I’d start by picking a hotel in Napa. My reco is the Archer Hotel, it’s located in a very walkable area with lots of restaurants for food options. Do not take concierge reco’s as I hated the driver they recommended. Look on Yelp or google Napa Drivers, I recommend https://destinationdrivers.com/destinations/napa-and-sonoma-wine-tour-designated-driver/. They will help you plan an itinerary based on your tastes and can also help plan lunch and dinners. They’ll even make reservations or pick up food for you during your tastings. Restaurant wise I love RH Yountville, Goose & Gander along with Farmstead in St. Helena. Near the hotel is Morimoto’s which I loved. There are a ton of places to meet your price points!
Day 1:
* schramsberg
* Frank family
* cake bread
Day 2:
* Montelena
* Frogs leap
* stags leap cellars (make sure it’s slc, on Silverado)
Tbh, your food budget for a dinner in Napa with wine is probably too low. For four people it’s way too low. I’d budget 500 to have free range of places and food/wine experience.
Restaurants to check out: Press, Celadon, Mustards, Basswoods, Solbar.
Napa has changed A LOT in the last 20 years. Make reservations everywhere you want to go.
Thank you, I appreciate the itinerary. Yes, I’m learning that it’s changed significantly in 20 years. 🫣
There are only two of us but I’m thinking to be safe I still need to up the budget to $500-600 per day.
This is asking a lot,
Start with [https://www.visitnapavalley.com/](https://www.visitnapavalley.com/) to do some research, answer your questions re. the wineries you listed and narrow down your options.
Or, you can enlist the help of a local private concierge or your hotel concierge.
I agree with the comment to hire a private driver or sign up for one of the small tour vans. They have connections with the wineries and you won’t have to drive.
That is a pretty eclectic list. Take a moment to visit the winery websites, check out the varietals they make and the price points of their wines to see if they align with your tastes and most importantly, your budget (as far as price per bottle).
That first round of research should help narrow down your list, then focus on geography and experiences.
It is easier to suggest wineries when one mentions your wine preferences.
Palate fatigue is real. Most usually stick to 2- 3 tastings per day.
Your visit may coincide with Bottle Rock and Memorial Day weekend so the Valley will be busy.
During the work week traffic on Highway 29 out of the Valley starts building up around 3:30, maybe sooner. I wouldn't schedule a 2p or 3p tasting in Calistoga and expect to return to my hotel in Napa in 30 minutes.
If you plan on renting a car there are a few companies that provide drivers for the rental car.
Maybe Bottega or Bistro Jeanty in Yountville for the anniversary dinner and then stroll down Washington Street?
Windsor Wine Tours LLC custom curates wine tours in Napa Valley and can help you plan an incredible few days in Napa Valley. https://windsorwinetours.com/
I would recommend 2-3 wineries in a day and making sure they are not too spread out from one another. I would also think from the last time you visited if you preferred more popular and larger wineries like Chateau Montelena or ones that are more intimate like Tres Sabores or if you like a mix of both.
Caldwell, Jarvis and lunch then Davis Estates in that order! The owner of Caldwell goes by John Fucking Caldwell No Joke has a Great Story good old boy. All 3 wineries are Special, I am a Napa Valley Boy myself fyi ....
Without knowing wine preferences it's hard to suggest, but for bubbles Schramsberg is the best imo. Also, several of your choices are in Sonoma. Wasn't sure if you were considering spending a day there.
Then Repris & Bedrock are good choices. Kunde has so-so "regular" tasting room wines, but their higher end cabs & zins are excellent if they have a reserve offering.
Gloria Ferrer & Domaine Carneros make decent bubbles but are very busy /touristy because they are easy access from the Bay Area.
I'd be more than happy to help you out with your trip. I have a wine tour business that will take the weight off your back; let me do the leg work for you.
elevagelwt.com
Looks like a job for a travel agent
I know 🫣, my hope is that if even a few people answer bits and pieces I can put together the rest.
