Over the years, we’ve visited Napa many times and tend to focus on boutique, family-run wineries that offer smaller, more personalized tasting experiences. The wineries in this itinerary are places we’ve personally visited—many of them multiple times—and they represent the style of Napa experience we love most.
This 3 day Napa Valley itinerary is designed to be relaxing while still hitting the highlights wine lovers are looking for: incredible wines, delicious food, and gorgeous views. And since I just got back from my 3 day girls’ trip to Napa, it’s the perfect time to share this!
Want a longer version? Let me know in the comments and I’ll share our 5-day Napa itinerary as well.
How to Get to Napa from Florida (or the East Coast)
We’ve learned the hard way that flying into San Francisco (SFO) can be frustrating when you’re eager to get to Napa. While there are plenty of flight options, traffic heading north into wine country can add significant time to your trip—especially in the afternoon.
Instead, we recommend flying into Sacramento (SMF) when possible.
Leaving the East Coast early in the morning often allows you to arrive with time to enjoy your first afternoon in Napa. Even better, Sacramento Airport is incredibly easy to navigate.
A few things we love about flying into Sacramento:
- Rental cars are easy to access (no shuttle required)
- TSA lines are usually quick
- The drive to Napa typically takes just over an hour
By comparison, the drive from San Francisco has taken us up to three hours during peak traffic.
We usually rent a car for flexibility, especially since most of the hotels we stay at don’t charge for parking. We have also hired drivers on occasion, though we’ve found that private transportation can cost as much as—or more than—a rental car.
Tip: If you’re planning multiple tastings in a day, consider hiring a driver.
Where to Stay in Napa
Our choices are influenced by the fact that we are Marriott Bonvoy Titanium members, which comes with perks like points and a 4 PM late checkout—incredibly helpful when you have a late evening flight home. There are so many beautiful options in Napa, you can’t really go wrong. These are just the ones we can vouch for.
Westin Verasa Napa
This is our go-to hotel in Napa and we’ve stayed here many times. Its location is fantastic—close enough to downtown Napa that we can easily walk to restaurants, shops, and tasting rooms. It’s also located next to Oxbow Public Market.
The hotel sits right on the Napa River, and evenings by the fire pit are one of our favorite ways to unwind after a day of wine tasting. Or you could soak in the hot tub, if that’s more your thing!
The on-site restaurant La Toque is also one of the best fine-dining experiences in Napa.
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
A comfortable option with a beautiful pool area, though it’s farther from downtown Napa than we prefer.
River Terrace Inn
Located right next to the Westin Verasa and along the Napa River walking path.
Great for easy access to Oxbow Market and downtown Napa.
SpringHill Suites Napa Valley
A quieter and more budget-friendly option that still offers a comfortable stay.
Silverado Resort
A beautiful resort-style property offering golf, restaurants, and outdoor activities.
Archer Hotel Napa
If you want to stay right in the heart of downtown Napa, the Archer’s location is fantastic.
Best Boutique Wineries to Visit in Napa
Because this itinerary is part of our short 3 day Napa Valley itinerary, the wineries we recommend are all relatively close to downtown Napa. There are so many amazing options, but these are the ones I tell my friends about when there isn’t time to be driving all over Napa Valley!
We’ve found that two wineries per day is the perfect pace, but you can easy fit in a third if you want to maximize your visit.
Jarvis Estate
One of our absolute favorite wineries in Napa.
Jarvis is a small-production winery built entirely inside a cave, making the experience incredibly unique.
The tour includes a stop at an incredible underground waterfall, followed by a seated tasting in a stunning tasting room.
Favorites:
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
Hint: Ask about the DTR.
Palmaz Vineyards
Another incredible winery built into a cave, Palmaz combines cutting-edge winemaking technology with exceptional wines.
The family who owns the winery has Argentine roots, and you’ll see touches of that heritage throughout the experience.
Standouts:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Riesling
Tres Perlas
This boutique winery offers one of the most relaxed and welcoming tasting experiences in Napa.
The winery is named Tres Perlas (“three pearls”) after the owner’s three daughters.
