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PACKING SECRETS: What to pack and what to leave at home when wine tasting in Napa!
Packing checklist for Napa, California. Things you’ll need for a weekend in Napa any season of the year. Style and outfits for Napa Valley wineries. What to pack for Napa and a free downloadable packing checklist.
PACKING ESSENTIALS for wine tasting in Napa Valley in Northern California plus FREE packing checklist!
We go to Napa about once a year, so I’m sharing my packing secrets with you! Layering is very important as mornings and evenings tend to be cooler in Northern California no matter what season it is! Here are year-round suggestions for what to pack for Napa!
Related Post: How to Spend a Weekend in Napa - Complete Itinerary
Download our FREE Napa packing list!
Since I love to organize things, I sorted my list by category so it is foolproof not to leave something behind. Granted Napa does have shops and anything can be bought there, but I’d rather save my money to come back!
Want a FREE printable/downloadable pretty travel checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
Click the image to shop Great Dress Options for Napa that Won’t break the bank!
CLOTHING TO PACK FOR A WEEKEND IN NAPA
Dresses - I love wearing short dresses around the wineries and to maxi dresses to dinner. During Winter, I pack cute sweaters for the day and maybe a dress for a fancy dinner.
Stay Warm - For mornings and cooler nights bring a sweater or three. During Winter, it can get to 50 degrees during the day and even cooler at night; so I’d pack a cute coat!
Workout Clothes - If you need to sweat it out! Some great scenery to run around Napa or hit the hotel gym.
Sneakers - great to have if you’re walking around or going on adventures
Plane Outfit - I love a good oversized top and leggings.
Basics - Socks, Underwear, Bras, Sports Bras, PAJAMAS!
Small Purse - to hold an ID, Credit card, cash, phone, lipstick, gum and maybe a car key
Accessories/Jewelry - Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Watch
Bubble wrap or a travel wine bag - If you think you will be purchasing some wine, bring some bubble wrap or something to put wine in and then pack the wine in the middle of your suitcase on your way home with your clothes protecting the bottles. You’ll have to check the bag if you’re flying with wine. Pro TIp: If you sign up for a wine club at the winery, you can add your favorite wines you sampled that day and have them ship with your first order.
What not to pack: DON’T OVERPACK! Plan your outfits ahead of time and see what you can mix and match or get away with packing just 1 extra pair of shoes! Everything should fit in a carry-on. Don’t pack a wine opener with a small blade for the foil - I speak from experience.
WINE TASTING DAY ESSENTIALS
Comfortable Footwear - Summer is warm with a breeze, Fall and Spring can go either way, Winter can be cold and rainy. No matter when you go, cute and comfortable shoes are always a great idea.
Sunglasses - Sojo Sunglasses on Amazon are budget-friendly, great quality, and trendy!
Camera - Napa Valley is picturesque, take it all in and take a photo!
Compact Travel Umbrella - Northern California is often rainy! Check the weather in Napa before you go!
Water Bottle - Stay hydrated! Collapsable bottles are great!
Snacks - We like to have granola bars, gummi bears, and M&M’s on hand for the car, in the room, or just to enjoy with some wine!
Cute tote or purse - You’ll need something to hold the above. If you have a designated driver, bring a small purse, and leave some things in the car!
What not to pack: Don’t bring your make-up bag, tons of lotions, or heavy things in your bag. Your day will typically consist of walking around or standing, don’t put too many things in your purse.
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
TOILETRIES FOR NAPA
Basics - Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel (if you prefer your own, most hotels have these)
Deodorant - Might be considered a basic, but something you really don’t want to forget!
Sunblock - We like to walk the vineyards or sit on a patio, protect your skin!
First Aid - I pack a few bandaids, Neosporin, aspirin… just in case (so much wine)!
Manicure Set - Manicure scissors (small TSA friendly ones), Nail clipper, tweezers, small nail file
Makeup! - I forgot my makeup bag once. It wasn’t pretty.
Hairbrush and Comb
Hairspray/Gel
Hair ties and Bobby pins - Never know when the wind will pick up and no one likes hair in their wine.