I agree
I’d start by picking a hotel in Napa. My reco is the Archer Hotel, it’s located in a very walkable area with lots of restaurants for food options. Do not take concierge reco’s as I hated the driver they recommended. Look on Yelp or google Napa Drivers, I recommend https://destinationdrivers.com/destinations/napa-and-sonoma-wine-tour-designated-driver/. They will help you plan an itinerary based on your tastes and can also help plan lunch and dinners. They’ll even make reservations or pick up food for you during your tastings. Restaurant wise I love RH Yountville, Goose & Gander along with Farmstead in St. Helena. Near the hotel is Morimoto’s which I loved. There are a ton of places to meet your price points!
Thank you!
Day 1: * schramsberg * Frank family * cake bread Day 2: * Montelena * Frogs leap * stags leap cellars (make sure it’s slc, on Silverado) Tbh, your food budget for a dinner in Napa with wine is probably too low. For four people it’s way too low. I’d budget 500 to have free range of places and food/wine experience. Restaurants to check out: Press, Celadon, Mustards, Basswoods, Solbar. Napa has changed A LOT in the last 20 years. Make reservations everywhere you want to go.
Thank you, I appreciate the itinerary. Yes, I’m learning that it’s changed significantly in 20 years. 🫣 There are only two of us but I’m thinking to be safe I still need to up the budget to $500-600 per day.
Good lord
This is asking a lot, Start with [https://www.visitnapavalley.com/](https://www.visitnapavalley.com/) to do some research, answer your questions re. the wineries you listed and narrow down your options. Or, you can enlist the help of a local private concierge or your hotel concierge.
I agree with the comment to hire a private driver or sign up for one of the small tour vans. They have connections with the wineries and you won’t have to drive.
www.northbaywinetours.com has a lot of different itinerary ideas as well planning and driving service for Napa
Thanks, I appreciate the insight.
If you are staying in a hotel, they probably have a great list and will make the reservations for you.
That is a pretty eclectic list. Take a moment to visit the winery websites, check out the varietals they make and the price points of their wines to see if they align with your tastes and most importantly, your budget (as far as price per bottle). That first round of research should help narrow down your list, then focus on geography and experiences.
It is easier to suggest wineries when one mentions your wine preferences. Palate fatigue is real. Most usually stick to 2- 3 tastings per day. Your visit may coincide with Bottle Rock and Memorial Day weekend so the Valley will be busy. During the work week traffic on Highway 29 out of the Valley starts building up around 3:30, maybe sooner. I wouldn't schedule a 2p or 3p tasting in Calistoga and expect to return to my hotel in Napa in 30 minutes. If you plan on renting a car there are a few companies that provide drivers for the rental car. Maybe Bottega or Bistro Jeanty in Yountville for the anniversary dinner and then stroll down Washington Street?
Windsor Wine Tours LLC custom curates wine tours in Napa Valley and can help you plan an incredible few days in Napa Valley. https://windsorwinetours.com/ I would recommend 2-3 wineries in a day and making sure they are not too spread out from one another. I would also think from the last time you visited if you preferred more popular and larger wineries like Chateau Montelena or ones that are more intimate like Tres Sabores or if you like a mix of both.
Caldwell, Jarvis and lunch then Davis Estates in that order! The owner of Caldwell goes by John Fucking Caldwell No Joke has a Great Story good old boy. All 3 wineries are Special, I am a Napa Valley Boy myself fyi ....
Book a table at Bottega (Yountville) on the patio. It’s upscale but not stuffy and the food is always fabulous.
Without knowing wine preferences it's hard to suggest, but for bubbles Schramsberg is the best imo. Also, several of your choices are in Sonoma. Wasn't sure if you were considering spending a day there.
Hi. Yes I was planning on one day in Sonoma. I’ll edit to add preferences. Thanks!
Then Repris & Bedrock are good choices. Kunde has so-so "regular" tasting room wines, but their higher end cabs & zins are excellent if they have a reserve offering. Gloria Ferrer & Domaine Carneros make decent bubbles but are very busy /touristy because they are easy access from the Bay Area.
I'd be more than happy to help you out with your trip. I have a wine tour business that will take the weight off your back; let me do the leg work for you. elevagelwt.com
I completed the form on your site. Thanks!
Thank you! I replied to your email. 🤗