Ladies love Napa Valley. It’s often listed as a top bachelorette party destination and, if you’ve ever been out on a Saturday night in town, you’ve seen enough sashes and plastic crowns to know it’s true.
But you don’t need a reason to “rosé all day” with your friends. Here’s your guide to having a gals' getaway in wine country.
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Napa Valley wineries
A trip to Napa Valley would be incomplete without a visit to a winery — or a dozen wineries, for that matter. (Here's where you can taste for under $50). There are more than 400 wineries open to visitors in the valley, most of which currently require reservations, so planning ahead is highly recommended! Reservations are usually available between about 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., so be prepared for day drinking. Walk around any of the valley cities for quaint streets, art installations, vintage shops and delicious food.
Castello di Amorosa
Even if you’re not much of a wino, the vineyards and wineries are still worth a visit. For example, Castello di Amorosa was designed in the style of a 13th century Tuscan castle. There’s even a moat, drawbridge, armory and torture chamber.
Reservations to the castle include a tasting of five wines (or ask for the nonalcoholic Muscat Grape juice). Tastings and access to the castle start at $50 per person.
Pro tip: There are two “Welcome to Napa Valley” signs, with one just outside the entrance to Castello di Amorosa along State Route 29. The southern sign is near Oakville Grocery (the oldest grocery store in the valley), where you can grab sandwiches and other picnic bites. Whichever sign you choose, be ready to wait as they’re popular photo spots.
Tank Garage Winery
For a completely different vibe, keep heading north into Calistoga for some gas station sips at Tank Garage Winery. That’s right, this hip tasting room lives in a 1930s vintage gas station and garage. It claims to be the area’s “coolest” winery with a penchant for dropping eclectic wine blends. Tastings are $30 or buy a bottle to share starting at about $28.
Pro tip: Also in Calistoga is Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs, where you can soak in a mixture of volcanic ash and mineral water, take a beer bath, or get a deep-tissue massage. Prices start at $199.
Charles Krug
If you’re mid-valley, visit the area’s oldest winery — billed as California’s first tasting room. Charles Krug first opened to the public in 1882. Tastings start at $50. Tastings and a tour are $90.
Beringer Vineyards
Unable to make a reservation? Beringer Vineyards will try to accommodate walk-ins. It’s also a great budget option while still being incredibly beautiful. Enjoy a glass of wine and walk the estate’s gardens for $20. Your other best friend — your dog — is also welcome to join you. (Here are a few other wineries that allow dogs.)
Upgrade to a seated experience, however, and leave Duchess at home. For $45 each, enjoy a bottle of wine, a deluxe charcuterie board and play on the estate’s backyard bocce ball court.
Jessup Cellars
Enjoy a wine tasting experience among curated art at Jessup Cellars in Yountville for about $60. For a decadent dining experience, check out famed restaurant The French Laundry, just a (very!) short walk away.
Bread and Butter Wines
Get vineyard views without leaving the city of Napa at Bread and Butter Wines on Silverado Trail. The relatively new tasting room offers flights starting at $40.
Pro tip: For a convenient sampling of Napa Valley wines, beers, coffee, food and artisan goods, head to the Oxbow Public Market downtown. Each of you can try a different restaurant and eat in the market’s chic food court or outside on the patio.
Napa Valley tours
Why drive yourself when someone else can? Overindulge safely by using a rideshare app or choosing one of these tour options.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Spend the whole day touring the valley aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, making stops at several wineries and the iconic welcome sign while also enjoying a Napa-inspired, four-course meal. Or spend a few hours on the railcar for some afternoon tea. Train experiences generally range from $175 to $700.
Napa Valley Wine Trolley
Take a guided tour on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley, hitting at least four wineries and enjoying lunch over the course of six hours. Prices start at $125. Tasting fees are not included.
Balloon rides
For a better view, book a balloon ride. There are several companies in the area, all with rates starting at about $270.
Pro tip: The region’s tourism website, visitnapavalley.com, has a complete directory of wine tours and safe transportation options.
