Curator’s statement
This itinerary is for travelers craving a full-body reset without sacrificing luxury. Napa Valley—especially in the off-season—is pure magic: golden light, deep reds, spa mornings, and long, slow dinners that feel like dates. For my partner and me, it was a reminder to savor not just the wine, but the pace, the peace, and each other. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a luxe personal retreat, this eight-day journey delivers restoration with every pour.
The Fora Difference
Book with Kim to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Unlock perks by contacting Kim to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrival day
This was waiting for us when we checked into Bardessono: wine, cheese, and a cozy courtyard view. Quiet luxury is my love language, and this place gets it. Definitely one of my favorite Napa stays to date.
Arrive at SFO and Uber (around two hours) to Yountville. Early check-in at Bardessono, a sustainable, spa-like oasis. Head to Shafer Vineyards for a 90-minute tasting among iconic hillside vines. Dinner at Bouchon offers a warm, cozy ambiance and delicious French fare just a five-minute walk from the hotel. After a long travel day, the early seating sets the tone for deep rest and easy transition. Ubers were always available.
Day 2: Convertible cruising & PRESS Steakhouse
Dinner at PRESS was hands down my favorite in Napa—warm lighting, incredible wine list, and a meal that somehow felt both elevated and effortless. If you're a fan of curated luxury without the fuss, this spot is a must.
Enjoy breakfast from Lucy Restaurant, either in-room or on-site. Take advantage of Bardessono’s Lexus house car for a scenic drive to PlumpJack Winery for a structured afternoon tasting. Later, walk to Hope & Grace Wines—a charming boutique winery. Dinner at PRESS is not to be missed. Impeccable food, wine, and service—the standout meal of the trip.
Day 3: Sparkle & sophistication
Afternoon wine flight at RH Yountville: bubbles, reds, sunshine, and a fireside seat. Everything about this place is designed to make you slow down and stay awhile. Easily one of the most beautiful (and relaxing) tastings of the trip..
Start your day with a relaxed stroll through Yountville, and visit RH Wine Vault for a chic, laid-back tasting under chandeliers. In the afternoon, visit Domaine Carneros for a sparkling wine experience. It’s stunning, though a bit more touristy than others. Optional stop at Quilt & Co. Cap the day with dinner at La Toque, tucked inside The Westin — elevated, inventive, and romantic.
Day 4: Revana & RH Redux
Sleep in and savor a slow morning. Then, visit Revana Family Vineyard, a quiet, elegant spot for red wine lovers. Later, return to RH Yountville for a twilight dinner beside an outdoor fireplace. Warm, elegant, and easy—perfect for your last night in town.
Day 5: Annulus & Auberge arrival
Tasting at Annulus was low-key, with a no-frills, shared space—and hands down our favorite wine of the entire trip. Sometimes the most unexpected places pour the most unforgettable bottles. I’d go back just for this.
Check out of Bardessono and Uber to Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford. Settle in and enjoy a 2 pm tasting at Annulus Wine Co, a hidden gem with a personal, modern touch. For dinner, head to the Auberge Restaurant—ask for a golden hour seating to watch the sun melt into the valley.
Day 6: Lounge day & The French Laundry
New Year’s Eve at The French Laundry—living in a dream. Watching the kitchen team in action felt like witnessing art in motion. Forever grateful for the people behind the scenes who make magic like this happen.
Ease into the day with breakfast at the resort and some poolside downtime or a light spa treatment. In the evening, head to The French Laundry for a once-in-a-lifetime New Year’s Eve tasting. Book more than two months ahead—though flexible travelers may snag a last-minute cancellation.
Day 7: Spa & stillness
The spa at Auberge du Soleil was everything I needed on New Year’s Day: serene, quiet, and deeply restorative. Between the treatment rooms, dipping pools, and cedar saunas, it felt like a soft landing for body and soul.
New Year’s Day is made for stillness. Sleep in, then head to the spa for an Energy Balancing treatment with John—a healing blend of craniosacral therapy and intuitive care. Afterward, enjoy in-room dining and expansive views. This was the recovery day we didn’t know we’d need—one incredible meal the day before is usually plenty.
Day 8: Chappellet & scenic send-off
Chappellet’s tasting room setup was unforgettable: bold reds, mountain views, and a table tucked inside the barrel room surrounded by aging beauty. It was the perfect final stop before heading down the coast.
Savor a final breakfast at Auberge, then request a ride via their Mercedes house car for a 10 am tasting at Chappellet Winery on Pritchard Hill. The estate wines and sweeping views make it a fitting farewell. Pro tip: arrange a sober driver for the return. Then, begin your scenic drive down to Big Sur (or onward to your next adventure).
Need to know
Napa in the off-season is pure gold—quiet roads, easier reservations, and a slower pace that lets you actually enjoy the luxury you’re investing in. The weather was crisp but totally manageable (especially if you’re escaping a Northeast winter). Book tastings, spa services, and top restaurants like The French Laundry or Bouchon at least four to six weeks in advance. That said, stay flexible—we landed last-minute reservations at nearly every spot by signing up for cancellation waitlists. Even casual tastings usually require a reservation, so don’t wing it.
If you’re not renting a car, make use of the complimentary Lexus and Mercedes house car programs at Bardessono and Auberge du Soleil. They’re an amazing perk—just know they’re first-come, first-served, capped around four hours, and you’ll need at least one sober person for wine country stops. Ubers are reliable within Yountville and Rutherford but less so in more remote areas, so plan accordingly.
And truly? Don’t overpack your days. The luxury of Napa isn’t just in the wine—it’s in the quiet mornings, the golden hour views, the soft robes, and the meals that last for hours. Let your trip breathe. That’s where the real magic is.
Travel Advisor
Kim Stokes
Get in touch with Kim
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can expect a response from Kim within 1–2 business days. You’ll also be subscribed to our traveler newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Napa Valley page.