Gather your besties and get ready to wine, dine, and unwind in one of California's most iconic destinations. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a bachelorette, a hard-earned vacation, or simply the joy of good company, Napa Valley delivers the kind of magic that only gets better with your favorite people by your side.
As with any memorable vacay, a successful girls’ trip calls for just the right balance of world-class wine, indulgent spa time, vibrant nightlife, and mornings spent enjoying bubbles at brunch. This four-day itinerary is your insider guide to the very best the valley has to offer, ensuring you and your gals can enjoy peak vineyard views and Michelin-starred dinners alongside all the incredible wine.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Wine, Dine, & Unwind
One of the best things about a getaway to Napa Valley is the freedom you have to explore however you choose. You make the rules! That being said, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind ahead of your visit, especially if you’re new to the region.
- Tasting Room Reservations:
While there are many tasting rooms (particularly around the downtown areas of Napa, Calistoga, and Yountville) and some wineries throughout the Valley that offer walk-in tastings, a good rule of thumb is to assume that a reservation is most likely required. Plan your tasting visits ahead of time, and be sure to check their website or give them a call to secure a reservation. - Don't Wine & Drive:
A traditional tasting pour isn’t a full glass of wine — but multiply that across five wines and three different tasting rooms, and you’d be surprised how quickly you can start to feel the effects. Don’t get us wrong, we want you to let loose and have fun, but be sure to arrange alternate transportation ahead of time. Luckily, Napa Valley has a wide array of transportation options, from rideshare apps and taxis to luxe shuttles and limousines. - Tipping Etiquette:
The short of it? While tipping isn't required, when you (inevitably) have an amazing experience, it's a nice touch to tip your wine educator. Although you have already paid a fee for the experience overall, the person walking you through your tasting is doing their best to make your time there exceptional, so a tip will be greatly appreciated. For a standing bar tasting or a seated tasting, $10-$20 per couple is standard. At boutique wineries or for private tours, aim for $20 or more. For large parties and special celebrations, tip at least 20% of your total bill. - Wine Country Casual:
Don’t stress about what to wear to a wine tasting. Jeans are perfectly acceptable! Dress to feel your best — no one will turn their nose up at you for wearing sandals. If you’re visiting a more luxurious-style winery, then you might take that as an opportunity to dress up a little more. No matter what you wear, be sure to bring layers, as some wine tastings and tours may take place in chillier wine caves or temperature-controlled areas. If you need some inspo, check out our Napa Valley packing guide.
These are just a few tips to keep in mind ahead of your visit. For a deeper dive into wine tasting 101, check out our full list of wine tasting tips.
WHAT’S ON YOUR SCHEDULE
Day 1: Toast to Your Arrival in Downtown Napa
Before the trip really kicks into gear, you’ll have to decide where you’re staying. Napa Valley offers a number of lodging options perfect for any group or occasion, but for this trip in particular, we’d recommend choosing somewhere such as Auberge du Soleil, an adults-only resort in Rutherford. While that does mean your home base is a little out of the way, the adults-only luxury experience is well worth it. Here, you and your girls can fully unwind and enjoy yourselves, without worrying about spending your vacation surrounded by bustling families. Or, for something a little closer to the action, consider the chic, ultra-cool Andaz Napa, which is located in the heart of Downtown Napa.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, your girls' trip officially begins the moment you step into Downtown Napa. Start with a stop at the Napa Valley Welcome Center on First Street, where our experts can load you up with insider recommendations, special offers, and all the local know-how you need for an epic few days. From there, it's a short walk to the Oxbow Public Market, where your group can graze on bites, browse artisan stalls, and ease into wine country mode. Pop into Hog Island Oyster Co. for fresh oysters and sparkling wine — because a girls' trip should start with a proper toast.
Spend the rest of your afternoon wandering the boutiques of First Street Napa, where you'll find chic women's clothing at Tay & Grace, vintage finds at Antiques on Second, and a juicy new read at Copperfield's Books. And, of course, all that shopping is bound to make you thirsty, which means it’s the perfect time to stop by the ultimate girls’ spot in Downtown Napa, Wine Girl, a tasting room complete with pinky-chic decor, a perfectly Instagrammable porch swing, and frosé on demand.
As the sun dips, head up to Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar at the Archer Hotel for sunset cocktails and sweeping views over downtown. Then, walk over to Oenotri for seasonally fresh-made pastas and artisanal pizzas — a perfect, low-key dinner after a travel day.
