I recently had the opportunity to take a trip to Napa Valley with my little sister, Lilla. She lives in Telluride and works at an Auberge property there, so her connections in Napa far exceeded mine which made for a thoughtfully curated, seamless itinerary.
The pacing of this trip was perfect: a mix of wine, food, spa, and rare but special uninterrupted sister time. Below is a look at our itinerary, with highlights from each day and the experiences that made this trip unforgettable.
Day 1– Travel, Tastings & Dining to Kick off the Trip
We flew into San Francisco early from LAX, rented a car and drove in mid morning. The timing was perfect and allowed us to have a full day despite the travel.
Brunch at Farmstead, Long Meadow Ranch
This was our first stop in town and it did not disappoint. We began with brunch at Farmstead, the restaurant at Long Meadow Ranch, known for its estate-grown produce and olive oil and farm to table menu. The setting is rustic but refined, a strong introduction to Napa’s farm-to-table ethos.
Check-In: Auberge Solage
Our base was Auberge Solage, a contemporary resort in Calistoga with private cottages, geothermal spa pools, and Michelin-recognized dining. It’s a property designed for both relaxation and immersion in the valley. We checked in, took a quick bike ride around the property and got ready to head back toward Yountville for the afternoon/evening.
The Prisoner Wine Company
Our first wine tasting was at The Prisoner Wine Company, famous for its bold, unconventional red blends and striking, art-driven tasting room.
Jessup Cellars, Yountville
We followed with Jessup Cellars, a Yountville tasting room known for approachable, food-friendly wines and curated art exhibitions.
Dinner at Bouchon Bistro
Dinner was at Bouchon, Thomas Keller’s classic French bistro there in Yountville and less formal than the French Laundry nearby. The menu focuses on traditional dishes like oysters, roasted chicken, steak frites and executed with Keller’s signature precision. It was a perfect start to the trip!
Day 2 – Auberge du Soleil & Boutique Vineyards
Lunch at Auberge du Soleil
After a relaxed morning at the resort, we had lunch on the terrace at Auberge du Soleil. The view was stunning, with sweeping views of vineyards and an award winning menu shaped by Mediterranean influences. The resort has long been considered one of Napa’s original fine-dining destinations and is also the flagship Auberge location.
Gemstone Vineyard
After lunch, we headed to a private tasting at Gemstone Vineyard hosted by Lilla’s friend Molly. This small estate is dedicated to Bordeaux varietals, and their Cabernet Sauvignon in particular stood out for its structure and elegance. We took a stroll through the vineyards and headed back to Solage.
Spa Afternoon at Solage
Back at Solage, we made time for an afternoon pool hopping between the main pool at the resort and the adult-only wellness pools. Calistoga has a long history as a wellness destination, and Solage carries that tradition forward with geothermal pools and its signature mud and mineral treatments. We enjoyed some time in the sun followed by the pools, infrared sauna and outdoor showers before getting ready for dinner there at the resort.
Dinner at Solbar
Dinner was at Solbar, Solage’s Michelin-starred restaurant, where the menu changes seasonally and emphasizes Northern California produce. It was truly one of the highlights of our trip and the service and food were impeccable.
Day 3 – Sparkling Wine, Napa Icons & Tasting Menus
Schramsberg Vineyards
We began the day at Schramsberg, one of Napa’s most historic estates and a benchmark for American sparkling wine. The cave tour, with tastings deep underground, offered both history and atmosphere and the tasting featured a vast array of their most famous sparkling wines.
Mustards Grill
Lunch was at Mustards Grill, an institution for more than three decades. The menu is rooted in hearty, wine-friendly dishes; the Mongolian pork chop remains a favorite as well as the crabcakes and onion rings.
AXR Winery
In the afternoon we visited AXR, a boutique property with a layered history and a portfolio of expressive Napa Valley Cabernets. The tasting highlighted both the winemaking and the estate’s sense of place. We were hosted by Lilla’s friend Olivia and cannot say enough great things about our experience at AXR and the incredible wines.
Dinner at Auro, Calistoga
The evening was reserved for Auro, which is located in the Four Seasons, just across the street from Solage. With a Michelin star and a multi-course seasonal tasting menu, Auro delivered one of the most sophisticated meals of the trip. The service, food and atmosphere were extraordinary.
Day 4 – Farewell to Napa
On our last morning we stayed at Solage, enjoying brunch and their signature spa treatments before heading back to San Francisco for the flight home. It was a quiet conclusion to a trip that had been fun, restorative and adventurous.
Practical Tips for Planning a Napa Getaway
- Timing: Harvest season (September–October) is the most vibrant, but spring is equally beautiful with fewer crowds. Summer tends to be hot, but we got pretty lucky with the nice weather.
- Reservations: Book winery tastings and restaurants well in advance — especially popular spots like Schramsberg, Mustards, and Auro.
- Pacing: Limit yourself to two or three tastings per day to avoid palate fatigue and to allow time for meals and relaxation.
- Transportation: A car service or driver is worth considering, especially if you plan multiple tastings in one day.
- Balance: Mix in experiences beyond wine like a spa treatment, hiking, or art galleries to round out the trip.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan a very fun and memorable Napa getaway!
XO,
Tara
