Happy Monday friends! I’m picking things right up with the Napa portion of our trip. After highlighting our stay at the White House Inn I wanted to share a few fun things to check out and do if you ever find yourself passing through or staying for a few days! We decided to drive north on the PCH for the mere fact that we really wanted to relax towards the end of our trip and spending a few days in Napa would do just that. This was our second time to Napa, but on our honeymoon we only did a day trip, so this was a true visit in my opinion!
DINNER ||
DINNER ||
It wouldn’t be a travel post if I didn’t start off with food, well it wouldn’t be a travel post written by me if it didn’t start out with food!
Celadon || What I loved about Celadon almost as much as the food is the outdoor courtyard with a restoration hardware vibe. It felt cozy & the service was excellent. The vegetable misto had this delicious dill aioli & the pan-roasted mussels satisfied my daily seafood craving!!
Torc|| I definitely think there is a reason that reservations are nearly impossible to get at Torc, the food is amazing. If you look at the menu and think you want to go, make the reservation – we didn’t but luckily grabbed a spot at the bar & enjoyed the lobster risotto that caught my eye when we walked by the restaurant the night before!
Drink ||
Drink ||
Obviously you’re not going to go to wine country and not drink wine!! Since this wasn’t our first time in Napa it gave us the opportunity to explore a few of the different types of tastings that Napa has to offer. We did a few traditional tastings and then one that I was extremely excited to try out.
Domaine Carneros || One of the first vineyards as you drive into Napa is Domaine Carneros which is palatial. Lovely grounds & beautiful grounds make this a touristy stop, but there’s a reason that everyone says you have to go! It was a no brainer for me to choose the sparkling wine sampler, while Gary opted for the red wine sampler. Adding the sparkling wine cheese plate, was just enough to keep us from getting too tipsy!
Liana Estates|| After Domaine Carneros we were up the road from a relatively new and modern winery called Liana Estates. Driving up it’s very unassuming, but once inside you’re met with a lively atmosphere, grand tasting bar & delicious wine! We were pleasantly surprised to get a complimentary cheese plate with the first sparkling wine, After choosing our tasting, we were given a private tour of the club house for members, which was decorated exactly how I want my living room to be!
Chandon|| There are of course plenty of sparkling wines to choose from in Napa, but Chandon was my first choice to visit. I wanted to do something different and when I saw that they offered a cocktail 101 class I was sold! Lucky for us, our cocktail class only had one other couple – so we were able to not only learn how to make our drinks really well, but perfect the craft because there were only 4 of us and all the bottles of champagne must be drank! We ended up staying for about 2.5 hours because of how much fun all of us were having!
Exploring ||
Hot air ballooning wasn’t something I thought we’d get a chance to do, but with it being on both of our bucket lists, we decided it had to happen. On the drive to Napa on Friday, we called Napa Valley Alfot and reserved our spot for that Sunday.
You are at the mercy of the weather when going up in the air and although we were grounded for an extra 20 minutes we were one of only 2 groups that were able to get up that day! I honestly think it was because we paid to have them take a photo of us on the ground & while we were going up in the air – maybe that was why we were in the first bucket!! Regardless, I’m so happy that we were able to take in the amazing views. I was actually shocked that you weren’t able feel movement at all – it was as if you were motionless in the bucket! When you think of the price per person, it’s actually not a bad deal & there was a deal if you checked in through Yelp you got $10 off per person towards their brunch after – which was delicious!
Napa’s riverfront and downtown area is so charming. Lots of really fun local shops, vineyards have small stores that you can pop into for tastings & of course lots of good food to choose from!
Our time in Napa was perfect – just the right amount of relaxation, vineyards visited & food eaten!! We decided before leaving that we’d try to go back every few years to visit our favorites ones and explore new ones!
Have you ever been to Napa? Are you a red or white wine fan?
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So neat! I have always wanted to go to Napa and this makes me want to even more so!
The picture of you drinking wine with the vineyard in the background is priceless….should be on the cover of a wine and cheese magazine, if there is such a thing, lol!! Loved learning more about Napa through your beautiful eyes!!! Someday I shall get there and am saving this! Happy Monday love!!
Looks like such a fun trip! So many great dining options
Xo, Elizabeth
stripesandsolitaires.com
I love that you got to go on a hot air balloon ride! That's so awesome!! That food looks amazing. Looks like such a fun trip. Have a great week!
This makes me want to go back right now! I haven't done any of these things! There is so much to do and see in Napa that I am always finding something new to add to my list.
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
Sign me up for the food and wine tasting!! Ha 😉 And then some more food!
what a fun trip! That hot air balloon looks amazing!
I would love to go to Napa! The first restaurant with the RH vibe would be my favorite…I love RH!! All of the wineries look so fun and I'm loving all of your outfits!
Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts
Your time in Napa looks amazing. It's definitely one of those places that are worth the hype. We ended up going 2 years in a row and did an air ballon ride there too. Apparently its one of the best places in the world to take one, so you guys made a good pic
Chandon looks so fun!! Ohh and lobster risotto! Yes please
Oh girl what I wouldn't give for a sparkly wine flight and cheese board right now! Next time in wine country, (you'll have to go when it's a bit warmer) hit up Francis Ford Coppola's estate (complete with pool that you can lounge at and sip wine!!). Have a great Monday! XOXO, R
What an awesome review of Napa! I cannot wait to go there! Hot Balloon ride sounds so cool, although I know I would totally be freaked out! LOL
omg the aesthetic of this whole post has me in love. good food and restoration hardware vibes = yes please! and that cocktails 101 class looks so fun – awesome it was just you and another couple! and that hot air ballon ride – i mean the whole thing start to finish looks bucket list worthy to me!
xoxo cheshire kat
Happy Monday gorgeous gal! And how good does all that food look! Omg!!! I am obsessing! Also lets not forget the wine! So good! Looks like you guys had a blast!
xoxo,Victoria
www,coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com
OMG I love your pics!! I am so jealous of your trip. And I'm drooling over the food even thought it's 8am. And the wine!! Ahhh! 😉
You are definitely making me want to visit Cali soon! I've never been to Napa but Chandon would definitely be on my must-visit list! And seriously, how gorgeous are you in all these shots?! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes
Oh my goodness all that food looks amazing!
– Claudia
justalittleblush.com/
I've never been to Napa, so I haven't been wine tasting before, but it's something that both Eddie and I desperately want to do! I appreciate your suggestions, as it will make life easier when it's time to go; I'm sure it can get overwhelming to know which wineries are the best and worthy of visiting! That said, the wine and cheese line up looks divine, as does that lobster mac & cheese from Torc! You have no idea how bad I miss eating sea food on the regular, I'm like you in that my eye instantly goes for it when dining out. Just a couple more months, haha! The hot air ballooning sounds like so much fun! Eddie has a sensitive stomach (we've tried underground submarine excursions and they didn't go well, if you know what I mean, lol), but the fact that you didn't feel any motion, sounds great and convincing enough for him; I'd love to do it! Thanks for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you have a great week ahead!
XO,
Jalisa
thestylecontour.com
You covered everything! We only did a day trip to Napa once and you're really making me want to go back. The photos are gorgeous!
Steven and I have been talking about going to Napa next year and this post makes me want to go even more! It looks absolutely incredible there! And the food looks AMAZING!
Rosy Outlook
This is the perfect little guide to Napa! I love that y'all tried out different tastings while you were there, and the cocktail class at Chandon sounds like a blast! Celadon has been on our short list for Napa both times we've been but we still haven't made it there. It sounds like that needs to change. And I'm so glad that y'all were able to go up in the hot air balloon! That's the only negative about booking that experience, you might not get to go up.
Traveling is always super nice, all of that food just looked super delicious. I hope you enjoyed it and have a fantastic week!
Camila,
My Vogue Style | mvvoguestyle.com
I am ready to book a trip to Napa right now after reading this! Every picture is gorgeous, the food looks outrageous and your vineyard experiences are the best!!
Yes to all the bubbles! This makes me SO excited for our San Fran/Napa trip next month, and Chandon is our #1 must stop. Everything looks absolutely amazing <3
Green Fashionista
Such a great travel guide. Looks like you had fun! I'm going to Napa in May for a bachelorette party and will show my friends this. Thanks!
~Samantha
goldcoastgirlblog.com
Oh my goodness the hot air balloon ride sounds amazing! So great you guys got the chance to do that. The food & drinks all sounds amazing and I hope to go there someday!!
What a fun trip!! All those food pictures are making my hungry. Great guide to Napa. Your pictures are amazing.
Napa is seriously the best. Our favorite winery is Opus One, we do a tour and tasting every time we go haha! I do love Domaine Carneros — I'm not a huge fan of champagne, but the views there are just too gorgeous. And the food in Napa, you just can't beat it! Everything is delicious! Happy Monday, Biana!
xo, Rachel
A Blonde's Moment
Everything looks and sounds so fabulous and those mussels YUM! I can't wait for the day we visit Napa!
Amanda Kids and Cabernet
You look like you had an AMAZING trip! I have always wanted to go to Napa, so I really enjoyed all of your highlights!
Such a beautiful place. The food and drink look delicious, and how amazing it is that you got a chance to experience hot air ballooning.
Nina's Style Blog
Okay everything about this looks so dreamy and amazing! So glad you all got to experience it all. The hot air balloon looks so cool!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Everything looks so wonderful!!
