As part of my summer series celebrating incredible destinations right here at home, I couldn’t leave Napa Valley off the list. Here’s my Napa Valley Travel Guide.

People tend to save it for “someday.” Maybe it’s because it’s close to home. Maybe it’s because it doesn’t require a passport. Or maybe it’s because it feels like it’ll always be there —so it gets pushed behind Italy, France, Africa, and everywhere else on the list.

Then they finally go… and wonder why they waited so long.

What a few days in Napa actually feels like

Mornings begin with coffee overlooking the vineyards. Afternoons stretch into long lunches
and leisurely wine tastings. Evenings end over incredible meals with a glass of wine in hand.

Before long, you’ve completely forgotten what day of the week it is.

That’s really the whole point of going — not to check off a list of tasting rooms, but to slow
down.

A small valley with a lot of personality

The valley itself is just 35 miles long, but every town feels different. Yountville is known for its world-class dining. St. Helena feels effortlessly charming. Winding roads connect vineyards, farm stands, and rolling hills that are every bit as beautiful as you’d imagine.

Beyond the tasting room

If you want to experience Napa as more than a string of tasting rooms, there are a few ways to
make the trip feel truly memorable:

● Private winery tours — a more personal, less rehearsed way to taste
● Sunrise hot air balloon rides — the valley from above, before the day gets going
● The Napa Valley Wine Train — a scenic, unhurried way to see the region roll by

Where to stay

One property worth calling out: Solage, Auberge Collection. Tucked into the intimate surroundings of Northern California wine country, it’s designed to help guests get away from it all while experiencing an authentic — and uniquely contemporary — take on the Napa Valley lifestyle, with a full range of spa services, acclaimed dining, and locally-inspired activities.

The takeaway

Napa has a way of reminding you that you don’t always have to travel halfway around the
world to have an unforgettable vacation. If it’s been sitting on your list for a while, maybe this is
the year to finally make it happen.

Ready to plan your Napa Valley getaway? Start planning here.