Curling Iron or Flat Iron - Get Instagram ready!
Feminine Products
ELECTRONICS FOR NAPA
GoPro - Get those driving shots with a camera mount on your car!
Camera - We love our DSLR for a higher quality shot
iPad - load it up with shows for the plane before you go and refresh the apps the day before you leave as some downloads won’t work after 24 hours.
Mobile Phone - I mean I can’t go 10 minutes without mine.
Headphones - don’t forget the little jack for Apple devices
External battery - keep your electronics charged!
Cables - don’t forget your charging cables
See more plane tips here: Flying in 2019: Tips and Trick for the Airport and Airplane
Want a FREE printable/downloadable checklist with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
CARRY-ON LUGGAGE RECOMMENDATION
Would you believe me if I said I fit everything on my list for a 4-5 day trip in a carry-on and personal bag? We have the best carry-on that is spacious and seriously compacts all of our clothes - Travel Pro. Most pilots and plane attendants carry this Travel Pro model as well. Although I love the ease of steering with 4 wheels, having 2 wheels you get an extra couple of inches!
Travelpro Crew 11 - Softside Expandable Rollaboard Upright Luggage, Black, Carry-On 22-Inch
Find the best rate to visit paradise by booking your room through Booking.com Not only will you find the best rate out there but by clicking this link and booking a night, I receive a commission at no additional cost to you! PLEASE support our blog and bookmark this link! :-) Thanks!
Want a FREE printable/downloadable list with everything in this post? Click here: Packing Essentials Checklist for Napa or shop directly from our Amazon list with outfit ideas and budget-friendly accessories!
If you liked this post please share it on your favorite social media site using the Share button below because we’d love to get the word out! Feel free to pin this to your favorite Pinterest board:
Packing Essentials for Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California
More Napa Valley related posts:
7 Best Kept Secret Wineries to Visit in Napa, California - with map!
We love wine which makes it hard to decide where to go in Napa! See our favorite places to go and best kept secret wineries to visit in Napa, CA. See the most instagrammable spots in Napa! #wine #napa
Updated January 21, 2026
Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery - Prettiest Winery in Napa Valley
7 Most Beautiful Wineries to go Wine Tasting in Napa, California
If you’re looking for the most beautiful wineries in Napa Valley, this guide focuses on wineries that stand out for their scenic vineyard views, unique architecture, and unforgettable settings. These are the wineries that feel just as special as they look—perfect for photos, relaxed tastings, and memorable Napa Valley experiences.
*Updated January 2026 to reflect current winery experiences and reservation policies.*
Napa Valley is my FAVORITE place for wine tasting and there are so many wineries to visit! Napa is located about 2 hours North of San Francisco and is considered part of wine country in Northern California. I LOVE WINE which makes it very difficult to figure out where to go in Napa since there are so many great options!
These Napa Valley wineries were selected not only for their great wine but also for their picture-perfect settings and scenic vineyard views — ideal for travelers who want more than just a tasting flight, but Instagram-worthy experiences and unforgettable landscapes.
I've not only done my own extensive research in personal tastings, so I have made this awesome map so you can see how close the vineyards are:
Are you wondering where to stay in Napa and Sonoma? See our full reviews and how much we loved staying at the Cabernet House and ANDAZ NAPA in Downtown Napa, as well as the Hyatt Regency in Sonoma! My absolute favorite was the Alila in St Helena, they had bath tubs and fire pits on their guest room balconies!
Please see our related posts: HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND WINE TASTING IN NAPA and THE BEST WINERIES IN SONOMA COUNTY which also coincides with this map!
Don’t leave for Napa without these essentials (see more in our Napa Winter Essentials Post or our Napa Packing Checklist post):
What Makes a Winery Worth Visiting in Napa Valley
Vineyard views & landscape
Unique architecture & tasting rooms
Outdoor spaces & gardens
Photogenic features (arches, fountains, vineyards)
Now, onto the best wineries for first timers in Napa!
