{"id":28719,"date":"2025-07-23T10:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=28719"},"modified":"2026-01-20T10:12:06","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T18:12:06","slug":"the-perfect-napa-valley-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/the-perfect-napa-valley-itinerary-for-first-time-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary for First-Time Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]One hour north of San Francisco, all of life’s greatest indulgences\u2014wine, food, relaxation, and adventure\u2014can be experienced all at once in Napa Valley<\/a>, one of the top Wine Country destinations in the world.<\/p>\r\n

Thirty miles long and five miles wide, this small slice of heaven is home to more than 500 wineries<\/a> throughout a collection of six quaint towns: Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Each has its own personality and places to discover; from Napa\u2019s urban wine trail to Yountville\u2019s renowned dining scene<\/a> to Calistoga\u2019s detoxifying hot springs<\/a>, there\u2019s something for every kind of traveler, whether you\u2019re an oenophile, foodie, adventurist, or self-care aficionado. Read on to learn how to plan a trip to Napa Valley.<\/p>\r\n

When Is The Best Time To Visit Napa Valley?<\/h3>\r\n

There\u2019s no bad time to visit. Depending on your plans, any season could be the best time to visit Napa Valley<\/a>. While September and October are two of the busiest months, offering the chance to experience the annual grape harvest<\/a> in action, the winter months have their own appeal. It\u2019s quiet, uncrowded, and not too chilly, with temperatures mostly in the 50s and 60s. Plus, many hotels offer hard-to-beat off-season rates. Your best chance of rain is in the spring, but the blooming fields of bright, yellow mustard also make it one of the most Instagram-worthy seasons to plan a trip.<\/p>\r\n

Whenever you do decide to pack your bags and pay Wine Country a visit, we\u2019ve put together the perfect 3-day Napa Valley itinerary for first-time visitors, covering all of the \u201cmust do’s” over a long weekend trip.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion” css=”.vc_custom_1727717381449{background-color: #ede2d0 !important;}”]\r\n

Download Our Exclusive Map<\/h3>\r\n

Your 3-day Napa Valley itinerary isn\u2019t complete without our detailed map. Download our exclusive Napa Valley winery map<\/a> to help plot out your vacation and discover where the region’s 400+ wineries are located. [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Day 1 in Napa Valley<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Visit a Historic Winery<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”39354″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.louismartini.com\/tour-and-tastings?utm_source=winecountry&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=general-content-inclusion”][vc_column_text]You can\u2019t visit Napa Valley without a trip to some of the area\u2019s most historic and famous wineries. From Napa, head north on scenic Highway 128 toward St. Helena, first stopping at Rutherford’s Beaulieu Vineyard<\/a>, one of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, before making your way to Louis M. Martini Winery<\/a> to admire the renovated space while you sip.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”text-width inset-images”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”61804″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.stagsleapwinecellars.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”60635″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/markhamvineyards.com\/visit\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Your next stop takes you to Markham<\/a> and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars<\/a>, where you\u2019ll be able to taste iconic wines while discovering more about Napa’s winemaking heritage. Other historically significant winery stops worth considering include Beringer Vineyards<\/a> and Charles Krug<\/a> (two of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries). Along with offering unique flavors and tastings, each location takes visitors back to the beginning, unbottling a story that highlights how Napa Valley made its mark on the world. While three days in Napa isn\u2019t long enough to visit every winery, you can\u2019t go wrong in choosing between this selection.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion” css=”.vc_custom_1727790852822{background-color: #ede2d0 !important;}”]\r\n

Need a refresher on how to taste wine?<\/h3>\r\n

For first-timers to Napa Valley or seasoned travelers, a refresher on wine tasting etiquette<\/a> is never a bad idea. Read our guide on how to properly smell, taste, and describe the complex flavors you’ll be enjoying in Wine Country. View Guide Now<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Explore Downtown Napa<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”28725″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/fieldworkbrewing.com?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

