This post originally appeared as a guest post on Wanderdolls blog. See it here!
Wine not plan a Napa girls’ trip post pandemic?
Wine is probably the first thing people think of when they think of Napa. Although Napa boasts an impressive 500 wineries and over 34 grape varietals, there is so much more than just wine that Napa has to offer. Plus with the added benefit of most activities being outside, its the perfect location to go when you are ready to travel post-quarantine.
Why take a Napa girls’ trip?
Exploring something new is the perfect way to deepen your connection with best friends. Here are several reasons why Napa is the perfect place to go:
Endless Outdoor Activities:
No matter what time of year you want to go, Napa boasts a cool 52-82 F. It’s an ideal place to spend time outside soaking in nature. Post-pandemic it’s also the perfect place to social distance with activities such as hiking, biking, sitting at a winery (or two) or eating outside on a patio.
Picture perfect instagram backdrops:
Even traveling to Napa has amazing IG worthy backdrops. If you are traveling from San Francisco, remember to take the 101 North over the Golden Gate bridge. At the end of the bridge, stop at Cavollo point to get the best photo with your girls in front of the bridge.
Want a photo in-between the vineyards? Make sure to schedule time at an actual winery where you can walk between the vines!
Looking to show the world you are in Napa? If you want to capture yourself in front of the quintessential “Welcome to Napa” sign, you have two options: the south one is at 7647 St Helena Highway in Napa alongside the railway or the north one is a dozen miles away at 3996 St Helena Highway in Calistoga.
Variety for every style:
Every time you go, it can be a completely different trip! Here are 3 types of trips you can take:
- Casual Vibes: For the casual Napa girls’ trip, check out Castello Di Amorosa, Hendry’s, or tasting rooms like Rebel Vintners or Alpha Omega Collective. For food options, pick up a fried chicken bucket from Ad Hoc or browse through the Oxbow Market for an international flair
- Soak in luxury: For those who want to dress up, Domain Carneros, Artesa, or Darioush Napa are the places to be. For an even more IG worthy place to eat, make reservations at the stunning RH Yountville Restaurant
- Foodie’s Paradise For the ultimate foodie experience with your girls, you must check out the French Laundry or The Restaurant at Meadowood Napa. Both top the chart with 3 Michelin stars!
So, how do you best to plan a Napa girls’ trip?
Here are 5 questions to answer before you start planning:
- What type of trip do you want? Napa has a bit of everything so it’s important to decide if your group wants to relax, be adventurous, or see it all.
- What type of activities do you want to do? Activities such as wineries, spa appointments or hot air balloons require a plan before you go, but if you plan to hike or bike your way there is more freedom to play it by ear.
- What type of wine do you want to experience? With over 500 wineries, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. My first tip is to only plan for a maximum of 2 wineries in a day to truly relax and enjoy. The second tip is to make winery choices based on what type of wine you prefer. This makes it easy to weed out which wineries are for you.
- Tip: Napa is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, so be sure to at least try one or both on your trip.
- How do you plan to get around?
- Most people who visit Napa decide to visit by car. Wineries are often very spread out making it difficult to hop around unless you plan in advance.
- For those who prefer the comfort of not driving, there are two major options: hire someone or stay where you can walk to your activities. Many people hire a car, cart, or trolley to drive them around for the day.
- Where to stay? The options are endless and decisions should be made based once you decide on the above! Pro tip: Plan to stay no more than 30-40 minutes away from your activities
Need more help?
Get the inside scoop from people who know the destination inside and out. When you book through a travel agent, it’s like having a best friend who can connect you to the best in travel! Plus, it will give you access to the best value and complimentary VIP benefits like early check-in or upgrades. All at no cost to you depending on the length of the trip. Are you interested in feeling how easy planning can be post-pandemic? All it takes is a quick conversation.
Kristie Lee is a travel designer helping Millennials navigate travel post-quarantine. Her goal is to connect you directly to the best destinations, hotels, and tour operators so all you have to do is pack up and go!
