MOST READ TRAVEL
It's no surprise why so many travelers head to Napa Valley for rest and relaxation, to take in the beautiful views, and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine while they're at it. The area's unparalleled beauty make it the perfect place to unwind. Below, we've put together a list of the California enclave's most instagrammable spots.
Newton Vineyard
Tucked away in the Mayacamas mountain range, Newton Vineyard is the brainchild of LVMH, the world-renowned French luxury goods conglomerate. Offering a unique vineyard immersion curated by Clos19—LVMH’s wine and spirits vendor—the newly pioneered “Newton Experience” engages travelers in an interactive tour of the cellar, an intimate wine tasting, yoga and guided meditation, a hillside picnic and the rare opportunity to harvest your own honey. If you only have 24 hours in Napa, this curated exploration is a must-do.
The Restaurant at Meadowood
Pioneered by chef Christopher Kostow, this three-star Michelin restaurant (the only one in Napa Valley besides French Laundry) has become a staple for luxurious, laid-back dining in Napa Valley. Known for his artistically innovative fare sourced from Kostow’s personal local farm, each dish at the Meadowood Restaurant is perfectly playful, palatable, and photogenic.
Carneros Resort & Spa
Take a dip and a pic at this effortlessly chic resort. The expansive pool, which is surrounded by 28 acres of vineyard-covered hills, allows you to bask in the picturesque countryside while enjoying some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Domaine Carneros
Inspired by Château de la Marquetterie in Epernay, France, Domaine Carneros is the creation of Champagne Taittinger. With gardens that rival those of European palaces, Domaine Carneros brings French charm and opulence to Northern California.
Castello di Amorosa
This Medieval-inspired, Tuscan castle in the heart of Napa Valley does exactly what fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui intended for it to do—transport you to 13th-century Italian wine country. Complete with all of the medieval architectural classics—including a moat—Castello di Amorosa pays homage to Italy’s exquisite wines and history.
Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons
There are multiple ways to see Napa Valley—by foot, by car, and by hot air balloon. Float above the lush vineyards of Napa in a whimsical balloon, fulfilling your childhood curiosities while enjoying your very adult getaway. The consistent winds and rolling hilltops of Napa Valley create the perfect conditions for a colorful ride.
The French Laundry
This three-Michelin star culinary experience by chef Thomas Keller has been dubbed “the best restaurant in the world” by the late Anthony Bourdain. Nestled in a two-story rustic cottage, this French fare is both a feast for the eyes and the soul. Experiment with the tasting menu and discover the breadth and depth of French Laundry’s delectable offerings if you are able to get a reservation on the year-long waiting list.
Auberge du Soleil
Nestled in the lush green hills of Napa, Auberge du Soleil is a staple in the Auberge Resorts Collection. With 50 guest rooms and suites, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and unparalleled vista views, Auberge du Soleil has been hailed as wine country’s most luxurious, French-inspired property. Enjoy delectable weekend brunch at The Restaurant, a 13 time Michelin award winner.
Las Alcobas, Napa Valley
Adjacent to Beringer Vineyards, the five-star, adults-only American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts property features clean architectural lines and postcard-worthy views of surrounding St. Helena. Hotel suites frame rows of beautiful rolling vineyards, and each feature a private terrace and personal fire pit. Rooms also boast Japanese soaking tubs and sophisticated styling by Yabu Pushelberg making Las Alcobas a destination itself.
The Charter Oak
This rustic eatery pioneered by chef Christopher Kostow centers around locally-inspired food marked by simple elegance. This 100-seat restaurant is Kostow’s new venture in casual dining—well, as casual as a Michelin chef's cuisine can be. The Charter Oak reclaims the space of former Napa Valley culinary staple Tra Vigne. The historic building maintains the iconic stone lions at the main entryway and the welcoming, warm exposed brick. Kostow provides more family-style fare compared to his three Michelin-starred restaurant, The Restaurant at Meadowood.
Solage, An Auberge Resort
Surrounded by Calistoga’s bubbling natural hot springs, Solage Calistoga puts a fresh, contemporary spin on modern luxury. While this resort was pioneered with sophisticated youthfulness in mind, the clean lines, natural materials, and light, airy tones cater to travelers of all ages. Retreat to the spa for their signature “mud bar” experience, a three-part detoxifying treatment.
Del Dotto Winery and Caves
One of Napa Valley’s very first wineries, with an impressive history dating back to 1885, Del Dotto Winery and Caves has become a staple in Napa Valley. Known for its cave-aged wines and unique barrel tasting experience, the winery dons an opulent baroque interior and historic caves. Explore the cool subterranean tunnels for a captivating, untraditional Napa Valley experience.
Opus One Winery
The brainchild of world-renowned winemakers Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild, Opus One is an innovative partnership between two of viticulture’s most celebrated savants. With grapes harvested from To-Kalon vineyard, Opus One produces only two types of wines—the eponymous Opus One and Overture red blend. Opus One stands out among the traditional picturesque campuses of other staple Napa wineries. The contemporary architecture, including a remarkable spaceship-like roof, imbues its natural surroundings with a daring modern taste of luxury. Enjoy the Double Vintage Tour and Tasting, a 120-minute tour and intimate private tasting in the Private Library where you are invited to savor both vintage blends.
Erin Martin Design Shop and Showroom
Pottery, jewelry, and floating neon script are just a few of the seemingly incongruent accouterments brought together in harmony under interior designer Erin Martin’s roof. This stunning showroom, a physical collage in its own right, playfully amalgamates a collection of bold, extraordinary design elements. Wander and wonder through the St. Helena showroom and discover intriguing elements at every turn, including a giant t-rex fossil replica.
The Town of Yountville
A culinary mecca replete with multiple Michelin-starred eateries within steps of each other, Yountville, Napa’s historic downtown district, is rife with hidden gems. Stop by Bouchon Bakery, chef Thomas Keller’s critically acclaimed French-inspired patisserie, which cannot be missed. Dive into a flaky chocolate almond croissant or treat yourself to a bite-sized pistachio macaroon. While roaming the streets of historic downtown Yountville, find time to stop by the Ma(i)sonry gallery, an impressive sculpture and painting gallery, where you can sample from a list of the best small wine producers in the Valley.
