Day 1: Napa Valley
We started the morning at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, where the S.L.V. Cab reminded us why we keep coming back. Structured, long finish, nothing flashy — just beautifully made wine.
The best glass of wine we had all trip was the Jordan Library Cab '18. Patient winemaking shows.
Day 2: Healdsburg & Dry Creek
Healdsburg is the town Napa wishes it still was — walkable, unpretentious, great food. We hit Valette for dinner and it delivered: farm-to-table done right, without the attitude.
Day 3: Sonoma Coast
The drive from Healdsburg to the coast is one of the best in California. Winding through redwoods, then the fog lifts and you're looking at the Pacific.
Day 4: Home
One last stop at Jordan Vineyard for the library tasting before heading to SFO. Book this one — the older vintages of the Cab show beautifully.
Day 1 stops
Winery
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
Napa Valley
The S.L.V. Cab is worth every penny. Structured, long finish, nothing flashy.
Must visit
Restaurant
The French Laundry
Yountville
Yes, it lives up to it. Budget the whole evening.
Must visitDay 2 stops
Winery
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
Healdsburg
Book the library tasting. Older vintages of the Cab show beautifully with age.
Must visit
Restaurant
Valette
Healdsburg
Farm-to-table done right, without the pretension. Great by-the-glass list.
Worth itDay 3 stops
Winery
Kistler Vineyards
Sonoma Coast
Cult Chardonnay producer. The single-vineyard pours are where it gets serious.
Must visitHard-learned lessons
What we learned
01
Book Napa two weeks out minimum
The serious producers don't do walk-ins. Stag's Leap, Opus One, Screaming Eagle — all require appointments booked well in advance.
02
Base out of Healdsburg, not Napa city
Healdsburg is quieter, better positioned for both Dry Creek and the Sonoma Coast, and the restaurants punch above their weight. Half the price of a Napa hotel too.
03
The French Laundry lunch is the move
Same kitchen, same experience, slightly more relaxed than dinner, and reservations are a touch easier to get. Still need to book 60+ days out.
04
Dry Creek Valley for a half-day break from Napa
The Westside Road loop through Dry Creek is one of California's great wine drives. Smaller producers, friendlier pours, much less attitude.