my interest was piqued when friends suggested a harvest season trip to the Napa Valley to immerse ourselves in all that is wine. As I would acome to find out this famous wine region offers much more than just wine tastings. In fact, people visit Napa Valley for its gourmet cuisine, stunning landscapes, luxurious atmosphere as well as world-renowned wines. The region is home to more than 400 wineries that produce some of the world’s best Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Merlot, making it a premier destination for wine lovers. Visitors can enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, and seasonal events such as harvest festivals and wine-pairing dinners. Beyond wine, Napa Valley boasts a vibrant culinary scene with Michelin-starred restaurants like The French Laundry in Yountville, as well as farm-to-table eateries, cooking classes, and lively farmers markets that showcase local ingredients.

 

The valley’s rolling vineyards, golden hills, and charming small towns create a picturesque setting perfect for scenic drives, photography, and leisurely experiences such as the famous Napa Valley Wine Train. Many travelers come for relaxation, indulging in luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and spas that offer unique wine-inspired treatments like grape seed scrubs and wine baths. In addition to its food and wine culture, Napa has a thriving arts scene with galleries, live performances, and events like Festival Napa Valley, which blends music, food, and wine.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts also find plenty to do, from hot air balloon rides and cycling tours through the vineyards to hiking and golfing amid the beautiful scenery. Each town—such as St. Helena, Yountville, Calistoga, and Napa—offers its own charm and character, from upscale elegance to laid-back, artistic vibes. Altogether, Napa Valley attracts visitors seeking a perfect blend of fine wine, exquisite dining, relaxation, and natural beauty.

 

 

But First, San Francisco
Most visitors will start or end the trip to the Napa Valley with a stay in San Francisco and we opted to start our trip with a 3 night stay in the city by the bay. I must admit I was hesitant to stay this long in San Francisco after a previous trip 3 years ago. At that time I was dismayed by the condition of the city. I won’t go into those reasons here, but I was very pleasantly surprised by our experience this time. The city was clean and vibrant, the weather was perfect and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.

 

 

Sightseeing in San Francisco
Though I had been here several times in the past I had never been to “The Rock” aka Alcatraz. A short ferry ride brought us to the former military and civilian prison where we spent about 3 hours touring the cell house and surrounding buildings. If your clients are going to San Francisco I would highly recommend this excursion. It really is fascinating.

 

We spend the rest of our two days doing the usual tourist things: riding the cable cars, walking the Golden Gate Bridge, exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, visiting houses featured on TV and movies, and enjoying the wide variety of culinary experiences the city offers. Highlights of our culinary adventures included an amazing Cioppino (a seafood stew) at Soto Mare and a to die for apres dinner Irish Coffee at the Buena Vista.

 

Also, not to be missed is a ride in a Waymo driver less taxi. It is a surreal experience sitting in the back seat of a self drive car watching the steering wheel move as if guided by a ghost as the car perfectly negotiates traffic.

 

 

Where to Stay
While in San Francisco we stayed at the 1 Hotel which has a great location right on the Embarcadero overlooking the bay and the Bay Bridge. From the moment you enter, the hotel feels carefully and beautifully designed. The lobby features natural materials — reclaimed redwood from the old Bay Bridge, worn barn wood flooring, live greenery — all contributing to an ambiance that is understated luxury. The rooms feature floor to ceiling windows with views of the bay and eco-conscious details including water pitcher and glasses to fill from the bottle in the hallway and organic linens. The bathroom features a large shower with rain head shower.

 

The on-site restaurant (Terrene) highlights local, sustainable, seasonal ingredients and offers a real dining experience rather than just “hotel food.” For wellness and relaxation, the hotel goes above and beyond: a full spa, a fitness center, and lifestyle amenities including bikes, and car services within a 2 mile radius that reflect the whole theme of “luxury with conscience.”

 

If your clients value thoughtful design, eco-conscious practices, a superb location, and a stay that feels both elevated and welcoming, 1Hotel San Francisco is one of the best bets in the city. Visit: www.1hotels.com/san-francisco

 

 

Onto the Napa Valley
A short one hour drive from San Francisco took us to Napa where we checked into our home for the next 4 nights – the River Terrace Inn, which is part of the Noble House Resorts. Upon check in we were given a glass of wine and shown to our 2nd floor room featuring a balcony overlooking the Napa river. The room was spacious with a king size be, sofa area with coffee table, desk and the aforementioned balcony with 2 two chairs and a table. The bathroom featured a jacuzzi tub for two. The Inn also offers luxury rooms with fireplaces.

