24 Hours in Napa and Sonoma
Napa and Sonoma is one of my favorite places to escape to. Whether it’s for a day or for a weekend, it’s a quick 1-1.5 hours from Silicon Valley/SF and a tranquil respite the minute you enter into wine country. I’ve been lucky to frequently work in the region for the weddings that we do and have discovered many amazing places throughout the years. Today, I’m sharing an itinerary that I recently did with my sister, who came into town from NYC, that hits all the favorites in about a day and a half. I’ll also share some of my other favorites!
11: 15 AM Ram’s Gate Winery
Ram’s Gate Winery is a beautiful and modern winery located in Sonoma, across from the Sonoma Raceways. They have a beautiful barn that sits atop of a hill surrounded by olive trees, and they have the most delicious wines to match their beautiful setting. We did their food and wine pairing and we were completely blown away by how delicious the food was. It was so good, in fact, that we went back two weeks later to have it all again. In total, we were able to taste around 8 wines with 3 courses, and the staff was very generous to re-pour anything that you loved. They also have a pond on site that they invite you to experience, which is fun and breathtaking in itself. As you walk around, you will also notice that their grounds are so incredibly well kept with flourishing flowers and greenery everywhere. Ram’s Gate is a wonderful experience to start the day!
Here is the beautiful entrance into Ram’s Gate Winery
1 PM - Domaine Carneros
European Getaway lovers rejoice. You will love Domaine Carneros as it is a French Chateau that is also situated atop a hill, that features sparkling wines and reds!
They have so many sparkling wine flights to sample, including flights that have red wines. Although known for sparkling wines, their reds are lovely as well.
Their cheese and charcuterie platter is so well done and we had to get some of the caviar on their menu (it’s a favorite of my sister and I)!
Stay - Senza Hotel
After two tastings in a row, we decided to retreat to our hotel to relax…and drink more wine from our vineyard suite. As you can see from the photo below, our patio literally opened up to vast vineyards. It was incredible! I’ve stayed at so many hotels in Napa Valley, but I think that Senza Hotel is one of the best due to the quality of rooms and the location (it’s really close to Yountville).
7 PM - Dinner at Charter Oak
To conclude our day, we had dinner at Charter Oak Restaurant. They have a gorgeous outdoor patio and their food is delicious. We then retreated back to our room for some R&R.
THE NEXT DAY
10 AM - BOUCHON BAKERY
No trip to Napa is complete without a stop at Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. No matter what it is that I’m doing in Napa, I always make it a point to stop by here and pick up pastries for my family and for a sweet treat for the ride home. For this trip, we my sister and I decided to grab a quick breakfast here, consisting of my warm baguette sandwiches and boxes of almond and chocolate almond croissants to bring home. There is always a wait at Bouchon’s, so don’t let that deter you from making a stop here. The line moves quickly and it’s worth it!
12 PM - LUNCH AT AUBERGE DU SOLEIL
Everytime people ask me for recommendations in Napa, I give them this itinerary, but I especially highlight having lunch at Auberge du Soleil. Why? 1) the views simply cannot be beat, it has the best views of the valley! 2) the food is amazing, it’s michelin rated, no further explanation necessary and 3) the privacy of the property will make you feel like you are in another world. Their brunch is the best deal in my opinion, made complete with a mimosa =)
2 PM - MUMM NAPA
To end the trip, head down the hill from lunch at Auberge and finish the day at Mumm Napa. I’ve been a member of theirs for years and I think that their sparkling wines are always on point in that they are non fussy, not too sweet and just perfect for a summer day.
Here are some of our other favorites in the area:
Restaurants:
Mustard’s Grill
RH Yountville
Archetype
Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
Brix
Ad Hoc + Addendum
Wineries:
Silver Oak
Stags Leap Cellars
V. Sattui
Hall Wines
Wine Country Tips!
Tasting Rooms are open 10 AM - 4 PM
Many people want to do as many tasting rooms as possible, but spread the tastings out and take your time! That way you can focus on the experience and also, not pass out before dinner =)
Reservations (especially in this climate) are a must for tasting rooms and restaurants alike