Chris and I took our first trip to Napa last Spring, and I was completely blown away. Napa is a naturally beautiful place with breathtaking views and gorgeous landscaping everywhere you look; only made better by the world-class culinary scene, unique boutiques, outdoor activities, European meets farmhouse-chic vibe, and of course the wine. Napa was a perfect romantic getaway and would also be a great place to go on a couples trip.
Where to Stay
This is where we stayed and it was beautiful and quaint. The rooms were nice and the grounds were picturesque. Flowers were in bloom everywhere! The on-site restaurant cooked up one of my favorite breakfasts ever, the strawberry French toast. We didn’t swim, but the hotel pool is picture perfect and peaceful. The location was wonderful, too. We were right in downtown Yountville, walking distance to many places, and a short car ride away from everything else.
This is one of the finest places to stay in Napa – known for being the ultimate in luxury, inspired by the south of France. It seemed to me that it was a little further away from Yountville and St. Helena, but there is a lot to explore on the hotel grounds itself including the beautiful views, world class dining, spa, wine tastings and more..This will definitely be on my list of places to stay on a return trip.
Calistoga Ranch (Auberge Resort)
This resort located in the canyon area of Napa is all about a peaceful getaway and connecting with nature. The property offers access to several different outdoor activities.
This is one of Napa’s newest additions and more of a small inn or bed and breakfast, in a restored historic home with unique rooms and an on-site scratch kitchen. The blogger Monika Hibbs recently stayed there, and she had many wonderful things to say about her experience. It looks so quaint and beautiful!
Where to Wine
A gorgeous property, organic gardens, vintage barn, house-made jams, knowledgable guides and delicious wine…need I say more?
Perched up on the side of a mountain, this vineyard has the most spectacular views and it feels like you are walking through the gardens of Versailles. The founder was quite the francophile (as am I), and you will find yourself lost in the beauty of the vineyards, gardens or the very large underground wine cellars. Through the winery, you can plan a mini-excurion where you are driven to the highest point in Napa to have a picnic lunch and wine.
I have always been a fan of Cakebread wine, and the place where it’s made did not disappoint. Cakebread is located in the valley (similar to Frog’s leap), with views of the mountains in the distance. It’s beautiful and charming. They also have a very cool wine tasting area for wine club members; a place that makes you want to spend the afternoon on the patio sipping wine.
This winery is accompanied by a replica of an old Italian castle, and many of the pieces were shipped over from Europe. It’s very historic looking and different than any other place in Napa. I consider this winery a must see because it’s so unique and the views and surrounding landscape are amazing. However, it was definitely an overcrowded tourist spot. The wine is very good and they don’t distribute outside their winery much, so it is a unique experience to try wines that you can’t find anywhere else. They also have house made candles that smell yummy!
I was very drawn to this property, and I think it’s because it has an old southern charm. It reminds me of a plantation home in the South with the most beautiful old trees I’ve ever seen. You could absolutely waste the day away here in the best possible way.
Where to Dine
Where do I even start with this perfect place? The scene feels like an organic garden on a farm with a quaint little house on property. The seasonal farm-to-table menu is delicious. Enjoy indoor or outdoor dining and a general store with tasty treats.
There are several of these restaurant concepts from RH popping up in major cities across the country. I have also been to the one in NYC and loved it. Each one has beautiful decor and ambiance, delicious food and great service. The Yountville location is set under 100 near old oak trees and sparkly crystal chandeliers. Try the roasted artichoke (pictured below) and truffle fries.
A lunch spot concept from Thomas Keller (the same restauranteur responsible for The French Laundry) without the outrageous price point and wait. There are even some of the same items on the menu. I felt like I was eating in a legit French bistro, only with better food and service.
What to Pack
We had perfect weather when we visited the first week in May. It gets pretty cool in the evening but it warms up when the sun is shining during the day. I highly recommend a hat because the sun tends to beat down on you while touring the vineyards. A cardigan or denim jacket is also a must. If you are traveling through San Francisco, make sure to pack extra warm stuff. I was freezing in San Fran!
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