All of your food looks amazing!!! I would have opted for the sparkling wine too! How fun that you got a cheese plate at both places. Mmmmm cheese!!! I went in a hot balloon when I was really little, and I would love to do it again but afraid that my hear of heights would stop me at this point in my life lol. I would love to visit Napa some day!
I can only imagine a hot air balloon over that beautiful scenery!!!
Your Napa trip looks like it was amazing! It's definitely on my list of places to visit. I'm so glad you were able to do a hot air balloon ride! xo Beautifully Candid
This makes me want to visit Napa like tomorrow! Give me all the food and sparkling wine! It looks like you had a great time and beautiful weather!
I have never been to Napa, but it's definitely high high high on my list of places to visit! Since my alcohol intake is basically limited to wines and champs, it's a must! Chandon would definitely be on my list, how fun that you guys did a cocktail 101 class and only had to share with one other couple! I would definitely hit up Cupcake Winery too, just because I'm a sweet wine lover!
Napa is definitely on my travel list! Love the cute photos of you and your husband and all of that food looks amazing!
Zelle
Southern Style
We are planning on going to Napa next year! Definitely a bucket list trip for me!
Napa sounds amazing! Love that you guys took a Cocktails 101 class — sounds like a winner, for sure!
xo, Lily
Beauty With Lily
Hands down one of the places I want to visit asap! Your pics are gorgeous! SO fun!
Celadon looks gorgeous for a dinner date and the different wine and cheese tastings at the wineries look delish. Did you have to make reservations to go into the wineries/vineyards? We were turned down from a few when I was in Sonoma because we didn't make reservations which we had no clue was required. Napa is definitely on my bucket list along with going on a hot air balloon ride even though I'm afraid of heights, I might just have to suck it up to catch those gorgeous views from above. I also had no idea the balloons may not take off due to weather conditions…good to know! Sounds like the perfect ending to your Cali trip!
Oh how I'm DYING to go to wine country! That is near the top of my bucket list and so is a hot air balloon flight! What an amazing trip you guys had! I know you had a blast!
What an amazing adventure! I haven't been to Napa since I went with my favorite when I was 12, so needless to say, I have not truly enjoyed it haha. The food looks so good, and I'd love to go on a balloon ride!
Meg, Borrowed Heaven
Oh my gosh I want all the wine! Looks like a dream vacation, hopefully I will put this guide to use sometime soon for a trip there!
I so want to visit Napa! I'm a white wine girl myself. 🙂 I'm going to save this for the day I get to go!
Brooke
Pumps and Push-Ups
It looks like you had the best time! We are debating Napa for NYE and I'm bookmarking this post in case it happens 🙂
Love seeing your travel recaps! Your pictures are stunning — I love the one of you at that vineyard. Speaking of, adding that place to my list of must-sees in Napa. It looks so beautiful. And I'm definitely with you on the sparkling sampler 😉
I have to go to Chandon next time! That cocktail 101 class sounds so fun!
That food. And you are making me Napa so much. I can't wait to go in May!
Looks like such a fun time!
Xx
Molly
trendychickadee.com
Looks like you guys had such an amazing time!! Loved seeing all the photos.
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Beautiful pictures. Do you have one favorite cheese/wine pairing?
Ok you definitely have me needing to go to Napa! Sounds like you had such amazing trip, I mean amazing wine and food!? Im sold!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
I love reading Napa travel Guides because there are so many places and I learn about a new place. I can't wait to go back!!
Napa is on my list! The night Jason proposed, he said we could elope to Vegas that night if we wanted. I of course, said, "no way.", but always thought it'd be fun on our 10 year anniversary to renew our vows in Vegas, and then fly over to Napa and make a trip out of the two!
My friends and I are thinking about doing Napa so I sent them this link and am saving it! Thanks Biana!
Napa looks like a dream! The atmosphere at Celadon sounds so nice- I love cute outdoor spaces. So awesome you guys were able to go on the hot air balloon ride– the photos are so cool and it's nice to know you don't really feel movement when you're up there.
Everything is so pretty in Napa! I was there many years ago but don't remember seeing much. I need to go back soon!
Your napa trip looked amazing! I have wanted to go there so badly. One day 🙂
mymonochromaticlife.com
Napa is on my bucket list. Such a beautiful place and all of the food looks amazing! What a fun trip!
Jill
Doused In Pink
I have never been to Napa and it's definitely on my list the next time we go to San Francisco. Those wineries look beautiful and taking a hot air balloon must have been thrilling. Such a fun idea!
taffetaandtulips.com
All of this looks amazing!! I'm so intimidated by the hot air balloon thing. I think they are gorgeous, the pictures from them are amazing… yet they terrify me!! I'm so glad you all were able to make it up though!! Napa looks so romantic! Best anniversary adventure, ever!!
This trip is actually one that I've been wanting to take recently. I love that you had sparkling wine flights and a cocktail class. Totally saving this for the future! xx, I'm Fixin' To