The Napa Valley offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxurious resort properties and boutique hotels to charming bed-and-breakfasts. Whether you’re looking for a walkable downtown stay, sweeping vineyard views, or a serene spa retreat, there are exceptional hotel options throughout the valley to suit every travel style and preference.
​
Geographically, Napa Valley stretches nearly 30 miles from south to north. From downtown Napa, it can take up to an hour to reach the northernmost town, Calistoga, and winding mountain roads can add more travel time. When booking accommodations, vineyard tastings, and dining reservations, be sure to factor in drive time so your days feel relaxed rather than rushed.
​
Advance planning is essential. Most vineyards require reservations and do not allow walk-ins, and many of the most sought-after wineries and restaurants have very limited availability. Some tours and tastings also require pre-payment at the time of booking, so it’s best to reserve experiences as early as possible.
​
With hundreds of vineyards across the valley—offering different varietals, price points, tasting formats, and overall vibes—it helps to pace yourself. I recommend allowing approximately two hours per vineyard for a tour and tasting, and no more than two or three scheduled tastings per day. This keeps the experience enjoyable and leaves room to savor each stop.

If you have a couple of days dedicated to tastings, it’s worth grouping vineyard tours by location (for example: St. Helena/Oakville one day, Spring Mountain or Calistoga another). This minimizes drive time, keeps days feeling unrushed, and lets you enjoy each experience more fully. It’s also a great idea to break up back-to-back tasting days with other classic Napa activities so the trip doesn’t feel like a marathon. Consider scheduling a spa day or hot springs visit, biking along the Napa Valley Vine Trail, wandering the downtown Napa Farmers Market, taking a cooking class, enjoying a long winery lunch, browsing art galleries, or simply lingering over coffee and shopping in town. Mixing wine tastings with non-wine experiences keeps the pace balanced, relaxed, and memorable.​​​