Spending a perfect day in Napa Valley based on our adventures.

We first checked on Napa, California for a quick day trip but had to return for a weekend with a friend. We enjoyed some good time with friends and of course, checked out some great wineries.

If you have a weekend to get away Napa is the perfect Northern California. You get to enjoy the sunshine while drinking delicious wine.

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Where to Eat

Bouchon Bakery and Cafe

Located in Yountville of the Napa Valley area, Bouchon needs to be on your restaurant list. It has a French vibe and is super chic. This place is very popular so make sure to have a reservation. We also went early to avoid crowds.

If you don't have time to sit down then at least stop by the bakery portion and picked up some yummy treats. But again be prepared to wait in line because this place is loved by everyone.

If you do end up in the cafe, make sure you try the Croque Madame which is Phil's favorite.

Villa Corona Cocina Mexicana

After drinking some wine it's important to get a full stomach and Villa Corona is the perfect place. You order at their counter and then they bring the food out with tortilla chips and salsa.

They also have great drinks to choose from to rehydrate like jamaica. We loved filling up after wine tasting before heading home.

What to Do

Wine Tasting

Wine tasting is the go-to activity when visiting Napa...it is wine country after all! We suggest doing about three wineries MAX as it can get pricey and at that point, you don't want to get too drunk. It's also a good idea to make sure the ones you pick are close together as you can easily find your DD driving you 45 minutes in between tastings.

Always drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. If you don't have a DD you can always take an Uber or Lyft, feel free to click either link for our referral codes. You get some money and so do we!

Here are some places we have checked out but you really cannot go wrong trying different ones. If you pick one different from our suggestions make sure you don't need a reservation as some wineries require it for tastings.

Artesa Estate Vineyard and Winery

This is top on our list of favorite wineries in Napa. You don't need a reservation but the outdoor terrace area can fill up quickly so calling ahead may not be the worst idea. They are open daily 10-5 and even if the outdoor area is full there is an indoor bar and tapas area.

Artesa had the best landscaping and even the front entrance is breathtaking. The view on the terrace lets you enjoy wine and cheese while enjoying a cool breeze and views of Napa.

Domain Chandon

Visiting Chandon was a must for us because you can do a tasting of sparkling wine which happens to be Kelsey's favorite. Once you get your glass filled with a tasting you can walk around the property and find seating outside.

The views outside are amazing and feel very Napa as it looks out on the vineyards. We also walked through the vines which may or may not have been allowed but no one told us we couldn't. 

Chateau Montelena Winery

If you love history and want to learn about the wines you are drinking in detail, then Chateau Montelena is the place for you. The tasting room is decorated with history about the winery.

During the tastings, you learn a ton about the wines they serve. Their tasting price includes their Cabernet Sauvignon costing more than $150.

The property is beautiful with trees and ponds are there to check out after or before the wine tasting, not during. The Chateau is impressive and makes you feel like you are in France.

Castillo di Amorosa

We checked out this winery because the thought of being in a castle sounded cool but this place ended up being too touristy for us. The price is more than other wineries and they don't let the DD come in unless they also purchase a tasting ticket. For us, that's a big negative since Phil doesn't drink and we feel discourages a DD.

Being in the castle was cool but it was very busy and the wines we on par with the other places we checked out. We suggest maybe just driving by, seeing the castle, and then going somewhere else.

Napa Farmers Market

The Napa Valley not only grows great wine but great produce. If you are in Napa check out the farmers market for some snacks and fresh fruit while in town.

We went in the morning to get a coffee pick-me-up and baked goods but liked having fruit for after wine tastings. The farmers market is open Tuesday and Saturday from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and has a great selection of vendors.

We hope our travel guide for Napa, California will inspire you and help you plan your next trip. Enjoy some of the best wines in wine country while enjoying the Cali sun. Happy Adventuring!

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