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!