We finally made it to Napa! My husband and I have planned Napa a few times and then had to cancel, last time being for COVID. We had the MOST amazing time, as I knew we would. We took it in a very relaxing pace, with only 2-3 wineries a day. I don’t like to rush around on vacay, especially since I rush around all day with my kids and working. We loved doing about two wineries a day because it gets expensive, and we didn’t want to be intoxicated all day long! I was exhausted each night! We flew into San Fran and then rented a car for Napa. It’s about an hour and 10 minute easy drive, and super gorgeous. We loved having our car so we could just throw in a jacket and go whenever we wanted too. It’s a little bit of driving to and from all the wineries. I have a whole highlight on my instagram saved for “Napa” if you click here. 
Where to Stay
The Setting Inn
Our hotel was the most charming boutique hotel. I was so in love! It only has six rooms, a cottage and a huge wrap around patio with a barn. We had our own entrance outside and our own patio that overlooked the vineyard next door. Our room was very large, as well as our bathroom and we were very comfortable. We made coffee in the mornings with our nespresso and sat in front of our own fireplace. It was most relaxing since we don’t get away from the kids often. I actually got to drink my coffee in silence! Our location was right in the middle of Yountville and downtown Napa, which I loved. It was about 6-10 minutes from everywhere I wanted to go. I planned one day with things to do “south” of the hotel, and one day with everything “north” and this worked out so perfectly! 
North Block-I’ll probably stay here next time, because it’s in a great central location of Yountville and easily can walk to the restaurants and Bouchon Bakery! Yountville is a little more in the middle of where all the regions are with the wineries.
The Bardessono Hotel-pretty expensive but great location as above! Down the street and one block over from North Block.
Wineries
Del Dotto- in my opinion this was the best bang for the buck. We paid $75/person and were able to do indoor barrel tastings and tried about 12 wines! It was a great experience. After we were escorted outside to tomatoes and pizza and more wine!
Domaine Carneros-an exquisite property, looks like a castle! This tasting was $40/person and they bring you a flight. We did a flight a bubbles and didn’t stay long but it was nice to pop in and be able to talk to each other, instead of the guide each time!
Nickel & Nickel-The grounds here were stunning! Decorated for fall, horses on the property and all! This was a nice tasting, we had our own table outside and our guide came back often and even brought more wines than originally planned so we could try more.
Caldwell-our first tasting right off the bat and this was such a great one to start with. They had just started indoor tastings so we were inside the cave for this one with a private guide who sat with us and paired each wine with cheese. I HIGHLY recommend this tasting! The sauvignon blanc was amazing and only $40/bottle, but the reds we liked were almost $200/bottle! The tastings here were $75/person and worth every penny! We didn’t like any of the reds as much any other place we went!
Hall-My husband had been here years ago and wanted to go back and this tasting was super affordable at only $40/person. The grounds are huge and amazing as well. We were able to walk around and look at the grounds, but the tasting wasn’t super personable. Our four red wines were already poured for us when we sat down, and we just followed our wines on a list. The staff was super friendly but it was a laid back experience. I had to ask for white wine, they have an amazing Rose’ that was made for the owner’s daughter’s wedding but they don’t actually do white wine tastings.
Chappellet-Amazing views and property, not one of my favorite wines but my husband loved it!
Turnbull-a place you can just chill! The tours get tiresome for me, so we just sat and enjoyed the views! This was another favorite place where we ordered a few bottles!
Cakebread-totally unexpected this one! The grounds and building are incredible! You can also take cooking lessons here and they do lots of events, so make sure you look it up before you go!
Where to Eat
RH Yountville-holy moly this place was amazing! I had eaten at the RH in NY and just wasn’t too impressed, so I wasn’t expecting much, but EVERYTHING was so good. We ordered three bottles of wine, I had the burger with no bun, Matthew had the half chicken, Allison had the truffle pasta and then we ordered a banana split and the homemade chocolate chip cookies. DEAD! Man it was so good! Highly recommend!
Boon Fly Cafe-super cute cafe on the way in if you go the Golden Gate bridge route from the San Fran Airport. It was the perfect quick stop in for lunch after flying and being starving! Can be healthy or not-but you gotta try the donuts!
Bouchon Bakery-we never visited the actual cafe, but the line was around the building when we saw it in Yountville. If you stay at my hotel, they delivered pastries and fruit to our door from Bouchon Bakery every morning at 8am!
Bottega-lots of hype, we thought it was OK. All Italian food so super yummy pasta and pizza. Service wasn’t great. Very centrally located in the middle of Yountville town.
R+D Kitchen-GREAT after an afternoon of wine tastings! They had a huge menu-even sushi!
Farmhouse-a great dinner spot! Very busy, make a reservation, our group tried all different items-get the cheddar biscuits!
Oakville Grocery-the best place to stop and get lunch in between wineries. We had amazing sandwiches and they have a coffee bar, cute gifts, and desserts too. You can order online, lunch time is busiest obviously, they had a line wrapped around the store! We went about 130pm and waited maybe 10 minutes in line.
What to do (besides wineries)
Running-I love to run anywhere I travel. I literally just leave my hotel and start running. It clears my head, burns calories, and is the best way to see your area and the property around you!
Hot Air Balloons-I booked this for my husband and surprised him with it and he was floored! I was freaked, but it was an amazing experience that I recommend. Such an amazing thing to do together and to see the sights. It was a gorgeous day out, and you’re in the air about 45 minutes. Would love to do this again somewhere else!
Watch my video from the balloon here-napa valley hot air balloon ride
Shopping in town-downtown Napa is super cute and has lots of boutiques to shop in, chocolate shops, more restaurants and has Oxbow Public Market which we didn’t get to visit but try to look it up! They have food vendors, local product and more!
Horseback Riding Napa Valley Trail Rides-definelty on my list for next time, I would have loved to do this!
Napa Valley Wine Train-a historic train touring all the wine country with dining aboard. Sounds heavenly! On my list for next time.
Spa-there is a spa right in downtown Yountville I want to visit next time. If you stay in Yountville there is lots of walking around to do and eating spots!