Napa Day Trip: 7 Unique Itineraries
Dreaming about wine tasting in Napa Valley but wondering if one day is enough to plan your visit? Don’t worry; I got you covered. If you are traveling to San Francisco or live in the Bay Area, a Napa day trip can absolutely be done and I am going to show you how!
However, with over 400 wineries in Napa Valley, how do you begin planning your day trip? As a Bay Area local, I have been wine tasting on numerous occasions and will gladly share with you all of my tips in planning an epic Napa day trip!
In this guide, you will find out how to decide which wineries best suit you, our favorite spots to eat, and how to have the best experience in Napa Valley, California.
When my husband and I moved to the Bay area five years ago, Napa Valley was high on our list of places to visit. Only an hour to an hour and a half away from us, we quickly became Napa and Sonoma regulars.
I do not want to call myself a wine snob- ok I might be turning into one, but we have learned so much these last six years with all of Napa Valley visits. It is our go-to spot for visiting friends and family because we are always looking for an excuse to plan a Napa Valley day trip.
💰 Want to Save $$ Wine Tasting
The average cost for a basic wine tasting in Napa Valley is $40 per person. That easily adds up when you visit multiple wineries in a weekend.
If you want to save money on wine tasting and use it elsewhere like towards accommodations, restaurants, and tours- Priority Wine Pass can cut your tasting fees in half! Literally.
They offer 2 for 1 tastings at participating wineries. So you would only need one pass per couple! It’s a pretty incredible deal!
* My readers get the Wine Pass at a discounted rate. Make sure to use the coupon code TTWT to get the best deal!
Where is Napa Valley
Napa Valley, located in Northern California, is only 50 miles from the well-known and vibrant city of San Francisco. The closest Airports to Napa Valley are:
- 70 miles from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- 63 miles from Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- 75 miles from Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
- 94 miles from San Jose International Airport (SJC)
- 34 miles from Sonoma County Airport (STS)
Can You Take a Day Trip to Napa
The main reason I decided to create this post is that I noticed a problem when researching Napa Valley itineraries. They were so confusing and I felt like I did not know where to begin in planning our trip!
I would jump from blog post to blog post and everybody would give a different list of the best wineries in Napa Valley. Honestly, how can you give the opinion of the best wineries when there are over 400 to choose from?
I would have a really hard time deciding on which wineries were best for our group. To help with some of the confusion, I have created individual categories of wineries to help create the best wine-tasting experience for you.
Such as the best wineries for first-timers, luxurious wine tastings, wineries with the best views, and more. You can mix and match from the different groups or stick to just one. It depends on you and what you are looking for, for your day trip to Napa Valley.
Napa Day Trip for First-Timers
Domaine Carneros
Location: Napa
Tastings start at $40 per person
What better way to start your first day of Napa Valley off is with some bubbles! Transport yourself to the French wine country at Domaine Carneros chateau. Enjoy your sparkling wine tasting on their outdoor terrace with views of their vineyards and gardens.
Castello di Amorosa
Location: Calistoga
Tastings start at $45 per person
Castello di Amorosa is a medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley. It is complete with a drawbridge, secret passageways, a torture chamber, and tasting rooms.
If it’s your first time visiting, I suggest booking their guided tour of the castle with your wine tasting. The grounds are beautiful and will definitely wow you on your first time in Napa Valley.
Sterling Vineyards
Location: Calistoga
At the time of this post, Sterling Vineyards is currently under construction for renovations. However, I left them on the list because it is one of my favorite wineries to visit with friends and the perfect winery for your first time in Napa Valley.
Sterling Vineyards is perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of its beautiful vineyards. To reach the top, you have to take an aerial tram, which provides stunning views as you slowly make your way to the estate.
Keep Sterling Vineyards on your list for future Napa Valley wineries to visit. They should be reopening by Spring/Summer 2023.
Robert Mondavi Winery
Location: Oakville
Tastings start at $65 per person
You cannot discuss wine tasting in Napa Valley without mentioning Robert Mondavi. Mondavi is a very well-known name in the wine-tasting world and is home to some of the oldest vines in Napa Valley, which is why you should visit Robert Mondavi Winery on one of your first trips to Napa Valley.
The estate building is iconic with its arch entry walkway and bell tower. Have your wine tasting outside with views of their flourishing fields of vineyards.
