How many days in Napa Valley?

The headline things to do in Napa Valley

From the Napa Valley guide — these are the items that anchor a 4-day visit. For the full breakdown, read the Napa Valley travel guide.

1. Robert Mondavi Winery — Oakville (Hwy 29)

   The single most influential winery in California history — Robert Mondavi founded it in 1966 after splitting from his family's Charles Krug operation, and his evangelism for Napa Cabernet (and his marketing genius) is the reason the valley is what it is today. The Mission-style arch and tower at the Oakville entrance is the most photographed building in Napa. Tours from $40; the Signature Tour & Tasting ($75) is the worthwhile splurge — includes the cave, the To Kalon vineyard, and library Cabernets.

2. Castello di Amorosa — Calistoga (north end of the valley)

   A 121,000-square-foot replica medieval Tuscan castle built into a Calistoga hillside over 14 years (2007 completion) by the Sattui family — eight levels, 107 rooms, a moat, drawbridge, dungeon, torture chamber, and a great hall with hand-painted Italian frescoes. Yes, it sounds ridiculous; in person it is fascinating. Tour-and-tasting tickets from $60. The wine itself (Sangiovese, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blends) is solid if not extraordinary — you come for the experience.

3. Domaine Carneros — Carneros (southern Napa, near Sonoma border)

   Taittinger's American sparkling wine outpost — a Louis XV-style chateau on a hilltop in Carneros (the cool southern subregion influenced by San Pablo Bay fog) producing méthode champenoise sparkling wine of genuine quality. The terrace, with its sweeping vineyard views, is the most photogenic tasting setting in Napa. Reserve a sparkling flight ($45) on the terrace at sunset; pair with the cheese-and-charcuterie plate.

4. Napa Valley Wine Train — Departs from McKinstry St. Station, downtown Napa

   Vintage 1915–1952 Pullman cars restored to original mahogany-and-brass condition, pulled by a 1950s diesel locomotive, on a 3-hour round trip from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back. Three-course meals are prepared on board in working kitchen cars. The Gourmet Express lunch from $250; the Vista Dome (glass-roofed observation car) is an extra $50 well spent. Book 30+ days ahead for weekends.

5. Calistoga Hot Springs & Mud Baths — Calistoga (north end)

   The town of Calistoga sits on a geothermal aquifer — natural mineral hot springs and the famous volcanic-ash mud baths that gave the town its identity in the 1860s. Indian Springs, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort, and Calistoga Spa Hot Springs all offer the classic mud-bath-then-mineral-soak ritual. Indian Springs has the most beautiful 1910 Olympic-sized mineral pool. Treatments from $90.

6. Oxbow Public Market — 610 1st Street, downtown Napa

   A 40,000-square-foot food hall in downtown Napa modeled on San Francisco's Ferry Building — over 20 vendors including Hog Island Oyster Co., Gott's Roadside (the original burger stand), Ritual Coffee, Three Twins ice cream, Kara's Cupcakes, and Model Bakery (whose English muffins are nationally famous). The best low-budget meal in Napa Valley and an ideal lunch stop between morning and afternoon winery visits.

7. Yountville (The French Laundry & Friends) — Yountville (10 min north of downtown Napa)

   A village of 3,000 people that contains arguably the densest concentration of fine dining in America — Thomas Keller's The French Laundry (3 Michelin stars, $475 per person, reservations 90 days out), Bouchon Bistro (1 Michelin star), Bottega (Michael Chiarello), Redd, and Ad Hoc. Walk the half-mile of Washington Street for Cornerstone gallery, V Marketplace shopping, and the Yountville Veterans Memorial Park.

8. V. Sattui Winery — St. Helena (Hwy 29)

   A St. Helena landmark with a sprawling oak-shaded picnic ground (one of the very few wineries in Napa where you can bring picnic food), a deli with house-made cheeses and charcuterie, and a tasting room in a 1885 stone building. Crowds on weekends can be heavy; weekday picnics are idyllic. No appointment needed for tasting, $35 fee. The kid-and-dog-friendly winery option in a valley that increasingly feels exclusive.

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