The Perfect 36hrs in Napa Valley Itinerary

If 36hrs is all you’ve got, don’t sweat. There’s a lot you can accomplish in a short amount of time if you know how to make the most of it. And one of the best towns to stay in to make that happen is St. Helena.

Known as more of a “locals town,” don’t let the super sweet main street USA vibe fool you. This place is packed with some of the best culinary talent in California, filled with luxury shopping, and is even home to the sweetest single screen movie theater. You’ll love how the low-key vibes of this charming town instantly transport you on your quick getaway and since nothing on this itinerary is more than a 10min drive you can truly see, do, eat, and drink it all.

Click here for the full itinerary or watch my roundup in this video here.

How to Celebrate Spring Sustainably: Food and Wine Pairing Edition

Of all the seasons, I probably look forward to spring the most. After a long, cold winter spring feels like an impossible dream that might as well be years away. But invariably, when I hear the server say “today we have an asparagus special,” there I am - ready, waiting, with an open mouth for springs abundance. Because while spring brings with it some of my favorite seasonal produce, it also ushers in the years best wine pairings. 

If you subscribe to the notion of “what grows together, goes together,” you know exactly what I mean. And if you don’t, let me explain. This concept, born out of the great wine regions of the world, explains that the wines of particular regions tend to pair best with the native foods. Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Goat Cheese, Chianti and Wild Boar Ragu, Comte and Bordeaux. Here in California, where we grow not only an abundance of produce but also a wide variety of wine-grapes, it’s no surprise that the old “What Grows Together Goes Together” adage rings especially true. But with such an array of choices, it often feels like spring is our true “moment to shine,” and your opportunity to take advantage of all the state has to offer. Which means not only are you eating and drinking deliciously, you’re also doing it sustainably by shopping locally and in season. 

Best of all, with California being the leader in sustainable winegrowing, you can easily keep spring “green” by shopping for California Certified Sustainable wines. These wines not only represent some of the best California has to offer when it comes to environmentally farming processes, but also ensures that vineyards and wineries are doing their part when it comes to the social equity of their employees and community. Look for the California Certified Sustainable Logo on the bottle in store, or check out the full list of certified vineyards, wineries, and wines here.

So how can you best take advantage of springs bounty and all the delicious wines that go with it? Here are a few of my favorite spring wine and food pairings.

Fresh California Goat Cheese & Asparagus with Sauvignon Blanc

With it’s notoriously bitter profile, asparagus is a favorite of chefs and public enemy number one for sommeliers. Because while asparagus may have a limited pool of pair-able partners, it’s no match for our sun-kissed California Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity of the grape and citrus profile gives the asparagus that always welcome squeeze of lemon, while the ripeness of those flavors helps to keep the bitterness at bay without overwhelming. Plus, asparagus pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc’s other favorite food - fresh goat cheese. This classic pairing, born out of the Loire Valley in France, doesn’t seem like an obvious choice at first glance. But trust me when I say it’s magic. The high acidity of both the goat cheese and the Sauvignon Blanc are perfectly complimentary, but what I love the most is how the creaminess of the cheese works so well with some of those more tropical flavors of the wine. 

I suggest bringing them together with this Bruschetta with Warm Goat Cheese, Roasted Asparagus, and Pistachio Pesto recipe from Discover California Wines which is the perfect vegetarian-friendly brunch dish.  And you can be extra-sustainable by not only grabbing a California Sauvignon Blanc to pair, but also by looking for one of many great California cheese purveyors we have to choose from.

Avocados and Viognier

Unlike it’s spring counterpart asparagus, avocados actually work with many different white wines - it all depends on the preparation. My favorite avocados, much like I’m sure is this case with you favorite, are the creamiest ones that only require the gentle touch of a spoon to coerce from its shell to my mouth. And while often that is the trajectory of an avocado’s life in my household, I do from time to time like to play around with how it’s prepared. The key here is texture, and I fully intend on highlighting that no matter the preparation. Viognier is one of my favorite ways to do that with it’s slightly oily and viscous mouthfeel, lush fruit, and fresh acidity to make it almost like you’re adding a little olive oil and lemon juice to the equation. You can find Viognier all over the state with expressions leaning more lean and bright coming from Mendocino, Amador, and Anderson Valley to down in the land of Rhone Varieties in Paso Robles where they really lean into the richness of the grape. The choice is yours.