Wineries with the Best Views in Napa Valley
Artesa Vineyards & Winery
Location: Napa
Tastings start at $55 per person
If you are looking for stunning views, then Artesa Vineyards & Winery is the spot for you. Artesa’s tasting room sits on top of the hillside and overlooks 350 acres of vineyards.
At Artesa, you will find that the wine and beautiful architecture are of Spanish influence. Does the view look familiar? Artesa, and its remarkable views, were featured in the Netflix film Wine Country.
Sterling Vineyards
Location: Calistoga
At the time of this post, Sterling Vineyards is currently under construction for renovations. Sterling Vineyards is well known for showcasing some of the best views in Napa Valley.
Sterling Vineyards sits perched on a hilltop with panoramic views of beautiful vineyards. To reach the estate, you have to take an aerial tram, which provides stunning views as you make your way to the top.
Keep Sterling Vineyards on your list for future Napa Valley wineries to visit. They should be reopening by Spring/Summer 2023.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Location: St Helena
Tastings start at $90 per person
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is at the top of all of the lists of wineries with the best views in Napa Valley. Joseph Phelps is a beautiful winery inside and out.
Relax and experience your wine tasting on their outdoor terrace, which overlooks a magnificent view of vineyards and mountains. The views are magical! Their tastings may be on the pricier side, compared to some of the other wineries on this list.
However, if you are going to splurge on only one tasting during your day trip to Napa Valley, then Joseph Phelps should be the one. You will not regret it!
The Most Beautiful Wineries to Add to Your Napa Day Trip
Frogs leap Winery
Location: Rutherford
Tastings start at $45 per person
Home to the historic Red Barn, which was first built in 1884 and refurbished over the years. The grounds of Frogs Leap are lovely. Colorful flowerbeds, vineyards, organic gardens, and chicken coops surround the estate.
The wine tastings take place in their outdoor gardens. After your tasting or with a glass of wine, take a stroll around their property. Frogs Leap Winery is also unique in its style of farming and wine production. They are a green winery, and their vineyards are California Certified Organic.
Domaine Chandon
Location: Yountville
Tastings start at $50 per person
If you are looking for delicious bubbles at a gorgeous estate, then Domaine Chandon is the perfect location to add to your napa day trip. The entrance to Domaine Chandon is one of the most memorable and beautiful in Napa Valley.
From the parking lot, you cross a bridge full of flowers. As you make your way to the entrance of Domaine Chandon, you will notice the front of the building is covered with beautiful green vines intertwined around each other.
Relax on their outdoor terrace or lush green grass with your flight of sparkling wine and admire the view.
Affordable Luxury Day Trip to Napa Valley
Opus one
Location: St Helena
$60 for one glass of wine per person
Yes, you have read that correctly. A glass of wine at Opus One is $60. The reason for this hefty price tag is that Opus One wines are recognized throughout the world.
Opus One is the product of two exceptional and leading names in wine. Baron Philippe de Rothschild, the legendary owner of Château Mouton Rothschild, and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi.
The wines do live up to their reputation and high standards. If you are looking for a little bit of luxury for the day, reserve the Opus One experience for $125. Or enjoy a glass of their award-winning wine in the Opus One courtyard for $60.
Stags Leap Winery
Location: Silverado Trail
Tastings start at $75 per person
One of the wineries that I have been dying to visit during our last few trips to Napa Valley. Stags Leap Wine Cellars put Napa Valley on the map with its cabernet sauvignon that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Besides producing excellent and award-winning wine, the Stags Leap estate looks like a magical experience. The beautiful nineteenth-century stone winery and Victorian-era Manor House are full of over a century of history.
If you would like to book a wine tasting at Stags Leap, be sure to make your reservations as soon as you can. Their reservations always book up fast!
Far Niente
Location: Oakville
Tastings start at $90 per person
Far Niente prides itself on its award-winning wines and southern hospitality. The stone winery, located in the heart of Oakville, is surrounded by 13 acres of lush gardens and sprawling vineyards.
One of the more expensive tastings on this list. However, Far Niente’s 135-year history and passion will ensure a unique wine tasting experience.
Most Unique Wineries to Add to your Napa Day Trip Itinerary
Piazza Del Dotto Winery & Caves
Location: Oakville
Tastings start at $80 to $120 per person.
Ok, the tastings at Piazza Del Dotto are a little on the expensive side for Napa Valley. However, for this experience, you get a guided tour of their gorgeous marble wine caves and taste wine directly from the wine barrels.
