Napa Valley, California, stands as a top-tier destination for wine enthusiasts in the United States. However, this region boasts a multitude of attractions beyond its renowned vineyards that are worth exploring, most of which are particularly suited to a long weekend break.
The exceptional landscapes and terrain present an array of hiking trails catering to various difficulty levels, each offering picturesque views and an opportunity to delve into the area's allure beyond its vinicultural heritage. Similarly, the shopping streets of downtown Napa offer the perfect opportunity to browse boutique stores and products whilst on a relaxing weekend break. Below, The Conte Club has asked its luxury travel designers for their guide on how to spend 48 hours in Napa Valley, with a focus on the region's nature with a touch of downtown relaxation.
Day 1: Hiking, Culture & The Best Restaurants in Napa Valley
Begin your day with an exquisite breakfast at the prestigious restaurant and resort, Auberge du Soleil, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the valley while savouring the elegant French-inspired dishes. This property has a remarkable culinary legacy; established as a restaurant in 1981 by the renowned French restauranteur Claude Rouas, it quickly expanded to include "The Inn of the Sun" - a selection of 50 luxurious guest rooms that became the first property of luxury hotel group Auberge Resorts.
After a relaxed meal, set off for an exploration of Napa Valley's exquisite landscape on foot. Take a private transfer to nearby Bothe State Park, which offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails to choose from. Explore the redwood forests and picturesque creekside trails meandering through the park, or embark on a leisurely hike up the canyon to witness the stunning volcanic ash cliffs. The history trail, for those fond of discovering the lesser-told stories of destination, takes you to the iconic Bale Grist Mill, a historic 36-foot water-wheel-powered mill dating back to 1846.
For the lakeside vistas more associated with nature hiking, you might want to travel slightly further to Lake Berryessa, which offers shorter hikes along the perimeter. The lake is notable for being Napa County's largest and comes with terrific views and photography opportunities to match. If walking isn't your favourite method of transport, try the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a 12.5-mile long trail that runs from South Napa to Yountville in the valley centre. Whilst on the route, expect to capture previously unseen views of the vineyards, as well as cultural sights like the Rail Arts District (RAD) section of the trail in Downtown Napa. This particular section runs alongside the train tracks and showcases murals and sculptures created by renowned local and international artists alike.
Here at The Conte Club, we design travel for our clients with one thought in the back of our minds: "True luxury is spending our time well". By and large, this means something different to everyone - whether you're more inclined to spend time relaxing with time to spare or like to ensure your every minute is taken care of. Napa Valley is perfect for every traveller in this regard, as it provides opportunities for all the find their rhythm whilst on a weekend-long break. After spending the morning and early afternoon hiking, perhaps relax at Auberge Du Soleil or indulge in a spa treatment before heading out to explore the many wonderful dining establishments on offer in Napa Valley.
For more casual fare, head to Angele, Scala or Bistro Don Giovanni - all offering excellent lunch and dinner menus (French-inspired and Italian-inspired respectively) alongside equally awesome wine lists. For those looking for a brilliant fine dining meal outside of The Restaurant, Auberge Du Soleil's namesake fine dining establishment, one Michelin-starred Kenzo delicately balances a Japanese Kaiseki menu with their own grown wines from the Kenzo Napa wine estate, whilst Thomas Keller's three Michelin-starred The French Laundry is a bucket-list item for many visitors to Napa County - and for good reason. Those looking to explore North America's fine-dining scene in further detail should explore a Conte Food Journey of North America - our travel advisor's answer to travelling through a destination via the mutual language and connection offered by food.
Day 2: Napa Valley Hot Air Balloons & Downtown Exploration
Exploring the landscape of Napa Valley can truly be done in no better style than that of a hot air balloon, and in Conte's style, this includes the ethos of 'Global Collections, Local Journeys' - engaging with the concept of exploring destinations through local traditions and knowledge, even within experiences that are not necessarily unique to the location. It will require, with fair warning, an early start - but the views of the sun rising across the vineyards, creeks and lakes of Napa Country are one of those experiences worth the wake-up. From your private hot air balloon, enjoy spotting the coastlines and remarkable landscapes of Napa Valley, an experience that will likely last three to four hours with set-up and take-down included. With The Conte Club's luxury travel concierge, our partners are completely vetted to ensure each experience is uniquely safe and bespoke - prerequisites for a morning that surpasses expectations.
After working up an appetite, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch at Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, where local ingredients are transformed into an unforgettable meal by a cast of chefs, farmers, cattle farmers, winemakers and restauranteurs - each playing their unique part in the creation of this American farmhouse. If you're looking for a touch of wine during this nature-driven weekend, Farmstead is the perfect opportunity. With tasting rooms, curated experiences, and a more casual wine bar offering whisky and olive oil tastings alongside the wine, there will be no shortage of chances here.
Shortly afterwards, or perhaps after an afternoon at ease, spend the early evening immersing yourself in the delightful atmosphere of Napa's charming downtown, where every corner is different from the next. A truly boutique experience can be found in the selection of artisanal goods and clothing on offer, or in the locally sourced products that capture the essence of Napa Valley's rich culture and heritage. Conte would always recommend taking some local olive oil with you on your return - and if you have the space -to explore the likes of husband-wife duo Calistoga Pottery's pieces and the range of handmade, locally inspired soaps by the Napa Soap Company.
For those seeking a more refined shopping experience, a short drive to Yountville promises a luxurious escape into the more familiar brands warming the international shopping scene. Finish off at Estate Yountville where a festival-style shopping centre, now reimagined (and renamed) as V Marketplace, is awaiting. Delight in the world-famous Kollar Chocolates and the V Wine Cellar nestled within, and perhaps finish your evening off by partaking in the exquisite dining provided at in-house Bottega and ottimo, before returning to Auberge Du Soleil for a final evening before your departure. Each trip with The Conte Club lives by the standards of our luxury travel company; it inspires, excites and draws connections between our guests and the destinations they travel to.