Planning a Romantic Weekend in Napa Valley

 

You don’t have to leave the U.S. for a picturesque weekend roaming Vineyards, admiring mountains, and exploring miles of untouched natural beauty. Napa Valley sits just 50 miles north of San Francisco, and while it’s known for its exquisite winery experiences, it’s also a pristine destination for luxury wellness spas and fine dining opportunities. This makes Napa Valley one of our favorite places to plan a romantic weekend getaway! From small, family-owned wineries to fabulous resort stays, Napa Valley is the ideal place for the perfect photo op, special occasion celebration, or chance to simply be together.

 

Napa Valley comprises four major towns: Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. There are small towns in the valley, but these are the ones you’ll hear most. You’ll find the vines in peak growing season from March to May, meaning a lot of greenery and budding grapes. This is a great time of year for couples photos! Napa Valley is understandably most busy from June to August, so be sure to book your winery reservations well in advance. This is when grapes are at their most ripe—just before they are harvested—so it can be fun to see the vines in full bloom! While September to November is wildfire season in California, it’s also your chance to experience grape harvesting. Finally, December to February is technically Napa Valley’s off-season, so many wineries may be closed, but it can be a relaxing time of year to visit. We highly recommend hiring a driver during your stay or planning to use rideshare all weekend so you can enjoy Napa’s greatest export—wine!—without getting behind the wheel. We also recommend securing your winery reservations before booking an accommodation so you know which area may be best for you.

 

Set upon hundreds of acres of California ranch land, Stanly Ranch is truly the best of the best. Enjoy your private outdoor shower after a yoga class, then visit the onsite farm-to-table restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Stanly Ranch team also offers the Cult Collector Experience, which means they’ll curate a highly sought-after wine tasting itinerary with their exclusive Napa Valley winery partners. Stanly is a serene property separate from the Napa buzz, so this is great for couples who plan to spend a lot of time relaxing onsite.

 

 

Set upon hundreds of acres of California ranch land, Stanly Ranch is truly the best of the best. Enjoy your private outdoor shower after a yoga class, then visit the onsite farm-to-table restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Stanly Ranch team also offers the Cult Collector Experience, which means they’ll curate a highly sought-after wine tasting itinerary with their exclusive Napa Valley winery partners. Stanly is a serene property separate from the Napa buzz, so this is great for couples who plan to spend a lot of time relaxing onsite.

 

 

For something quaint in the heart of downtown Napa, check out The George. This stately home was built in 1891 and has been recently refinished to join the ranks as one of Napa’s finest luxury boutique inns. With just 9 guest rooms, you’ll feel the personalized effort that goes into every stay, from heated bathroom floors to the perfectly manicured lawn. As if it could get any better, you’ll also have some of the best restaurants and shopping in Napa right at your doorstep.

 

 

We love the Calistoga area for its emphasis on wellness. If you stay here, you’ll be close to sites like the Old Faithful geyser and the Petrified Forest, but you’ll also have access to some of Napa’s finest spas, hot springs, and mud baths. Book a stay at the Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection for private poolside cabanas, perfect options for dining and drinking, and geothermal pools in their luxurious spa. Or, consider Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs for a funky, unique hotel stay.

 

 

Yountville, also known as the “Culinary Mecca of Napa Valley,” offers blocks full of Michelin star restaurants and fine galleries featuring local and global artists. Stay at The Estate Yountville to feel like you’re at a sprawling resort and a boutique hotel in one. Rent the private villa for a five-bedroom luxury home, book a room in the pristine Vintage House, or stay in the contemporary and lively Hotel Villagio, all on resort grounds. The Estate also features three dining options and a full menu of services at the Spa Rendez Veuve.

 

 

Meadowood Napa Valley is our other must-mention accommodation. Featuring 36 cottages and suites you’ll find true immersion into nature at Meadowood. We highly recommend this spot for couples who are familiar with the Napa Valley scene and are planning to wine and dine onsite more than explore. Of course, a little bit of both is ideal, but Meadowood makes it hard to leave! This 250-acre estate has served as an “intimate country hotel” since the 1970’s, and though it’s growing in size, they pride themselves in precise service and intentional hospitality. If you’re in the market for dining that uses the garden as a grocery store and a world-class spa, look no further.