Napa Valley nightlife
Ace & Vine
Ace & Vine is a restaurant, bar and casino that opened in Napa last year. It’s open 24/7 — an oddity in the area.
JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio
Have your wine alongside an intimate concert at JaM Cellars Wine & Music Studio in downtown Napa. Tastings range from $30 to $75 and reservations encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. The studio is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday. It stays open until midnight Thursday, Friday and Saturday with live music all three nights (and shareable snacks).
Blue Note Napa
Blue Note Napa, a jazz club and restaurant in the Napa Valley Opera House, has music nearly every night. Its drink menu features classic cocktails if you want a break from all that vino.
Napa Valley Vrbos
Hit Napa’s tasting rooms, shops and top restaurants all from the convenience of this two-bedroom, two-bathroom bungalow. May I suggest spending your days exploring downtown, stopping back “home” for an afternoon nap, then heading back out for dinner and cocktails? Rates start at about $550 per night.
For a quieter experience, book a wilderness stay surrounded by olive trees and hiking trails. This three-bedroom cottage accommodates up to six people and includes plenty of outdoor dining areas as well as a jacuzzi. It’s not far from Castello di Amorosa. And, if you want more time in nature, it's near the Petrified Forest. Rates start at about $688 per night.
Stay in downtown Calistoga for easy access to shops, tasting rooms, spas and cafes. This 19th-century home includes four bedrooms, each with its own private bath, and a spacious backyard. Rates start at about $1,150 per night.
Available by the room or booked all to yourself, The Ink House includes breakfast as well as housekeeping. It is centrally located in mid-Napa Valley, the perfect place for exploring sprawling vineyards and downtown hot spots. Renting out the entire place starts at about $2,800 per night.
Go big or go home in this 11-bedroom farmhouse. The micro-resort, which includes a pool, provides concierge services, onsite wine tastings, private chefs and classes. Prices for booking just five bedrooms start at about $3,500 per night.
Napa Valley hotels
Stay in clean, budget friendly rooms conveniently located in Napa. The Napa Winery Inn has motel basics including a continental breakfast, outdoor pool and spa. Prices start just above $100 per night.
For modern amenities amid small town charm, check out Brannan Cottage Inn, a clean and quiet boutique hotel in Calistoga. Rooms are currently available at $289 per night and direct booking gets you the third night free.
For king beds and private, outdoor tubs, this Yountville B&B includes a wine and cheese hour each afternoon, fresh baked cookies, breakfast and complimentary bicycles. Rates start at about $400 per night.
Four poster beds, oversized tubs and in-room fireplaces are just some of the features in Hotel Yountville’s suites. Onsite spa packages are available. Rates start at about $500 per night.
Stay in an Emily Dickinson or E.E. Cummings-inspired suite at Poetry Inn on Silverado Trail in Napa. Suites feature balconies with stunning views of the valley, rain showers and heated bathroom floors. Rates start at about $1,800 per night.
What to buy ahead of time
Whenever you’re headed to Napa Valley, be sure to pack layers. Even in the warmest months, it can still cool down at night. Temperatures are relatively mild year-round, with average lows never falling below 40 degrees and average highs peaking at 81 degrees. Temperatures can vary depending on where in the valley you are.
Here are some things you may want to pick up ahead of time:
Matching sweatshirts will also go quite nicely in your crew’s Instagram feeds.
Speaking of photos, why not capture some moments the old fashioned way? Print your keepsakes right on the spot with the Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera.
Want to match in all your photos? We found this “WTF Wine Tasting Friends” t-shirt to be cute and clever.
These matching wine tumblers can be useful back at the Vrbo and when you return to normal life.
Don’t forget to clean off that makeup, though, before you fall asleep. Pack some Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes for convenience just in case.
The most prevalent grapes grown in Napa Valley are Cabernet Sauvignon, which means you’ll probably be trying some full-bodied red wine on your trip. Quickly remove any tipsy slip-ups from your outfit by packing a travel-sized stain remover like Wine Away Red Wine Stain Emergency Kit.