Our Perfect Weekend Getaway in Napa Valley – Plan Your 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary
Napa Valley is one of those places that feels like a real-life postcard the moment you arrive. Rolling vineyards, sun-drenched hillsides, and a food and wine scene that’s hard to rival anywhere in the world. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as part of a special celebration, Napa makes for the ultimate weekend escape.
On this trip, we enjoyed brunch at the popular with locals Boon Fly Café, sipped sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros, toured the grounds at Chateau Montelena (aka the Bottle Shock winery), and topped it off with a picnic at Alston Park surrounded by sweeping vineyard views. Along the way, we found plenty of small discoveries, side stops, and I’ll provide you tips to make your Napa Valley getaway unforgettable.
This guide lays out everything you need for a 3-day Napa Valley itinerary: where to eat, what to drink, how to plan, and hidden gems to add in between.
Why Choose Napa Valley for a Weekend Getaway
When most people think of California wine country, Napa Valley is the first destination that comes to mind. It’s just about an hour from San Francisco (or a little more depending on traffic), making it the perfect weekend trip destination. You don’t need weeks of planning—two or three days are enough to taste world-class wines, enjoy memorable meals, and explore vineyard-lined landscapes that look straight out of a postcard.
Napa is also incredibly versatile:
- Romantic escapes: Couples love Napa for anniversaries, honeymoons, or just a chance to reconnect over glasses of Cabernet.
- Girlfriends’ getaways: Think champagne brunches, spa afternoons, and winery tours in sundresses.
- Family-friendly trips: Yes, Napa has kid-friendly options like parks, picnics, and casual eateries.
- Special occasions: Birthdays, engagements, even small weddings.
The region balances luxury with approachability. You can book five-star resorts—or stay in a cozy inn. You can join a curated tasting—or pop into a casual vineyard. That mix makes it perfect for a flexible weekend.
Day 1: Arrival & Brunch at Boon Fly Café
The Warm Welcome of Boon Fly Café
Every Napa weekend should start with a meal that sets the tone. For us, that’s Boon Fly Café, a farmhouse-style eatery at the Carneros Resort. Don’t let the rustic red barn exterior fool you—inside, the food is refined yet comforting.
The standout? Their world-famous donuts. These are little sugared rings of joy, served warm in a paper bag. Pair them with coffee while you wait for your main course, and you’ll already feel the weekend magic.
Other brunch favorites include:
- Green eggs and ham (pesto-tossed eggs with prosciutto)
- Fried chicken and waffles (crispy, savory, and perfectly balanced with syrup)
- Farmstead omelets loaded with seasonal vegetables
The café’s vibe is casual chic—brick walls, barn beams, and a bustling energy. It’s always busy, so reservations are a smart idea.
Afternoon: A Leisurely Start
After brunch, take it easy. Depending on your arrival time, you can:
- Stroll through downtown Napa’s shops and art galleries.
- Pop into the Oxbow Public Market for local bites, coffee, and artisanal goods.
- Drive the Silverado Trail just to soak in the vineyard views.
Keep it mellow, because the real indulgence begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Sparkling Wine & Chateau Montelena
Day two is your deep dive into Napa’s wine culture, with two incredible stops that couldn’t be more different: Domaine Carneros and Chateau Montelena.
Domaine Carneros: Sparkling Wine Heaven
If you’ve ever seen photos of a French-style chateau sitting atop the vineyards of Napa, chances are you were looking at Domaine Carneros. Modeled after the Taittinger château in Champagne, France, it’s an icon of elegance.
Here, sparkling wine takes center stage. Sip glasses of Brut, Rosé, or Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs while seated on the grand terrace overlooking rolling vineyards. The setting is stunning—rows of vines cascading down the hill, fountains bubbling in the courtyard, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Pair your tasting with a cheese plate or caviar service, and you’ll feel like royalty.
Tips for visiting:
- Book ahead—their tastings often sell out.
- Late morning or early afternoon is ideal for natural light and smaller crowds.
- Don’t rush—this is a place to linger and soak in the beauty.
Chateau Montelena: A Taste of History
In the afternoon, head north toward Calistoga to visit Chateau Montelena, the winery that famously put Napa Valley on the world wine map.
If you’ve seen the film Bottle Shock, you’ll know the story: in 1976, Chateau Montelena’s Chardonnay beat out French wines in a blind tasting in Paris, shocking the world. That victory was a turning point for Napa, proving it could rival Old World wine regions.
The estate itself is a fairytale—stone walls, ivy-covered turrets, and a serene lake surrounded by weeping willows and koi fish. Inside, the tastings focus on robust wines, with their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon as highlights.
Visiting feels like stepping into both a piece of wine history and a living story of innovation.
Day 3: A Vineyard Picnic at Alston Park
After two days of indulgence, your final day is about slowing down and savoring Napa at a more relaxed pace.
Why Alston Park?
Alston Park is a 157-acre open space in northwest Napa. While not as famous as the wineries, it’s beloved by locals for its panoramic views of vineyards and the Mayacamas Mountains. It’s also dog-friendly, family-friendly, and free—making it a hidden gem.
Bring along a picnic stocked with Napa favorites:
- Fresh bread from Model Bakery (their English muffins are legendary)
- Cheese from Oxbow Market vendors
- A bottle of wine you picked up from one of your tastings
- Seasonal fruit from roadside farm stands
Spread out a blanket, let the kids or dogs run around, and enjoy a laid-back vineyard lunch.
The park also has trails if you want a light hike before heading home. It’s the perfect way to close your weekend: grounded, scenic, and authentically Napa.
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Choosing where to stay depends on your style:
- Luxury resorts: Carneros Resort and Spa, Auberge du Soleil, Meadowood.
- Boutique hotels: Andaz Napa, Archer Hotel.
- Charming inns & B&Bs: Inn on Randolph, The White House Inn.
- Budget-friendly: Nearby towns like American Canyon or Fairfield offer lower rates while keeping you close.
For this itinerary, staying in downtown Napa gives you easy access to Boon Fly Café, Oxbow Market, and a quick drive to both Domaine Carneros and the Silverado Trail.
Tips for Planning Your Weekend
- Book tastings in advance: Most Napa wineries require reservations now.
- Pace yourself: Two to three wineries per day is plenty.
- Hydrate & snack: Keep water and light bites handy.
- Designate a driver: Or book a wine tour shuttle to keep things stress-free.
- Consider the season:
- Spring brings wildflowers and fewer crowds.
- Summer is lively but hot.
- Fall (harvest season) is magical but busy. You can find grape stomping events as part of the harvest festivities.
- Winter is cozy and quiet.
Sample Weekend Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1 (Friday)
- Arrive in Napa Valley
- Brunch at Boon Fly Café
- Stroll Oxbow Market & downtown Napa
- Dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant
Day 2 (Saturday)
- Morning sparkling tasting at Domaine Carneros
- Afternoon visit to Chateau Montelena in Calistoga
- Dinner in Yountville or St. Helena
Day 3 (Sunday)
- Pack a picnic from Model Bakery + Oxbow Market
- Picnic and vineyard views at Alston Park
- Light hike or stroll before heading home
Final Thoughts
A weekend in Napa Valley is about more than wine. It’s about the atmosphere—the way the sun catches the vines, the way meals linger, the stories tucked into every glass.
With brunch at Boon Fly Café, sparkling sips at Domaine Carneros, history at Chateau Montelena, and a laid-back vineyard picnic at Alston Park, you’ll have experienced Napa at its best: indulgent yet approachable, elegant yet grounded.
This itinerary blends the iconic stops with authentic local favorites, leaving you with memories that last far beyond your final sip.