Chappellet's vineyard on Pritchard Hill from the midst of Molly Chappellet's garden! Photo Courtesy of Chappellet
CHAPPELLET WINERY - Best Winery with Views in Napa
Addresses: Pritchard Hill Location 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574 (in the mountains with breath taking views) or their Sonoma Location 27 East Napa St, Suite A, Sonoma, CA 95476 (wine tasting room)
Reservations Required?: Yes, book your wine tasting/tour here: Chappellet.com - Ask for Theo, she’s the best!
Cost?: $$$ Tour and tastings start at $125 per person, the wine is worth every penny
Food?: Cheese & Crackers
I like to look for wineries that aren’t as mainstream, that might have a nice view, and great wine. My research this year found Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! And I love my reds! I loved the history of the land and learning about the Chappellet family, owners of this breathtaking winery. We had such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to go back!
See our full review here: Chappellet Winery Review
Mumm Napa Best Vineyard Views
MUMM NAPA - Best Vineyard Views in Napa Valley
Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Reservations Required?: Reservations are recommended but not required for fewer than six guests. Limited walk-in seating is available on a first-come first-served basis. Visit this link to book you reservation https://www.mummnapa.com/wine-tastings-and-tours/
Cost?: $$ Tastings start around $48 on the patio/salon; Tours are $125
Food?: Cheese/Crackers and snacks
Mumm Champagne is one of my favorites and the winery with vineyard views didn’t disappoint. I loved my visit and tasting so much, I even joined their wine club. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I can't wait to come back again and again!
We walked up around 11a without a reservation and were seated immediately. Since it was December and on the cooler side, we opted to sit in the salon for our tasting.
Although this is more of a popular brand name, I had to include it because it’s my favorite!
Bunny Foo Foo at Hall Wines Vineyard
HALL WINES Napa Valley modern winery with vineyard views
Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (St Helena Location)
Reservations Required?: Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome. Groups 7+ please contact in advance.
Cost?: $$$ Tastings: $40, Tours starting at $60
Food?: Not really
I was excited for Hall since they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, winning many awards for their 100 point cabs! Also, not going to lie, I love bunny foo foo, especially when he is holding a light saber (Star Wars was released in theaters that weekend). Speaking of, they had amazing art throughout the winery, in the gardens, in the tasting room, everywhere!
This vineyard had more of a modern flair with an artistic eye, making it more unique. Their tasting bar was setup on the second floor near floor to ceiling windows with spectacular vineyard views. And we witnessed another beautiful sunset..
Related: See more St Helena Vineyards in our Curated Christmas in Napa: A Luxury 3-Day Guide to St. Helena & Yountville Post!
LARKMEAD VINEYARDS WINERY - Unique Winery in Napa Valley
Larkmead Winery - patio vineyard views
Address: 1100 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Yes, https://www.larkmead.com/visit/ Book in advance!
Cost?: $$$ About $90 for a tasting; Bottles start at $75
Food?: Not that I could see, just lots of wine!
Their website says it best: "Surrounded by the serenity of our beautiful vineyard, each visit to Larkmead is personal and unique. Guests enjoy a private guided tour of the winery followed by an in-depth tasting with a dedicated member of our team. Our cellar library holds over 2,000 bottles spanning two centuries." Their cabernets were smooth and rich (and perfect).
Wine is served in fancy Zalto glasses which run about $75 a pop!
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA - Scenic Winery Castle in Napa
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA Wins Scenic Winery in Napa Valley and Kid Friendly
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Yes, you must have a reservation in advance.
Cost?: $$$ Starts at $45 just to get into the castle and comes with a tasting. Designated Drivers also need to pay an entrance fee, even if they aren't drinking! There are guided tours and food pairings as well.
Food?: Yes, see the Royal Pairings Menu
Kid Friendly! It is $25 for kids to join but they will be entertained!
This 13th Century Tuscan inspired castle is picture perfect scenery for a winery! You can visit the knight’s hall and their flagship cabernet sauvignon is a must-try. Animals from goats to chickens surround the castle, including some gorgeous peacocks! Not something you see every day in Napa.
