Only Have a Day Trip to Napa Valley? Here’s How to Spend It
Do you only have enough time for a day trip to Napa Valley? With so much to do and see in wine country, it can be difficult narrowing down the perfect itinerary to just one day.
But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! I live an hour outside of wine country, so day trips to Napa are kind of my jam. My husband and I do it often when we have family or friends visiting from out of town. Or if we just want a romantic day to ourselves.
Get ready for a packed day trip featuring my favorite spots, so you can have the perfect taste of wine country and an unforgettable Napa Valley experience.
Napa Valley Itinerary Tips
- The most important tip: Get an early start on the day, most wineries open around 10:00 am and last tasting of the day around 3:00 pm
- For a day trip where you will be driving I recommend visiting two wineries. If you hired a driver or have a DD then max would be three wineries.
- If you are staying the night in Napa Valley, I suggest booking in downtown Napa. The Archer Hotel is a great option!
- You need a reservation to go wine tasting, most wineries do not allow walk ins.
- Make sure to schedule your tastings at least two hours apart to allow enough time at each winery.
Stop 1: Breakfast at Model Bakery in St. Helena
📍1357 Main St, St Helena
You are going to start off your Napa trip bright and early with one of the most important meals of the day, breakfast!
Trust me, you do not want to skip breakfast before a day of wine tasting. And Model Bakery is one of the best places you can go in Napa Valley.
They are famous for their English Muffins, and I am telling you now, they are worth the hype. Their English muffins are pure buttery, fluffy perfection, I crave them daily! Pro tip: Bring some home and freeze them for a delicious treat later.
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: If you are limited on time you can order ahead and pick up at the counter. I have done this and then ate our breakfast in the car on the way to our first wine tasting.
Stop 2: Wine Tasting at AXR Napa Valley
📍3199 St. Helena Highway N., St. Helena (off of Highway 29)
Your first wine tasting of the day kicks off at AXR, one of my all-time favorite wineries in Napa Valley. If you’re a Cabernet Sauvignon lover like me, this spot will easily top your list too.
Tucked along Highway 29 in the heart of St. Helena, AXR Winery sits on a stunning historic estate, surrounded by towering coastal redwoods. But what truly sets this winery apart is the intimate and personalized tasting experience.
As we snacked on their insanely good crispy kettle chips dusted with Cowgirl Creamery cheese, our host sat down with us, curating the perfect tasting tailored to our preferences. It felt warm, authentic, and genuinely special.
And the wines, each sip was better than the last, showcasing the brilliance of winemaker Jean Hoefliger, a true Napa Valley icon.
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Reservations are required in advance by email. Tastings available from 10 am to 3:30 pm book your tasting with AXR here
Stop 3: Enjoy a Yummy Lunch
After your first tasting, you’ll likely have worked up an appetite. For lunch, you have two great options: enjoy a sit-down meal in St. Helena or grab sandwiches for a picnic at your next winery.
Since time is limited on a day trip, I highly recommend skipping the sit-down lunch and bringing a picnic instead. It’s a fun, relaxed way to soak in the wine country experience without cutting into your tasting time!
Option 1: Giugni’s Deli
📍1227 Main St, St Helena
Located on Main Street in downtown St. Helena, Giugni’s Deli is a family-run gem that’s been a Napa Valley staple since 1911. It’s our go-to spot for picnic supplies, serving up fresh, delicious sandwiches with generous portions of meat.
And don’t skip the Giugni Juice, it’s their secret sauce that takes any sandwich to the next level!
They open early at 9 am, so you can grab your order after breakfast at Model Bakery, it’s just a short walk away. If it’s a hot day, bring a small cooler or pack some ice from your hotel to keep your sandwiches fresh!
Option 2: Brasswood Bar + Kitchen
📍111 St Helena Hwy North, St Helena
Just a short drive down the road from AXR Winery is Brasswood Bar + Kitchen. This place has it all from a bustling restaurant, a winery that does tastings, to an artisan bar and bakery.
If you have the time, it is worth sitting down for meal at their Bar + Kitchen. You won’t find it on their menu but Brasswood is famously known for its not so secret mozzarella appetizer. It’s warm stretched mozzarella that is made to order. Also, save room for dessert and try their praised butterscotch panna cotta.
Stop 4: Wine Tasting at Pride Mountain Vineyards
📍4026 Spring Mountain Rd, St Helena
Venture off the beaten path to Pride Mountain Vineyards, perched atop Spring Mountain. The 20-minute scenic drive up the winding road is an adventure in itself, but I promise you, it is worth it!
At the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking panoramic views of Mount St. Helena and endless vineyard-covered hills.
The experience is an intimate tour through their vineyards and wine caves, while sipping on their delicious wines. After your tasting, grab a seat on one of their outdoor benches and soak in the sweeping views with your picnic from Giugni’s.
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Reservations are required in advance. Tastings are available from 10 am to 3:30 pm Wednesday – Monday (closed on Tuesdays) and are approximately 90 minutes in length.
Stop 5: Downtown Napa & Oxbow Market
📍610 & 644 1st St, Napa
Another must-visit in Napa Valley is Oxbow Public Market in downtown Napa. It’s the perfect spot to stop before heading back to San Francisco, as it’s conveniently on your way.
You can grab a coffee from Ritual Roasters, indulge in a Kara’s Cupcake, or sit down for a bite to eat. This lively marketplace is packed with artisanal vendors offering everything from cheeses and charcuterie to fresh Hog Island oysters, locally made olive oil, spices, chocolates, and more.
