As you cruise through Napa Valley, you’ll be greeted by a sign quoting Robert Louis Stevenson: “…the wine is bottled poetry.”
It’s a sentiment with which we wholeheartedly agree. However, while wine is the main draw to this slice of Californian paradise, there’s far more to Napa than what’s poured into a glass.
The best Napa Valley trip is a blend of relaxation, exploration and indulgence. Read on as we discover the true appeal of Napa and help you plan your perfect weekend getaway.
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Why Napa Valley is far more than just a wine destination
Napa Valley achieved global fame after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when wines from the then little-known region outshone esteemed French competitors in a blind tasting. Since then, Napa Valley has been synonymous with great wine – and rightly so. Yet while this corner of Northern California has become a mecca for wine lovers, it offers far more for the discerning traveller.
Napa packs an extraordinary amount of natural beauty into roughly 150 square miles, with rolling vine-covered hills bathed in soft sunshine year-round. Whether you’re cruising scenic roads to explore its 400-plus wineries or melting into a world-renowned hot spring, the valley provides the perfect setting for romantic road trips, luxury group tours, serenity seekers and solo travellers alike.
Wine and scenery aside, Napa Valley is a haven for epicurean travellers, drawing visitors with a broad culinary spectrum ranging from humble food trucks to Michelin star dining. Wherever you’re eating, drinking, driving or reclining, a Napa Valley trip always carries an effortlessly laid-back charm.
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When to visit Napa: seasonal highlights
Truth be told, you can visit Napa in any season and enjoy beautiful scenery, pleasant weather and an abundance of excellent wine. That said, seasonal changes make certain times more appealing, depending on what you’re seeking.
With its glorious sunshine and lush green vines heavy with grapes, summer in Napa is stunning, though naturally also the busiest season. In May, the annual BottleRock music festival comes to town, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the valley for this weekend event.
The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are equally vibrant but far less crowded than summer. Spring in Napa is fresh, green and abundant with wildflowers, while crisp autumn brings harvest season, making it the ideal time for wine lovers.
Visiting Napa Valley in the winter months – known locally as ‘cabernet season’ – is wonderfully tranquil. You may need a cosy jacket for sitting outdoors, but the sun often shines and the scenery remains picturesque. Winter is the perfect time to enjoy a bold red by the fireplace, far from the crowds.
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What to do in Napa Valley
From cruising the open road to raising a glass, there’s much to see, do and taste on a Napa Valley trip. Here are our top picks for what to do.
Visit the towns of Napa
When planning a weekend in Napa Valley, make time to explore the five towns that punctuate the region, each with its own unique charm and reasons to visit.
The city of Napa is vibrant and stylish, and serves as the entertainment capital of the valley. First Street is perfect for shopping, dining and wine tasting, while Oxbow Public Market offers everything from plump sourdough bagels and fresh oysters to decadent chocolate truffles.
At the northern end of the region lies Calistoga – your destination for wellness, with renowned geothermal hot spring pools and mud baths designed to soothe your soul. We love the Spa Solage – a 20,000-square-foot facility with five pools of varying temperatures, and innovative twists on classic mud and mineral treatments.
A few miles south, the relaxed city of St. Helena is ideal for a spot of sophisticated shopping, with upscale boutiques and historic wineries around every corner.
If fine dining and hot-air ballooning appeal, Yountville in the centre of the region should be on your itinerary. This refined, highly walkable town is known for its culinary excellence and picturesque streets.
Finally, at the southernmost point of Napa Valley, the tiny city of American Canyon is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, golfing, nature preserves and many family-friendly activities.
Enjoy curated wine tastings
What better way to begin a Napa Valley trip than by paying homage to its celebrated wine heritage? With more than 400 wineries and nearly 100 tasting rooms packed into this relatively small region, your options for tastings are plentiful.