Domaine Carneros looks like an elegant French Chateau
DOMAINE CARNEROS is the most Elegant Winery in Napa Valley
Address: 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve or call 707.257.0101 ext 150, daily 9-5 PST
Cost?: $$ Daily tastings start at $45, Tours are $125 see more info here: Visit Domaine Carneros
Food?: Snacks are available, food pairing is an option here.
The French Chateau esthetic at Domaine Carneros is utterly breathtaking! Walking up through the garden among the waterfalls feels like you galavanted across the world to a European vineyard! We made a reservation in advance and were seated right away. I love Champagne and the sparkling wine here was to die for. Since it was my birthday, the waiter was so kind to bring out a bottle of their best reserve wine, Le Reve, and give us a taste!
Del Dotto Wine Caves
Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery - Prettiest Winery in Napa Valley
Address: 1445 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve here or call: (707) 963-2134
Cost?: $$$ Bar Tasting – $75 or Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting (90 min) $120 per person
Food?: From house-cured salumi and slow braised meats to vegetables from their garden and Grandma Dee’s handmade ravioli, Chef Joshua and the entire culinary team collaborate on a unique menu that embodies the season and pairs perfectly with the wines.
The tasting was more expensive than other vineyards, but it included cheese, bread and olive oil! I highly recommend venturing into their gorgeous Venetian caves known as the tour with barrel tasting. Check out that chandelier! The tasting room is beautiful decked out with venetian paintings, tiling, marble pillars and expensive wines making it the prettiest winery in Napa!
Do you have any wineries that we need to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Need another glass? Try some more:
Winery Review: Chappellet Winery - Great views and even better wine!
While in search of the best winery in Napa and Sonoma, I discovered Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! Where you must go wine tasting in your next trip to Northern California! #wine #winetasting #napa
Updated January 24, 2026
Photo Courtesy of Chappellet - Chappellet's vineyard on Pritchard Hill from the midst of Molly Chappellet's garden
Chappellet Winery
Address: 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574
Website: https://www.chappellet.com
With thousands of wineries to choose from to taste wine in Napa and Sonoma up in Northern California, it extremely hard to pick which one(s) to visit. Although the big distributers such as Kendall Jackson or Mumm are some of my favorite, I also like to look for wineries that aren’t as mainstream, that might have a nice view, and great wine. My research this year found Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! I loved the history of the land and learning about the Chappellet family, owners of this breathtaking winery. We had such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to go back! Now to the details…
Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com
Related Posts: see our Napa Winter Itinerary post
FAMILY OWNED: The Chappellet Family
Chappellet - Close Up of Vineyard and Lake - Bob McClenahan photography
The Chappellet Family has owned the land on Pritchard Hill for 50 years and have pioneered their way to grow crops at a higher elevation and produce a luscious red wine. Dated back 4 million years, the area was once occupied by a 14,000 foot volcano! Over time and much erosion, the area has sculpted into what it is today with dramtic slopes and rocky volcanic soils. Rising between 800 to 1,800 feet with a variety of different exposures and soil types, the Chappellets along with the help fo David Pirio (vineyard manager) have worked hard to perfect farming techniques as well as practicing environmentally conscious farming methods. In 2012, Chappellet Vineyard was awarded organic certification from California Certified Organic Farmers.
Donn and Molly moved their family to Pritchard Hill in 1967 after discovering the beautiful vista views and an opportunity to make a living off of the land. The tasting room and production end are in a triangular shaped building that looks like it was built into a hill. The structure inside was upholstered and decorated with the most beautiful wood.
Chappellet main room - Holiday event
Today, their children Cyril, Carissa and Dominic Chappellet, now oversee the day-to-day operations. Cyril and Dominic deal with the management and logistics of business, where as Carissa is a lawyer as well as an artist, overseeing all legal affairs of the company as well as applying some of her artistic talents. She loved to draw dragons as a child, and wanted them to be put on wine labels. Donn told her that dragons didn’t have anything to do with the winery, so Carissa wrote her own book about the Dragons of Pritchard Hill.
Every year wine club members look forward to a new dragon design with a story to go with it on the back of the label!
