Memories In Motion Presents: Napa for the Modern Oenophile

Begin your Napa weekend with a private transfer from the airport, giving you a stress-free arrival allowing you to arrive relaxed and ready to savor every moment. After check in, I recommend starting your experience with an onsite tasting room to settle into the rhythm of wine country.

If you’re staying at my favorite Meritage Resort & Spa, spend your first afternoon exploring The Village, a lively hub home to multiple boutique tasting rooms including Trinitas Cellars. The Village lawn also features seasonal events, and wide-open spaces perfect for unwinding. During summer, catch an outdoor concert or community gathering, while fall brings cozy evenings around the fire pits—an inviting way to sip, relax, and soak in Napa’s golden light.

Guests of Four Seasons Napa Valley can step directly into Elusa Winery, a boutique estate on property known for expressive Calistoga wines, and finally, any stay at Stanly Ranch isn’t complete without curated wine experiences from nearby estates such as Donum, offering exclusive tastings for Auberge guests.

As evening arrives, enjoy a beautiful dinner without leaving your resort. At The Meritage, end your first day with a decadent dinner at Ember Steak, known for elevated cuts, bold flavors, and a warm, modern atmosphere. At Four Seasons Napa Valley, reserve a table at Auro, a Michelin-starred dining experience centered on hyper-seasonal Northern California cuisine. At Stanly Ranch, Bear offers elemental, produce-driven dishes pulled from the resort’s own gardens. A relaxed, indulgent first day sets the perfect tone for a full day of tastings ahead.

Day two is designed for immersive wine experiences, so I always recommend a private driver for the full day to keep everything relaxed, safe, and effortless. Begin your morning at Chandon with the Signature Tasting Flight, a guided exploration of sparkling wines crafted through Méthode Traditionnelle. Expect expressive pours, seasonal releases, and a bright, celebratory start to your day.

Continue to Seven Apart, known for mountain grown Cabernet Sauvignon shaped by volcanic soils and dramatic elevation from Atlas Peak. Their elevated tasting showcases small lot precision, bold structure, and a deep sense of place. Their Base Camp Saviogun Blanc is my absolute favorite from this winery!

Next, you’ll definitely need brunch… settle into The Charter Oak, a Michelin recognized favorite in St. Helena celebrated for hearth driven dishes, seasonal produce, and a warm, modern atmosphere. It’s the perfect midpoint to reset before your final experience of the day.

End your afternoon at V Wine Cellar in Yountville for a Champagne sabering experience designed purely for fun and celebration. This isn’t a traditional tasting—it’s an energetic, hands on moment where you learn the art of sabering, enjoy a glass of bubbly, and soak in the lively atmosphere of one of Napa’s most beloved wine hubs. It’s a memorable way to close your day before heading back to your hotel to refresh.

As evening arrives, have your private driver take you to Ristorante Allegria, a local favorite housed in a historic bank building with soaring ceilings, warm lighting, and refined Italian dishes. It’s a beautiful way to end a full day of wine, food, and discovery.

Insider tip: I never recommend scheduling more than three winery experiences per day. It keeps the pace enjoyable, preserves your palate, and ensures you have time to truly appreciate each stop without feeling rushed.

Day three brings a dynamic mix of creativity, heritage, and polished Napa luxury. Begin your morning at The Prisoner Wine Company, one of my personal favorites for its bold, artistic approach to winemaking. The Blindfold Garden Experience invites you into a world of expressive blends, modern design, and playful storytelling, creating an energizing start to your final full day in wine country.

Continue to Honig Vineyard & Winery, a family-owned Rutherford gem known for bright Sauvignon Blanc and elegant Cabernet. The atmosphere is warm, relaxed, and sun-soaked, offering a refreshing contrast after Prisoner’s edgy, contemporary style. It’s an ideal mid-morning stop before transitioning into a more elevated, structured tasting.

Your final winery of the day is Alpha Omega, home to some of the most breathtaking views in Napa. The estate’s fountains, vineyard lined terraces, and sweeping valley vistas create a serene, luxurious setting for your last tasting. Their onsite sommelier team is exceptional, guiding new wine explorers toward varietals they’ll love long-term and tailoring each experience with genuine care. It’s a beautiful, memorable close to your tasting journey.

As evening arrives, enjoy dinner at Cole’s Chop House, a beloved downtown Napa classic known for prime steaks, warm lighting, and a lively yet refined atmosphere. It’s the perfect finale to a day filled with discovery, scenery, and exceptional wine.

Insider tip: Three tastings per day keeps the pace enjoyable, preserves your palate, and ensures you have time to appreciate each winery’s unique style without feeling rushed.