Sipping Bliss:
A Weekend in Wine Country ​

A few days in Napa Valley will long linger on your soul like a fine wine’s finish. Here, we uncork the secrets of this lush landscape and share our ideal itinerary.

In the heart of Northern California’s wine country, time slows down, and every sip is a celebration. This picturesque paradise is a retreat that blends relaxation, adventure and indulgence. Rolling hills meet blue skies and a tapestry of experiences ready to delight the senses. October is one of the region’s warmest months, with crisp autumn air and colorful foliage adding to the enchantment of this magical place. The vineyards come alive with activity as the annual grape harvest gets underway, infusing the area with earthy and intoxicating aromas around every turn. 

ARRIVAL
Enjoy the leisurely drive from San Francisco north along the Napa River into the iconic valley. Stop by Silver Oak (silveroak.com) in Oakville for a seated tasting and take advantage of the Chef’s Board for a seasonal snack. Accommodations can be found from Sonoma to Calistoga, but for true luxury, stay at Meadowood’s new boutique hotel (meadowood.com) on the resort’s sprawling St. Helena estate. Enjoy a rustic dinner at the local favorite Goose & Gander (goosegander.com).

DAY 1
Morning
After an in-room breakfast, visit nearby Calistoga for a relaxing soak in the world-renowned mud baths at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs (drwilkinson.com), then hike under the towering redwoods at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park (napavalleystateparks.org).

Afternoon
Back at Meadowood, take a dip in the pool and clean up for lunch on the terrace at Forum before taking Sage Canyon Road around Lake Hennessey to Chappellet (chappellet.com). Explore this famous estate via the Pritchard Hill 4x4 tour for a true vineyard experience, followed by an outdoor tasting of the exceptional wines produced here.

Evening
Visit The French Laundry (thomaskeller.com/tfl), of Thomas Keller Fame, in Yountville for an idyllic dinner unlike anywhere else. But don’t worry if you can't get a reservation—you won’t go hungry in Napa.

DAY 2
Morning
Wake up early for a sunrise hot air balloon ride with Napa Valley Aloft (nvaloft.com), taking in the panoramic views of Napa Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Touch down in Yountville and grab coffee and pastries at Model Bakery’s Mini Model (themodelbakery.com) or a full bistro-style brunch from Bouchon (thomaskeller.com/bouchonyountville).

Afternoon
Experience a private tour of the historic 1873 stone winery at William Cole (williamcolevineyards.com), followed by a seated tasting of their flagship Cuvée Claire Cabernet Sauvignon. Savor a nostalgic lunch at Gott’s Roadside (gotts.com), a St. Helena institution serving California-centric food and drinks.

Evening
Visit Downtown Napa for upscale shopping on First Street (firststreetnapa.com), featuring boutiques, art galleries, tasting rooms and an unmatched dining scene. Angèle Restaurant & Bar (angelerestaurant.com) stands out with a menu reminiscent of the French countryside and waterfront seating along the Napa River.

DEPARTURE
After a good night’s rest, take a quick detour on your way out of town to grab coffee and donuts from the lively Boon Fly Café (boonflycafe.com). You won’t regret it.