CALIFORNIA ✦ WINE COUNTRY ✦ TRIP PLANNING

Last Updated On: February 28, 2024
Posted by: Highly Likely Out of Office

napa valley itinerary planning tips

If you’re about to start planning your epic Napa Valley trip, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the most out of your trip. It can be overwhelming, so here’s a quick guide to help you get started:

👉🏼 Decide what kind of trip you want to take
Are you looking for a wine-focused trip, or do you want to explore the valley’s other attractions as well?

👉🏼 Choose your dates
It’s busiest during the summer and fall months, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, plan your trip for spring or winter.

👉🏼 Make a list of wineries and attractions you want to visit
Narrow down your list before you start planning your itinerary and the same goes for other activities you’re interested in.

👉🏼 Plan your itinerary
Once you’ve decided what kind of trip you’re taking and made a list of wineries and attractions you want to visit, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Depending on the length of your trip, you may want to consider doing a wine tour, visiting some of Napa’s other attractions, or both.

👉🏼 Book your accommodations early
There are many great places to stay in from luxury hotels to vineyard inns. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season.

If you already know when you plan to go and how you’ll get around, skip on to my detailed Wine Country Planning Guide below.

The Best Time to Visit?

If you’re interested in wine tasting, the peak season for vineyard visits is from August through October. However, this is also the busiest time of year in Napa Valley, so if you’re looking to avoid crowds, plan your trip for the off-season which are spring or winter. The wine will just be as good 😉 Really, the weather in Napa Valley is mild year-round, so there’s no wrong time to visit.

It’s also helpful to check opening days/hours. When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that many wineries and attractions are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Plan your trip accordingly so you can make the most of your time in Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Seasons

Spring in Napa is a wine lover’s paradise. The vineyards are seeing their first bud, wildflowers are in bloom, and the tasting room crowds are at a minimum. February on average is the wettest month of the year in Napa, so keep an eye out for the weather forecast when planning your trip.

Summer can get hot, but the vineyards provide plenty of shade and there are plenty of wine tasting room options to keep you cool. Expect crowds!

Fall is when the harvest season is in full swing in October, making it the perfect time for wine lovers to visit Napa Valley. The vineyards are alive with activity and the air is filled with the scent of crushed grapes – and you may even be able to taste some grapes off the vine.

Winter temperatures in Napa Valley hover around a comfortable 60°F or 15°C during the winter months. This makes it a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the crowds.

Note: Sprinkled all over this post are affiliate links that direct you to experiences, stays, or products recommended by myself along with the free guides and tips on this blog! This just means that should you decide to use these links, I may earn a small commission that directly supports this blog and my coffees 😉 at absolutely no additional cost to you. Cheers!

How to Get to Napa Valley?

Flying

The closest airport to Napa Valley is the Oakland International Airport (OAK), which is about an hour away by car. You can also fly into the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Sacramento International Airport (SMF)- the drive from either cities will take roughly the same amount of time. Always book your flights ahead to get the best deals, Skyscanner is a great place to start looking.

Renting a Car

If you’re flying into one of the nearby airports, you’ll need to rent a car in order to get around Napa Valley, unless you arrange a tour for your entire trip. There are plenty of options for rental cars, and most major companies have locations at all of the airports listed above. I always use Expedia to look for deals ahead of time – the later you book a car, the more expensive they are likely to be. Free cancellation is always an option!

Driving from Southern California

The drive from Los Angeles to Napa covers 403 miles or 648 kilometers which on average takes 6.5 hrs straight on the I-5 N. From San Diego it takes a little over 8 hours. Given the distance of Napa from these two major Southern California cities, it usually makes sense to include Napa as part of a bigger trip, especially if you only plan to spend 1-2 days in wine country.

Private Tours

If a self-drive is not an option for you, your next best option is hiring a private guide/tour who will take you around. Viator has a number of great options of day trips from San Francisco that you can book. Check out these highly rated excursions:

✦ 6-hours / 6 passengers: Napa / Sonoma Tour via Private SUV (USD$390/6ppl)
✦ 8-hours / 6 passengers: Exclusive Wine Tour of Napa & Sonoma (USD$730/6ppl)

Getting around Napa valley

Self drive
The best way to explore Napa is by car and is the easiest way to get from one winery to another and explore all that the valley has to offer at your own pace. There is a limited public transportation system in Napa Valley, with only two bus routes operating in the valley. If you’re trying to get around without a car, this likely won’t be the most efficient option.

Private driver
If you don’t want to worry about driving (especially if you’ve planned an entire day of wine tasting), you can hire a private driver to take you around. This is a great option if you plan on drinking wine tasting all day long.

