With over 400 wineries in Napa Valley (and that’s not counting the one’s without tasting rooms) it’s hard to cut through the clutter and find la crème de la crème. So I, with the help of the General Manager at The Ink House in St. Helena, did the work for you. We rounded up 4 of the best and most private wineries in Napa in this 3 day Napa Valley wine tour itinerary.
I plan my trips down to the last minute. While I was planning my 3 day Napa Valley wine tour itinerary, I couldn’t make sense of it. There was so many wineries and finding detailed ideas on what to do was not as easy as I thought. Luckily, I stayed at The Ink House in St. Helena. The number one benefit of staying at The Ink House was the fact that Brian, the General Manager, curated and scheduled my entire 3 day Napa Valley itinerary based on my interests. This is a service he offers all guests staying at The Ink House. Driving into St. Helena and not knowing what to expect (literally), Pat and I left with some amazing and one-of-a-kind experiences that only a place like The Ink House could put together for us. This 3 day Napa Valley wine tour itinerary, which includes 11 things to do in St. Helena specifically, is a taste of the itinerary The Ink House and Brian put together for us, mixed in with some of Pat and mines escapades.
This 3 day Napa Valley wine tour itinerary includes stops at some iconic wineries, lesser known, and even private wineries. The wine tour list includes 4 wineries: Sinegal Estate, Alpha Omega Winery, Caspar Estate, and Castellucci Wines.
Quick Navigation: 3 Day Napa Valley Wine Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
3 Day Napa Valley Wine Tour Itinerary Map
Where to Stay In St. Helena
How To Get Around Napa Valley
Best Time To Visit Napa Valley
– DAY 1 –
DINNER: PIZZERA TRA VIGNE
Following 2 days hiking non-stop in Yosemite, Patrick and I were starved. We were in the mood for some really hearty, simple, classic food—pizza. It’s funny because coming from New York, Californians would tell us their pizza is not as good as New York pizza, but the best one in town is…etc. Pat and I found Pizzeria Tra Vigne right nearby our stay at The Ink House in St. Helena and absolutely loved it. We only made one mistake. Coming from New York, we are used to large pizzas being small personal pizzas that one person can eat by themselves. That is not the case in California or at Pizzeria Tra Vigne. We ordered 2 large pizzas and ended up with these huge pies! We surprisingly got through a lot of the pies, but didn’t end up finishing them. Pizzeria Tra Vigne had a large indoor area and bar as well as a super quaint outdoor area. It was very down to earth, which was exactly what we needed this first night in St. Helena.
– DAY 2 –
FIRST STOP: WINE TASTING AT SINEGAL ESTATE
Seduced by a Black Label at Sinegal Estate, Napa Valley
The son of the CEO of Costco, David, ran Costco’s wine, spirits, and beer department until he decided to move to Napa Valley and start his own winery. His passion for wine was showcased through the remodeling of the Wolf Family Estate and the creation of his own label of wine at what is now called—Sinegal Estate. Pat and I took a private tour of the winery, it’s facilities, and garden followed by a flight tasting all put together for us by The Ink House. One of the wines that stayed with us and still left an imprint on our taste buds to date was the exclusive Black Label they create.
LUNCH: AUBERGE DU SOLEIL
Auberge du Soleil: Lunch with a View in Napa Valley
I wanted to take advantage of my time in Napa as much as possible. Napa is known for it’s culinary scene, so I wanted to experience a mix of both high-end and local, earthier cuisine. Auberge du Soleil was on the higher end, but was exactly what I wanted for lunch. I wanted breath-taking views that made me take in everything that the Valley has to offer from up above. I wanted to take in Napa Valley and its beauty starting Day 1.
SECOND STOP: EXPLORE ST. HELENA’S MAIN STREET
St. Helena’s Main Street: A Street of Wonders in Napa!
We had a bit of time between lunch and our next wine tasting experience, so Brian from The Ink House recommended we take a stroll down St. Helena’s Main Street. I was skeptical at first, not knowing if I would find anything interesting on Main Street. I couldn’t have been more wrong. Locally produced oils, Model Bakery where Operas favorite English Muffins are sold, a chocolate maker that makes chocolate in all shapes imaginable, Turkish lantern stores, eclectic bars, and Design Showrooms with $4MM T-Rexes. St. Helena’s Main Street was literally a street of wonders.
