Every year, my husband and I plan a romantic trip somewhere to celebrate our anniversary. As lovers of excellent wine, beautiful countryside, and delicious food, we chose to take a quick getaway to Napa Valley.
One of the world's premier wine destinations, the region boasts more than 400 wineries and tasting rooms. Enthusiasts can stroll through grape vineyards, learn about the art of winemaking from area experts and sommeliers, and absorb the breathtaking hillside views while sipping award-winning Cabernet Sauvignons, Merlots, Pinot Noirs, and many other varietals.
We planned three days of activities filled with excellent meals from some of the best restaurants in the country, a little shopping, relaxation by the hotel pool, and, of course, the most incredible winery tours and tastings-and some not-so-incredible ones, either.
Where To Stay
The Napa Valley Region consists of several small towns next door to each other. The principal towns are Napa, St. Helena, Yountville, and Calistoga, alongside a smattering of smaller towns sprinkled throughout. Each city offers several modern hotels, Airbnbs, and luxurious resorts.
We chose to book our stay at the Meadowood Resort in St. Helena mainly because we heard a rumor that Robert Redford stays there when he's in town. Alas, there were no star sightings during our stay. Meadowood is an understated but elegant resort set in the trees of the estate grounds. They offer 36 suites and rooms that combine the Valley's rustic elements while paying close attention to details of comfort and sophisticated style.
Amenities
The resort boasts several amenities, such as the beautiful pool surrounded by the most delicious-smelling honeysuckle, spa, terrace cafe, main restaurant (which actually caught fire several years ago and is still under renovation), tennis courts, fitness facility, hiking throughout the estate grounds, and, naturally, their wine tasting center.
Each morning, we enjoyed a healthy breakfast on the terrace, including a fabulous salmon eggs benedict, bright microgreens salad, and fresh fruit. One rainy afternoon, we ordered their excellent room service after a wine tour earlier in the day before heading out again.
The Wineries: Our Top Picks
As previously mentioned, Napa Valley has hundreds of wineries to choose from. So how do you decide? It's not easy, I'll tell you that. We read countless reviews and got suggestions from friends who had already visited the region.
It was also essential for us to choose places that made wines that we liked to drink. For example, neither one of us is a fan of Merlot, so we eliminated vineyards that focused on that grape varietal.
Three days in Napa can either be too long or not enough time, depending on how you structure your itinerary. First, we should have booked fewer wine tastings in a day. We scheduled three daily with breaks in between, but visiting two a day would have been much better.
Round Pond Estates
I can't say enough good things about Round Pond Estates. As you turn onto the long driveway lined with magnificent palm trees, you are overwhelmed with the beauty of the grounds. Owned by second-generation family members, the estate has been a premier maker of Cabernet Sauvignon in the Rutherford region for over 40 years.
We had made reservations in advance, which is highly recommended, and were seated on the upper deck of the outside terrace. We were greeted by a warm and inviting fire and a top-notch Sommelier who shared the vineyard's history with us. The experience was extraordinary, and the four wines we tasted paired with a charcuterie board were exceptional. Afterward, we strolled through the gardens that provide various delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
The Prisoner Wine Company
Deriving its brand name and aesthetic from the famous painting Le Petit Prisonnier by 19th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya, the Prisoner Wine Company produces a complex blend of California's most unusual grape varietals. We enjoyed their wines and the wine educator so much that we signed up for the quarterly wine club.
Their wine-tasting venue is located on the legendary scenic Hwy29 in the heart of the Valley and welcomes visitors all year round for immersive experiences. The industrial styling, with rich red, black, and silver tapestries and black leather and metal furniture, encapsulates the inspiring artwork of the flagship label. We loved this winery so much that we signed up for their wine club and have exceptional red wine delivered to our home quarterly.
