Karina Style Travels 12/12/24

Our 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary (A Long Weekend in Wine Country)

There are many places I love to travel, but one of the most special trips in my opinion is a visit to wine country. Hunny buns and I recently went to Napa Valley with some friends and had such a lovely time. The weather was crisp yet comfortable, the accommodations were stellar, and of course the vino was top notch.

After putting together the details of our itinerary, I realized that planning a trip to wine country can be somewhat overwhelming. There are obviously tons of wineries to visit and it can be a challenge to know where to start (and what’s really worth checking out!) While I am a firm believer that you can’t really go wrong in Napa, I also know that personal recommendations are always appreciated.

Whether you’re putting together your own trip plans or you’re simply lusting after a wine focused getaway, I’m sharing my go-to Napa Valley travel guide here. Our trip was filled with some much needed R&R, delicious food, and quality time with friends — the perfect combo if you ask me.

Also, I do want to note that we went to Napa in the beginning of December, which is typically a more mellow time to visit (summer and fall are peak tourist times.) If you’re looking to escape the craziness of the popular season, I couldn’t recommend a late fall or early winter trip. The wine tastes delicious year-round so you really can’t go wrong!

Napa Valley Itinerary

Napa Valley Travel Guide

Day 1: Wine & Dine

3:30 pm: Wine tasting at Verité Estate Winery

After arriving in the afternoon, we started off strong by visiting our first winery. We went to Verité Estate and it was hands down the ultimate experience for wine connoisseurs and newbies alike. The property is located just outside of Napa, in another wine focused town named Sonoma (there are tons of wineries and things to do here as well!)

It’s important to note that while some wineries allow walk-ins, tasting experiences at this estate have to be reserved in advance — you can request an appointment here. They offer multiple tasting options as well as a wine and food pairing option. My favorite sips: La Muse, La Joie, Le Désir 2014, and a special vintage from 2010. I am by no means a wine expert but I loved everything I tried nonetheless.

7:30 pm: Dinner at RO Restaurant & Lounge

After an afternoon of wine, there’s nothing better than a good meal. We headed to RO Restaurant & Lounge and were totally wowed by the experience. For starters, the setting is stunning yet it felt intimate and cozy at the same time. The eatery is located in Yountville (again, very close by) and offers Asian-inspired cuisine with a California twist. The chef emphasizes seasonality and local ingredients in all the dishes, which was an added bonus in my mind.

Aside from delicious appetizers and entrees, this spot also serves up a good mix of cocktails (you could really order any type of drink.) I know that sometimes you can get overloaded on the wine front, so it’s nice to switch things up. The friends we were traveling with are big caviar fans so it was fun to share that and learn a thing or two!

Day 2: Wine and Dine (Yes, Again)

10:00 am: Brunch at RH

Another must-visit Yountville gem? RH Restaurant. There are a handful of locations around the country but I’d make a strong case for this one being uniquely special. Just as the brand’s furniture and decor is superior, they really know what they’re doing when it comes to dining. This is a popular spot for dinner and cocktails but we liked starting the morning off with a fun and decadent experience.

The brunch menu (served on weekends only) is robust and truly has something tasty to satisfy every craving. Try the Swedish pancakes, RH scramble, or the Aussie steak and eggs. Oh, and if you want to kick the day off with a “cheers” they have amazing mimosas, Bellinis, and spritz cocktails.

1:30 pm: Wine tasting at Darioush

After brunch, we were off to our first tasting of the day. We went to Darioush, which was a lovely change up from what we had already done/seen. One thing I noticed was that this spot wasn’t as expensive as others we visited, which was an added bonus (wine country visits can get quite pricey!)

In general, I have to say that I was impressed with the Napa tastings we went to — totally different from what we have experienced in France.

3:30 pm: Wine tasting at Rombauer

This property was so stunning (which, yes, is easy to say in Napa.) You can bring your own food to a tasting if you prefer to do things more picnic style. I think this is such a nice option for couples or even those who might be visiting with kids. The history and story behind this vineyard is also really special — I always love supporting a family owned business.

8:00 pm: Dinner at Auberge Du Soleil

Inspired by the South of France, the experience on this property is nothing short of spectacular. Set on 33 hillside acres, Auberge Du Soleil flaunts 50 guest rooms, top notch amenities, and yes, a must-eat-at restaurant.

For fine dining, make a reservation at The Restaurant (you can also eat on the terrace if the weather calls for outdoor dining.) This is the perfect spot for a special dinner with friends or for a celebratory occasion. If you prefer something equally as enchanting yet more laid-back, you could opt for a leisurely lunch or drinks at The Bar.

Day 3: Breakfast

Relax at the Hotel

Every getaway calls for at least one slow morning spent in your cozy hotel room. On day three, we were admittedly a bit tuckered out so we decided to start the day at a relaxed pace.

I know there are loads of lodging options in and around Napa Valley, but if you’re looking for a recommendation, we stayed at the Vintage House at The Estate Yountville and loved it. The spa is to die for and it’s certainly a bucket-list place to get some good R&R in. Overall, the hotel was everything we were hoping for — comfortable, charming, and quiet.

10:00 am: Breakfast at Bouchon Bakery

When I initially shared that we were visiting Napa Valley, I got several messages with glowing recommendations about Bouchon Bakery. It’s a well-loved spot by locals and tourists alike. We waited in a short line and it was fully worth it. You can grab coffee and a variety of baked goods and pastries.

I’d suggest doing this before exploring the shops and strolling through town!

12:30 pm: Lunch at Bouchon Bistro

Sister restaurant to Bouchon Bakery, this eatery is chock-full of personality (with bites to match!) This was another place that I had heard raving reviews about and I was eager to try it out for myself. The ambiance was inviting and the large menu variety was a perk.

Go big with steak frites or a pasta dish or lean toward the lighter side with a simple charcuterie board. It truly was the ideal place to end our wine country visit.

2:00 pm: Head to San Francisco

We had originally planned to spend the afternoon exploring the area in Yountville, but we ultimately decided to head to San Francisco with plenty of time to spare before our flight. We dined at Morella (an adorably designed restaurant) and I must admit that their oysters were some of the best I’ve ever had.

To finish off our trip we ventured to the Fairmont San Francisco for some festive sightings and a nightcap. The decor at the Fairmont during the holiday season is unmatched — if you’re in the area around Christmas you must check it out!

What to Pack for Wine Country

I will be putting together a complete wine country style guide in a separate blog post, but here’s a quick list on what to pack for Napa (for a fall/winter visit.)

– Maxi dresses

– Ankle boots

– Close toed heels

– Denim

– Trousers

– Knit sweaters

– Blazer

– Wool coat

– Tall/over-the-knee boots

– Black ponte pants

– Silk slip skirt

– Lighter layers, like a tweed jacket or cardigan