Curator’s statement
Napa and Sonoma hold a special place in my heart. I celebrated my 40th birthday here with the girls and have also returned for a romantic trip and even a family getaway. There is something special about a wine country escape with your best people. Slow mornings, scenic tastings, and lingering dinners. Each season brings its own beauty, whether it’s harvest, mustard season, or even holiday vibes.
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Things to do in Napa Valley and Sonoma
1. Wine and design at the Donum Estate. Combine art and wine with a visit here, home to a world class open air sculpture collection scattered across the vineyards. Book the private tasting with a guided art tour for a unique cultural experience.
2. Spend the afternoon at Scribe Winery. Located in Sonoma, it offers intimate tasting experiences and lunch picnics overlooking the vineyards in their beautiful restored Hacienda. Wines are organic and bright. It’s a very chic place to be.
3. Indulge in wellness at the Stanly Ranch at Halehouse. Holistic wellness circuit, think saunas, steam rooms paired with beautiful views and massage. It’s the ultimate reset.
4. Explore the Caves at Schramsberg. Step back into time with a tour of Schramsberg historic wine caves, where some of the best sparkling wines in the region are produced. The tour is both educational and atmospheric.
5. Stroll through Yountville and The French Laundry garden. Yountville is a storybook town, walkable and picturesque, filled with charming cafes. Even if you are not dining at the French Laundry, wander through the gardens. Pair that with a casual lunch and tasting in town.
6. Experience Quintessa’s private estate and ATV ride. For an ulta luxury experience, roll through the vineyards by ATV, getting to the top with sweeping views for your tasting in beautiful glass tasting rooms.
7. Explore Healdsburg and visit the Madrona. The perfect blend of small-town charm. Spend the afternoon in the town square, then head to the Madrons, a reimagined Victorian estate with stunning interiors, lush gardens and a curated bar and restaurant. It’s the perfect place for late afternoon cocktails.
8. Explore downtown Calistoga. The charming, low key town has a slower pace and feels more rustic. Cozy cafes, vintage shops, and local tastings rooms. Or check out Calistogas hot spring or mud spas.
Places to eat & drink in Napa Valley and Sonoma
1. The Madrona, Healdsburg. The restaurant serves seasonal, locally-sourced dishes in an eclectic and elegant space. Perfect for cocktail lovers.
2. Pico Bar at Solage is an open-air poolside bar, perfect for craft cocktails, and small plates. It’s fun, breezy, and perfect for golden hour.
3. Goose and Gander, St-Helena is a stylish gastro pub known for its cozy, dimly lit ambiance. The downstairs bar feels like a speakeasy, ideal for a girls nightcap.
4. Gotts Roadside, a classic for roadside burgers, shakes, and fries. Sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine and watch the Napa Wine Train roll by.
5. Oxbow Market, Napa is a vibrant marketplace where you can sample everything from oysters to wood-fired pizzas. Great for groups who want a little bit of everything in one space. Fun shopping spot, too!
6. Charlies in St Helena is a stylish newcomer with a modern California menu. Think small plates, and a cool local scene your guides may frequent.
7. El Molino Central, casual, authentic Mexican beloved by locals. Handmade everything.
8. Angele, Downtown Napa is a French-inspired bistro with riverfront views. Both elegant and chic.
Need to know
Hire a private driver for wine days: To make the most of your experience and stay safe, I always recommend hiring a private driver to get you there on time and safely. I am happy to connect you with trusted providers.
Pace your tastings: Plan for no more than two-three winery visits per day with a lunch stop. Balance your trip with tastings and some sort of relaxing or adventure day.
Indulge in the spa or book a hot air balloon ride. During summer, a pool day is a must.
Explore unique landscape like the Calistoga petrified forest hike or the quirky Old Faithful Geyser. Don’t forget to take a snap at the iconic photo op, the Napa Valley welcome sign. There are two you can find along Highway 29.
Travel Advisor
Jessica Bordner
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For more information and insider recommendations, visit our Napa Valley and Sonoma pages.