 

The Alba Bar and Cafe is located just off the lobby and has indoor and outdoor, riverside seating. The outdoor area features tables as well as couches and comfy chairs around fire pits. The breakfast menu is extensive and the evening menu features pub food like burgers, sandwiches, pizza and wings. We had a pepperoni and sausage pizza one night that was delicious. www.riverterraceinn.com

 

 

Wine Experiences
If there is one thing that is not lacking in the Napa Valley it is wineries and other wine-inspired experiences. Over the course of 3 days we visited at least 8 wineries and also had a great experience on the Napa Valley Wine Train.

 

 

Napa Valley Wine Train
On our first day in Napa we experienced the Vista Dome Lunch on the Wine Train. This three-hour ride featured a delicious lunch while enjoying 360-degree views of the Napa Valley. The Vista Dome experience comes to life in an exclusive one of 10 ever-constructed 1952 Pullman glass-domed observation cars. An additional option we took advantage of (we are in wine country after all) was the sommelier flight tasting including selections from Far Niente, Opus One, and Beaulieu Vineyard’s Georges de Latour Private Reserve.

 

The Wine Train’s story started with the vision of reviving the Napa Valley Railroad and the golden age of travel in Napa with curated antique rail cars for a quintessential Napa Valley experience. It is an elegant and luxurious way to travel through Napa’s picturesque scenery and historic vineyards.

 

Today, it takes guests on a 36-mile round trip, from the train station near Downtown Napa at the Oxbow Commons to St. Helena and back, stopping at celebrated Napa Valley wineries.
www.winetrain.com

 

 

Winery Experiences
With over 400 wineries in this valley there is no lack of choices for win tasting experiences. In fact, when driving through the Napa Valley there is rarely a time when vineyards don’t border the roads and stretch as far as the eye can see. And, while it is necessary to book tasting times at many of the vineyards, sometimes just stopping into a appealing looking spot can yield an amazing experience. We had just such an experience when we decided to just stop in at the Backstage Vineyard. Although the owner Angelo Pera who founded the winery in 2010 was expecting a large group, he took the time to sit down with us and give us a history of Backstage while we enjoyed a delicious Sauvignon Blanc. This made for a very personal and memorable visit.
www.backstagewines.com

 

 

Shafer Vineyards
And speaking of memorable experiences, we had the great pleasure of experiencing the partaking in the Hillside Select Experience at the Shafer Vineyard located in the Stag’s Leap District. This luxurious private experience focuses exclusively on Hillside Select, Shafer’s premier wines. Our visit began with Billecart Salmon Champagne and Regiis Ova caviar before boarding a Polaris Ranger vehicle for a private tour of the estate. We tasted the current vintage of Hillside Select in the heart of the vineyard featuring breathtaking views of Stags Leap District. Our visit culminated with a private seated tasting of three rare library selections of Hillside Select showcasing their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon at 5+ years old, 10+ years old and 20+ years old. This tasting was accompanied by a selection of cheese, meats, bread sticks and nuts. Our host took the time to explain the nuances of each wine and made this a very educating (and delicious) wine tasting experience. www.shafervineyards.com

 

 

Sterling Vineyards
Another unique vineyard experience which we enjoyed was the Founder’s Experience at Sterling Vineyards. Taking place at the peak of the hill in their newly redesigned Founder’s Room, we enjoyed their most premier tasting experience. We were treated to a world class food and wine pairing featuring four of their red wines and delicious food bites which paired perfectly with each vintage.

 

All experiences include a round-trip gondola ride to and from the hilltop winery. www.sterlingvineyards.com

 

What I found most enjoyable about this trip was the opportunity to be educated about a wide variety of wines and also the chance to experience some very expensive wines that I might not necessarily buy, or find for that matter, at my local liquor store. And while it definitely helps to be a wine drinker to fully appreciate all this valley has to offer it is by no means a deal breaker not to be. The scenery is breath taking and the culinary options are second to none.