Related post: See our Napa packing lists - Fall/Winter or Spring/Summer
RED, RED WINE
If you like red wine, THIS IS YOUR PLACE! The Chappellets were inspired to create a world-class wine such as a Bordeaux. Of the vineyard’s 102 planted acres, approximately 65 are Cabernet Sauvignon, with the remainder consisting of small blocks of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chenin Blanc.
Wine Tasting and Tour
Chappellet's extensive 90-minute Vineyard Tour and Tasting includes a walk through the organic vineyards and a seated tasting of new releases. As I mentioned, it was POURING down rain so we got a quick tour of the facility and had a lovely tasting. Theo was our guide and she was unbelievable! So knowledgeable about the process and the Chappellet family, she really made the tour fun and interesting.
Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com Ask for THEO! :)
Wine tasting in the Rain = cover your glass!
We started with their 2014 Signature Chardonnay which had a creamy texture instead of the buttery oak taste I was expecting. Aromas of citrus and apricot went well with the notes of sweet oak and spice.
Then we proceeded through the bottle processing area to where the wine is stored and aged!
wine waiting for me to drink at Chappellet
Here Theo thoroughly explained how they cultivate and store wine, sprinkling in details of the land and environmentally conscious farming methods, as I had previous mentioned. We would have taken a tour of the vineyards but it was too wet and muddy so we moved into the tasting room.
Chappellet Wine Tour Seating
We tried a few amazing wines in here including:
2013 Chappellet Napa Valley Zinfandel - aromas of ripe berry, fig & plum, and layered black pepper, sage, cedar & briary spice. Very nice and smooth for a Zin! I loved the pepper taste to it, leaving a very earthy flavor to it.
2014 Chappellet Napa Vallet Malbec - aromas of cherry, creme de cassis and anise, with French oak-inspired hints of clove and nutmeg. On the palate wild berry, grenadine, chocolate and coffee.
2015 Chappellet Napa Valley Las Piedras - aromas of black cherry and cassis with a palate of dark berry, plum, and cedar. This was my favorite of them all! As a blend of 55% Cabernet, 20% Malbec, and a mix of Petit Verdof, Cab Franc, and Merlot, IT WAS PERFECT! Definitely ordering more bottles.
The art around the winery was so unique and beautiful. Most of the art was painted by the family or hand picked by the family.
VIEWS
Chappellet Garden View - photo by Molly Chappellet
Of course the day we went it was pouring down rain so we didn’t venture out too far but the grounds were still beautiful! We got some great moody rainy pictures:
Chappellet Winery - best vineyard with views
Chappellet Winery - best vineyard with views, dramatic winter
I would go back to Chappellet in a heartbeat for the wine, views and company! Thanks so much to the Chappellet team for hosting us!
Book your wine tasting tour here: Chappellet.com Ask for THEO! :)
Looking for great suggestions as to where’s to stay in Napa?
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Need another glass? Try these spots in California:
Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma Weekend Itinerary with map!
After multiple trips to Napa, we’ve come up with the perfect weekend itinerary! See where to go wine tasting in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County region. We also have suggestions where to stay and our favorite restaurants for some grub! #napa #wine #winetasting
Where to go Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma - map included
For my 31st birthday, I couldn't decide what I wanted to do. Gathering all my friends at a loud bar doesn't have the same ring as it did when I was 21. People told me I would slow down at some point, but I think I've just figured out better use of my time. ;-) So Josh and I decided to explore wine country! Now we go back every year for my birthday!
Here’s my map that I made to see which vineyards/wineries (Instagrammable for sure) I wanted to go to:
Getting to NorCal Wine Country from Los Angeles
We just did a weekend getaway leaving Los Angeles late Friday night and coming back late Sunday afternoon. Since it was a such a quick trip, we decided to stay in Santa Rosa and Napa instead of San Francisco because the commute to San Francisco is about an hour each way.
Oakland had cheaper and more desirable flights times on Southwest, so of course we used points and our companion pass that we earned with points. We got a decent rate on a rental car from Alamo and by 9:30p on Friday night, we were on a crazy rainy road to Santa Rosa.
