This is the ultimate guide to Napa Valley travel!

I recently did just that (previously to Santa Barbara) and just a weekend ago to Napa Valley.

Napa is about an hour away from the Bay Area (depending on which part you’re going to) and it’s a beautiful drive and destination that instantly transports you to Europe.

I have been going to Napa for a long time with family and friends so returning there always makes me feel good. Here is the ultimate guide to Napa Valley travel from where to taste wine, eat and stay!

Where to Wine Taste in Napa Valley

All the wineries and tasting rooms have reopened and wine tasting in Napa is of course a given.

Some of the best and world renowned wines come from Napa, so you are truly tasting the best in the world.

A few wineries to try: Hall Winery — the backdrop is a fantastic vineyard and a gorgeous venue.

Ashes and Diamonds — this is a trendy new winery that has a very mid modern feel.

A Bike Ride: a perfect Napa Valley Travel Idea

Now, I am not much of a bike rider (I learned really late and never really took to it) but I do know how to ride one and every once in awhile I muster up the courage to do so.

Napa has a very safe and spacious bike trail that goes all the way through the valley. It’s a very easy way to ride and stop in different cities along the way.

Yountville, St. Helena and more are easily accessible by bike. Many hotels and inns in Napa offer bikes to ride during your stay, so don’t feel the need to bring your own.

Where to Stay in Napa Valley

Napa has no lack of places to stay from large hotels and resorts to inns and boutique settings — you can have your pick.

For my most recent trip, I stayed at The Setting Inn: a perfect inn ensconced by vineyards on both sides, a homey decor and a barn with a large lawn for relaxing and sipping wine. Bouchon baked goods are delivered to your door in the morning and you can sit on your private deck or balcony overlooking the vineyard. The inn is situated between Napa proper and Yountville, so very accessible to a lot in the valley. It also has bikes to use for an easy ride to Yountville.

Other places to stay in Napa: formerly Vista Collina now Grande Reserve and the Meritage Hotel (in American Canyon, right below Napa proper), Solage in Calistoga (this is a total splurge but worth it!), Silverado outside of Yountville, and Carneros Resort.

What to do during the Day in Napa:

Yountville, Calistoga, and Saint Helena are adorable towns in Napa which offer a lot of character, great food and fun shops.

Yountville is known for its restaurants like the famed French Laundry, while Calistoga is known more for a quaint downtown and a fabulous spa at Indian Springs.

Saint Helena offers the delicious Model Bakery and adorable stores to browse on the main street.

You can also check out hot air balloon rides, I haven’t done one but I do hear they are spectacular.

Where to Eat in Napa Valley

Again, Napa does food very well.

There are so many places to get artisan snacks for a charcuterie platter to 5 star dining.

A local favorite is Rutherford’s right off the highway. They have a delicious wedge salad and a beef au jus sandwich. It’s a casual to upscale vibe that makes you feel like you’re home.

Other restaurants to explore in Yountville would be R & D Kitchen as well as Bistro Jeanty or Bouchon. All are great places to dine!

For something very posh feeling try out RH Yountville — Restoration Hardware’s restaurant.

If you’re in downtown Napa: check out Morimoto for delicious Japanese food in a sleek and cool setting on the Napa river!

All in all, you cannot go wrong with a trip to Napa. From its beauty, charm, and activities you will surely find something to do!

What to wear in Napa (Spring and Summer)