After a day of wine tasting, make your way back to Napa, where you\u2019ll be able to explore on foot. Stroll over to the Oxbow Public Market<\/a>, where you can shop from a myriad of local vendors for souvenirs and gifts, like locally-made olive oils or spirits. You can also grab a pre-dinner snack\u2014think oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co<\/a>., a mini Sweet S’mores or Chocolate Velvet cupcake from Kara’s Cupcakes<\/a>, or housemade sourdough bagels from Loveski Deli<\/a>. Thirsty? Grab a pint at Fieldwork Brewing Company<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”57964″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/robertmondaviwinery.com\/pages\/arch-and-tower\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]The first of your three-day Napa Valley itinerary isn\u2019t over quite yet! Next, it\u2019s time for more wine. Stop into one of the many wine tasting rooms, wine bars, or restaurants for happy hour, such as Arch & Tower<\/a> for incredible river views and wine tasting, Carpe Diem<\/a>, or Compline<\/a> wine bars. Make a reservation for dinner on the Napa Riverfront at the famous Morimoto<\/a> or the romantic French bistro Angele<\/a>, or head to The Grove at CIA<\/a> to dine on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine under olive trees in the garden.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”ad-row”][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text el_class=”ad-disclaimer”]Advertiser Content[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”ad-module-2 text-width” css=”.vc_custom_1696535448234{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”65949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.etudewines.com\/pages\/tastings\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=nv-the-perfect-napa-itinerary&utm_campaign=nativead”][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

A Napa Retreat<\/h4>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Unforgettable Napa Moments<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]Just a short trip from San Francisco, Etude\u2019s patio is the perfect escape, offering award-winning wines and a serene tasting experience.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Learn More” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-arrow_forward” add_icon=”true” el_class=”mid-width” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.etudewines.com%2Fpages%2Ftastings%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwcm%26utm_medium%3Dnv-the-perfect-napa-itinerary%26utm_campaign%3Dnativead|title:Etude%20Wines|target:_blank”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Napa Valley Trip Planning: Where To Stay<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”49547″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.hyatt.com\/en-US\/hotel\/california\/andaz-napa\/apcrn?src=prop_misc_apcrn_promo_winecountrymedia_napavalley?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Reserve a hotel room in Napa<\/a> so that you can be within walking distance (or just a short drive) to downtown\u2019s many restaurants, bars, and tasting rooms. The urban chic Andaz Napa<\/a> is at the heart of downtown Napa<\/a> activity, where loft-style rooms are both stylish and inviting, while Milliken Creek<\/a>\u2019s peaceful riverfront location offers guests a quieter escape just a few minutes from the downtown scene.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”54443″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.millikencreekinn.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]One of the beautiful aspects of crafting the perfect Napa Valley itinerary is that Wine Country offers something for wine enthusiasts of all types. From luxurious hotels and spa resorts to more affordable motel accommodations, your Napa Valley trip planning can incorporate a mix of quick stops and longer stays for deeper relaxation. Our Napa Valley lodging<\/a> showcases everything from campgrounds and vacation rentals to the best resorts.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Find Napa Valley Lodging” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”left” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Flodging%2F”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Day 2 in Napa Valley<\/h2>\r\n

Spend your second day exploring the towns that put the “Valley” in “Napa Valley.” The small towns of Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Calistoga are referred to by locals as the “UpValley,” so use that term if you want to blend in. We recommend starting your day early, so you can plan on taking in as many activities and offerings as possible. If transportation or traveling by car isn\u2019t an option, there are plenty of tour companies that can take you to all of the best spots. Explore Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours<\/a> for more. [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Breakfast in Yountville<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”47813″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/www.thomaskeller.com\/yountville-california\/bouchon-bakery\/bakery?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