Also, our favorite part, after the wine caves, you are served the best wood-fired pizza on their outdoor patio. Trust me; nothing is better than a glass of red, pizza, and vineyard views on a warm sunny day.
Castello di Amorosa
Location: St Helena
Tastings start at $45 per person
By far one of the most unique wineries in Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa’s estate was inspired and built from 13th-century castles in Italy.
If it’s your first time visiting, you must do a tour to learn the history of Castello and visit the underground cellars, torture chamber, armory, and the spectacular Grand Barrel Room.
V. Sattui Winery
Location: St Helena
Tastings start at $45 per person
V. Sattui is one of our favorite wineries to visit in Napa Valley. Typically we do not do a tasting here, but instead, we will order food from their artisan deli and buy a bottle of wine to sip on while we eat our lunch at their picnic tables.
V Sattui is unique because most of the wineries in Napa Valley do not offer food. If they do, it’s usually a food pairing with a tasting that can get pretty expensive.
V Sattui’s deli has everything you would need for the perfect picnic, and their food is always so delicious. Their 2 ½ acres of beautiful picnic grounds provide plenty of room for you to sit back and enjoy the vineyard views.
Beringer Vineyards
Location: St Helena
Tastings start at $45 per person
Founded in 1876, Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley and is a Historic landmark in California. However, the Rhine House is what makes Beringer Vineyards so unique.
A beautiful Victorian mansion with stone walls and glass stained windows, it was built over a century ago in 1884. I suggest spending a little extra, $60 per person, and you can enjoy a wine tasting at the Rhine House. Learn all about the history and passion that have made this a successful winery over the last century.
Wineries With Incredible Wine
Some wineries we visit for the view and atmosphere, but there are other wineries that we visit because the wine is just that darn good. Some of our favorites, that are already on this list are Castello di Amoroso, Piazza Del Dotto, and Stags Leap. Obviously, you can’t go wrong booking a tasting at any of these wineries.
Louis M. Martini Winery
Location: St Helena
Tastings start at $55 per person
Recently, we booked a last-minute tasting and culinary pairing with a group of friends from out of town at Louis M. Martini. Before then, we had never heard of Louis M. Martini, but after our tasting, we were blown away by their selection of wine.
The entire group bought bottles of their favorite wines from the tasting and even shipped a box back home. The food was also delicious and paired nicely with our tastings.
Louis M. Martini Winery is famously recognized for its acclaimed portfolio of Cabernet Sauvignon. It has played an essential role in establishing Napa Valley since 1933.
Our wine tasting took place inside their gorgeous and recently restored tasting room. The decor is very modern with high vaulted ceilings and it was an enormous space. They also have a great outdoor tasting area that is surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful architecture.
Caymus Vineyards
Location: Rutherford
Tastings start at $50
Another favorite of ours is Caymus Vineyards. Although we have never been there in person, we frequently buy their wine because it is just that good. Caymus Vineyards is a family-owned winery that started in Napa Valley back in 1972. They are known and celebrated for their two Cabernet Sauvignons, the Caymus Napa Valley and Caymus Special Selection.
The wine tastings take place outside in their beautiful gardens. Your tasting fee can be waived when purchasing $50 or more in wine. Honestly, this is a great perk. Many wineries in Napa Valley do not do this anymore.
Dog-Friendly Day Trip to Napa Valley
We love taking our dogs with us to wine tastings. They are both well-behaved Golden Retrievers that live for the attention they receive when we bring them out to wine country. However, many of the Napa Valley wineries are not dog-friendly. So when I find a good Napa Valley winery that is also dog friendly, I want to share them with you!
If we want to bring our dogs we will typically plan for wine tastings in Sonoma or Paso Robles. Paso Robles is very dog friendly! Many wineries and most hotels in Paso Robles welcome dogs.
Paraduxx
Location: Yountville
Tastings start at $55 per person
Paraduxx Winery is located along the Silverado Trail right outside Yountville. It is part of the Duckhorn portfolio, so you know you are drinking fantastic wine. Paraduxx is the only Napa Valley winery devoted exclusively to making Napa Valley blends.
The wine tasting takes place outside next to their gorgeous vineyards. And an extra bonus- they are dog friendly! They welcome well-behaved dogs on leash on the property for outdoor tastings, with a prior reservation.
Stewart Cellars
Location: Yountville
Tastings start at $40 per person
We were fortunate enough to stumble upon a tasting at Stewart Cellars, a tasting room in downtown Yountville. It’s a small family-owned and produced winery, which was founded in 2000.