While you’re in downtown Napa, take time to explore its many tasting rooms, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the Napa River.
Stop 6: Dinner in Downtown Napa
You have tons of different options of places to eat in Downtown Napa. You can either go causal and grab food from the Oxbow Market or a juicy burger and fries from Gott’s Roadside. Or there are plenty of incredible restaurants to choose from.
If you’re craving Italian, Scala is a must-visit for traditional Southern Italian dishes. For flavorful Spanish tapas, head to Zuzu. And if you’re in the mood for French cuisine, Angele is a local favorite.
Stop 7: End Your Day With a Night Cap
Get drinks and some city views at the Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel. Or enjoy incredible live music at Blue Note Napa, a Jazz club located in the historic Napa Valley Opera House. They have shows every night except for on Monday’s and Tuesday’s.
Where to Stay in Napa Valley
Napa Valley is home to plenty of ultra-luxurious resorts, but if you’re only staying for one night, you might not have enough time to fully enjoy all the lavish amenities.
That’s why I recommend staying in Downtown Napa. Not only will you find more budget-friendly accommodations, but it’s also closer to San Francisco and Sacramento.
Plus, unlike the rest of the valley, Downtown Napa has a lively nightlife (by wine country standards), with wine bars, jazz clubs, and late-night spots to keep the fun going after dinner.
🏆 Archer Hotel Napa Valley: Situated in the heart of downtown Napa, this upscale boutique hotel boasts a stunning rooftop that has a spa, a bar with small bites, and a unique water deck for lounging.
Napa River Inn: On our first trip to Napa Valley, my husband and I stayed here, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the little personal touches to the cozy charm of the historic building along the Napa River, it felt so special. The location was great, we were just steps from great restaurants, shops, and everything downtown Napa has to offer!
Hotel Napa Valley: An adorable B&B in an Victorian house. My mom stayed here and said it was small but quaint and only a 15 minute walk to downtown Napa. Breakfast is included and it’s a great budget friendly option!
Alternative Wineries to Go Wine Tasting
If AXR and Pride Mountain Vineyards don’t fit your style or if they don’t have reservations available, I do have two more fantastic recommendations that are located nearby and can easily fit into this one day itinerary.
Barnett Vineyards
📍4070 Spring Mountain Rd, St Helena
Similar to Pride Barnett Vineyards is also nestled at the top of Spring Mountain. I absolutely loved our tasting here! As you step out of your car, you’ll stroll along a charming dirt path lined with vineyards, leading to your tasting table perched before stunning views overlooking the valley.
The tasting is very intimate and a lovely experience. Their reds are outstanding, I especially loved their Merlot.
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Reservations are required in advance and appointments are currently Monday-Sunday at 10am, 12pm, and 3pm
Tres Sabores Winery
📍1620 S Whitehall Ln, St Helena
Tres Sabores Winery is one of those special places that makes you fall even more in love with Napa Valley. It is woman owned and operated and a small family winery that really showcases the authentic and down to earth side of Napa Valley.
It’s also one of the first California Certified Organic vineyards in Northern California. And the best part? You’ll be sharing the property with their friendly Golden Retrievers, Guinea fowl, and sheep, which makes the experience even more fun.
You can bring your own picnic here for the perfect laid back lunch. If you don’t want to pack your own, they offer a cheese plate or can even arrange lunch for you!
🍷 Wine Gal Tip: Reservations by appointment only. Tastings are available daily from 10 am to last tasting begins at 3:00 pm.
Getting to Napa Valley From San Francisco
If you are coming from San Francisco to Napa Valley, your best bet for transportation is to rent a car. It will give you the flexibility to explore wine country at your own pace, and it is cheaper than Ubering around the valley or booking a tour.
My next recommendation would be to book a tour from San Francisco. Most will pick you from your accommodations and chauffeur you to all of your tastings. They can even help with your itinerary. A small or private tour is the safest option and will allow everyone from your party to enjoy the wine.
Ubering to Napa Valley and around is possible, it just depends on what wineries you are visiting. For a day trip, I do not recommend public transit because there is not a direct route to Napa.
✅ I highly recommend Discover Cars 🚗 for your Napa trip, it’s my go-to rental site!
Wrap Up: Your Ultimate Day Trip to Napa Valley
When planning your Napa itinerary, there’s one key thing to remember: wherever you go wine tasting, you’re bound to have an incredible time.
In all my visits to Napa Valley, I’ve never had a bad experience. Wine tasting in California is all about savoring great wine, soaking in stunning surroundings, and enjoying the company of wonderful people.
🙋♀️ Need more help planning? Join my FREE Napa Facebook Group!
Where you can get travel tips, personalized advice, help with your itinerary, and more.
Read More Napa Valley Travel Guides
- First Time to Napa Valley Itinerary Ultimate 5 Day Guide
- Napa Valley Travel Guide: Must-Know Tips for First-Timers
- Is Napa Valley Worth Visiting? 16 Pros & Cons to Consider
- What is Napa Valley Known For: 27 Iconic & Surprising Things
- The Secret Best Time to Visit Napa Valley From An Expert
- 7 Best Ways to Ship Wine From Napa Without The Stress
Seasonal Guides
- Napa Valley in Spring: 14 Best Things to Do + What to Pack
- Napa Valley in Summer: 18 Best Things to Do & What to Pack