Peju
Entering the Peju Estate feels like entering a fairytale set in the hills of Italy. From the 50-foot stone tower with its grand wooden door and copper roof to the immaculately pruned trees cascading over the drive to the many impressive sculptures that adorn the serene grounds, Peju is magical.
The knowledgeable staff will walk you through the history of Napa Valley and how Peju's founder was instrumental in developing the concept of Direct-To-Consumer Wine Marketing and the craft of winemaking while you enjoy their crisp white varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc (my personal favorite) and dry Rose.
Pride Mountain
Pride Mountain Vineyards is the most scenic and romantic vineyard in Napa Valley. The picturesque and curvy drive to the top of the mountain is breathtaking in and of itself; however, the winery and cellars are something you must see to believe. Straddling the county lines of both Napa and Sonoma, Pride produces wine from varietals from both regions, making its wines unlike any others.
Visitors can book appointments for a variety of experiences. We chose to tour the estate and the underground cellars and have a private tasting in the charming gathering room, which overlooks the vineyards. Everything about the experience was perfection.
Our Least Favorite: Domaine Carneros
Who doesn't love champagne, or, as non-French people call it, "sparkling wine?" We were excited to check out Domaine Carneros, the premier sparkling wine vineyard in the region. The grounds were reminiscent of Versailles, with opulent architecture and beautifully maintained greenery. However, it was like going to Disney World for adults.
The number of bachelorette parties in attendance, with their gaudy hats, sashes, and matching outfits, and actual families with small children were obnoxious and detracted from the ambiance of the experience. The staff needed to be more knowledgeable about the products, and it felt more like a regular restaurant experience than an actual tasting. If you're looking to up your wine game and come away with more information, this isn't your place. However, it'll be right up your alley if you're looking for an Instagram moment.
Top Notch Noshing
The Napa Valley Region is home to several delicious restaurants, ranging from reasonably priced to extravagant. The acclaimed French Laundry, a Thomas Keller establishment, is rated as one of the best restaurants in the United States. However, it was virtually impossible to get a reservation there, so we skipped it. If you can score a spot, do it! Although, we still had some excellent meals outside of the wineries.
Bouchon
We reserved a table for our anniversary dinner at another of Keller's restaurants, Bouchon. Located in Yountville, this charming bistro excels at French fare with its attention to ingredients and presentation. Although its seasonal menu often changes, it boasts staples such as leg of lamb, roasted chicken, and trout amandine year-round.
I enjoyed the delectable Saumon en Écailles de Pommes de Terre, which is potato-scaled Scottish salmon, melted leeks, new crop potatoes, and fines herbes cream, while my husband devoured the Moules au Safran Maine, a dish consisting of bouchot mussels steamed with white wine, Dijon mustard, and saffron and served with French fries. We shared a bottle of the region's refreshing Sauvignon Blanc.
Gott's Roadside
You can't visit Napa without stopping by Gott's Roadside. This outdoor, counter-service restaurant has been in business since 1999 and serves typical diner fare, such as chili cheese dogs, Western bacon cheeseburgers, and fresh salads.
We stopped by on our way to Pride Mountain, and it was an indulgent treat that we thoroughly enjoyed. Make sure you order a soft-serve cone before you leave. You won't regret it.
The Charter Oak
Due to the restaurant at Meadowood not being in production, we chose to eat at their sister restaurant in town during our visit. The Charter Oak is a charming, rustic farm-to-market restaurant in St. Helena.
Michelin star recipient Chef Christopher Kostow creates delightful dishes featuring perfectly grilled meats and flavorful vegetables harvested from the restaurant's farm. The menu has excellent local wine choices and unparalleled cocktails.
Cheers!
California's Napa Valley is a superb destination for a romantic getaway. It offers a variety of things to do, from its scenic path along the Silverado Trail, with countless vineyards lining either side of the road, to the wine train that winds through the valley while you enjoy an epicurean journey.
Be sure to reserve your winery tours before visiting to ensure you get the most out of your experience. I also recommend hiring a driv
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