The property is beautiful with a new contemporary style of décor. We had our tasting on a cozy couch outside in front of a lit fireplace. At the end of our tasting, we enjoyed the wine and experience so much that we decided to become wine club members.
Other Dog-Friendly Wineries:
Alpha Omega– St Helena
Halls Winery– St Helena
V Satuii-St Helena
Frogs Leap-Rutherford
How to Save Money on Wine Tasting
It is actually possible to save money when booking your wine tastings in Napa Valley. As I am sure you quickly figured out, Napa Valley is not cheap, so we like to save anywhere we can.
The Priority Wine Pass offers you discounts at many of the participating wineries and experiences in Napa Valley.
The Priority Wine Pass has a long list of wineries in Napa Valley for you to choose from; a few of our favorites on there are Hall Wines, V. Sautti, and Black Stallion. The pass is good for three days, and you can easily make that money back.
Especially, if you take advantage of their 2 for 1 tasting. Whereat participating wineries, you can get one tasting for free with the Priority Wine Pass. Pretty amazing deal!
The Priority Wine Pass
Besides providing discounts at numerous wineries in Napa Valley, the Priority Wine Pass also offers savings on popular tours in Napa Valley. You can receive discounts on Napa Valley Bike Tours, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and wine cave tours.
Wino like myself? Priority Wine Pass is not just for Napa Valley but can also earn you savings at many other popular wine tasting destinations. Such as Sonoma, Paso Robles, Livermore, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Oregon, Washington, and more.
* My readers get the Wine Pass at a discounted rate. Make sure to use the coupon code TTWT to get the best deal!
✅ To save money on your wine tastings get your Priority Pass here
Want to learn more about the Priority Wine Pass? Priority Wine Pass Is it Worth It 2023: All You Need to Know
Top Tours for a Napa Valley Day Trip
If you would prefer not to drive, then your other option is to book a tour or personal driver to Napa Valley. There are many pros to booking a wine tour.
Such as pick up from your accommodation, assistance with planning your itinerary, and your personal DD to the wineries. Tours are a great idea for large groups looking to plan a day trip to Napa Valley.
Best Tours for a Napa Valley Day Trip From San Francisco
Private Wine Tour from San Francisco to Napa Valley
RATING: ⭐ 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | BOOK NOW
What I love about this tour is that you can customize your own wine tasting itinerary. They give a list of multiple fantastic wineries to choose from and you can plan to visit up to 5 wineries.
Also included, is pick up from your San Francisco accommodations, a bottle of wine, and a cruise along the Golden Gate Bridge for a photo op.
This tour is a great option for larger groups, they can accommodate up to 7 people.
“This was an excellent experience for us Kyle our driver was the absolute BEST!! So helpful!! Highly recommend this they helped us with picking the wineries and schedules! Great choice! Thank you for everything!” – Rebecca H. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for the Private Wine Tour from San Francisco to Napa Valley here
Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers From San Francisco
RATING: ⭐ 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 10 hours | BOOK NOW
If you are leaving from San Francisco, this is the perfect small group tour to go wine tasting in Napa Valley! Forget about the hassle of driving, this company will provide you with a private driver/guide who will pick you up from your hotel in San Francisco.
This Napa Valley tour includes wine-tasting at three Napa Wineries, a tour of Castello di Amorosa’s medieval castle, transportation to Napa, and a photo stop at the Welcome to Napa sign and Golden Gate Bridge.
“Such a fun day with stops to a castle, two smaller relaxed wineries and lunch in a cute town in Calistoga. On the way back, the tour stops at the Golden Gate Bridge for pictures. We loved our tour guide, Randall, who was very knowledgeable about wine and made the tour so lively!” (read more reviews)
This is a small group of up to 15 people. I have seen other tours offered from San Francisco that have 45 people on the tour, trust me you do not want that!
✅ Check rates & availability Small Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers here
Best Tours for a Napa Valley Day Trip From Napa
Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley
RATING: ⭐ 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6.5 hours | BOOK NOW
If you are spending the night in Napa Valley and only have a day to explore and do some wine tasting, then I highly recommend this Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley.
This popular small group tour leaves from Napa Valley, they will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to three wineries with your knowledgeable tour guide. Also, included in this tour is a picnic lunch at one of the wineries.
