The Motherland

I have had the pleasure of visiting this beautiful place twice now! The first time was with my husband for a romantic get-a-way and recently for a sweet friend’s bachelorette party. Two very different trips, but both amazing!

Both trips were taken around the same time of year, after Christmas in the months of January and February. I loved going this time of the year because it is the region’s off season. There aren’t any crowds, its easy to get into restaurants, and the workers have so much time and attention to give you!

Where to Stay

Skot and I in the lobby of our wonderful boutique hotel, Wydown in Saint Helena

My husband and I stayed in the town of Saint Helena during our trip. We couldn’t have loved this little town in Napa Valley more! There were so many amazing restaurants, shops, and wineries within walking distance. The town has a cozy, historical feel too! We loved Wydown, the boutique hotel we stayed in downtown Saint Helena!

During the bachelorette trip, we rented an Air BNB that walking distance to the heart of downtown Napa. This was nice because it was a central location to take Ubers to and from. There are also lots of restaurants you can walk to downtown too.

My recommendation of where to stay really depends on the purpose of your trip. Downtown Napa has a lot more going on but you loose the quaintness of a small town. Saint Helena was much quieter and romantic. But you are further away from things like the big box grocery.

I also did my research before my first trip and each small town inside Napa Valley has different things to offer. Like Calistoga is known for their spas! We spent a little time in Yountville during both of my trips and it is a beautiful town with lots of things to do. I still would choose Saint Helena though for its quietness. You can easily drive to hustle and bustle!

So many wineries

so little time…

Okay, do you know how many wineries are in Napa Valley? Over FOUR HUNDRED!!! Amazing hu? but also overwhelming. I feel so lucky that I found this super amazing promotion called The Little Book of Big Experiences. It is a coupon type book put out by the town of Saint Helena. It changes ever year and is only offered during certain months. But guys it is the best deal on the planet! The website boasts that it has over a $1,000 value per person and I can totally vouch to that!

Skot and I were able to do once in a life time experiences because of this book! Like going down in a winery’s vault and doing a barrel tasting of cabernet sauvignons from specific years! Did I mention it was just us and the employee!!! We were able to learn so much with these one on one tours. Many of the “coupons” in this little book included dining experiences along with the wine! I can’t rave enough about this book!

You may be wondering how I found out about The Little Book of Big Experiences. Well my friends I am about to let you in on one of my best overall travel tips! Sign up for e-mails from the city/destination you are hoping to visit through their visitor center! This is the best way to get the inside scoop on deals, events, festivals, and other up to date information about the place you’re dreaming of visiting!

Okay back to the wine… Here’s a list of the wineries I have been to that I would highly recommend and a brief description on why.

Trinchero : (above) It is stunningly beautify from an interior design standpoint! It looks like a restoration hardware showroom. The staff were so friendly here as well. If you can swing the vault tour as mentioned above it was one of the coolest things I have ever done!

HALL : The view on the top deck is stunning and there is art all throughout the property. They filmed a date of Arie’s season of Bach here… need I say more?

Clif Family : The owners of this winery are also the creators of Clif Bar! This cyclist themed winery was one of my husband’s favorites! They have a food truck on site where they serve up the most delicious flatbreadS you have ever tasted! The overall laid back atmosphere here makes this a great spot for the last stop of the day.

Paraduxx : This winery looks like a white, modern farmhouse so naturally I loved it! They have the most beautiful outdoor area that you just want to lounge in all day. My only complaint of this one was that the staff seemed perturbed about our bachelorette party festivities. I imagine if I was to go here with my husband, that we would have received better service. Nonetheless, I would still recommend it for its beauty and excellent wine!

Where to Eat

The abundance of great food in Napa is almost equivalent to the abundance of great wine. There are hundreds if not thousands of wonderful restaurants to choose from. I am going to list out the places I have been and would highly recommend.

Farmstead : Southern cooking at its finest

Restoration Hardware : Yes they have a restaurant. Yes it is amazing.

Bouchon Bakery : Its iconic for a reason… Owned by Thomas Keller, owner and chef of The French Laundry… 2nd best restaurant in the world … on my bucket list to eat there but until that happens, treats from Bouchon will do.

Getting Around

Renting a car from San Fransisco is a must in my opinion. There is so much to see and do along Napa Valley it would be a shame not to explore at least a few of the towns. For the bachelorette trip, so everyone could equally partake in the wine tastings we purchased a VW bus winery tour! It was so much fun! This is another great way to get recommendations of great wineries that fit your groups’ desires.

Well friends, thanks for reading my Napa travel guide! If you have any questions at all please send me an e- mail! I’m always up for chatting about one of my most favorite places on earth! Cheers!

Napa Valley Travel Guide