Swirl that Viognier, and choose from any of these delicious recipes from California Grown. One of my favorites is this deceptively simple Salmon Avocado Stack which will undoubtedly make you feel like you’ve turned your home into a Michelin-starred restaurant without the heavy lifting. 

Cherries and Pinot Noir

Sometimes wines want to be contrasted, and other times complimented. With Pinot Noir, I’m partial to the compliment and with six different varieties of California cherries coming into season from April through June, it won’t be hard to do. Despite the fact that Pinot Noir is one of the most terroir-specific grapes on the planet, there’s one thing you can always expect to find in the glass pretty much no matter where you farm it - cherries. All up and down the coast of California you can find exquisite examples of Pinot Noir ranging from juicy and succulent like in the Russian River Valley to more salty and umami in Santa Barbara. 

The grape produces a light-bodied red wine that’s easy to pair with lot’s of dishes, but since Pinot Noir also happens to love being paired with pork I’m partial to this Cocoa-Rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Salsa from Aida Mollenkamp at Salt & Wind.

How to Pair Wine and Cheese Like a Pro

Proper Wine and Cheese pairing is an art. The nuances that exist in each respective category are boundless, endless, and frankly overwhelming. But while regions, styles, animals, and aging all make choosing the cheese just as complicated as choosing the wine, if you zoom out and look at the 10,000 foot view, there is a way to simplify it before you start down the rabbit hole. Not that you need to. Because while wine and cheese pairing CAN be a daunting art, it can also be an incredibly simple pleasure that only requires knowing a handful of rules. And once you know them, you know them for life. So let’s break down 4 very common types of cheeses, the wines to pair with them, and the reasoning behind it.


Fresh Cheeses

Examples: young creamy goats milk, spreadable cheeses

Types of Wines to Pair

Light bright white wine - ideally Sauvignon Blanc. You could also do sparkling (Champagne, Cava, Franciacorta, Cremant, Prosecco, etc), Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, or Riesling - something crispy and light. 

Why?

Your cheese is way higher in acidity than you probably realize - especially the fresh cheeses. Because food pairing 101 mandates that your wines acidity must be as high or higher than the food it’s being paired with, it eliminates a lot of red wines from the “ideal wine pairing” category. Why? Most red wines cap out at medium acidity, and few get to high. White wines typically have higher acidity - especially varieties like Sauvignon Blanc - and Champagne has the highest acidity of them all. 

Try these wines

Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Muscadet Sevre et Maine sur lie

Pinot Gris / Pinot Grigio

Champagne

soft to semi soft cheeses

Examples: Brie, Camembert, something with a rind that’s a little gooey

Types of Wines to Pair

This is Chardonnay territory. A white with a little more body and richness - that still has acidity. Other great options include Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Roussane/Marsanne, and Ribolla Gialla. You COULD start introducing red wines if you wanted - keep it super light though. Pinot Noir, Grenache, 

Why?
A richer cheese needs a richer wine to stand up to it, and while we’re still in need of acidity, we’re also not quite ready for tannin. Tannin needs something to bind with - ideally protein. This is why red wine and steak are so lovely together. White wines don’t have it (not usually anyway) and lighter bodied reds tend to not have much. The lack of tannin in both those categories of wine makes it much easier to pair with cheese. When you start introducing the saltier firmer cheeses, ahead, that’s when the bigger tannins can join the party. 

Try these wines

Santa Barbara Chardonnay

Northern Rhone Viognier

Chenin Blanc

Semi firm cheeses

Examples: Young Gouda and Cheddar

Types of Wines to Pair

This is really where light red wines start to shine. Look to Pinot Noir, Grenache, Cotes du Rhône, Beaujolais, Dolcetto, and Loire Valley Cabernet Franc (Bourgueil, Chinon)

Why?