There was a toll bridge for $5 which was well worth not driving the extra hour or so that google maps suggested to avoid toll roads. It took us about an hour to get to Santa Rosa from Oakland (not bad)!
RESTAURANT & BREWERY: Third Street Ale Works
Address: 610 3rd St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
We drove straight to the Third Street Aleworks before it closed for a bite to eat (and maybe a beer or two). It reminded me of a grungier BJ's Brewery, with a bigger selection of their own brews made in-house. For a little over $20 they brought out their taster collection of 18 beers in 4-ounce glasses. I, of course, liked the IPA's and made Josh drink everything else, especially the sours.
Where to Stay in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County
HOTEL: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
Address: 170 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, California, USA, 95401
We checked into our hotel for the night, the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country which had been renovated recently. The lobby had a lodge feel with a beautiful Christmas tree in the center of the room. They even had warm apple cider for guests! The hotel rooms were very modern and beds were pretty comfortable. Had a perfect night sleep for a full day of drinking.
See our full review here: HOTEL REVIEW: Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country
RESTAURANT & BREWERY: Russian River Brewery
Address: 725 4th St, Santa Rosa, CA 95404
The next day, we were contemplating on going to breakfast or getting in line for the Russian River Brewery. We went RRB! Business opens at 11a and there was already a line for people to run in and get their Pliny the Elder supply for the weekend. We couldn't decide what beers to get so we decided to taste them all (it was cheapest that way, at least that's how we looked at it). It's 5 o'clock somewhere.
We consumed Pliny the Elder, Belgian Sours, IPAs, all before noon! After some tasters, some pizza bites (they were so good), and a purchase of 12 bottles or so, we left satisfied and happy.
PRO TIP: we brought bubble wrap and a wine travel case to bring back on the flight, which meant we had to check our carry-on but it was worth it!
Best Wine Tasting at Santa Rosa Wineries
See our full post of our favorite Sonoma County Wineries here: Best Wineries to Visit in Sonoma
WINERY: Korbel Champagne Cellars
Address: 13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446
Reservations Required?: Nope, but click here for their free tour hours!
Cost?: $ FREE! That's right, free tastings! No purchase required!
Food?: There is a little cafe that has snacks and sandwiches.
Champagne is my favorite type of wine and you can always find a bottle of Korbel in my fridge! For over 135 years, Korbel has mastered making the perfect bottle of champagne. Free tours are offered throughout the day and FREE wine tasting are provided in their tasting room.
Afterwards, we went to my favorite place in the land of a trillion bubbles, Korbel Champagne Cellars. Apparently, their Natural champagne has been served at the celebratory presidential inaugurations since 1981 and the actual winery has been in existence for over 132 years.
Korbel offers 4 complimentary champagne tastings. Beware of their red Rouge champagne. It's different. They even have an organic champagne!
They also offer tours but we didn't really care to walk around the grounds for hours (it was cold), we had other places to explore and it was getting dark fast.
WINERY: Kendall-Jackson Winery
Address: 5007 Fulton Road, Fulton, CA 95439
TASTING COUPON: Click here to print a Two for One Tasting Coupon for our Estate Tasting. Offer available for up to 4 guests.
Reservations Required?: Nope
Cost?: $$ Wine flights range from $15-25 - try their Stature!
Food?: Wine and Food pairing available by Appt or there is always a chocolate or cheese pairing available.
Our next stop was the Kendall-Jackson Winery. We almost skipped it but it's one of my Dad's favorite wines, so we had to get him a bottle or something for Christmas. We stepped up to start tasting and looked at all their different options. We explained to our host how we'd like to get a special bottle and he recommended the Stature Chardonnay which was $100 a bottle and probably the best Chardonnay I've ever had. Compared to their everyday Chardonnay, the Stature was smooth, fruity and had a rich taste. We ended up buying a bottle for my Dad and signed him up for their wine club for the year!
KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY
Josh and I are a bigger fan of red wine, especially Cabernet Sauvignon, so we asked what was the best of the 8 or so that they offered. Of course their Stature version was the best, but we were looking for a more affordable price point. We ended up loving the Hawkeye Cabernet which had a deep cherry taste with some Earth taste to give it full body. We ended up liking it so much and because we signed up for the wine club, we bought 6 bottles and 2 of the Stature!
