Most likely best known for its sprawling vineyards, fine dining restaurants and endless sunny days, Napa Valley in California is a must-visit destination for the luxury loving oenophiles of the world.
Sitting north of San Francisco, Napa Valley comprises Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, American Canyon, and Oakville and Rutherford – the perfect places to explore and sample the delectable Cabernet Sauvignon wines that this area is so well known for. But that isn’t all there is to do here and below we highlight five ways you can enjoy a luxurious trip to Napa Valley.
Unique experiences
Napa Valley is bursting with events and activities to partake in as well as stunning scenery that any visitor will be keen to explore and appreciate. From travelling around on a guided tour of the area on a bike to enjoying live music and hiking to shopping the many boutiques, your time here will be well spent whatever takes your fancy, but why not make the experience one to really remember with the likes of the hot air balloon experience to add to the wow factor of your trip? Take to the skies and revel in the lush scenery, from hills to coastline as the sun rises and you float across the landscape.
Luxurious accommodations
From luxury hotels and resorts to intimate boutique inns, there are a wealth of glamorous places to rest your head when you’ve had your fill of exploring, wine tasting and fine dining for the day. If you’re looking for a resort that has a bit of everything to keep you well entertained during your stay, then Napa boasts the Silverado Resort and Spa, Vista Collina at The Meritage and Carneros Resort and Spa, while St. Helena holds that Meadowood Napa Valley and Harvest Inn, and in Rutherford you’ll find Auberge du Soleil. All of which benefit from a range of facilities including a day spa, restaurant, outdoor pool and fitness amenities.
Top-notch wines
Being one of the world’s premier wine tasting regions, no doubt some of your trip will be dedicated to exploring some of the area’s 400 wineries. With the opportunity to wander the vineyards, enjoy tasting sessions and talks with winemakers as well as enjoy some delectable light bites on-site too, what better way to spend your time here? Of course, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample some of the Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon that is grown so generously here, but you may also be pleased to learn that there are Merlots, Pinot Noirs, Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blancs to try too.
Great food
Whether you enjoy dining at restaurants boasting Michelin Stars or love spending your time hopping from one great café to another, you’re in good hands here with the abundance of natural produce and great chefs providing some bountiful treats.
Kenzo, Grace’s Table, The French Laundry, La Toque, Auberge du Soleil, SingleThread, Harbor House, and Bouchon are all worth checking out, but there are so many more to choose from depending on your tastes.
Town hopping
Napa Valley is only 30 miles long and five miles wide, making it the perfect place to get out and explore the local towns, each offering their own style. Napa holds the Oxbow Public Market as well as plenty of wine bars, tasting rooms, theatres and shops, while Yountville is the place to go for some of the best food in the region. Calistoga is the place to go when you want to relax among the mud baths, spa and mineral pools, while St. Helena is ideal for wandering the galleries, dining in the great selection of restaurants, shopping and wine tasting.
