There’s truly no place like Napa Valley, California. From the beautiful vineyard views, amazing wine, and delicious food, nothing compares to what Wine Country has to offer. It’s the perfect, quiet and peaceful getaway to reset, slow down, and simply enjoy the sunny California weather with a glass of wine in hand. I’ve been to Napa three times and it never disappoints.

Let’s dive into my favorites wineries, restaurants, and places to stay in Northern California. And a piece of advice from personal experience and from tour guides in Napa: book 2 wineries a day (anything more than that will wear you out and you won’t make it to dinner *wink wink*)

Let’s start with the stunning, Davis Estates:

A true hidden gem, Davis Estates prides itself on little to no advertisements and word of mouth. This winery is my absolute favorite in Napa because of the stunning ambiance, friendly staff (including the owner Mike Davis himself), amazing wine, and delicious food pairings. I have been to Davis Estates twice and I would easily rate it a 10/10.

• Tasting & tour price: $125 per person

• Tasting & food pairing (no tour): $100 per person

Up next, Opus One:

Opus One is hard to put into words because it is that breathtaking. It feels like you’re walking through a never ending mansion that has secret hallways and doors to explore with every step you take. The design and architecture exudes luxury and the tasting experience + tour of the property was unmatched.

• Courtyard experience: $100 per person

• Tasting & food pairing: $200 per person

Nickel & Nickel

Nickel & Nickel is just too good not to visit. I’ve been twice and have nothing but great things to say about it. When you first arrive, you feel like you’re stepping into the picture that’s on all of their bottles, but in person. The property has the ambiance of an enchanted garden mixed with a farm with all the greenery and perfectly blossomed flowers.

• Tour and tasting: $100 per person

• Private tasting: $85 per person

Cardinale

Cardinale is so peaceful and serene with stunning views of the mountains. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided an intimate tasting experience.

• Click here to make a tasting request.

Caymus

Caymus is one of the more relaxed wineries with little to no walking around the property. It’s very laid back and a good switch up from the larger wineries that can tire you out. It’s also nice that all of their seating is outdoors, so you’re guaranteed to get to enjoy the sunny weather. Caymus is hands down one of my favorite wines and I’ll be back for another tasting the next time I’m in Napa.

• Tasting: $50 per person

Far Niente

Far Niente is Nickel & Nickel’s sister winery, so you know the service and wine is going to be just as good as Nickel & Nickel. This property is bigger than Nickel & Nickel and with a little more to see, like a vintage car collection and pond area. The tasting experience and wine was great.

• Estate tasting: $90 per person

• Estate tour & tasting: $125 per person

Cakebread Cellars

Cakebread is another gorgeous winery with a laid back ambiance. There isn’t a cellar to walk into, so we just briefly walked through the vineyards and then sat outside to enjoy the tasting. A very relaxing tasting that I highly recommend.

• Tour and tasting: $75 per person

Castello di Amorosa

Castillo di Amorosa is a huge castle and looks straight out of a fairytale movie. This winery is the largest one on my list and has so much to see. From going into the caves and doing a tasting underground, to seeing all the artwork and so much more. I think Castillo is a great way to kick off your Napa trip, especially if it’s your first time. It’s definitely a one-of-a-kind type of experience and won’t disappoint.

• Tour and tasting: $70 per person

• Seated tasting: $60 per person

The final place that I recommend is Belle Glos. While it’s more of a store front and not a winery, it still offers a great experience. Belle Glos is also located right in downtown Napa, so it’s perfect to do a tasting and then walk to lunch or dinner nearby.

• Click here to book a tasting.

Now let’s get into the restaurants!

Dinner:

Cole’s Chophouse

Celadon

Lunch:

Rutherford’s Grill

Mustards Grill

Breakfast:

The General Store

Where to stay:

The first time I went to Napa I stayed at the brand new Archer Hotel in Downtown Napa. It is such a nice hotel and walkable to plenty of restaurants and shops. They have a spa, rooftop pool, and recently added a new steakhouse.

On my second trip I stayed at the cutest bed and breakfast called Blackbird Inn. It was so cozy, intimate and had a cabin-like feel. Breakfast is included and they also offer a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres each afternoon from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm.

And for my most recent visit I stayed at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. The property is really big and has a pool, restaurants, a coffee shop, several outdoor lounge areas with games like cornhole and more. I highly recommend all three of the places. Deciding where to stay all depends on what type of vibe you’re going for. I think Archer is perfect for a more modern luxury vibe, Blackbird is for an cozy and cabin-like vibe, and Napa Valley Marriott offers a little bit of everything and is the largest of the three.

Even after visiting Napa three times, I never get tired of it. Wine Country is so relaxing and I plan to come back each year to explore different wineries.

Leave a comment if you’ve been to Napa or want to visit after reading this post! :)