’s not a bad ride at all.
Where to Stay?
The first time I stayed at a Napa hotel, I stayed in the downtown area. While researching hotels, I found much nicer hotels in other towns within Napa Valley. My preferred hotel chain is Hyatt. I noticed this gorgeous boutique hotel, Alila Napa Valley, in St Helena. It’s about 15 minutes from the center of Downtown Napa. It’s in a great location. It’s definitely a top tier hotel. The rooms have beautiful views of vineyards and their beautiful pool. Alila has amazing amenities including a spa with steam room. Acadia House is the onsite restaurant, so if you want to grab room service or a nice dinner it’s right there. I also loved the drinks there, my favorite was the margarita with sea foam. I love how I was greeted at check in with wine and fruit infused water. Both were delicious. This hotel is a bit pricey but when I go on trips I want it to feel luxurious and like a real getaway.
How to get around?
This really depends on how much you intend to drink. I prefer to only do about 2 tastings per day (no more than 3). Otherwise you can’t really enjoy the calmness of the town. You will be tired and probably a bit intoxicated doing more than 3 tastings a day. If you plan to drink a lot or visit several wineries you may want to hire a driver or hop aboard the Napa Valley wine train.
Where to go to the Spa?
Napa Valley has some of the best spas. During this trip, I did visit the spa at Alila which was really nice. There is a sunroom and super comfty lounge chairs with cucumber infused water. There is also a ritual at the beginning of your service where you pick out 3 herbs (lavender, rosemary, and more) and place them in a pouch. You think about your intentions for your treatment, then the pouch is steeped in water and placed on your feet. After your service you should have released all negative energy and stress. It was a great experience. Fruit and green juice shots are served afterwards.
While I loved my experience at the Alila Spa. I prefer the spa at the Silverado Resort. Silverado has more amenities (including steam room and sauna). They also have many more services. There is a chardonnay body scrub treatment that I absolutely love. It smells amazing and your skin will feel like butter. Unfortunately, because of Covid there is limited availability. Guests who are staying at the hotel receive booking priority. Non hotel guest can only book appointments during the week. If I could have booked my trip from Friday – Tuesday, I would have just so I could visit this spa!
What wineries to visit?
Each time I visit Napa, I like to try a few new wineries but also stop by my favorites. Below is my list and some of the best wineries in Napa.
Elizabeth Spencer – One of my favorites. I had a co worker send me a Syrah years ago back when I lived in Chicago. It was my first introduction to Syrahs. It’s located in Rutherford, CA which is about 10 minutes from the hotel in St Helena.
Caymus – Another one of my favorites. It’s a beautiful outside area and the wine is exceptional.
Joseph Phelps – The view is amazing! When I went it was cooler but on a nice day I could have sat outside sipping for hours looking over the vineyards.
Louis M Martini – I really loved the wine here. Primarily cabernets.
Domain Carneros or Domain Chandon– If you like champagne these are your spots
Chateau Montelena – This was a winery I did visit but other than how cool it looks on the outside you can pass. The wine was just okay.
Brown Estate – This is a black owned winery. Their vineyards are closed because of a fire a some years ago however, there is a tasting room in downtown Napa.
Make sure you book your reservations/ tastings about 4 weeks in advance. The good ones book up well in advance. I would recommend booking tastings not tours. The tours are long (2-4 hours) and pricey. I like to go at my own pace which you can do at a tasting. Napa Valley tastings range from $40-95.
*Note – If you like red wines Napa is where you need to be. If you like white wines there are more options (affordable as well) in Sonoma. Napa is known for its cabernet wines.
Where to eat?
The first stop I make when I land in San Francisco, is a small soul food restaurant downtown, it’s called Brenda’s Soul Food. Of course, I would try this place because my mom’s name is Brenda! It did not disappoint. You can grab breakfast or brunch. I had the fried catfish with mixed vegetables and corn bread stuffing. They also serve mimosas.
I try not to hype things up but baby listen this is the one! Farmstead Long Meadow Ranch is everything. Each time I’ve been in Napa, I eat there twice (back to back). It’s a local restaurant (local foods) with indoor and outdoor casual seating. I have never ordered an entrée because I love to order a bunch of appetizers. I order the meatballs, deviled eggs, wings, and cheese biscuits with butter. This time I also tried the ribs which were okay and the beignets for dessert. Don’t judge me I was on vacation. I also love their drinks (margaritas). Make a reservation on their website because it stays packed. You can also do wine tastings at the restaurant.
Here are some other restaurants I love when I’m in Napa.
Celadon (flavors from the Mediterranean, Asia, and the Americas.) riverfront property in Downtown Napa;
Goose & Gander (casual dining with a speakeasy)
R&D Kitchen or Rutherford Grill (Hillstone Restaurants) – can you say spinach dip?
Bouchon Bakery (not the restaurant- perfect to grab a quick pastry)
Restoration Hardware Restaurant Yountville (beautiful outdoor space with delicious food and belinis)
That’s pretty much it! Bring a jacket, Napa weather can get cool at night. Napa has this quiet and relaxing vibe that will keep you coming back. Need more? Drop a comment or hit me up on IG @allthingstee__
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