Itineraries for Your Trip to Napa & Sonoma
1 Day in Napa for First Timers
For wine lovers like myself, few destinations evoke as much romance as Napa Valley. The iconic Northern California wine region—one of the top wine destinations in the United States, if not the world—has long been celebrated for its incredibly finessed vintages, which generally spotlight Bordeaux varietals like cabernet sauvignon and merlot as well as rich and regal chardonnay.
In other words, no trip to Napa Valley is complete without a wide-ranging tasting tour and multiple vineyard visits—though that’s not the only thing to do when you’re in town. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Napa, from early morning to dinnertime.
If you only have time for one thing, make it tasting your way through top wineries—it’s the thing to do in wine country, natch.
Given Napa's Mediterranean climate, expect cool mornings and evenings and bright, sunny days—a jacket is advised.
Morning is the perfect time to get an overview of Napa Valley. If you don’t mind an early start, a hot-air balloon ride is a magical way to experience this Northern California region. There’s no better perspective on Napa’s Tuscany-like rolling hills and vineyards, all offset by distant mountains. Once you’ve soared over the valley and captured photos of the experience, descend back to earth for your first glass of the day: a celebratory flute of bubbly.
Of course, visiting those world-class wineries and sampling a range of wines is a must-do while in Napa Valley—and embarking on a multi-stop, half-day tour is the simplest way to taste the fruits of the region. Instead of worrying about finding a designated driver, you can leave all the transport and logistics to your guide. Visit three wineries to sip your way through Napa Valley’s vinous variety. Pro tip: Look for a tour with lunch included to line your stomach between stops.
If you need more nibbles by the end of your wine tour, you're in luck. Early evening in downtown Napa is the perfect time and place for a gourmet food tour. Enjoy a fine-dining excursion and experience the best of California’s farm-to-table approach to cooking when you follow your guide to some of Napa’s top dining destinations. Plus, you can toast to your fabulous day out with a final glass of vino (or several).