While tannin can overwhelm and overpower lighter, fresher cheese, as the cheese gets more firm, we can start to introduce them in a soft manner. Most of these wines have a light, freshness about them that can help bring out the softer side of the cheese but also stand up and support their more rich style.

Wines to Try

Chinon

Oregon Pinot Noir

Hard Cheeses

Examples: Comte, Parmesan, and Mimolette - aged and/or hard cheeses that are a little crunchy, usually have salt crystals, and feel a little saltier

Types of Wines to Pair

Time to finally grab the big glass - medium to fuller bodied red wines is what you want here. Great examples include Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino.

Why?

One thing tannin also loves is salt and these harder cheese usually have a combination of texture and salt to support a weightier red. I love enjoying these at the end of the meal when I’m finishing up a red wine and can even add a little compote or honey to fully satisfy my sweet tooth.

Wines to Try

Bordeaux

Brunello di Montalcino

Tempranillo

When in doubt..

Grab the Champagne or employ this rule: What grows together goes together.

Honestly, when in doubt the best rule of thumb for just about any food and wine pairing is either grabbing he champagne or leaning on “what grows together goes together.” In short, it just means you should look for wines that are made in the same region as the wine. It’s mother natures way of telling us what’s up and even when the tannin or the acidity might be a little off according to these rules, the trump card is always region. Comte and Bordeaux, Sancerre and Goat Cheese (Chavignol if you can find it) - it just works. Of course if you’ve got a cheese board with an assortment of cheeses work in that middle ground of light reds and full bodied whites - or sparkling which basically goes with everything. 

Lastly, don’t skip your dessert wines with cheese. It’s obviously not right for every situation but damn if you can’t bring me to tears with some Vintage Port and Blue Cheese.

Thanksgiving Day Wine Pairings Cheat Sheet

3 Rules for Thanksgiving

  • 1. There are 2 potential categories of wine you should have on the table- you could have 1 or both:

    • Light-bodied and low-tannin red wines

    • Fuller-bodied white wines

  • 2. Look for Wines that are lower ABV (alcohol by volume)

    • 12-14%

  • No Finicky or High-Maintenance Wines

    • nothing that needs:

      • Explaining

      • Decanting

      • Fancy Glassware

White wines:

  • Ask/look for white wines with:

    • more body and texture to stand up to all the rich foods on the table

    • Notes that are going to compliment fall flavors like apple and pear

  • Grape Varieties:

    • Roussanne / Marsanne

    • Viognier

    • Chenin Blanc

Red Wines

  • Ask/Look For wines with:

    • Low tannin

    • Light-Medium Body

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The Perfect Paso Robles Itinerary for a First Timer

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If you’ve been thinking about visiting Paso Robles but are overwhelmed by the choices and how to organize it, don’t worry - I’ve got you covered. This Paso Robles itinerary is perfect for first time visitors, but with several off-the-beaten path recommendations, even veteran travelers will enjoy it as well.

Looking for more information on the region? You can check out this Paso Robles regional travel guide I’ve put together here!

Check-in : The Piccolo Hotel

You’re going to check in to The Piccolo Hotel located in downtown Paso Robles. This premium boutique hotel is located just off the main square and features a Moët & Chandon Champagne vending machine in the lobby, wine fridges in the room, and a rooftop bar called Tetto. This is definitely one of the more splurge-worthy hotels in the region, but if budget doesn’t allow, I also love the more wallet-friendly Oxford Suites. It’s not as walkable to downtown, but it’s a VERY close 3-5min drive and surprisingly new and well-appointed for a modest chain hotel. There’s also a ton of house rentals so for that be sure to check out Digs Vacation Rentals in lieu of AirBnB.