 

We recommend shooting for two wineries a day so you have time to relax, explore, and keep your palate primed. For a smaller winery in the downtown area, we recommend starting with Black Cat Vineyard. Here, you’ll find a smaller vineyard that’s lesser known, which means highly personal service. Visitors often remark that the wine is exquisite, but the best part is interacting with the actual vineyard winemaker.

 

For another smaller winery, we absolutely love Peju in St. Helena. The pink exterior is perfect for unique pictures, the garden seating is idyllic, and they have a wide range of tasting experiences and pairing options. For a truly romantic experience, allow Peju’s private chef to curate a meal for you to be enjoyed in a private section of the vineyard. During your meal, you’ll also have an expert at hand to tell you all about your culinary experience as well as the history of the vineyard.

 

 

Also located in St. Helena, Stony Hill has been an immaculate fixture on Spring Mountain since 1952. At Stony Hill, class and quality are simple standard practice. Guests can’t get enough of the architecture here, especially as it’s set among a peaceful wildlife preserve. Couples should visit Stony Hill for high-end reds and whites, an unbeatable view, and private service that has each individual guest at the front of mind.

 

In 1991, well-known Spanish winemakers left their native Barcelona for the vineyards of Napa and never looked back. The result: Artesa—a taste of Spain in Napa Valley. This modern culmination of Spanish charm and California cool is a larger winery that still manages to offer impeccable service and high-quality product. It’s a solid addition to your romantic weekend itinerary because it’s only 15 minutes from downtown Napa, offers a perfect balance of classic and modern, and has a tapas menu that rivals Spain’s finest.

 

 

We love The Terraces because it’s off the beaten path and perfect for couples who want a more intimate, homegrown experience. Along with fine wines, The Terraces also makes cider and balsamic vinegar onsite. This farm and winery is deeply connected to its roots. Grapes were planted here in 1881, and it’s been a home to winemakers since the 1920’s. 

 

Finally, Fantesca Estate & Winery in St. Helena is one of the most personalized experiences you can have in Napa Valley. Hosting guests by appointment only, Fantesca asks that you fill out a questionnaire before visiting. This way, your visit to their vineyard is curated before you even arrive. Once you’re on the exquisite grounds, you’ll be shown the 300-ft wine cave and brought into the dynamic wine making process.

 

It might be the most coveted dinner reservation in Napa Valley, but The French Laundry must be on your list if your romantic weekend includes any particularly special occasions. With Chef Thomas Keller at the helm of this award-winning team, you can be sure the hype is well-earned and worthy. You may also want to try Ad Hoc, a more casual (but still Michelin-approved) venture by Chef Keller, or Bouchon, his French inspired bistro.

 

 

Acacia House Restaurant is our favorite dinner spot when we want a quaint atmosphere, a fresh menu, and farm-to-table dishes. Set in a historic Georgia farmhouse, Acacia is also a great option for a happy hour drink on their sunlit patio. If you’re looking for farm-to-table fare in a different setting, consider TRUSS at the Four Seasons. We love the versatility here—you can have an elevated experience in the formal restaurant, or take a seat in The Living Room at Truss to relax a little. Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch might be the closest you’ll get to real farm-to-table, seeing as the dining room is a renovated barn. This bright and airy atmosphere is a true chef’s kiss at the end of a long day in Napa.

 

Napa Valley might be known for its fine dining, but their casual lunch fare is to be praised as well. Gott’s Roadside has been an iconic burger stop since 1999, and it’s the perfect way to take a breather between wine tastings and vineyard views. Oakville Grocery is also a great spot to have a unique sandwich, share a pizza, and stock up on Napa Valley jams, wines, and other mementos from your romantic weekend together.