“We had such a great time on this tour! Went to smaller vineyards that we never would have found on our own. Army was an amazing guide who taught us so much and also showed us some gems in downtown wine country. We would highly recommend!” – Lindsey S. (read more reviews)
✅ Check rates & availability for the Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour through Napa Valley here
Tips on How to Do a Day Trip to Napa Valley
1. Start Your Napa Valley Day Trip Early
Getting up and starting your day early is very important if you want to get the most out of your Napa Valley day trip.
Most wineries open at 10 am, with the last wine tasting reservations around 3:30 to 4:00 pm. It may sound like plenty of time, but trust me, it goes by quickly. The estates aren’t always close to each other, so you will need to drive to taste at the different wineries.
2. Make Reservations in Advance
You cannot do a wine tasting in Napa Valley without a reservation. As soon as you know that you are going to Napa Valley, I would book your wine tastings.
3. Don’t Overbook your Tastings:
How many wineries can you visit in a day in Napa Valley? I have found that the perfect amount of wine tastings to do in a day is between 2 to 3. You want to enjoy your wine tasting and time in Napa Valley. If you plan more than three, you will be rushing around trying to make the next reservation.
4. Start at Farthest Point and Work Your Way Back
When booking your reservations at the wineries, you should plan to start at the farthest winery first and work your way back towards the city. Napa consists of 8 regions.
Calistoga is the farthest away, and Napa is the closest to San Francisco. They are about a 30-minute drive from each other. You do not want to be driving back and forth between regions, or you will be wasting a lot of time driving in your car.
5. Give Yourself 2 Hours Between Each Tasting
Depending on the location of the wineries you have chosen for your day trip, I typically plan at least two hours for each wine tasting experience.
Usually, a wine tasting takes about an hour to 90 minutes. Then I give 30 minutes for travel time and time to check in to the next winery. Most wineries have a strict policy on late arrivals; they usually only give you a 15-minute grace period.
6. To Maximize Time at Wineries Plan to Eat Lunch at Wineries
There are plenty of top-notch restaurants in Napa Valley. However, we usually save that for dinner reservations. To avoid spending valuable tasting time at a restaurant, you can choose a winery that serves food during lunchtime.
You need to be aware, that not all wineries serve food, most of them don’t. I have given some suggestions of wineries that offer lunch options below. One of our favorites is Del Dotto, they serve the best wood-fired pizzas after their wine tasting tour.
More Napa Valley Guides on TTWT
For more Napa Valley advice and tips to help you plan your trip, see one of my guides below.
✔️Is There Uber in Napa: How to Get Around Napa Valley
✔️How Many Days Do You Need in Napa Valley?
✔️First Time Visiting Napa Valley Itinerary: Ultimate Guide
✔️Closest Airport to Napa Valley Wineries & Top Tips for Getting There
Where to Eat in Napa Valley
Since you only have a day in Napa Valley, you need to optimize your time and plan your meals before your trip. First things first, breakfast. With a full day of wine tasting ahead of you, I always suggest eating a decent breakfast beforehand.
Bouchon Bakery
Bouchon is a French-style bakery by worldwide acclaimed chef, Thomas Keller. Be prepared, Bouchon Bakery always has a line out of the door.
However, Their croissants and macaroons are to die for and definitely worth the wait. Pro tip: we usually order ahead of time so we can skip the line when we arrive.
Model Bakery
A terrific bakery that is well known for the best bread and pastries. Model Bakery has been serving delicious baked goods to Napa Valley for over 90 years at its original location in St. Helena.
They now have opened two other bakeries in downtown Napa and Yountville. Besides their famous bread, their menu also consists of breakfast sandwiches and lunch options.
Model Bakery is a popular bakery in Napa Valley, and there will almost always be a line in the morning. I suggest calling or ordering curbside ahead of time to avoid waiting in a long line.
Monday Bakery
We recently visited Monday Bakery on our last day trip to Napa Valley and luckily came across Monday Bakery. The wait times for Model Bakery and Bouchon were at least an hour, and we were short on time. So we decided to try something new, and I am thrilled that we did.
Monday Bakery had a fantastic selection of baked goods that we all thoroughly enjoyed. And no lines!! If you’re also a Nutella addict like myself, they had a Banana Nutella muffin that was incredible. The muffin smothered in Nutella was a sugar rush, but worth it and perfect for sharing.
Where to Eat Lunch During Your Napa Day Trip
I always plan our lunch out in advance as well. As I stated above, most wineries do not serve food. If they do, it usually is something small like a charcuterie and cheese board.
