Trip Planner
Napa Valley Itinerary
Whether you have one day or a long weekend, we've mapped out the perfect Napa Valley itinerary — morning to evening, wine to adventure.
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1-Day Itinerary — The Highlights
Perfect for a day trip from San Francisco or a quick taste of wine country.
9:00 AM — Arrive in Napa. Coffee at Oxbow Public Market
10:00 AM — Morning tasting at Robert Mondavi Winery (Oakville) — classic tour & tasting
12:00 PM — Lunch at V. Sattui with their deli & picnic grounds
1:30 PM — Tasting at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — the '76 Judgment of Paris winner
3:30 PM — Sparkling wine at Domaine Chandon (Yountville)
5:00 PM — Browse Yountville shops or head home
Featured Experience
Full-Day Napa & Sonoma Tour from SF
2-Day Itinerary — The Weekend Escape
Day 1 — Southern Napa & Yountville
Morning — Tasting at Artesa Vineyards (Carneros) for the stunning architecture and views
Late Morning — Domaine Chandon for sparkling wine on the patio
Lunch — Bouchon Bistro (Yountville) — Thomas Keller's French bistro
Afternoon — Stag's Leap Wine Cellars for a Cabernet tasting
Evening — Dinner at Angèle Restaurant (Napa riverfront)
Day 2 — Up-Valley: St. Helena & Calistoga
Morning — Visit Castello di Amorosa (the Napa castle) in Calistoga
Late Morning — Tasting at Joseph Phelps Vineyards (St. Helena)
Lunch — Gott's Roadside (St. Helena) — a Napa institution
Afternoon — Silver Oak or Caymus for Cabernet lovers; or Calistoga mud baths for relaxation
Evening — Dinner at The Charter Oak, then head home
Book Your Weekend Stay
We recommend staying in Yountville or downtown Napa for the best access to restaurants and wineries.
Find Hotels3-Day Itinerary — The Full Experience
Add a third day to include adventure activities and deeper exploration.
Day 1 & 2 — Same as Weekend Itinerary Above
Follow the 2-day plan, then add this unforgettable third day.
Day 3 — Adventure Day
6:00 AM — Sunrise hot air balloon ride over the valley (book ahead!)
9:00 AM — Post-flight champagne toast and breakfast
11:00 AM — E-bike tour through Yountville vineyards
1:00 PM — Final lunch at Oxbow Public Market
3:00 PM — Last tasting or shopping in downtown Napa
5:00 PM — Depart
Featured Experience
Napa Valley Hot Air Balloon Adventure
Featured Experience
Napa Valley Guided E-Bike Tour with Wineries
Budget vs. Luxury Track
💰 Budget (~$150/day)
- Stay at a B&B or motel in Napa or American Canyon
- Visit free/low-cost tasting rooms (Sutter Home, Peju)
- Pack picnic lunches from Oxbow Market
- Take the half-day tour from SF ($89)
- Dine at Gott's Roadside or Oxbow food stalls
✨ Luxury (~$500+/day)
- Stay at Meadowood, Calistoga Ranch, or Carneros Resort
- Private chauffeur tour with VIP tastings
- Hot air balloon at sunrise
- Dinner at The French Laundry or Press
- Spa day at Solage or Indian Springs
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Napa Valley?
Two to three days is the sweet spot. One day lets you see the highlights; three days gives you time to explore different sub-regions, try diverse experiences, and truly relax into wine country's pace.
What is the best month to visit Napa Valley?
September and October are peak season with harvest excitement and warm weather. March through May offers mustard blooms and fewer crowds. June through August is sunny and busy. Winter (December–February) is the quietest with the best hotel deals.
What should I not miss in Napa Valley?
Don't miss: a tasting at a historic estate like Robert Mondavi or Stag's Leap, a meal in Yountville (America's culinary capital per capita), the Napa Valley Wine Train, and a sunrise hot air balloon ride if budget allows.