Friday Afternoon: Torrin

After you drop your bags you’ll spend the afternoon at the ultra-small production, Torrin Winery on Peachy Canyon Road. This was one of my most recent discoveries and I was blown away by not only the gorgeous setting, but by the incredible wines. Whether you choose to be indoors or out, this modest yet classically styled winery feels like an oasis and features wines from one of Paso’s most sought after wine consultants, Scott Hawley. Together with his wife, Scott is crafting exquisite bottling’s of Grenache, Syrah, and various blends for his first independent label. Chardonnay and Pinot have also recently entered the scene from vineyards further south in Santa Barbara and while they’re bottled under a separate label called “Lagom,” are equally as worthy of the higher-end pricing. Keep in mind, though this is a more premium winery, I still think these wines are absolute STEALS when you compare them to the rest of California. For me, this is a winery to watch very closely. These wines sell out quickly and finding them out in the wild is nearly impossible - so snag them while you can.

Friday Evening: Dinner at Il Cortile

Grab a mini-bottle of Moët and freshen up before dinner which is right next door at Il Cortile. This legendary Italian spot only has a few spots at the bar and reservations book up FAST. This came highly recommended to me by multiple people and despite very high expectations, I was not disappointed. I loved the local Italian variety flight of wine and the Cinghiale Ragu is absolutely not to be missed - I’m still dreaming about it.

Saturday Morning: Coffee at Spearhead

While a light breakfast box is delivered to your room each morning, for coffee you’ll want to head across the street to Spearhead. Their focus is entirely on pulling a proper shot of espresso so you won’t find a ton of coffee alternatives here like Matcha, the milk options are dreamy and endless. My latte with local raw milk is to this day one of the best coffee’s I’ve ever had.

Saturday Late Morning/Afternoon: Tin City

Paso has come a LONG way in the last 10 years and if there’s one thing that sort of surmises the progress, it has to be Tin City.

A collective of industrial tin warehouses lining a series of cul-de-sacs, interspersed with California greenery, bridges, and walking paths, you’ll find everything from under-the-radar and up and coming wineries, to straight up Paso Robles rockstars in here. It’s all super walkable and while you might be tempted to call it a “wine trail,” it’s actually so much more than that. Makers and breweries (cider AND beer) have all set up shop here to offer visitors a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their operations and an opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous California sunshine while sipping and eating. In some cases, you’re literally amongst the barrels and forklifts, but many offer a little tasting area respite. Park anywhere, start wherever, be sure to grab some bites, and keep it moving when you want. There’s no one way to do it.

A few of my favorites in Tin City:

Saturday Late Afternoon: Stroll around the square and Negranti Creamery

Head back to downtown and stroll around the downtown square. Cool off with local-favorite Negranti Creamery and pop into one of the many local shops and boutiques that line the streets.

Saturday Evening: The Alchemists’ Garden and The Hatch

There’s so much food to choose from in Paso, so we’re doing a progressive dinner to knock out two places in one night. Both make it easy to pop in for some small bites at the bar and they’re also both super casual which is key for what’s ahead.

Start at The Alchemists’ Garden and order “The Belladonna.” This fiery take on the classic Painkiller cocktail is a MUST and the perfect way to reset your palate after a day of tannin. Popcorn and the crudo are also winners and complimentary to most drinks.

Make your way over about a block and a half to The Hatch. Order one of the many local wines on tap to enjoy with the Hot Skillet Cornbread and Pork Belly and thank me later.

Saturday Late Evening: Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio

With your cocktail blanket on and some comfy shoes in tow, it’s off to your final stop of the night - Bruce Munro: Light at Sensorio. While this may sound a tad gimmicky, I promise you this incredible “light exhibit” in the vineyards will blow your mind. You’ll need to wait until sunset to see it, but under the night sky it’s astounding. Wine and food is available for purchase so feel free to even just make a full evening of it here. Remember to pack a jacket as the temperature will drop quite a bit.

Sunday Late Morning: Hope Family Wines (Austin Hope)

Grab your coffee and head to your first of three wineries for the day - Hope Family Wines. There are tons of experiences here to choose from ranging from one of the best cheese and wine pairings i’ve ever had to cabanas overlooking the vineyard. And what I love is that they make wines of all different styles and price points, so there’s something for everyone.

