Where to Stay, Sip, and Savor in California’s Wine Country
Cave Tour at Beringer Vineyards
The Ultimate Napa Valley Travel Guide
Where to Stay, Sip, and Savor in California’s Most Iconic Wine Region
Napa Valley is one of those places that somehow lives up to the hype—and then exceeds it. Rolling vineyards, golden hills, architecturally stunning wineries, unforgettable meals, and that unmistakable feeling that time slows down the moment you arrive (especially when you go without the kids).
Whether you’re planning your very first wine country getaway, returning for a cozy Cabernet-season escape, or building the perfect girls’ trip or romantic weekend, this guide pulls together everything you need to plan a Napa Valley trip—from where to stay and sip to what to wear and when to go.
This is your starting point. From here, I’ll link you to detailed hotel reviews, winery guides, itineraries, and packing lists to help you plan the perfect trip! Cheers! 🥂
🗺️ Where Is Napa Valley & How to Get There
Napa Valley is located in Northern California, about one hour north of San Francisco. The valley stretches roughly 30 miles from the city of Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north, with charming towns like Yountville and St. Helenain between.
Getting there:
Fly into: San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), or Sacramento (SMF)
Drive time:
San Francisco → Napa: ~1–1.5 hours
Sonoma County → Napa: ~45 minutes
Once you’re there, having a car is helpful—though if wine tasting is the main event, booking a driver or joining curated tastings can make the experience far more relaxing.
Best time of year to visit Napa is December! You must see the St Helena Downtown Christmas Display
Best Time to Visit Napa Valley
There truly isn’t a bad time to visit Napa, but each season has its own personality.
Spring (March–May)
Fresh, green vineyards, wildflowers, and fewer crowds make spring a beautiful and underrated time to visit.
Summer (June–August)
Long days, warm weather, and peak vineyard views—but also the busiest and most expensive season.
Fall (September–October)
Harvest season is buzzing, golden, and magical. Expect lively wineries and higher prices.
Winter (November–February)
Often called Cabernet Season, winter in Napa is cozy, romantic, and surprisingly luxurious—think fireplaces, mustard blooms, and misty mornings with fewer tourists. It’s my personal favorite!
👉 For a festive winter escape, see:
A Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville
Don’t miss relaxing with a cup of coffee in a tub on the Alila guest room balcony by the fire pit!
🍷 Best Wineries in Napa Valley (By Experience)
With hundreds of wineries, Napa can feel overwhelming—so instead of listing them all, here’s how to think about choosing the right ones for your trip.
Scenic & Elevated Experiences
If sweeping views and bold reds are your thing, wineries tucked into the hills deliver some of Napa’s most memorable tastings.
👉 Winery Review: Chappellet Winery
Perched atop Pritchard Hill, Chappellet combines breathtaking views with some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon in the valley.
Hidden Gems & Instagram-Worthy Stops
Some of Napa’s most charming wineries fly under the radar—with stunning grounds, intimate tastings, and beautiful backdrops.
👉 7 Best Kept Secret Wineries in Napa Valley
A curated list of beautiful and some lesser-known wineries that are as photogenic as they are delicious.
Scribe Winery
Don’t Skip Sonoma County (Right Next Door)
While Napa often steals the spotlight, Sonoma County offers a more laid-back, equally beautiful wine-tasting experience—often with more generous pours and fewer crowds.
👉 Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma County
👉 Winery Review: Scribe Winery – a must-visit for its food-forward tastings and vineyard views
Sonoma is an excellent option if you’re looking to balance your trip or extend your stay beyond Napa.
Napa & Sonoma Wine Tasting Weekend Itinerary
If you’re visiting for the weekend and want a little bit of everything—wine, great food, charming towns—this itinerary is a great place to start.
👉 Wine Tasting Weekend Itinerary in Napa & Sonoma
This guide breaks down where to stay, which wineries to prioritize, and how to pace your tastings so you actually enjoy them.
Cabernet House at Old World Inn - great bed and breakfast in Napa Valley
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Where you stay can completely shape your Napa experience. These are some of my favorite options, depending on your style and budget.
Boutique & Walkable
👉 Cabernet House at Old World Inn
Affordable, charming, and centrally located—perfect if you want to walk to restaurants and tasting rooms.
👉 Andaz Napa
A stylish boutique hotel right in downtown Napa with spacious rooms and an unbeatable location.
Andaz Napa with a giant tub near the window - relaxation at it’s finest!
Nearby Alternatives
👉 Hyatt Regency Sonoma County
Located in Santa Rosa, this is a great home base if you’re splitting time between Napa and Sonoma. Sometimes we stay here for a night, then move to another hotel closer to Napa.
What to Wear & Pack for Napa Valley
Napa style is all about effortless chic—comfortable enough for tastings, polished enough for long lunches and winery patios.
👉 Napa Packing Checklist (Free Download)
Everything you need for a Napa weekend, any season of the year—plus outfit ideas and wine-country essentials.
👉 Chilly Chic & Cabernet Ready: Napa Winter Packing List
From mustard season layers to cozy wine-tasting looks, this guide covers how to dress for Napa in winter without sacrificing style.
Korbel Winery
Helpful Napa Valley Travel Tips
Make tasting reservations in advance—especially on weekends
Plan 2–3 wineries per day max
Balance structured tastings with casual stops
Eat a solid breakfast (trust me)
Stay hydrated and pace yourself
Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting?
Absolutely—but it’s especially perfect if you love:
Wine and food experiences
Beautiful scenery
Slower, intentional travel
Boutique hotels and curated luxury
If you prefer something more casual or spontaneous, Sonoma may be a better fit—but for a polished, iconic wine country escape, Napa Valley is hard to beat.
Ready to Plan Your Napa Trip?
Start with the guides linked above, and build your trip from there. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another unforgettable stay, Napa always finds a way to surprise you.
More Napa posts, please!
Think Napa is only for sundresses and rosé? Think again! Winter in the Valley—or 'Cabernet Season'—is a hidden gem of misty vineyard mornings, cozy fireside tastings, and the vibrant yellow Mustard Bloom. As a native Californian who’s explored Napa in every season, I’m sharing my tried-and-true packing secrets to help you stay effortlessly chic (even in 40-degree weather). From the secret to wearing skirts in the cold to the $18 rain boots that saved my trip, here is exactly how to master the 'Wine Country Chic' look this winter.