By bike
If you’re looking for a more active way to explore consider renting a bike. There are plenty of vineyards located within biking distance of each other, and you’ll get some exercise in while you wine taste! Napa Valley is also very pedestrian and bicycle-friendly. There are plenty of walking and biking trails throughout the valley that allow you to explore at your own pace.

Uber/rideshare
Uber and other rideshare services are available in Napa Valley, so you can use them to get around if you don’t want to rent a car. Just note they are far and few in between which also means you can expect for longer wait times and for costs to be more expensive than in urban areas like San Francisco or Los Angeles. I’ve gone this route late in 2022 and it definitely cost our group almost USD$150 in Ubers for 4 stops throughout Napa Valley in one afternoon.

Other options
Walking is also an option in some parts of Napa Valley, although it may not be feasible to walk between all of the wineries. If you’re staying in one particular area, though, you may be able to walk to some of the tasting rooms nearby. If you’re looking for a unique way to see Napa Valley, consider taking a ride on the Napa Wine Train. This vintage train takes you on a 3-hour wine-tasting tour of the valley, complete with gourmet food and wine pairings.

California Wine Country and Regions

Napa vs Napa Valley: What’s the Difference?

Napa is a city located in Napa County, California. It is the county seat and largest city of Napa County. Napa Valley, on the other hand, is a wine-growing region located in Napa County.

Napa Vs Sonoma Vs Russian River Valley: What’s the Difference?

All three of these wine regions are located in California. Napa is known for its cabernet sauvignon wines, Sonoma is known for its chardonnay wines, and Russian River Valley is known for its pinot noir wines. All three regions have many wineries and vineyards, but Napa is the most developed with more tasting rooms, restaurants, and shops.

Wine Country Planning Guide

First time and returning visitors can easily be overwhelmed by the many things to do in Napa, especially when it comes to wineries. So below I break down the thought process to help you make the key decisions to setting out your perfect itinerary.

Choosing Wineries

Visit a Historic Winery

Napa Valley is home to some of the oldest wineries in California. Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings, so you can learn about the history of wine-making in in California while enjoying some of its best wines. Some historic wineries to visit include: Stag’s Leap Winery, Beringer Vineyards, Chateau Montelena, and Schramsberg Vineyards.

Photo credits linked*

Visit a Boutique Winery

These wineries often have a more intimate tasting room experience, and they may offer unique wines that you can’t find at the larger wineries. Some boutique wineries with great wine and architecture to boot: Artesa Winery, Ashes & Diamonds, Brand Napa, Quintessa.

Pet Friendly Wineries

There are some Pet friendly wineries in Napa Valley where you can take your pet with you. Check out: Alpha Omega, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Hall Wines, and Frog’s Leap Winery.

Wineries Focusing on Sparkling Wine

Some wineries specialize in sparkling wine. These wineries offer a variety of bubbles, from traditional champagne-style wines to newer styles like prosecco and cremant. Some wineries specializing in sparkling wine include: Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, and Schramsberg Vineyards.

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Wine Train is also a popular activity in Napa Valley – they currently have 8 experiences to choose from all with varying inclusions, itineraries, lengths, and costs. You can expect to spend between USD$200 ~ USD$600 depending on the experience you choose.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Napa Valley: What to Expect

Wine Tasting Prices

The cost of wine tasting can vary depending on the winery and the type of tasting you do. Some wineries offer complimentary tastings, while others charge a fee. The average wine tasting costs around $20-30 per person, but you can definitely expect to pay more – they seem to update the prices every so often nowadays!

The Priority Wine Pass

The Priority Wine Pass is valid for one year and gets you discounts at over 400 wineries across Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and the Central Coast. The pass costs USD$60 and can be purchased online here.

How to Save Money on Wine Tasting

Many wineries offer complimentary tastings for wine club members or with the purchase of a bottle of wine. There are also a number of wineries that charge no tasting fee at all. If you’re looking to save money on wine tasting in Napa Valley, here are some tips :

• Join a wine club. Most wineries offer some type of wine club, and many offer significant discounts on tasting fees for members.
• Visit wineries that charge no tasting fee. You can often find this information on their websit or call to confirm.
• Purchase a wine pass. If you’re planning on doing a lot of wine tasting in Napa Valley, you may want to consider purchasing a wine pass like the Priority Wine Pass. These passes offer discounts at multiple wineries in the valley.
• Visit during off-peak times. If you visit Napa Valley during the week or outside of peak tourist season (October-November and February-March), you’ll likely find lower tasting room fees at many wineries.
• Take advantage of complimentary tastings. Many wineries offer complimentary tastings for wine club members or with the purchase of a bottle of wine.
• Read booking fine print when reserving a tasting tour. Some exclusive wineries may state that the purchase of wine bottles after a tasting is required, which can hike up your expenses by a lot.

