Wanderlust Ten – Napa Style

Anytime J and I are planning a trip, I spend hours upon hours searching through Pinterest to read all of the many travel blogs, itineraries, and must-see to-do lists. I love researching and finding the hidden gems of our destination through the eyes and the blog of the everyday traveler. I have been planning on travel blogging for awhile now, and while I will definitely blog our individual trips with more of a detailed itinerary, I am really excited to be launching the Top Ten of some of my favorite cities. I love a good to-do list, in fact if to-do lists could be a love language on its own, it probably would be one of mine, along with words of affirmation. So if you are reading this post because you are planning a trip to Napa or are dreaming of a future vacation… please take this list as some of our personal favorite recommendations. And as always, do your research and planning ahead of time, and be sure to select the places that YOU definitely want to do or see. Now.. without further adieu… Wanderlust Ten – Napa Style

When traveling to wine country…

1. Indulge in a Spa Day. Whether you are with your girlfriends or significant other, indulge in a morning at the spa. The ultimate relaxation. We had our spa day at the Mount View Hotel & Spa in downtown Castiloga and it was absolutely incredible! We had the couples treatment and let me just say that it was close to perfection. 
2. Have a picnic at a winery. This definitely takes some planning as only a few wineries allow for picnics on their grounds. I strongly recommend V. Sattui for its beautiful picnic area, wonderful wine, and amazing deli. 
3. Wine Tasting (obviously!) So many wonderful wineries to choose from so definitely research ahead of time to figure out what you are wanting to see.
   • Take the aerial tram to see gorgeous views at Sterling Vineyards.
   • Enjoy a tour & tasting at a beautiful Spanish castle at Castello di Amorosa
   • Rutherford Hill for some of the best views in the valley and an amazing tasting
4. Take a break from all of the wine and indulge in a pint at Fieldworks Brewing Company 
5. Walk around and explore the Oxbow Market. And definitely stop for a bite at Gott’s Roadside.
6. Start the morning off with some bubbly at Mumm Napa.
7. Enjoy some of the downtown tasting rooms in downtown Napa (purchase ahead of time the do Napa tasting card ~ it will save you $$$ on downtown tastings)
8. Eat a delicious Italian meal in an old bank at Allegria. Make a reservation OR plan to arrive early OR late. 
9. Stay at a quaint, cozy bed & breakfast and enjoy scrumptious homemade breakfasts. Two of our absolute favorites are The Hennessey House (the most amazing breakfasts) AND the Cabernet House. 
10. Make your own wine tasting tour – rent some bicycles and head up the Silverado Trail.

The beautiful view at Rutherford Hill. They have a beautiful picnic grounds that as long as your purchase a bottle of wine, you are able to enjoy on their grounds with your own hand-packed meal.

Some bubbly at Mumm Napa. Seriously, no better way to start the day. It was a cold morning when we went, or else we would have loved to sit on their beautiful patio. Nevertheless, the inside view was just as marvelous.

Gorgeous views at the beautiful winery, Castillo di Amorosa.

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The Hennessey House Bed & Breakfast, walking distance from downtown Napa.

Our own self-guided bike tasting tour. The views in Napa Valley are absolutely gorgeous.

The Oxbow Market.

Because every vacation should have a spa day and the spa at Mount View Hotel & Spa was absolutely perfection!

As always, this list represents our favorite things to do in the Wine Valley, there are so many more wonderful restaurants, wineries, tours & experiences. I would love to hear from you as to what your favorite must-do in Napa is!

xo. Haley