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A Perfect Day in Napa Valley: Hidden Gems, Memorable Wines & Slowing Down

Updated: 4 days ago

Vines of Napa itinerary with Fontanella Winery, Oakville Grocery, and Chase Cellars


Downtown Napa, with the River in focus along the business area

There’s truly something magical about Napa Valley. It’s hard to describe exactly what draws people in: the rolling vineyard views, the romance of wine country, the warm hospitality, the lingering moments that somehow turn into lifelong memories. Napa has a way of slowing time down.


That passion for authentic wine country experiences is exactly why I created the Napa Vine Pass, a handpicked collection of exceptional boutique, family-owned wineries that truly showcase the best of Napa Valley. As a sommelier, I’m constantly asked for wine touring tips and recommendations, so I wanted to share a perfect day in Napa Valley itinerary that highlights two wineries that stand out.


First Things First: How to Tour Napa the Right Way


When you visit Napa Valley, the best thing you can do is slow down.


This isn’t a destination meant to be rushed. Enjoy the drive, take in the vineyard views, savor the conversations, and allow yourself to fully experience each stop along the way.


My recommendation? Keep it simple:

  • Start your morning with breakfast and coffee

  • Schedule your first tasting around 10:00 AM

  • Enjoy a relaxed lunch between tastings

  • Plan your second tasting around 2:00 PM

  • Finish your day by late afternoon and ease into dinner


Most tastings last between 60 and 90 minutes, and Napa drives are often slower than visitors expect, so allow at least two hours between appointments.


If you’re visiting during the summer, the valley is especially beautiful right now. The vines are fully grown, the hills are lush, and the weather is perfect for vineyard tasting. Just remember:

  • Stay hydrated

  • Dress in layers

  • Bring sunscreen

  • Drink plenty of water between tastings


And perhaps most importantly, support these small wineries. Many of the wines you taste here won’t be available back home. Bring home bottles, join wine clubs, and take a souvenir of Napa with you.


10 AM: First Up Fontanella Family Winery


Tucked away along a winding oak-lined road in Napa’s Mount Veeder AVA, Fontanella Family Winery feels like a tranquil escape hidden above the valley floor. Though it’s only about 10 minutes from downtown Napa, it feels worlds away from the crowds.



This intimate family-owned estate specializes in personal, one-on-one hospitality. Tastings typically include current releases, a barrel room tour, and a small cheese plate while overlooking vineyards, ponds, and beautiful Mount Veeder scenery.


One wine you absolutely should ask about is their Per Sempre, a distinctive multi-vintage Cabernet Sauvignon blend that showcases depth, elegance, and character. If available, don’t miss their rosé either; it’s unique, vibrant, and incredibly enjoyable during warmer months.


What makes Fontanella special isn’t just the wine, it’s the feeling. Peaceful, welcoming, and deeply personal, it’s the kind of winery experience people remember long after their trip ends. So stop in and say hello to Ryan and the team.


  • Reservation Tip: Book 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time

  • Regular tasting: $65

  • Napa Vine Pass price: $32.50 (50% off)

  • Bonus Savings: Receive 10% off your wine purchase



12:15 PM: Lunch At Oakville Grocery


After your morning tasting, head north along Highway 29 toward St. Helena and stop for lunch at one of Napa Valley’s iconic gathering places: Oakville Grocery.



Dating back to 1881, this iconic Napa Valley landmark has been beautifully restored by Jean-Charles Boisset and offers an ideal midday pause between tastings.


Grab a wood-fired pizza, artisan sandwich, cheese plate, or even a glass of wine and enjoy a leisurely lunch before your afternoon appointment. It’s casual, classic Napa Valley, and a perfect reset before your next winery.


Estimated Cost: Approximately $40-60 per couple



2 PM: Finish At Chase Cellars


Your afternoon stop brings you to one of the most authentic vineyard experiences in Napa Valley.



At Chase Cellars, you’re truly immersed in the vines. Guests taste wines on a relaxed patio surrounded by historic vineyards, including old-vine Zinfandel plantings that date back nearly 130 years.


This family-owned winery offers small-production wines and deeply personal hospitality. Evan and Elise create a warm, welcoming environment where guests are encouraged to slow down, relax, and enjoy the stories behind every bottle.


One of the highlights here is the winemaking. Consulting winemaker Russell Bevan is known for producing numerous 100-point wines, and that pedigree shines throughout the lineup.


While Zinfandel is the star of the show, don’t overlook their Cabernet Sauvignon offerings or their unique Napa Valley dessert wine, a bottle worth bringing home if available.


Be sure to say hello to Evan and Elise during your visit , they’ll make you feel like family.


  • Reservation Tip: Book 2-3 weeks in advance to secure your preferred time

  • Regular tasting: $75

  • Napa Vine Pass price: $50

  • Bonus Savings: Receive 10% off purchases of 3+ bottles


A Perfect Day In Napa Valley - Savor The Memories


The beauty of Napa Valley isn’t just in the wine, it’s in the moments in between. The scenic drives, the conversations over a tasting flight, the quiet vineyard views, and the memories you bring home afterward.


This itinerary is exactly what the Napa Vine Pass was designed for: helping wine lovers discover exceptional boutique wineries they may never have found on their own while enjoying meaningful savings along the way.


Whether it’s your first trip to Napa or your fiftieth, there’s always another hidden gem waiting around the next vineyard-lined corner. Cheers.




 
 
 

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