Full travel guide to Napa Valley

Napa Valley. The wine region. More than 400 wineries. Year-round sun. Some of the world’s most outstanding restaurants. And that’s before you include river-side cycle trails, rich cultural heritage and farmers’ markets. Sipping the best of Napa Valley can be bewildering, so let the US experts at Audley advise.  

At a glance

Napa Valley, in Northern California, lies just north of San Pablo Bay, a body of water that flows under the Golden Gate Bridge. And its fame as one of the world’s best wine-producing regions is a product of its geography, its climate and its terroir. The rolling hills of Napa Valley, under the almost year-round sun, are ideally suited to grapes, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. 

It’s also easy to get to, just 80km northeast of San Francisco. Plus, once you are there, getting around couldn’t be easier, whether by bike, electric vehicle or, if you’re sampling what the region is known for, the Napa Valley Wine Train. 

If you only do three things...

Take the Napa Valley Wine Train

We can’t imagine a more beautiful way to discover Napa Valley than on the Napa Valley Wine Train. From the moment you climb aboard the 100-year-old railcars, you’ll experience the very best of the valley from world-class wines and the freshest local produce served by Executive Chef Rodrigo. Some tours offer the option to disembark for tasting experiences at wineries along the route. There are a variety of experiences.    

Enjoy a guided art walk in Napa or Yountville

Wander the streets of Napa or Yountville, and you’ll find all manner of public art throughout the town by local, national and world-renowned artists. In Yountville, known as ‘the heart of Napa Valley’, the self-guided audio tour art walk takes in a constantly changing collection of more than 35 outdoor sculptures. The Napa Art Walk visits ten sculptures selected by a jury of professionals. 

Hire a bike and cycle the Napa Valley Vine Trail

If you want to explore the best wine, food and art of the Napa Valley, hop on the Vine Trail. This non-profit organisation’s vision is to maintain 47 miles of safe and scenic trails to explore by bike or on foot. Currently, 19 Vine Trail miles are in place, offering car-free access to dozens of wineries, restaurants, hotels and museums. 

Gastronomic experiences in Napa Valley

Eat at The French Laundry in Yountville

The French Laundry is one of the world’s greatest restaurants, holding three Michelin stars, and the owner, Thomas Keller, is one of the world’s most respected chefs and restauranteurs. He found the building in Yountville in the early 1990s and realised his dream of bringing French cuisine to Napa Valley. 

Wander Oxbow Public Market

Oxbow Public Market, in the Oxbow District of Napa, is more than a produce market; it’s the centre of a community. Tourists and locals head to the large market to buy organic produce, share a coffee, or purchase food from the inventive vendors and tuck in on the outdoor deck alongside the Napa River. 

Try a seasonal cooking class

Given the abundance of quality produce grown around Napa County, it would be a shame not to try your hand at cooking some of it. There are plenty of cooking classes available around the county. Try the Culinary Institute of America or Silverado Cooking School for classes.   

Where to stay in Napa Valley

River Terrace Inn

The River Terrace Inn, often enjoyed by travellers on a tour with Audley, overlooks the Napa River and is close to the centre of Napa town and the region’s vineyards. It offers an elegant stay in spacious rooms designed with relaxation at its heart. There’s also a heated pool by the river.    

Milliken Creek Inn

Milliken Creek Inn is a luxury hotel with only 11 guest rooms, all recently redesigned. The hotel sits among three acres of land overlooking the Napa River. Each room has a fireplace, views of the river and a private outdoor firepit. Included each afternoon is wine and a cheese board. 

North Block Hotel

North Block Hotel in Yountville offers a luxury Mediterranean-style stay. The hotel’s 20 rooms are effortlessly chic and feature balconies or a patio to enjoy the day’s pick of wine. There’s a renowned on-site restaurant, a heated outdoor pool, a hot tub, a spa and a fitness studio.

How to spend two days in Napa Valley

Day One

Morning

Wake up at the Milliken Creek Inn to the sound of birds flitting around the Napa River and enjoy a fine breakfast on the private patio. Then head into Napa to explore its independent boutiques and delis. Take time to follow the Napa Art Walk.  

Afternoon

Choo! Choo! Don’t miss the Napa Valley Wine Train. There are several experiences available. One of our favourite itineraries stops at the iconic Grgich Hills Estate after lunch.  

Evening

Napa has plenty of fantastic restaurants, tasting rooms and wine bars, but don’t miss Oxbow Public Market, where you’ll find food stalls, a coffee shop and a brewery. 

Day Two

Morning

The Napa Valley Vine Trail has 30km of flat, safe cycling and walking trails linking up cafés, restaurants and, of course, wineries. Hire a bike from Napa Valley Bike Shop.

Afternoon

It’s time to explore the beautiful little town of Yountville. The self-guided audio tour art walk takes you around sculptures dotted around the town. Be sure to visit the Napa Valley Museum to give a bit of context to the region’s history. 

Evening

Yountville is known as the Culinary Capital of the Napa Valley. So what better way to finish your 48 hours in Napa Valley than with a meal at one of the region’s leading lights: Thomas Keller’s one Michelin-starred restaurant Bouchon. 

About the experts

Audley has been curating travel around the world for more than 25 years. Since 2012, we’ve offered the chance to explore California the ‘Audley way’. Setting off with your guide mid-morning, you’ll travel between the smaller wine estates for tastings with resident oenophiles, pausing for a picnic lunch.

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