Caymus lovers will especially love Austin Hope who actually used to be affiliated back in the day with their Liberty School brand. And while they’re now independent, the brands still remain friendly and often collaborate with each other. The through lines are definitely still there though and lovers of Caymus are sure to fall in love with a few wines from Austin Hope.

Sunday Early Afternoon: Caliza

Head just a few minutes down the road to Caliza - a hidden gem winery that is doing all the right things and making killer Grenache, Syrah, and Rhone Blends. Everything is estate grown and owner/winemaker Carl Bowker is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. The classic vibe lakes pretense despite the high-quality wines poured in the tasting room. Make an appointment, relax, and enjoy the good people and wine at Caliza.

Sunday Afternoon: Pier 46 Seafood Market

Take a quick detour to the local Pier 46 Seafood Market located in the same parking lot as the Trader Joes. It’s as local as it gets and don’t expect frills, but Paso’s local fish monger has a pretty great menu with quick bites like sandwiches, salads, and poke bowls. Order at the counter and grab a table outside or call ahead and take it to go if you’re in a rush.

Sunday Late Afternoon: Epoch

Everyone raves about Epoch and it’s for good reason. The wines are as beautiful as the views and the thoughtfully designed building. It’s an updated but still classic vibe here that will have you clinging to your glass as long as you can as you take in the gorgeous scenery.

Sunday Evening: Dinner at BL Brasserie

It’s been a long weekend and now it’s time to relax like a European in a quintessential French Brasserie. Formerly known as Bistro Laurent, ask any local and they’ll tell you BL Brasserie place is legendary. Long before Paso was Paso, this place was churning out classic French fare in the downtown square and continues to be a favorite among winemakers and tourists.

Other Worthy Recs:

Still have room for more or want some alternate options? No problem. Here are a few more worthy of this itinerary that I just couldn’t squeeze in.

Restaurants

Wineries

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Girls Trip in Napa Valley: The Perfect Itinerary

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Group size, budget, vibes, and of course - great wine! All considerations that have to be made when planning a girls trip or bachelorette party in Napa Valley.

As always, there are some things to know before visiting Napa Valley all of which can be found here in this blog post.

If i’m being honest, my first choice would not be Napa for a Bachelorette - Paso Robles, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara would be higher on my list for affordability and overall group friendliness. But I know for a lot of you theres no place like Napa and I respect that. I live here - I agree. Its pretty amazing.

So with considerations for all of the above here is my complete itinerary for a Napa Valley Girls Trip / Bachelorette Party:

Check-In: Andaz Hotel

You’re going to check into the Andaz Hotel in Downtown Napa. This is a newer boutique hotel from the Hyatt collection with a fun rooftop, a great location, and relatively reasonable prices. Plus being a part of Hyatt, those who have points can cash them in! Downtown Napa is a vibrant happening scene with tons to do within walking distance. Most of the younger locals live here so the vibe tends to be a little more fun while still giving you that Napa feel. While getting to the vineyards will require a drive, your nightlife and dining options are plentiful and will allow for groups to get a little individual time should someone need a little break. This is also really the only place you’re going to find things open past 8 or 9. With few exceptions everything closes quite early in Napa Valley. One other area to consider, especially if you wanted to go the Airbnb route is Calistoga. It’s more of a laid back vibe there with less to do, but from an affordability standpoint can be significantly less than places like St. Helena and Yountville.

Now you could go for an Airbnb/VRBO situation, however there’s not a ton in Napa Valley because of zoning restrictions so recommending one in particular would be challenging. That said, I would highly recommend booking a place on the valley floor, not the mountain - it can be a harrowing drive and it can add quite a bit of drive time even though it doesn’t look THAT far. Also beware of places listed south of downtown Napa closer to or even in Vallejo/American Canyon. While both are still technically in Napa county, like being in the mountains it’s going to tack on some serious drive time and truthfully, not always the safest. And lastly, if you’re visiting Napa stay in Napa. Sonoma is further than you think and you’ll spend half your trip car sick from riding over the mountain.

