Wine Tasting in Napa, California - 24-Hour Travel Guide
Overview - California Wines have their homes in several places, and Napa is one of them. We'll do the classic wine tour and then have some culture at night.
Breakfast - Make it easy on yourself by starting with a breakfast at the Boon Fly Cafe, located on the grounds of the Carneros Inn. It's an easy to get to location, and has freshly baked good.
Morning - I like to start up and work my way back, so head north to St. Helena, and start at Beringers, which has been going full on since the 1800's. Tour their building and the grounds, as they are fabulous. Heading south, you can stop at Louis Martini, and by the time to get to Yountville, you have time for Robert Mondavi. These are all name brand wineries, but certainly, if you are pulled to any particular spot, head in and taste away.
Lunch - If you have only gone as far as Yountville, just head back north to the end of the town of St. Helena. Assuming you have booked ahead, which is a must, have lunch at the CIA...not the spies, but the Culinary Institute of America. It is beyond fabulous. Be prepared to linger over each course, paired with local wines.
Afternoon - Continuing the wine tasting, we head south along the Silverado Trail (it is parallel to the main highway, so you have to find a cut across road to the east. Besides being a lovely drive, there are several small wineries all in a row between Yountville and Napa, as you head south.
Dinner - We've saved the major spot for last, which is the huge complex called Copia. Dinner there is a must, at Julia's Kitchen (named after Julia Childs) and this place knows its wine pairings. Let them guide you through a great dinner of food and wine.
After Dark - There are often activities at Copia, so check there first to see if there is an exhibit or concert. If there is nothing to your liking, then check at the Napa Valley Opera House to see what's on there. Either way, you'll find some culture of your liking.
Sleep - You can't miss with the Napa Inn B & B, set in old Victorian houses, on lovely grounds. If you decide you really like it, you can have the breakfast there instead of our recommendation.
Tags: Wine