36-Hour Napa Valley Itinerary: Yountville - Napa Edition

The Perfect 36-Hour Napa Valley Itinerary: Yountville - Napa Edition

Napa Valley is a place of beauty, indulgence, and adventure, but if you’re short on time this 36-hour itinerary will give you a taste of the best the region has to offer. From boutique wineries and a Mexican-restaurant from a Michelin 3-starred chef, to my favorite way to learn about the valley, I’ve sandwiched quintessentials with locals-only nuggets to give you unforgettable memories and a perfect reason to return. We’re keeping it contained to Yountville and South for this guide, but if you want to venture north - check out this one here.

**This post and related content was produced in partnership with Visit Napa Valley. All thoughts and opinions remain my own.

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Napa Valley

1. Gentleman Farmer in Downtown Napa

Waste no time and head straight to Gentleman Farmer in downtown Napa. This is a brand new tasting experience unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced where owners Jeff Durham and Joe Wolosz create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality by welcoming you to their bungalow, cooking for you in an open kitchen even Julia Child would be jealous of, and pairing each morsel with their exquisite wines. This is a perfect way to not only experience something completely nique on the wine tasting front, but also try small-lot wines that reflect the character and terroir of Napa Valley. Their portfolio includes a range of varietals ranging from Chardonnay to Cabernet Sauvignon, each crafted sustainably and with meticulous attention to detail.

And while entertaining and winemaking are their forte, these renaissance men are full of surprises so don’t be surprised if an impromptu accordion and clarinet concert accompany your dessert. It’s the epitome of Napa Valley hospitality and an experience that will make you feel like you’ve made new best friends for life.

Gentleman Farmer Wine offers a unique and intimate tasting experience in the heart of downtown Napa. Unlike traditional tasting rooms, Gentleman Farmer welcomes guests into a charming bungalow, where owners Jeff Durham and Joe Wolosz create an atmosphere of warmth and hospitality. This personalized experience is designed to make visitors feel like they are dining with old friends. Jeff and Joe not only share their exquisite wines but also prepare a selection of dishes that perfectly complement each pour, providing a memorable culinary journey.

2. Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville

After your delightful tasting, check-in and get settled at the charming Napa Valley Lodge in Yountville. Surrounded by beautiful vineyards and within walking distance to world-renowned restaurants and wineries, the lodge provides the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure with fireplaces in every room, private balconies and patios with stunning vineyard views, a full-service spa, and a relaxing heated pool and hot tub surrounded by firepits and bocce courts. You’ll also love the daily complimentary “Champagne Breakfast” which boasts an mouthwatering spread of everything from smoked salmon to fresh fruit as well as a mimosa bar.

A bit about Yountville

Yountville is a charming town in Napa Valley, often referred to as the "Culinary Capital of Napa Valley" due to its high concentration of world-class restaurants and wineries including Thomas Keller’s Michelin 3-star restaurant, The French Laundry. But don’t let that fool you. Yountville is very much a locals-town with residents who love it for its charming streets and unparalleled walkability to boutique shops, art galleries, tasting rooms, and other less extravagant (but delicious!) restaurants like Cicci, RH, Bouchon, Bottega, and Bistro Jeanty.

And for the historically-curious, yes, the town is named after a real person - George C. Yount - the first person to plant a vineyard in the valley. 

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

View of Napa Valley from a Hot Air Balloon

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

Definitely get a good night's rest because you’ve got an early start this morning with a hot air balloon ride courtesy of Napa Valley Aloft. Early mornings generally offer the most stable weather conditions, which are crucial for safe hot air balloon flights. The ground and the air above are cooler, leading to more predictable wind patterns and the cooler temperatures in the morning help the balloon to rise more efficiently.

Liftoff is just a short walk away from the hotel near V Marketplace and I promise it will be worth it. The team provides some coffee and light pastries before liftoff so you can be bright eyed for this bucket list MUST-DO which offers spectacular views across the valley and a bird's-eye view of your favorite vineyards and wineries. Your pilot will point out the various AVA’s which you’ll see change in just a matter of seconds, giving you a better sense of the region and how micro-climates can affect the wine.

2. Champagne Breakfast

Relax and debrief over a Champagne breakfast served back at the hotel. They have a nice continental spread of both hot and cold options as well as a make your own mimosa bar. There’s plenty of seating inside by the fireplace, but my advice is to sit poolside and relax.

After, take advantage of how walkable Yountville is with a little stroll past the world-famous 3-Michelin-starred French Laundry and their gardens across the way.

3. Wine Tasting at Baldacci Family Vineyards

Amanda wine tasting at Baldacci on the terrace

After breakfast, it's off to your next wine tasting at Baldacci Family Vineyards. Family-owned and operated, the property is gorgeous, and you immediately feel right at home. It’s located in the renowned Stags Leap District of Napa Valley where the Baldacci family has been producing high-quality wines since they purchased the property in 1998. The winery is known for its small-lot, handcrafted wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir, but the black label Cabernet, grown on their ranch, is particularly noteworthy for its rich flavors and complexity.

4. Dinner at La Calenda

After a long day of drinking wine, what better way to end on a high note than with a margarita and Mexican food from 3-Michelin-starred Chef Thomas Keller! While he might be more famous for The French Laundry down the street, La Calenda is one of his best-kept secrets. Literally all of the dishes are incredible but my can’t misses are the tacos al pastor and aguachile de atún. You also won’t want to skip dessert or drinks which are just as mouthwatering and will have you booking your next trip to Napa on the spot.

Al Pastor Taco from La Calenda in Yountville

A bit about Chef Thomas Keller and The French Laundry

Chef Thomas Keller is an American chef, restaurateur, and cookbook author renowned for his culinary skills and high standards. As the owner of The French Laundry in Yountville and Per Se in NYC, both of which have received numerous accolades, including three Michelin stars, Chef Keller is one of the most celebrated in the industry and a mentor to countless chefs and hospitality professionals globally. If you’re lucky enough to score a coveted reservation at The French Laundry you’ll be treated to one of the most incredible 9-course meals of your life. But if you dining at TFL isn’t in the cards, don’t worry. TK (as the locals call him) has us covered with several other more affordable and easier to get into options right down the street including Bouchon, Ad Hoc, and La Calenda. 

**Hours vary but if you happen to be in town when Addendum is open, it’s located right next door to Ad Hoc and serves the most delicious Fried Chicken which you can enjoy right there under the trees at their picnic tables or take with you somewhere else.

Girls Trip in Napa Valley: The Perfect Itinerary

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!

The Perfect Napa Valley Itinerary for a First Timer

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

    • Top Picks:

      • North Block

      • Bardessono

      • Hotel 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 ;)