Friday Dinner: AVOW Rooftop

Friday night you’ll stay downtown and head to AVOW for a light, casual dinner on the rooftop. Traffic can be brutal getting into Napa on a Friday so my advice is to keep things flexible so people can join as they arrive into town. This is one of the only rooftops in the valley and while they don’t take reservations for the rooftop, you could make one for the dining room if you choose.

Friday Optional Wine Tasting: Mayacamas Downtown Tasting Room

If you do happen to be one of the early birds into Napa that day, pop into the Mayacamas Downtown Tasting room just down the street for a quick wine flight. Their vineyards are perched high atop Mt. Veeder and the wines are legendary classics. Some of the most stunning wine being made in Napa Valley and wildly age-able.

Saturday Early Morning: Walk to Oxbow Public Market for breakfast/coffee

Saturday morning you’ll wake up and walk about 10 min over the bridge to Oxbow Public Market. There are tons of options including Ritual Coffee, the brand new Loveski “Jewish” Deli from 3 Michelin starred chef Christopher Kostow, The Model Bakery, and one of my personal favorites - The Fatted Calf.

Pro-tip: Fatted Calf does a Croque Monsieur that is lights out. Also, don’t miss the Model Bakery english muffin.

Saturday Late Morning: Oakville Grocery & Raymond Vineyards

From there you’ll head north to your first winery, but not before stopping by Oakville Grocery for some picnic supplies. Grab everything but the wine and then head to Raymond for your first Napa Valley wine tasting. This place is pretty crazy but they love having a great time!  You can keep it casual by doing a tasting in the grove or play winemaker for the day with one of their blending experiences.

Saturday Early Afternoon: Frank Family Wine Tasting and Picnic

After that, it’s up to Frank Family for a picnic. Frank makes everything from Champagne Method Sparkling to big yet balanced reds. Their vibe is super group friendly, laid back, and very female friendly. With a few different tasting options to choose from, you can do a full wine tasting and/or relax outside and do a picnic. If you only opt for a picnic you do need to buy a bottle from them and please, don’t bring your own or drink another wineries wine there :)

Saturday Late Afternoon: Yountville Shopping/Wine Tasting/Free Time

As you make your way down valley pop into Yountville. This cute, centrally located town is jam packed with tasting rooms, restaurants, cafe’s, and shopping. It’s a must-visit for any first timer and a great way to get recharge before heading to dinner down the street.

Saturday Evening: Dinner at Bottega

Dinner is at Bottega right on Washington street. This is a delicious, Italian restaurant and their Sophia Loren pasta cooked in Tomato water is everything. Groups are easily accommodated and despite being in the middle of Yountville, the prices are fair and the portions are decently sized.

Saturday Late Evening: Cadet or Bed!

Head back to downtown Napa and keep the party going at Cadet with Champagne and records, or call it a night because you have another big day tomorrow.

Sunday Early Morning: Walk to Oxbow Public Market for breakfast/coffee

Same morning routine at Oxbow and an opportunity to change up your order. Don’t forget to grab an English Muffin from Model Bakery before you leave Napa - it’s a favorite of Oprah and Ina Garten’s.

Sunday Late Morning: Schramsberg

It’s back up-valley to Calistoga for some Sunday bubbles at Napa Valley’s favorite sparkling wine producer, Schramsberg. The caves at this legendary winery are among the coolest in the region and with plenty of great photo ops around the property, you’ll have some great material to share on the ‘gram. The sparkling wines are made in the Champagne method and frequently served in the White House.

Pro-tip: buy a special bottle you all can enjoy while getting ready on the big day 👰‍♀️

Sunday Early Afternoon: Wine Tasting and Lunch at Brasswood

Head down valley a few miles to Brasswood for a little lunch and wine tasting experience. This place is super cute and a great way to recharge your batteries. in addition to their own wine made by winemaker Angelina Mondavi, they have a restaurant, clothing boutique and cafe on site. You can do an actual wine and food pairing experience, or keep it casual at the cafe with simpler offerings and a glass of wine. Bonus, since many winemakers use their winery as a custom crush pad, you’re likely to spot a few famous winemaking faces.

