Girls' Weekend in Napa: The Ultimate 3-Day Itinerary

My besties and I typically get into Napa Valley around two in the afternoon. We always make our first stop at Gott's. By the time we arrive, we're starving, and nothing hits quite like one of their juicy burgers after a day of traveling. If someone is eager to kick off wine weekend immediately, there's a great California wine list, but I almost always order a Pliny the Elder (their well-known Double IPA). Somehow, that first cold sip signals that vacation has officially begun.

After some much-needed sustenance, we head back to our hotel to unpack and unwind. One of my besties likes to take a dip in the pool, whereas I typically like to start with a casual walk to stretch my legs after the flight. Many of the hotels in Napa Valley have large properties that are perfect for this. We enjoy Stanly Ranch, because it has beautiful walking paths throughout the property as well as two pools.

Then it’s time for dinner. I always vote for Angèle Restaurant and Bar in downtown Napa, because, of course, I want French cuisine on a wine weekend. My friends and I also love Torc. It has some amazing pasta, but the star is their black truffle grilled cheese. What says girl dinner more than that?

Even though Day 2 is all about wine tasting, I like to start the morning with a run or a yoga class with the girls. Napa is just as much about wellness as it is about wine, and the resort fitness centers are incredible. It feels good to move before spending the afternoon sipping Cabernet.

If your version of wellness is sleeping in, skip the workout and head straight to Bouchon Bakery instead. Owned by Thomas Keller (yes, Thomas Keller of The French Laundry), it's one of my favorite breakfast stops in Napa. The pastries are unforgettable, the coffee is excellent, and it's the perfect way to ease into the day.

Finally, it’s time for our first tasting, Ram's Gate Winery! While Napa is known for cabernets, Ram's Gate offers a beautiful lineup of crisp whites. One of my friends isn't a white wine fan at all, so she jumps straight into light reds before making her way to bold cabernets. We all love that everyone can personalize their tasting here, and there's never any pressure to rush. The atmosphere is relaxed enough that you could easily spend an entire afternoon there (we almost have!).

After a few glasses of wine, it's definitely time for carbs. Bistro Don Giovanni is our go-to lunch spot. I never pass up the lamb gnocchi, while my friend swears by their authentic Caesar salad (warning: anchovies!). Their pizzas are also fantastic if you're looking for something to share around the table.

For our second tasting of the day, we head to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (not to be confused with the nearby Stags' Leap Winery). Stag’s earned international fame when its Cab Sauv beat out Bordeaux’s best in The Judgement of Paris in 1976 to put Napa on the map! Beyond the history, the tasting room is sleek, modern, and a refreshing contrast to the vineyard views we enjoyed earlier at Ram's Gate.

There is no shortage of incredible dinner options in Napa. Some of my favorites include The Restaurant at North Block, The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil, and, if you're lucky enough to score a reservation, The French Laundry. Each offers its own take on Napa's world-class dining scene, and you really can't go wrong.

After dinner, we usually head back to the hotel to soak in the hot tub, enjoy one last glass of wine, or curl up with a good book.

On our second morning in Napa, we like to go to Model Bakery for their famous English muffins. I always order a breakfast sandwich (extra crispy bacon, please!) to start the morning.

Then it’s off to Domaine Carneros for Champagne at their sprawling chateau. Domaine Carneros was founded by the Tattinger family of Reims, France, and their sparkling wine is produced in the same method as their famous Champagne. Pro tip: Be sure to plan extra time before your tasting to take photos. I would recommend a terrace tasting as well!

After a leisurely morning of bubbles, it's time to unwind at the spa. Stanley Ranch remains my favorite, especially the beautiful Halehouse Spa. I always opt for a deep tissue massage, while my friend never misses the cryotherapy facial. Beyond the treatments, the wellness facilities are worth lingering in—the sauna looks directly into their vineyards. We usually spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing before enjoying a poolside lunch at the adults-only pool.

For our farewell dinner, we like to keep the relaxed pace going and stay close to the hotel. The Bear at Stanly Ranch has great sharing options like their peppercorn short ribs. I never skip their crispy rice appetizer. If you're looking for something a bit more elevated for your last evening, Scala Osteria & Bar and Morimoto Napa are both excellent choices for a special send-off.

After a short private transfer to the airport, it's time to say goodbye to Napa—for now. As we head home with unforgettable memories and a few bottles of wine, one thing is certain: we'll be back.