Here are some of our favorite stops as well as top rated spots to fulfill a full day (or weekend) for you in Napa Valley!
(Updates pending)
Always have a breakfast plan in place! This seems like an easy one to follow, however since we live under an hour away from the area we decided one day that we were going to find breakfast wherever, on the way to a day of wine tasting. Long story short, breakfast wasn't put on our schedule, we left late with barely enough time to make it to our wine tour- passing all the food options looking for "better and or faster", and at the end of the tour we were scarfing up the breadsticks - classy, I know. It happens, but if you add it to your schedule and include a specific place in your itinerary you'll be more likely to stop and prioritize that first meal.
Luckily, we have some great suggestions for places to stop on your way to your first tasting!
Known as the oldest building in Napa, this historical masterpiece comes with a ton of surprises! Here today stands La Cheve Bakery and Brews, a spot you can go to for delicious breakfast and brunch while taking in its scenery and the surrounding nature.
With an extensive menu, you can choose from a variety of sweet and savory food options, making sure to take some unique handmade pastries home. You can also choose from many creative hot and iced beverages which can include coffee and or hot chocolate (spiked choices available), or opt in for refreshing cold cocktail choices, shooters, select craft beer, or a mimosa flight!
The food and drinks were 10/10, everyone was so welcoming and lovely, and we absolutely look forward to going back!
*Tip: There are NO reservations. The earlier the arrival the better to ensure a shorter wait time and parking. You can order pastries online for pick-up while waiting in line- pastries do sell out so it is recommended to order ahead of time.*
Looking to take breakfast on the way closer to Yountville? Take a look at Bouchon Bakery, a place where you can find delicious goods from ham and cheeses and other hot sandwiches, to freshly baked unique pastries! I absolutely LOVE crossaints, and I have to say that you can taste the difference, the freshness, and the love from Bouchon Bakery.
Here's another highly rated location for a delicious breakfast, bruch (or even lunch!) encouraging a great start to your day! With such great reviews to back this place up, Sausage Emporium is one of the top places known to satisfy your cravings before the start of your itinerary.
After you've had a wonderful breakfast it's the perfect time to walk it off with a winery tour! There are many amazing options to choose from. but here are our favorites and some top recommended touring destinations!
Yes, there's a castle in Napa Valley, and in it lives an impressive story within it's unique rooms, and delicious wine to taste before their gift shop experience. Castello Di Amorosa is a treasure that stands tall in Calistoga, and is absolutely worth adding to your Napa Valley itinerary!
Ready for a cave experience? Del Dotto has a few locations within Napa Valley. We joined a group through the caves and through each hall lays barrels of wine with different stories leading to their creations. We got to taste them all, and at the very end of our tour we were pleasantly surprised with delicious fresh food such as pizza and sandwiches, followed by delicious pours of our choice.
Sparkling wine lover? Enjoy the beautiful outdoors in the way of your choice within the gardens, terraces, and or marble-floored fireside salon at Domaine Carneros. Sipping and eating some delicious bites within the company of the Château sounds like a way to make the day perfect to me:)
A tour at a winery can take a couple hours, and if you plan on visiting a few and there's no meal included then you've probably wined up a big appetite. It's time for lunch, and here are some favorite and top recommended go-to's to try!
Sorry, the food came out looking and smelling so good that I forgot to take a photo of it or literally anything at all. I've seen posts of Mothers Tacos on social media so the next time we went to visit Napa Valley we were down for tacos and made sure to grab lunch from here and I cannot wait to go back! The tortillas, the meat, the salsa, everything was fresh and flavorful, and they had all the extra toppings you would want to add that we haven't seen offered at spots in awhile, and this is a spot I recommend for lunch and even dinner if you prefer!
(Updates pending)
Want to try some wine, but don't want to walk around for a long tour? There are plenty of tasting spots that you can explore without the walking. Alternatively, you can visit wineries of interest and skip the tour! (Just visit the winery website's information page, or give them a call to explore your options.)
Here are some our favorites and top rated places worth stoping for.
Tired of commuting from one winery to another? You can find many wine, and other beverage tasting destinations by just walking the streets of downtown Napa. Cool down at a brewery with cold craft beer, a frosé, or enjoy a whiskey tasting!
Walking through the downtown streets we've come across live music and events, great smelling food, and activities that we probably wouldn't have found if we didn't detour.
Stay tuned for favorite places we stopped at while in Napa!
It's time to seal the deal on the last meal of the day (and hopefully some dessert!). Whether you're going to retire at the hotel or have a drive home, check back here for some favorite and top rated options when it comes to a great dinner in Napa Valley!
(Updates pending)
I'm literally your fan for making it this far. You've eaten, tasted, and explored and you aren't done yet- and we're not either! Stay tuned for some great after hour activities to finish off your Napa valley day with a bang (or a relaxing finish, whatever you choose:)).
Note: Due to the current prioritization of social media, updates may take awhile to be added on the site! Follow me on Instagram below for more up to date content <3
I appreciate your patience and your support!!!