A Perfect 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary

Welcome to wine country, where the vineyards are lush, the wines are life-changing, and the food will make you wonder why you don’t visit more often. If you’re craving a mix of indulgence and exploration, you’re in the right place. This 3-day Napa Valley itinerary has everything you need for a perfect getaway. Bonus points? It’s a chill plan that still lets you see (and sip) it all.

A Perfect 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary

Day 1: Wine Warm-Up and a Scenic Arrival

Morning: Drive from San Francisco (and make it a vibe)

Kick off your Napa adventure the right way—with a scenic drive over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. It’s not just a bridge; it’s an Instagram moment waiting to happen.

Before you get deep into wine country, make a pitstop in Tiburon. Personally, I recommend:

• Malibu Farm (healthy, fresh, and a bit more formal)

or

• Sam’s Anchor Café (if you’re in the mood for a burger or fish and chips).

Both give you that Northern California coastal vibe. Pro tip? Make a reservation and request a waterside table. Lunch by the water = ultimate start to your trip.

Afternoon: Arrive, Check-In, and TASTE!

Once you roll into Napa, it’s check-in time. Hopefully, your hotel comes with a balcony and a view of endless vineyards (because why settle for anything less?).

Now, it’s time for the main event—wine tasting. There’s literally a winery around every corner, but if you’re overwhelmed by choices, try these gems:

• Whitehall Lane Winery

Think family vibes with premium wines and views to match. Their cheese accompaniment is chef’s kiss. Bonus? Everyone is treated like a VIP.

• Louis M. Martini Winery

Go big with their Underground Cellar Experience. Historic charm mixed with phenomenal wines (including Sauvignon Blanc on arrival, because why not?).

• Eleven Eleven Wines

This is luxury in a bottle. Their Kirk Venge wines are unforgettable, and the tasting experience? Impeccable.

Evening Vibes

After a day of sipping, head back to your hotel, enjoy dinner, and raise a glass of wine (again) while watching the sun dip behind the vineyards. Bliss.

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Day 2: Action-Packed Adventures (But With Plenty of Wine)

Bright and Early (Like 5 AM): Hot Air Balloon Ride 🎈

Yes, I’m asking you to wake up at an ungodly hour on vacation, but trust me here. Floating above the vineyards in a hot air balloon as the sun rises? Unforgettable. (Check out my full blog on Napa Valley balloon rides for all the deets.)

Mid-Morning Brunch/Train Combo

At 11:30 AM, board the Napa Valley Wine Train. This isn’t just a train ride; it’s a vibe. You’ll enjoy mouthwatering food while rolling through the stunning vineyards. Best seat in the house? By the window, obviously.

Afternoon Winery Stop

If you’re like me and need “fancy” in your day, head to Sterling Vineyards. It’s the only winery with an aerial gondola (yes, you read that right). The views from the top? Chef’s kiss. Sip and soak it all in.

Evening Wind-Down

After an action-packed day, it’s time to unwind. Order a room service dinner, pour yourself another glass of wine (obviously), and catch Napa’s golden hour from your balcony. It doesn’t get better than this.

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Day 3: Casual Vibes Before The Farewell

Morning: Iconic Burger Moment 🍔

They say you haven’t been to Napa if you haven’t tried Gott’s Roadside Burger. Is it iconic? Yes. Is it the best burger I’ve ever had? Meh. But hey, check the box.

Afternoon Options (Choose Your Own Adventure)

If you’ve got time before heading home, explore Napa or St. Helena. Wander through the shops, grab some goodies, or keep it chill with a visit to the hot springs. It’s the perfect end to your Napa escape.

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This 3-day itinerary is the ultimate roadmap for wine lovers and adventure seekers. Seriously, if you balance this itinerary right, you’ll leave Napa feeling like you’ve done it ALL (and you’ll probably already be planning your next trip). Bookmark this post, pack your bags, and Napa the right way.