It was getting dark and late, so we drove to our hotel in Napa to take a nap-a. Haha ;-)
NIGHT APPROACHING KENDALL-JACKSON WINERY
Where to Stay in Downtown Napa Valley
BED AND BREAKFAST: Cabernet House - Old World Inn $$
Cabernet House, Old World Inn is the best place to stay in Napa, California. Not only is it affordable, but their prime location gives you access to everything - restaurants, shops, and of course wine tasting rooms! Their rooms have different themes, my favorite was the Starlight Room which had a skylight above the bed!
See our full review on the Cabernet House here: HOTEL REVIEW: CABERNET HOUSE
HOTEL: River Terrace Inn - A Noble House Hotel $$
Address: 1600 Soscol Ave Napa, California, 94559
The location of the River Terrace Inn was perfect. Located in downtown Napa Valley, walking distance from restaurants and shopping, and also along the river. The only problem was the walls of the room were a little thin, but if you have enough wine, you won't notice. They had a great outdoor area with wine and fire pits!
Andaz Napa Hotel
HOTEL: Andaz Napa - Hyatt $$$$
Address: 1450 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
The Andaz Napa is designed like a boutique hotel and doesn’t look like your typical Hyatt property. Located in the heart of Downtown Napa, this gorgeous hotel is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day. The rooms are large with a cozy fireplace separating the living room and bedroom.
See our full review on the Andaz Napa here: HOTEL REVIEW: ANDAZ NAPA
Restaurants in Napa, California
RESTAURANT: TORC
Address: 140 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
Their wine selection was full of great choices including many from the local wineries and their food was very farm to table from local farmers prepared in an open kitchen that is part of the restaurant. We sat at the bar and enjoyed some cocktails, jamon (cured ham) and cheese. For dinner, we enjoyed an amazing steak, mac n cheese, pork, and some excellent ice cream for dessert (of course).
I made our reservation about a month in advance through Opentable.
RESTAURANT: COLE'S CHOP HOUSE
Address: 1122 Main St, Napa, CA 94559
We love a good steakhouse, Cole's Chop House, was our kinda place! I made the reservation about 2 weeks in advance through Opentable. Ribeye steaks topped with sides of a delicious Red Wine Veal Reduction sauce and the Peppercorn Sauce along with a side of Yukon Gold Mashed potatoes, were the ticket here.
Not to mention a very sweet Birthday dessert - brownie sundae with caramel gelato. Mmmmm.
RESTAURANT: JAX DINER
Address: 1122 1st St, Napa, CA 94559
For brunch, we went somewhere to get a big breakfast and we were successful. Jax had amazing beignets covered with powdered sugar as well as free tater tots if you showed the coupon on Yelp. So we got both of course on top of their special of the day on the chalkboard: Bacon Eggs Benedict (which you would think you couldn't have enough bacon, this was a little over the top, delicious but filling).
We also got the French toast bites but they were more of a crouton consistency instead of bread like.
You're probably thinking, how many people came to breakfast? Oh, just the two of us. Smart thing we did was take some of the food to go to eat after wineries. ;-)
Favorite Wineries for Wine Tasting in Napa
I recommend picking 3 wineries to stop at on your last day. This way you can spend some quality time at each one and enjoy your tastings!
BEAUTIFUL FALL IN NAPA
ME: WHAT IS THAT? JOSH: A BUNNY WITH A LIGHTSABER. DUH!
WINERY: Hall Wines - Wine Tasting Room
Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (St Helena Location)
Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended
Cost?: $$$ Tastings: $40, Tours starting at $40
Food?: Not really
I was excited for Hall since they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, winning many awards for their 100 point cabs! Also, not going to lie, I love bunny foo foo, especially when he is holding a light saber (Star Wars was released in theaters that weekend). Speaking of, they had amazing art throughout the winery, in the gardens, in the tasting room, everywhere!
