You may know Napa Valley from the live imagery that we see in movies and on television. The area exemplifies a dream vacation. From countryside scenery to award-winning wines, this beautiful country as it all. It’s one of our favorite places to spend time whenever we have the opportunity so we’re sharing what we feel makes the perfect Napa Valley weekend.
Cozy Tasting Rooms
Once we arrive in the valley, the first thing we do is head directly one of the several tasting rooms in downtown Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, and/or Yountville. While it’s not the same as visiting one of the area wineries, it’s a great experience in and of itself. It is also an excellent way to kick off your Napa Valley weekend. You’ll sample wines from area wineries. That can often be a helpful way to choose which wineries you’d like to visit over the weekend. It’s a good idea to see what Napa Valley has to offer before you arrive and Visit Napa Valley is one of the best resources for information on everything from accommodations and restaurants to wineries and events.
Chic Hotels
We are – simply put – in LOVE with the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa. They describe it better than we could.
Every great journey needs a worthy destination. Welcome to ours. We fell in love with a 1940’s roadside motel (formerly the Sunburst Calistoga) perfectly placed at the head of the Silverado Trail, in the heart of California’s most scenic wine region. We cleaned her up and gave her new life as the Calistoga Motor Lodge and Spa – an epic ode to the Great American Road Trip of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s.
Bird’s Eye Views
Wake up before the sun and take a hot air balloon flight at sunrise. The Calistoga Balloons crew meet their passengers pre-dawn at the Historic Train Depot in Calistoga. Why a hot air balloon ride?
The Calistoga area is geologically distinctive as it features natural hot springs, geysers, and the rich volcanic soil for which the wine country is known.
They also note that they “often fly near the dramatic Palisade Cliffs of Napa Valley as well as the highest peak in Napa County: Mount St Helena. You could also float over the famous vineyards of wineries such as Clos Pegase, Sterling Vineyards, Charles Krug Winery or the medieval Castello di Amorosa.” This is a beautiful way to start your day before you’re off to the wineries.
Gorgeous Wineries
The main reason you’re likely visiting Napa Valley is to experience the wine. You will also want to meet the winemakers and tour their wineries. You’ve definitely chosen the ideal destination. With more than 400 wineries your days will be filled with samplings of some of the world’s best wine. Napa Valley’s Wine Country website has an exhaustive list of wineries that is sorted by area as well as by type.
Full-bodied Cabernets, fruity Merlots, and buttery Chardonnays are just a few of the dozens of varieties presented by the 400-plus wineries that pepper these fertile soils. A tasting is never too far away in Napa, so grab a glass, and get started.
Prepare to book your Napa Valley escape. What is your favorite thing about visiting Napa Valley? You may also opt for an eco-luxury spa in Napa or plan another trip to one of our Must Visit Eco Luxury Spas Around the World.