Where do you start? Perhaps Beringer Vineyards (St. Helena), which was founded in 1876 and holds the title of California’s oldest continuously operating winery. Here you can explore the Victorian era Rhine House mansion and savour critically acclaimed wines. Wine enthusiasts should also visit Chateau Montelena, which is credited with putting Napa Valley on the world map of esteemed wine regions. Many wineries offer curated experiences tailored to your tastes, making each visit unique.
If you can tear yourself away from the region’s exceptional wines, Napa’s craft scene extends to breweries and distilleries producing local beer, whiskey, brandy and vodka. Beyond alcohol, the valley’s Mediterranean climate and fertile soils are ideal for olive growing, and local producers have capitalised on this. Tastings at places like Round Pond Estate in Rutherford and Grove 45 in Calistoga allow visitors to enjoy the fruits of their labour in a truly delicious way.
Indulge in gourmet dining
Napa wine country boasts a dining scene that redefines the term ‘gourmet’. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find a dish to delight.
The region prides itself on its seasonal produce and a farm-to-fork ethos. This approach permeates the culinary landscape, whether you’re enjoying a communal bite at Oxbow Public Market or sampling local favourites from a food truck. A special mention goes to Calistoga Depot, where artisanal quick eats are served in a beautifully restored train station.
Gourmet foodies will feel at home with elegant Japanese dining at Kenzo, or with the golden touch of chef Rogelio Garcia at Auro – both with a Michelin star. For a very special evening, reserve well in advance at The French Laundry, the remarkable three-Michelin-star restaurant in Yountville.
Enjoy scenic drives and outdoor adventures
Just like its neighbour, Santa Ynez wine country, a Napa weekend getaway is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the serenity and exhilaration of Californian nature. Napa is ideal for exploring on foot or by wheel, with countless hiking trails through state parks and rolling hills, and miles of biking routes that draw cyclists from across the country.
Golfers are equally spoiled for choice with pristine courses at Kennedy Park, Mount St. Helena, and the Silverado Resort, while the Chardonnay Golf Club in American Canyon winds its way through acres of chardonnay, merlot and pinot noir grapevines.
Napa Valley is also home to fascinating natural attractions, such as the Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, erupting roughly every 30 minutes. Don’t forget the Petrified Forest, where more than two dozen fossilised sequoia trees await.
The most enjoyable way to take in Napa’s captivating landscapes is surely by road. Whether behind the wheel of a Ferrari or something more understated, a Napa Valley road trip is an experience to savour.
Notable routes include the 35-mile Silverado Trail, which runs through the heart of the valley, linking the towns and offering captivating views of the surrounding vineyards. For a more rural experience, try the scenic Highway 128 (running from the county of Mendocino down to Yolo), or the narrow and winding Pope Valley Road.
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Discover the ultimate Napa Valley trip itinerary
If you’re seeking a Napa getaway that exceeds first class, our luxury Napa Valley vacation package blends unique guided exploration with total indulgence and relaxation.
Over an idyllic long weekend, you’ll explore the flowing country roads, vine-carpeted hills and historic routes of Napa in a fleet of world-class supercars – taking the wheel of multiple latest-release models from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Porsche and more. Driving our jaw-dropping fleet, you can focus entirely on the enjoyment and the thrill of the car, with no concerns about rentals, insurance, navigation or stops.
You’ll also experience the best of Napa’s hospitality, spending three nights pampered at the fabulous Solage in Callistoga. Dining is taken care of throughout the weekend, with hearty breakfasts, light lunches and gourmet dinners in unforgettable restaurants. Savour thoughtfully crafted dishes made from fresh seasonal produce, perfectly paired with illustrious yet approachable wines from this renowned region.
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Explore Napa and other iconic US destinations with HunterMoss
Ready to experience the US like never before? Backed by a decade of expertise and local insight, we curate unforgettable luxury driving tours that balance indulgence, relaxation and authentic cultural immersion with a splash of the extraordinary.
If you want to learn more about our exclusive Napa Valley weekend getaway or any of our US weekend adventures, speak with our friendly travel concierge team today.
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