How Many Wineries Should You Visit in One Day in Napa

This of course depends of many different things including budget, your alcohol tolerance, if you have a private driver (safety first!), to name a few but for planning purposes and to make the most out of your visit, you can consider 3-4 wineries which is about the average recommended. This will give you enough time to enjoy each winery without feeling rushed, but won’t be so many that you feel like you’re tasting all day long. Of course, if you only have time for one or two wineries, that’s fine too!

Important Things To Know about Wine Tasting Tours

If you’re looking forward to taste some wine on your trip, keep the following in mind: first, you will almost always need a reservation made in advance.

Most wineries require reservations for wine tastings. To avoid disappointment, I recommend making reservations at your top wineries as far in advance as possible (at least a week to a month – especially for popular spots). Many wineries have different tasting options available (e.g. reserve vs. standard), so be sure to ask about pricing and what’s included before you book anything. Also check for fine print for any purchase required after tasting, if everyone in the party is required to partake in a tasting (usually it is, but best to check with specific wineries), or if they have non-alcoholic options for anyone in your group who isn’t interested in wine.

Where to Stay in Napa

Napa hotels can be quite exhorbitant, but because this place is a popular tourist destination, you’ll find that you won’t be short on options and will be able to find accommodations to suit your preferences in location, budget, and amenities.

Yountville is a great base in Napa Valley for its proximity to wineries, hotels, restaurants, and other parts of the Napa that you might want to visit. Other areas you can stay are: Calistoga, Union, St Helena, Oakville, Rutherford, and Downtown Napa just to name a few.

Consider these highly rated accommodations for your stay:

✦ Hotel Yountville | Google Maps | 4-star Luxury | Free parking, pet-friendly, 4,000-sqft spa, outdoor pool | Check for deals

✦ Bardessono Hotel and Spa | Google Maps | 5-star Luxury | Free parking, pet-friendly, rooftop pool, free bikes | Check for deals

✦ Wydown Hotel | Google Maps | Boutique 3-star | Free-parking, adults only | Check for deals

✦ Lavender, A Four Sisters Inn | Google Maps | Bed & Breakfast | Free parking, free daily breakfast & refreshments | Check for deals

✦ Bann at Oak Knoll Napa | Google Maps | Bed & Breakfast | Free parking, family-friendly, pet-friendly, sustainable | Check for deals

✦ Cambria Hotel Napa Valley | Google Maps | 3-star Hotel | Pet-friendly, budget-friendly, hot tub | Check for deals

Things to Do Besides Wine Tasting

✦ Visit a winery with a vineyard tour of the estate and grounds

✦ Take a wine country cooking class | Check out CIA in Copia

✦ Go on a hot air balloon ride | Wine Country Hot Air Balloon Ride from Yountville on Viator

✦ Explore Wine Country on an E-Trike with a Guide | 3hr Wine Country Tour on E-Trike on Viator

✦ Spend the day at one of Napa’s many spas | Prettiest Spas in Napa Valley by VisitNapaValley

✦ Visit an art gallery | Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

✦ Take a scenic drive | Silverado Trail and Stags Leap District

✦ Complete your instagram shotlist: Welcome to Napa Valley sign vineyard with rolling hills in the background, winery with view of the valley, wine barrels

Where to Eat in Napa, CA?

✦ Mini Model | Google Maps | Website | Come for the English muffins and your morning coffee

✦ Bouchon Bakery | Google Maps | Website | Come for the fresh pastries and bread

✦ RH Yountville | Google Maps | Website | Come for the BEAUTIFUL ambiance (try to get a seat at the courtyard), order: arugula salad, baked brie, and steak

✦ French Laundry | Google Maps | Website | 3 michelin star, secure your spot way ahead

✦ Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch | Google Maps | Website | Come for the ambiance, cheddar biscuits, and salads

Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in your Napa Valley Itinerary

1. Not making reservations in advance – Many of the best restaurants, wineries, and hotels in Napa Valley require reservations, so be sure to plan ahead.

2. Forgetting to pack comfortable clothes – There’s a lot of walking involved in exploring Napa Valley, so you’ll want to make sure you have comfortable shoes. Temperatures can drop pretty quickly after the sun sets so bring a jacket too.

3. Trying to do too much in one day – With so much to see and do in Napa Valley, it’s easy to try and pack too much into one day. Pace yourself and take time to enjoy each activity. It’s important to locate and arrange your stops in a way that makes sense geographically, as wineries can be 30-40 mins drive in between.

4. Not tasting the wine – One of the best parts of visiting California wine country is tasting all of the amazing wine, so be sure to make time for some wine-tasting!

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