We’re lucky to live close to one of the most famous wine regions in the world—Napa Valley. And, we’ve taken full advantage of being a short 45 minute drive away from such a beautiful place overflowing with incredible wineries. We spend many birthdays and holidays enjoying great wine and food throughout the area — from Napa to St. Helena to Calistoga.
Over the years, we’ve done a good job figuring out how to spend the perfect day in Napa. Whether we’re going for a day or for the weekend, we’ve learned that trying to fit in as many wineries as possible is NOT a good goal. It took a lot of trial and error to perfect our formula, but with four simple rules, you can make your next Napa getaway the best one yet.
Prepare for a Great Wine Tasting Day
These easy steps can make or break a perfect day in Napa, or any other wine region. They are simple rules that will make the day, and day after, much more fun.
Eat Breakfast
I’ve made the mistake of skipping breakfast. With lots of good food and wine ahead, it can seem like a good idea. Trust me, it’s not. You need a good meal to start things off to make sure you don’t regret things the next day. Overnight oats, fruit and yogurt, toast with peanut butter, and a large glass of water with lemon will get the day started right.
Limit Visits
Timing is everything in order to have a successful day in wine country. We have found that visiting one winery in the morning helps set a good pace for the day. We aim for a 11:00 or 11:30 am start. Our second visit is usually planned for 2:00 or 2:30 pm. That allows us to not feel rushed, have time for lunch, and fit in an end of the day visit if we’re feeling up for it.
Savor Lunch
There are so many incredible restaurants near the vineyards, so take a break from your wine tasting to visit one. Slow down, refuel, and take in some of the best food in the country. Strategize your location based on the wineries you’re visiting so that you don’t run late. Yountville, St. Helena and Calistoga all have great options.
Plan Ahead
The final tip is to plan winery visits ahead of time. This means doing some research to find wineries that require appointments. Napa is a popular destination and there are over 400 wineries open for tastings. Many are overcrowded, but those that require appointments offer a much better experience.
There is a cost of reservations, but the experience is worthy it. You’ll learn more about the winery, tour the vineyards, and taste a wide range of wines. You may even get the chance to try a few “off-menu” options—it’s definitely worth asking! If you’re in the market to purchase wine, the tasting fees are often waived if you buy a specific amount, which varies by winery. Be sure to map out your trip in advance. Wineries in the hills can take a long time to get to due to narrow, winding roads, and it’s important to arrive on time if you have appointments.
Spending a little time planning your trip in advance pays off. I’m fortunate to have a husband that loves to do this, and I gladly reap the benefits. Below are some of our favorite restaurants and wineries to help get your started on planning your next visit to Napa.
Where to Eat in Napa Valley
There are a number of towns throughout Napa Valley that offer incredible restaurants. You’ll find some of the best food at even the most casual spots, like Gott’s Roadside. The quality, freshness and flavor are hard to beat. Below are some of my favorites, along with with a few of the many wineries that are worth visiting.
Where to Eat
Top Restaurants in Napa Valley
St. Helena
This bakery is incredible. Hearty egg sandwiches on homemade English muffins, incredible muffins and scones, outrageous bread pudding, and a full range of coffee and espresso drinks. Go early, or expect a wait.
Casual atmosphere on bustling Main Street in the heart of St. Helena. Find everything from burgers to mussels to salads, a full bar, and many local and imported wines.
Beautiful indoor and outdoor space. Great cocktails, delicious food. A good spot for lunch, drinks, or dinner.
One of my all time favorite restaurants for authentic Italian food. Sit inside and enjoy the amazing homemade pasta dishes.
Yountville
An authentic French bistro that was started by Thomas Keller in 1998. It remains an institution, offering a stocked raw bar with oysters on the half shell and other mouth watering seafood, and dishes including mussels, roast chicken, and perfectly refreshing salads.
I haven’t been lucky enough to eat at The French Laundry, but I’m pretty content with the pastries from Bouchon Bakery, which is also owned by Thomas Keller. Try the bite sized chocolate brownies for a truly decadent treat.
Sushi, sandwiches, salads, and a handful of entrees will please every member of your group. Although I used to come with larger groups, according to the website, they only seat smaller tables now, so call ahead to learn more.
Another classic French bistro at the southern end of Yountville. This quaint restaurant has been around for more than two decades, offering fresh French cuisine in a laid back atmosphere.
Okay, not a restaurant, but it’s the first storefront from Chef Thomas Keller and worth a visit if you’re in Yountville. Meticulous in its layout, loaded with Chef’s favorite things—from cookbooks to kitchen utensils to chocolates. A perfect place to pick up gifts for your friends back at home.
Calistoga
I’ve probably eaten at this Calistoga restaurant more than any other restaurant in Napa. We’ve celebrated many birthdays at Solage, which is where the restaurant is located and it never disappoints. There’s plenty of outdoor seating at the restaurant and bar. Music is always playing. The atmosphere is amazing. You’ll never go wrong with a glass of rose and an order of fish tacos or spicy shrimp lettuce wraps.
Must-Visit Wineries
These four wineries are reservation-only options and offer fantastic tastings, tours and pairings. You’ll get an opportunity to learn more about the winery, how the wines are made and may even get to test some “off menu” options.
This winery offers outdoor wine tasting in a beautiful, private setting. On our last visit, we tasted different single vineyard Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, learning how soil type, location, and weather all impact the flavor of the wine. This family-owned winery welcomes children and pets, so bring the crew with you! Wines from their property in Oregon can be found here.
We started visiting Hunnicutt years ago when tastings where held in a tiny, unassuming room. Today, they have an 18,000-foot network of caves and gorgeous outdoor tasting space. We’ve had cheese and wine tasting in the cave and have rented the outdoor space for a private party, and both were amazing. The staff is very friendly and they offer a wide range of estate wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County, including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Located on Silverado Trail, Davis Estate has an open air tasting room with a chef-inspired kitchen, crafting delicious seasonal samples to enjoy alongside your flight of wine. These pairings are a great way to understand how food impacts the flavor of wine. There are a range of experiences available offering in depth education and estate tours.
This St. Helena winery focuses on making age-worthy wine that expresses the vineyards and. Set up an appointment to meet this lovely family and taste the estate Cabernet Sauvignon, of which only 1200 cases are made. The Designation red blend may also be available depending on the time of year (only 325 cases produced), or a white wine that is often made for friends and family.