For breakfast<\/a>, head to chef Thomas Keller’s famous Bouchon Bakery<\/a> in Yountville for pastries and espresso. Most likely there will be a line out the door, but it moves quickly. If you want to double down, you can head to Mini Model across the street. This is a smaller location of the locally-acclaimed Model Bakery<\/a>. Get the English muffin. It’s so good that Oprah Winfrey actually has them flown straight to her front door. For a more elegant brunch option, head to RH Yountville<\/a>, where dishes like avocado toast on charred sourdough and black forest bacon are perfectly paired with their signature RH mimosa.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Visit a Boutique Winery<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”53059″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.sequoiagrove.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]Because you visited some of the oldest, largest, and most popular wineries on Day 1, make an appointment at a boutique or family-owned winery next and compare experiences. A boutique winery can mean several things: a more personalized experience (sometimes with the winemaker or owner), less of a crowd, and super primo wines (especially Cabernet Sauvignon, which Napa Valley is best known for). Some of our favorite family-owned and\/or boutique wineries to visit UpValley are Goosecross Cellars<\/a>, Bell Wine Cellars<\/a>, and Cliff Lede Vineyards<\/a> in Yountville, Raymond Vineyards<\/span><\/a> and Crocker & Starr<\/a> in St. Helena, and Groth Vineyards and Winery<\/a> in Oakville or Staglin Family Vineyard<\/a> in Rutherford.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”image-gallery”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”60751″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.sequoiagrove.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”60749″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.sequoiagrove.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”60750″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.sequoiagrove.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”60752″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.sequoiagrove.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”photo-label”]\r\n

Photos courtesy of Sequoia Grove Winery<\/a><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Also in Rutherford is the family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery<\/a>, where a variety of tasting experiences await. Check out the impressive <\/span>Taste of Cabernet<\/span><\/a>, where a multi-course menu crafte<\/span>d by Executive Chef Spencer Conaty highlights the marriage between food and wine, o<\/span>r the more approachable (and less filling) <\/span>Wine + Bites<\/span><\/a> experience to tide you over until lunch.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Lunch in St. Helena<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”67448″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.gotts.com?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]For lunch, continue to head north and pull over at the original Gott’s Roadside<\/a> location in St. Helena. Formerly Taylor\u2019s Automatic Refresher, when Gott\u2019s took over, they kept the old, 50s-style roadside building, now a Napa Valley landmark. There may be a line, but the burgers and shakes are a can\u2019t-miss. Nestled at the gateway of St. Helena\u2019s charming Main Street, so you can walk your meal off afterwards with some window shopping at the local boutiques.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”mid-width”][vc_row_inner el_class=”mid-width ad-module-1″ css=”.vc_custom_1730996184241{background-image: url(https:\/\/winecountry-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/11\/07075306\/Calistoga-at-Night-2020-w1100.jpg?id=63498) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_raw_html el_class=”gradient-overlay”]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJvdmVybGF5JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Visit Calistoga<\/h4>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Winter in the Wineries<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]Explore Calistoga this season with the Winter in the Wineries Passport. Enjoy tastings at 19 wineries and exclusive discounts![\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Get your Passport!” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-arrow_forward” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fvisitcalistoga.com%2Fwinter-in-the-wineries-passport%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwcm%26utm_medium%3Dnv-first-time-visitor-guide%26utm_campaign%3Dnativead|title:Calistoga%20Chamber%20of%20Commerce|target:_blank” el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Relax and Recharge in Calistoga<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”49548″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”text-width” link=”https:\/\/drwilkinson.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

