Your Ultimate Napa Valley Itinerary [Infographic]

As America’s first American Viticultural Area (AVA), Napa Valley has been celebrated around the world for its wine for generations. This beloved region first made it big on the world stage after its wineries swept up numerous awards at the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 and has drawn in wine lovers from around the world ever since. 

While bold Cabernet Sauvignon and crisp Chardonnay are among the valley’s best-known offerings, Napa Valley wineries are also known for exceptional reds and whites made from Merlot, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and more. Many wineries across the region offer tastings and food pairings with views overlooking estate vineyards, and some entice visitors with educational tours of vineyards and facilities. 

Wineries

Accommodation options run the gamut from elegant country inns with vineyard views to boutique B&Bs with just a handful of rooms that evoke an intimate, home-like environment. For a vibrant stay in the heart of it all, consider Downtown Napa as a base for its wide array of accommodation options — from boutique hotels to full-service resorts — many within easy walking distance of tasting rooms, restaurants, and entertainment. For a budget-friendly stay conveniently close to San Francisco, consider American Canyon. If you’re all about dining, consider a stay in Yountville, considered the region’s culinary capital thanks to its bevy of restaurant options. For a chic, walkable town dotted with art galleries and upscale boutiques, St. Helena can’t be beat, while Calistoga is the place to go for hot springs soaks and spa treatments. 

Lodging 

As with Napa Valley wine, the culinary scene in this part of the country is also driven by a deep respect for the terroir. Many of the region’s top chefs emphasize seasonality and locally grown ingredients on their menus, whether they’re whipping up casual comfort food or creating elegantly plated fine-dining delights. Here you’ll find everything from low-key spots serving California classics to internationally influenced restaurants that fuse local ingredients with global cooking styles. Unsurprisingly, most offer fabulous wine lists that showcase some of the finest local producers. 

Dine

While wine and culinary experiences are at the heart of many visits to Napa Valley , there are also plenty of other things to do in the area after you’re done touring wineries and tasting your way through local restaurants. You can rent a bike and pedal along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, check out local art at area museums and galleries, take in a concert or comedy show, or hop aboard a hot-air balloon for glorious views of rolling vineyards.

Activities

Whether you want a luxurious getaway characterized by gourmet dining and high-end experiences, or prefer a low-key vacation, Napa Valley delivers. The infographic below makes it easy to customize your own Napa Valley itinerary, with great suggestions for where to eat, sleep, and wine-taste, as well as different ways to experience Napa Valley in all of its glory.

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This infographic is sponsored by Visit Napa Valley.