Your best options are to choose a winery that offers food pairing with their tastings, serves food, or will allow you to bring your own picnic during lunchtime.
V. Sattui Winery
V. Sattui is our favorite option for lunch. They have an artisan deli and marketplace that offers everything from salads, sandwiches, and sides. On the weekends, they will have a food truck or a BBQ on their lawn.
Domaine Chandon
Offers an outdoor picnic experience for a small group. The menu varies depending on the season, but you will get something like cheese and charcuterie, fruit, salads, and sandwiches, with the option to add other snacks. Or splurge for the cabana experience and eat like a king with prime skirt steak, salad, and dessert.
Cakebread Cellars
You can book a wine and food pairing for $75 per person at Cakebread Cellars. The food consists of fresh ingredients that come directly from their garden.
Oxbow Market
Great spot in downtown Napa to pick up lunch for later.
Oakville Grocery
At Oakville Grocery, shop for all of the ingredients to have the perfect picnic. You can find a great selection of cheese, meats, sandwiches, salads, condiments, and wines.
Transportation Options to Napa Valley
The best way to get the most out of your one day in Napa Valley would be to travel by car. From San Francisco, it is approximately an hour and a half car drive to Napa Valley. However, it depends on what region you are wine tasting.
Many people visiting Napa for the first time do not realize this, but Napa Valley consists of 8 different wine tasting regions. If you want to learn more about each region in Napa Valley, I go into detail in my First Time to Napa Valley post. If you are visiting Northern California from out of town. I recommend that you either rent a car or book a wine tasting tour for your day trip.
Is There Uber in Napa Valley
Yes, there is Uber available in Napa Valley. However, you should not depend on it as your only form of transportation.
I explain all of the details on when you should and shouldn’t Uber in Napa, other forms of transportation to get around Napa Valley, and the top tours and guides that will take care of all of the planning for you in my post, Is There Uber in Napa Valley: How to Get Around Napa Valley
Should You Rent a Car
Renting a car is not absolutely necessary when visiting San Francisco. You could easily get around the city with shared cars.
However, there are so many other incredible locations to see outside of San Francisco. For example, Half Moon Bay, Muir Woods, Sausalito, Jack London Square, and those are just a few of our favorites. If you want to see more of Northern California at your own pace and without depending on Uber and Lyft.
✅ Avoid the hassle and book your car rental ahead of time for the lowest rate by clicking here!
When is the Best Time to Visit Napa Valley
You can visit Napa Valley any time of the year and have an incredible wine tasting experience. Springtime is my favorite season to visit Napa Valley. It’s right when all of the beautiful wildflowers bloom throughout the rolling hills in Napa Valley. Also, you will find comfortable weather on most days in the ’70s.
November is also the perfect time to plan a weekend getaway to Napa Valley. You will experience a slower-paced Napa with fewer crowds and cheaper accommodations.
Napa’s peak season is between August through October, also known as Harvest Season. A lot of the wineries plan fun events during this time of year.
However, if you plan on visiting during harvest season, book your wine tastings months in advance because many wineries book up quickly. Also, you will find that accommodations are more expensive during these months.
Tip: If your schedule is flexible, I suggest booking a day trip to Napa Valley during the week. This way you, will get your top choices in wineries.
However, if you cannot visit during the week, don’t let that deter you. There are so many fantastic wineries in Napa Valley for you to choose from.
First Time to Napa Valley, California?
If this is your first or second time visiting Napa Valley, I have written a post just for you. First Time to Napa Valley: Ultimate Guide & Tips.
Here you can find everything you need to know about visiting Napa Valley for the first time. Such as how many wine tastings to plan in a day, the best time of year to visit Napa Valley, and plenty of other insider tips.
Other Day trips in the Bay Area to Explore:
Half Moon Bay
Jack London Square
Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur, California
Sausalito, California
Pescadero, California
Monterey
In Conclusion: Napa Day Trip
There are still so many other favorite wineries that have not made my list. Such as Silver Oak, Ashes & Diamonds, Cakebread Cellars, Black Stallion, and plenty more!
When you are planning your Napa day trip, there is one main thing to remember. No matter where you decide to go wine tasting, you are going to have an incredible time.
In all of our trips to Napa Valley, I have never had a bad experience. When wine tasting in California, it’s all about relaxing with good wine, beautiful surroundings, and spending time with the great people around you.