For the better part of the afternoon, drive the eight miles from St. Helena to Calistoga<\/a> for some spa time. This quirky, little town is best known for its healing mineral waters from natural hot springs, plus mud baths that’ll make your skin as smooth as a newborn. Make an appointment for a spa treatment<\/a> ahead of time; there are so many local spas to choose from, from luxe resorts like Indian Springs<\/a> and Solage<\/a> to hip boutique gems like Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs<\/a> to more intimate and classically restorative escapes at Golden Haven Hot Springs<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If you have some time after, take a stroll down Calistoga’s main drag Lincoln Avenue to shop, taste wine, or grab a pint at the Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Dine at a World-Renowned Restaurant<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”60228″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.violettonapavalley.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]For your last supper of the trip, go big and make a reservation at one of Napa Valley\u2019s finest dining establishments. St. Helena is home to the new Violetto<\/a> restaurant, Christopher Kostow\u2019s The Charter Oak<\/a>, and Harvest Table<\/a>. In Yountville, choose from the late Michael Chiarello\u2019s Bottega<\/a>, or Thomas Keller\u2019s The French Laundry<\/a> (if you can get in and money is no issue) or Ad Hoc<\/a>. Wherever you end up, you won\u2019t leave hungry or disappointed.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes”][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”mid-width”][vc_row_inner el_class=”ad-module-1 mid-width” css=”.vc_custom_1722359219194{background-image: url(https:\/\/winecountry-media.s3.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/07\/29135510\/33-Jane-Bailey-Bell-Wine-1320×880-1.jpg?id=60581) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_raw_html el_class=”gradient-overlay”]JTNDZGl2JTIwY2xhc3MlM0QlMjJvdmVybGF5JTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGZGl2JTNF[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Bell Wine Cellars<\/h4>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Elevate Your Wine Experience<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Enjoy spectacular views of our estate-owned vineyards and world-class wines.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Explore More” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-arrow_forward” add_icon=”true” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bellwine.com%2Fexperience%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwcm%26utm_medium%3Dnv-first-time-visitors%26utm_campaign%3Dnativead|target:_blank” el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row disable_element=”yes” el_class=”ad-row”][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text el_class=”ad-disclaimer”]Advertiser Content[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”ad-module-2 text-width” css=”.vc_custom_1696535448234{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”64230″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.juddshill.com\/reservation\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=nv-the-perfect-nv-itinerary&utm_campaign=nativead”][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Judd’s Hill<\/h4>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

Wine, Crafted by You<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]Explore the art of winemaking as you blend, bottle, and label your own Bordeaux-style wine at Judd\u2019s Hill, located in the heart of Napa.[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Learn More” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”center” i_align=”right” i_type=”material” i_icon_material=”vc-material vc-material-arrow_forward” add_icon=”true” el_class=”mid-width” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.juddshill.com%2Freservation%2F%3Futm_source%3Dwcm%26utm_medium%3Dnv-the-perfect-nv-itinerary%26utm_campaign%3Dnativead|title:Judd%E2%80%99s%20Hill|target:_blank”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Stay<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”55650″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/meadowood.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]Book a hotel in St. Helena for the second night of your trip. For a true Wine Country escape, Meadowood<\/a> offers peace and tranquility, situated in the hillside just outside of town. And for something more contemporary and convenient, check out the Wydown Hotel<\/a>, located right on St. Helena\u2019s Main Street.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Day 3<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Take Flight in a Hot Air Balloon<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”59374″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/napavalleyballoons.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Schedule your travel plans home later in the day so that you have time for one last hurrah. One of Napa Valley\u2019s most sought-after adventures is a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the vines. We promise that the 6 AM wake up call is worth it. Don\u2019t forget your camera!<\/span><\/p>\r\n

Check out Napa Valley Aloft<\/a> to schedule your flight, which often includes a post-flight sparkling wine toast. However, if soaring above the valley isn\u2019t your thing and you\u2019d prefer to fit in another winery visit, don’t miss exploring the caves and distinct wines of Pine Ridge Vineyards<\/a>, situated in the heart of the Stags Leap District.<\/p>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you\u2019re thinking about extending your stay or already getting the jump on another Napa Valley trip, check out our other ideas. [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Find Things To Do in Napa Valley” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”left” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fthingstodo%2F”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion”]\r\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\r\n

Although three days in Napa Valley only scratches the surface of what this incredible corner of Wine Country has to offer, you\u2019ll make a great head start with this first-timer\u2019s itinerary. From floating above the vineyards in a hot air balloon to sipping Cabernet at wineries both boutique and world-renowned, you\u2019ll truly run the gamut of everything there is to experience in Napa. We won\u2019t blame you if you start planning your next trip before your first is even over..[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Planning your first trip to Napa Valley? Follow this itinerary to experience the best that Napa Valley Wine Country has to offer. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":71,"featured_media":47775,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[75,72,14,73,126],"tags":[128,93,116,110,153,111],"class_list":["post-28719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides","category-itineraries","category-things-to-do","category-travel","category-wineries","tag-best-of-napa-valley","tag-hotels","tag-restaurants","tag-spas","tag-things-to-do","tag-wine-tasting"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28719"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/71"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28719"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":72328,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28719\/revisions\/72328"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/47775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}