Sunday Late Afternoon: Ashes X Diamonds

Last stop of the day and final wine tasting is at Ashes and Diamonds for some of my favorite light whites, rose, and chilled reds. It’s a throwback vibe that has classic old school wines and some very instagrammable moments.

Sunday Evening: Dinner at C Casa

Freshen up at the hotel before heading to C Casa for some Mexican food and margaritas outside at C Casa in the Oxbow Public Market. They just opened this larger location and have some great group seating around fire pits on their patio. Like many places in Napa, its super allergen friendly and the entire menu is gluten free!

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The Perfect Napa Valley Itinerary for a First Timer

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If you’ve never been to Napa Valley, there are some must-do’s on the list before you leave! This itinerary will make sure you cross those off as well as discover a few hidden gems not a lot of people know about!

  • Where you’ll stay: Yountville

    • If you’re traveling to Napa Valley for the first time, my advice is to stay in Yountville. This is one of the towns in Napa Valley and is famous for being home to one of the most famous restaurants in the world - The French Laundry. It can take months to just get a reservation at this legendary Michelin 3-starred spot and once you’re there, expect to shell out a minimum of $500pp. And while you COULD put it on your list this trip, there are a few ways to get a “taste” of the laundry without shelling out the dough.

      Beyond The French Laundry, it’s quintessentially Napa Valley and filled with tons of other amazing restaurants, hotels, tasting rooms, and shopping. The walkability makes it so that you’ll feel like you’re just living in a small town, and the central location in the valley makes it easy to get to many different wineries without it being too much of a haul. Seasoned vets may find Yountville a little touristy, but even as a local I adore the charm and everything it has to offer.

  • Day 1

    • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel in Yountville

    • Late-Afternoon: As you’re likely to arrive in the afternoon, ease in to this trip with a walk around the town and pop into the JCB tasting lounge for a little pick me up and some bubbles.

    • Evening: Freshen up for dinner at Bouchon where you’ll begin with some freshly shucked oysters and salmon rilette, followed by either the Croque Madame, Boudin Blanc, or the Saffron mussels and fries. Bouchon is the sister-restaurant to The French Laundry from Chef Thomas Keller and this French-bistro meets Napa Valley fare is always consistently divine. You’re likely to spot a few local celebs, vintners, and winemakers and while Napa Valley doesn’t really do fancy, you wouldn’t be wrong to dress it up just a touch.

  • Day 2

    • Morning: Quick pastry/coffee run to Bouchon Bakery

      • Napa Valley is more of an early town than a late one, and early bird gets the croissant. Wake up and walk over to Bouchon Bakery for a pastry and a coffee before heading to your first visit, but be sure to get there as early as possible as there tends to be a line. As the name and location will suggest, this is the sister-bakery to Bouchon and TFL.

    • 10:00-11:30am: Far Niente Estate Tour & Tasting

      • A beautiful, idyllic, fairy tale like winery that will ensure you FEEL like you’re in Napa Valley. Get your phone out for that drive down the tree-lined driveway and into the gardens which will make you feel like a wine-fueled Disney princess. The winery is a classic and has some great history to boot.

    • 11:40-12:20: Oakville Grocery pit stop

      • Stop here for a quick coffee, refreshment, or leisurely break between appointments.

    • 12:30-2pm: Vineyard to Table lunch at Robert Mondavi

      • Mondavi is The Godfather of Napa Valley and pretty much everyone in the valley has worked at the winery at some point during their career. This wine-paired lunch gives you a great sense of not only the wines and how they work with food, but also includes a complete tour of the winery and property. You’ll get a great sense of the valley and the history while being smack dab in the center of the Napa Valley wine universe. It may seem touristy but ask any local and they’ll tell you a visit here is a MUST on your first visit.

