Visiting Napa Valley: 1-Day Itinerary for Wine & Views

Thinking about visiting Napa Valley but short on time? Not to worry! You can experience the beauty of Napa wine country with this glamorous one-day itinerary.

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I was luckily able to drive up to Napa Valley for a day. It was jam-packed but I was able to visit two tasting rooms and sample the best food in the area.

From St. Helena to Yountville, keep reading for the perfect places to visit in Napa Valley.

Tasting at Miner Family Winery

Starting the day around 11am, the first stop is a tasting at Miner Family Winery. It’s located in the heart of Napa Valley with sweeping views of the vines and mountains. You’ll need to reserve your tasting slot in advance but the experience was seamless once we arrived.

Reserve your tasting directly through Miner.

Relax on the patio as the staff guides you through a tasting of their signature wines. Miner specializes in “Bordeaux Style” wines like Cabaret Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. They also had a tasty Chardonnay that I had to take home.

Tastings cost $50 per person, however, it’s free if you buy a bottle of wine. Bottles range in price from $75-$150 – well worth it for a lovely experience.

Lunch in RH Restaurant at RH Yountville

Now it’s time for lunch in the most heavenly surroundings you’ll ever see. RH Restaurant at Restoration Hardware combines breathtaking interior design and unique menu options. It’s located in Yountville, Napa Valley’s most charming little town.

Massive crystal chandeliers cast a sparkling glow over the entire restaurant. The subtle sound of raindrops emanate from three stone fountains. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows make you feel like you’re dining in a secret garden.

The food was quite tasty as well. I had champagne, fried artichokes and a sesame salad. Prepare to drop some cash, though, because the menu reflects Restoration Hardware’s luxury prices.

After lunch, you can browse the attached showroom floor. You can also explore nearby hotspots in Yountville like Jessup Cellars, Mad Fritz Tap House and Frisson Wine.

Tasting at HALL Wines St. Helena

Up next is another tasting at the massive HALL Wines vineyard and tasting room. The winery covers 33 acres with sculptures, paintings and art installations throughout. It’s a place you can plan to spend a few hours sipping wine and enjoying the views.

Reserve your tasting directly through HALL wines.

The tasting room itself overlooks a sprawling landscape of vines and mountain peaks. At HALL Wines, you can choose from different tasting experiences from basic flights to a behind-the-scenes tour.

Or you can do what I did and just grab a full glass of your choice. There’s tons of places to sit, both inside and outside. You’re also free to wander around and even look closely at the vines.

The winery is in St. Helena, CA on a road full of other famous wineries. Add this one to your Napa Valley visit for a modern yet upscale experience.

Pastry snack at Bouchon Bistro

Finally, you can end the day with a sweet treat from Bouchon Bakery in Yountville. This French bakery is filled with exquisite pastries like croissants, macarons and fruit tarts.

It’s the perfect place to stop before you end the day. You can load up on carbs to soak up all the wine you’ve had. It’s also located in Yountville, where you can find a bench to relax and savor your treat.

Conclusion

It’s easy to make a Napa Valley day trip with just a few stops. As long as you plan ahead and make reservations, you can squeeze a lot into a single day.

Visiting Napa Valley is easy to do if you’re already visiting San Francisco. Check out my trip to Sausalito which is in the area too.