This vineyard had more of a modern flair with an artistic eye, making it more unique. Their tasting bar was setup on the second floor near floor to ceiling windows with spectacular vineyard views.
WINERY: Mumm Napa
Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Reservations Required?: Reservations are recommended but not required for fewer than six guests. Call 866.783.5826 to make a reservation. Limited walk-in seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.
Cost?: $$ Tastings are $25 to $35 on the patio/salon; Tours are $40
Food?: Cheese/Crackers and snacks
Mumm Champagne is one of my favorites and couldn't wait to visit. I loved my visit and tasting so much, I even joined their wine club. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I can't wait to come back again and again!
We walked up around 11a without a reservation and were seated immediately. Since it was December and on the cooler side, we opted to sit in the salon for our tasting.
WINERY: Castello di Amorosa
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended - 707-967-6272
Cost?: $$$ Starts at $30 just to get into the castle and comes with a tasting. Designated Drivers also need to pay an entrance fee, even if they aren't drinking! There are guided tours and food pairings as well.
Food?: Yes, see the Royal Pairings Menu
This 13th Century Tuscan inspired castle is picture perfect! You can visit the knight’s hall and their flagship cabernet sauvignon is a must try. Animals from goats to chickens surround the castle, including some gorgeous peacocks! Not something you see everyday in Napa.
The tour seemed worth it if we had more time: Reserve a tour with a guide through the Castello, including the lower levels which feature our Torture Chamber, Armory, and Grand Barrel Room, followed by a tasting flight. Of course the torture chamber and armory semi appealed to us, we will definitely come back to this one.
WINERY: Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery
Address: 1445 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Reservations Required?: Yes, call: (707) 963-2134
Cost?: $$$ Bar Tasting – $45 or Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting (90 min) $60 per person Mon-Thu, $75 per person Fri-Sun
Food?: From house-cured salumi and slow braised meats to vegetables from their garden and Grandma Dee’s handmade ravioli, Chef Joshua and the entire culinary team collaborate on a unique menu that embodies the season and pairs perfectly with the wines.
Had to make a reservation for this one, but since it was December and not too crowded I called a coupe of hours before and was able to get a reservation. The tasting was more expensive than other vineyards, it was $45 per person, at least it included cheese, bread and olive oil! I highly recommend venturing into their gorgeous Venetian caves the tour with barrel tasting is $75. Check out that chandelier! The wines were good, but I think they were overpriced. The tasting room is beautiful decked out with venetian paintings, tiling, marble pillars and expensive wines.
Currently, our family produces cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot, sangiovese and sauvignon blanc from our Napa Valley vineyards, as well as pinot noir, chardonnay and limited amounts of syrah, sauvignon blanc, sparkling grenache and mourvedre from our Cinghiale (wild boar) Vineyard in the King Ridge region of the Sonoma Coast.
WINERY: Domaine Chandon
Address: 1 California Dr, Yountville, CA 94599
Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended - call 1-888-242-6366, Opt. 2
Cost?: $$ Tastings $20 and up
Food?: Snacks are available
The grounds here looked like a giant beautiful park. Upon entering the winery there is a wall of upside down wine bottles artistically designed and lit. The tasting room gets pretty busy but just elbow your way up to the bar and you'll get served. The servers also make specialty cocktails if you ask nicely!
This was our last stop of the day and I love my bubbles! I felt like I had tasted most of the champagnes Chandon had to offer, but our bartender had a special drink he makes that tastes like apple cider.
ME IN MY HAPPY PLACE!
The specialty drink, called Spiced Apple Punch, had the following in it:
· 2 oz Spiced Simple Syrup (1 cup water; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 cinnamon sticks; 1 small piece nutmeg)
· 2 1/2 cups apple cider (unsweetened)
· 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
· 2 oz honey
· 750ml (1 bottle) Chandon Brut Classic
After our 3rd winery, the trip was over and it was time to head to Oakland airport for our 7p flight. I was sad that it was over but had a wonderful birthday weekend! Thanks, Josh! :)
Please note this is not a sponsored post and based on my own personal experience, all thoughts are my own.
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