    • 3pm-4:30pm: Signature Seated Tasting at Frog’s Leap

      • My quintessential Napa Valley winery, this gives crazy “don’t mind my I live here” vibes in this very classic Napa Valley setting. The wines are all made from organically farmed grapes and have crazy age-ability despite their very modest price tag. Enjoy some snacks on the patio and take a stroll around the gardens.

    • 4:45-6:30pm: Sunset 🌅 Cocktail on the Terrace at Auberge du Soleil

      • Traffic from 4:30-6 is a nightmare so instead of trying to fight that good fight, skip over to the ultra-fancy Auberge du Soleil hotel which is just down the street. Their beautiful western facing terrace is open to the public and my favorite way to feel fancy on a budget.

    • 7pm: Dinner at The Charter Oak

      • As the sun continues to fall, take the Silverado Trail north toward St. Helena and watch as the sky turns magnificent shades of orange and pink over the vineyards. Once you arrive at The Charter Oak, order the vegetables from our farm and don’t skip the house-made sourdough with cultured butter. Everything else is fair game too, but I am partial to the Short rib when it’s on the menu accompanied by a side of komachi rice. The restaurant is the more “casual” outpost of our other Michelin 3-starred chef in the valley, Christopher Kostow. While the Restaurant at Meadowood suffered catastrophic damages in the fires of 2020, the garden that once supplied the restaurant continues to prosper and supplies The Charter Oak with its goodies.

  • Day 3

    • Morning: English Muffin at The Model Bakery (St. Helena Original Location)

      • As you make your way north from Yountville to your first winery, make a stop at the Model Bakery for their world famous English Muffins. These are adored by Oprah and Ina Garten alike and sell-out every day. Coffee is by stumptown and they also have a wide array of breakfast sandwiches and other goodies if an english muffin isn’t your thing. Pro-Tip: Order ahead online and skip the line!

    • 10:00-11:30am: Failla

      • While yesterday was more about some notable classics, today is all about something off the beaten bath. Failla offers a super low-key, no-frills experience and a morning free from Cabernet Sauvignon. You may not believe me, but you will probably want a break at this point. Founder/winemaker Ehren Jordan is a master of the lighter bodied varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot and somehow the wines still manage to be one of the better kept secrets in the valley.

    • 12pm-1:30pm: Seavey Vineyard

      • You’ll weave slightly back down the trail before taking a left to head up Howell mountain where you’ll find one of Napa Valley’s great hidden gems about 15 minutes away. Just shy of the elevation needed to be called Howell mountain, Robert Parker has called Seavey “one of the great, unheralded, under-the-radar terroirs in all of Napa Valley.” These wines were built for the long haul, are super reasonably priced, and absolute favorites when I worked at press. The family held back 25% of production since they began in the early 90’s and continue to make their older vintages available for sale.

    • 2-3pm Lunch at Gott’s Roadside (St. Helena Original Location)

      • Before you head out, use the wifi to order some lunch at the original Gott’s location in St. Helena. Beloved by locals and tourists alike, Gott’s is Napa Valley’s version of a roadside stop with casual fare ranging from salads to burgers to poke tuna tacos! Beer and wine is available and I highly recommend getting that order in before you arrive as the lines can get quite long.

    • 3pm-5pm Walking around/Shopping in Yountville

      • There’s tons of great little shops in Yountville where you can find everything from clothing to an authentic Panamanian hat shop (one of my favs!). Walk along Washington Street and see what you find, or find some respite in your hotel room before dinner.

      • You could also squeeze in another visit after lunch and with so many tasting rooms in Yountville, you might even choose to do that instead of shopping.

    • 7:30pm: Dinner in Downtown Napa at Torc & Champagne at Cadet

      • While the city of Napa wasn’t traditionally a place we’d direct tourists, there has been a major resurgence over the last 5 years with new hotels, restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops popping up every month. It’s a departure from the more sedated vibe up-valley, but live it up on your last night! Dinner is at Torc, one of my favorite Italian restaurants with a brilliant wine list to boot. After dinner drop in at locals-fav Cadet for a proper glass of Champagne and vintage vinyl. Who knows, maybe we might see each other there ;)