Our Wine Country Guide to Napa, California

Napa Valley is well known worldwide for it’s renowned vineyards.. and the incredible wine they reap. Other highlights of this sought after destination include great weather, luxurious resorts, and delicious dining options. Unsurprisingly, all of this makes it a favorite destination among us IBT girls. So, we thought we would share our wine country guide to Napa, California. If you’ve never been, we will inspire you to book a trip (ASAP!), and if you’ve been a hundred times, hopefully we can offer something new to try!

Where to Stay:

Napa Valley Lodge: Right in the heart of the charming town of Yountville, Napa Valley Lodge offers plenty of delicious restaurants and galleries right outside your room. Bonus: they offer a hot air balloon ride package!

Carneros Resort & Spa: This resort, located slightly South of downtown Napa (and slightly closer to SFO), in Carneros, epitomizes an escape. We had the opportunity to stay in one of the cozy, welcoming, and luxurious cottages on our trip to Napa last month with Theoni Collection. From the outdoor bathtub and fire pit, to the praise-worthy dining options, and expansive vineyard views, we took advantage of all the property has to offer! Best for: a romantic getaway!

Andaz: Looking for something more boutique? The Andaz offers plenty of character evident in it’s uniquely cool decor. Plus, it’s located right in downtown Napa!

Where to Taste:

Joseph Phelps Vineyards: The recent completely renovated winery boasts a gorgeous deck overlooking rolling vineyards (sigh!). Be sure to reserve a tasting, where you can enjoy an assortment of bougey bottles of high-priced and delicious wine.

Liana: Hit up this brand new winery for bubbles and a trendy seat. Plus, an incredible view of all the valley! You can also pick up a picnic basket from the bar and find a spot to sip out on the hill.

Cuvaison is perfect for all of the art-appreciators and wine lovers! This winery combines delicious wines with the pop-art style of Andy Warhol on its wine labels. If you are staying in Carneros, this is right down the road.

Mondavi: As a namesake of the Napa Valley region Mondavi is a must see when visiting Napa!

Cakebread: Call us repetitive (Napa is just so beautiful!) but Cakebread Cellars has one of the most stunning vineyards and tasting rooms!

Sterling Vineyards: Take the Aerial Tram after tasting to get a bird’s eye view of the vineyards.

Cornerstone Sonoma: This shopping center is off the Napa beaten path, but close enough (and worth it) to visit. It offers plenty of tasting rooms, boutique shops, artful gardens, and a more laid back atmosphere.

***When planning your trip, keep in mind that most of the wineries now require a reservation.  So you need to plan in advance.

Where to Dine:

Oxbow Market: As the public market of Napa, Oxbow offers tons of different food options – that are all noteworthy!

Bouchon Bakery: Home to some of the most delicious baked goods, Bouchon is a MUST visit for breakfast. Get there early as there will be a long line!

Market in St. Helena: The name may be mis-leading but this is less ‘market’ more an awesome restaurant dining experience. Must-order: mac and cheese and short ribs!

Rutherford Grill is a local favorite! It offers yummy comfort food – perfect to indulge in after a day of wine tasting!

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch: This homestyle restaurant serves up the epitome of ‘farm-to-table’ dishes! Must order: the warm burrata appetizer and cheddar biscuits with honey butter.

Boon Fly Café: Located on property at Carneros Resort & Spa, this is a must-try for brunch if you’re staying at the resort. However, the freshly made donuts and ‘green eggs & ham’ make it worth a pit stop no matter where you are.

R+D Kitchen: R+D serves Asian American fusion cuisine in the heart of Yountville. The large salads are a great choice!

Where are your favorite places to visit in Napa?