Favorites:
- Rosé
- Adónde Cabernet Franc
Caldwell Vineyard
Caldwell offers a fantastic cave tasting and a unique Champagne tasting experience featuring selections from small producers in France.
Standouts in addition to the Champagne:
- Cabernet Franc
- Petit Verdot
- Carménère
Trefethen Family Vineyards
We recommend booking one of their food pairing experiences, often hosted in the original family home.
Favorites:
- Dragon’s Tooth Red Blend
- Cabernet Franc
Favorite Restaurants in Napa
Breakfast
Model Bakery
Located in Oxbow Public Market, Model Bakery is famous for its incredible English muffins.
Our favorites:
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Avocado toast
- Yogurt parfait
The Grove at Copia
A beautiful brunch experience operated by the Culinary Institute of America. The setting is beautiful and the location is so peaceful!
El Porteño Empanadas
Located inside Oxbow Public Market, these empanadas are always worth the stop. Careful, though – They don’t open until 9, so if you’re heading out early, you may miss them.
Lunch
Oakville Grocery
A gourmet market offering fantastic sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and wine.
Outdoor seating makes it a perfect stop between tastings.
Bistro Don Giovanni
A classic Napa Italian restaurant located just outside downtown.
The pizzas and salads are perfect for a midday meal.
Contimo Provisions
An excellent gourmet sandwich shop in downtown Napa.
Angèle Restaurant & Bar
A beautiful riverside restaurant with one of the best lunch experiences we’ve had in Napa.
If potato beignets are on the menu, order them.
Dinner
Bounty Hunter BBQ
A relaxed local favorite serving BBQ and an excellent wine list.
Compline
An upscale restaurant with an exceptional wine program and a nearby tasting room.
Oenotri
A wonderful Italian restaurant in downtown Napa.
La Toque
A refined tasting menu experience located inside the Westin Verasa Napa.
One of the most memorable meals we’ve had in Napa.
Our 3-Day Napa Valley Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Travel to Napa
Afternoon
Lunch at Angèle Restaurant & Bar
Explore downtown Napa
Evening
Wine tasting at Mayacamas Downtown Tasting Room
Or visit Vintner’s Collective (a tasting room that represents several small boutique wineries. Fun fact: it’s in an old saloon and brothel building!
Day 2
Morning
Breakfast at Model Bakery
Wine tasting at Jarvis Estate
Afternoon
Wine tasting at Palmaz Vineyards
Late lunch at Oakville Grocery
You could squeeze in a third tasting here if you’re ambitious! Trefethen would be an easy one to visit coming back from Oakville!
Day 3
Morning
Breakfast at Model Bakery
Wine tasting at Tres Perlas
Afternoon
Lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni
Drive to Sacramento
Dinner at Ella Dining Room & Bar in downtown Sacramento. It’s a great stop for a delicious meal before heading into the airport!
Transportation in Napa
Two excellent driver services we recommend:
Squire Livery : They will use their very nice vehicles to transport you.
Napa Driver Tours: They will drive your car (or rental car) for the day. And don’t worry. They have all the necessary insurance to do so!
Both can help plan winery visits as well, and that is a great option if you are looking for other recommendations! They know Napa!
What to Pack for a Day of Wine Tasting
I usually keep these in my bag when we’re out for a day of tastings:
- Water bottles
- Wisps (for red wine teeth!)
- Snacks or protein bars
- Wine Away stain remover
- Portable phone charger
- Sunscreen or hat
- Cash for tipping your tasting host
Final Thoughts
Napa Valley remains one of our favorite wine destinations in the world. Every trip introduces us to new wineries, great restaurants, and memorable experiences.
This 3 day Napa Valley itinerary focuses on boutique wineries, great food, and a relaxed pace, but there are countless ways to customize your visit. And if you want to ship wines back from Napa, it’s pretty easy! Check out our post about shipping wines, but know it’s much easier from Napa! Ask your tasting host.
If you’re planning a longer stay, let me know in the comments—I’d be happy to share our 5-day Napa itinerary as well.
And of course, I’d love to hear your favorite Napa wineries and restaurants too. 🍷 Drop them in the comments!