If you have the energy for it — and let’s face it, you’re here to party! — make one last late-night stop at Cadet for a nightcap. This open-late bar’s minimalist-retro style and cool, neon-light vibe is the ideal spot to feel like the It Girls of the valley.
Day 2: Bubbles & Bold Flavors
Rise and shine! With a full day ahead of you, there’s only one way to start the adventure off — with a boozy, bubbly brunch, of course. Head up the highway to Boon Fly Café, where a dedicated team of culinary experts are serving up what has been voted the “Best Brunch in Napa.” Be sure to order some of the mini donuts for the table.
Such a tasty brunch might have you feeling like crawling back into bed, but there’s wine to be tasted. Make your first wine stop at the French-inspired chateau and gardens of Domaine Carneros. Choose from dedicated sparkling wine flights, a Pinot Noir flight, or a mixed flight paired with cheese, charcuterie, or caviar. Few things say “girls' trip” like sipping sparkling wine on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Next, head to Artesa Vineyards & Winery for sweeping views and beautiful architecture — and a bit of trivia for the group: this winery served as a backdrop for the girls' weekend comedy Wine Country, starring many Saturday Night Live greats. Perfect for a photo-worthy group moment.
For the afternoon, cruise up-valley and explore St. Helena's Main Street, one of the most picturesque shopping streets in wine country and a great spot to snag a few outfit pictures. Then fuel up for the evening with an appetizer or two at Market, a St. Helena staple known for seasonal American comfort food in a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Tonight, you’re really hitting the town. No matter when you visit, Napa Valley’s live music and entertainment scene is lively year-round, so you should have no trouble finding an event of some kind to check out. Perhaps catch a concert at the JaM Cellars Ballroom, or check out an open mic to see some local, hidden-gem talents. Depending on the day of the week, several wineries and bars host fun events such as trivia and karaoke.
Day 3: Explorations in Wellness & Wine
After two days of full-throttle fun, Day 3 is the moment to slow down, breathe deeply, and treat yourselves. Start the morning with outdoor yoga at Harvest Inn in St. Helena, offered against a backdrop of soaring redwoods and vineyard views from May to October. Even if your timing doesn't align perfectly, most properties offer morning wellness programming worth checking out.
Then, make your way to Calistoga, the valley's premier spa town, for the only-in-Northern-California experience of a volcanic-ash mud bath. Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs offers geothermal mineral pools, soaking tubs, and aromatherapy experiences. Afterward, recharge with nourishing Southwestern-inspired fare at their on-site restaurant, House of Better.
Now that you’re all aglow with new life, take some time to soak in some local history, and visit the iconic Chateau Montelana Winery — aka, the winery that put Napa Valley on the world map at the legendary 1976 'Judgement of Paris.' Taste some of these storied wines in their daily-open tasting room. End the day as close to perfectly as possible with dinner at Lovina in Calistoga, which offers a chic bistro menu highlighting fresh, seasonal produce from local farms. Or, if your group is craving something more adventurous, try Evangeline for its surprising Creole-inspired, New Orleanian dishes on their lush patio surrounded by fragrant orange trees.
Day 4: Soar, Sip, & Celebrate
Sadly, this is the last day of your trip (at least as far as this itinerary is concerned), but the adventures are nowhere near done. For the ultimate 'we're actually doing this' girls' trip moment, start your final morning before dawn with a hot air balloon ride over the valley with Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides. Floating above the vineyards at sunrise, with a post-flight sparkling wine toast waiting for you on the ground — there’s no better way to remind yourselves that this is exactly what life is supposed to look like.
A caveat here being, of course, that the hot air balloon adventure requires a pre-dawn wakeup, which for some girls is off the table during vacation. You can still experience the beauty of the valley from a new perspective at a more leisurely pace, with a ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. a beautifully restored vintage train that winds through the valley floor as you sip and dine.
Round out your final afternoon at St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery, which offers award-winning Sauvignon Blanc through single-vineyard Cabernets — and features a rotating art gallery on site, a final nod to Napa Valley's deep commitment to arts and culture.
See You Soon, Girl!
After four unforgettable days in wine country, your girls' getaway in Napa Valley has come to a glorious close, but the adventure never truly stops here. Whether you're still glowing from the mud bath, re-living the balloon ride sunrise, or dreaming about that last glass of Cabernet, it's never too early to start planning your return trip. We'll be waiting with a glass of bubbles in hand.