THIRD STOP: WINE TASTING AT ALPHA OMEGA WINERY
A Taste of Old and New at Alpha Omega Winery, Napa Valley
Our second wine tasting experience of the day was not as curated and intimate as our first at Sinegal Estate, but equally as informative. Alpha Omega was more casual and laid back with stunning views. There are many different wine tasting experiences one can come across in Napa, from curated group tours, to one-on-one tours, to just casual side-by-side wine tastings next to other people. Alpha Omega was the latter.
DINNER: THE CHARTER OAK
A Taste of Napa Valley Terroir at The Charter Oak
I’ve never come across a restaurant that offers cuisine with such few ingredients and that pays attention to the quality of the ingredients rather than to the number of ingredients. The Charter Oak reminded me of my simple fare I would make at home but with the unparalleled and exclusive taste of the organic Napa Valley terroir. From it’s wood burning hearth in the center of the restaurant, to it’s outdoor patio with stringing lights, oak tables, built-in cutlery drawers, and hardcover menus tucked into books, the experience was simple yet refined at every touch point. To this day, it is one of the best meals I have had in America to this day.
– DAY 3 –
FIRST STOP: VISITING CASPAR ESTATE
Caspar Estate & Cultivar Offer A Well-Rounded Taste of Napa Valley
There was no better way to end our wine scouting than at Caspar Estate. A good friend of ours set us up with his friend who invited us up to the Caspar Estate property and set us up with an exclusive look at their the Caspar Estate and Cultivar wines. This insider experience exposed us to a whole new collection of wines that hides underneath the larger brand names in the wine industry.
SECOND STOP: HEALTH SPA NAPA VALLEY
Unwinding in St. Helena at Health Spa Napa Valley
In line with the R&R vibe that the wineries and Napa Valley exude, Pat and I decided to escape the heat at Health Spa Napa Valley. The Ink House gives it’s guests complimentary access to the pool allowing us to lounge around and cool down throughout the day. To keep with the Napa Valley style, I decided to book an organic facial while there. My skin never felt this healthy and revived!
LUNCH: GOTT’S ROADSIDE
Pat and I were starving post-facial and pool, but didn’t want to lounge by the poolside any longer. As we stepped outside onto the Highway, we noticed a crowd of people outside of a joint called Gott’s Roadside. As we got in line to order, we realized we were surrounded by locals. It’s a burger joint with milkshakes, tacos, chicken sandwiches, mini-hot dogs, seafood, and of course, a wine list! It’s basically an old school diner with high-quality food. It’s a throwback to the 1990s. Pat and I ordered a chicken sandwich. We might as well have been in a classy restaurant the quality was so good and simple! What makes the St. Helena’s Main Street location special is that it’s the original Gott’s Roadside. You may come across others in Napa and San Francisco, but none is better than the St. Helena location!
THIRD STOP: WINE TASTING CASTELLUCCI WINES
Wine Tasting Castellucci Wines in Napa Valley
This opportunity isn’t necessary open to the public, kind of like Caspar Estate, but if you stay at The Ink House, you have access to the exclusive Castellucci wines! I have to say, my one take away from Napa Valley is that I’ve become fond of the smaller family wines, like Castellucci. We enjoyed a very down to earth flight within the comforts of our own stay outside on the pergola as we watched the sunset. We could not have asked for a better ending to our Napa Valley wine tour.
DINNER: BOUCHON BISTRO
Step into Chef Thomas Kellers’ restaurant Bouchon Bistro and you immediately feel it’s vintage French vibes. We were lucky enough to snag an outdoor seat. From the meal to the music, you feel like you’re in Paris. Prices were affordable and the ambiance felt elegant yet down to earth. It wasn’t anything crazy to rave about when it comes to French food to be honest, and I’ve had my fair share, but it was a good meal with decent prices.
3 DAY NAPA VALLEY WINE TOUR ITINERARY MAP
WHERE TO STAY
The Ink House: You’ve Never Experienced Napa Valley Like This
One of Antonio Castellucci’s many accomplishments is acquiring and reconstructing The Ink House while maintaining it’s original structure. The Ink House is an old bed and breakfast where Elvis Presley once stayed. This luxury boutique that caters to your every need in the heart of St. Helena is a must for those seeking an intimate and luxurious stay in vibrant Napa Valley.
HOW TO GET AROUND NAPA VALLEY
Getting around St. Helena can be a little tough, especially when you plan on hopping from winery to winery. Pat and I were lucky that as part of our accommodations at The Ink House, we were given access to their House Bentley chauffeur service. Basically, any time we needed to go to a winery or be driven to dinner we would just text the staff at The Ink House and we’d be whisked off instantly. There were a few times we didn’t want to call for The Ink House. In those instances we either drove ourselves with our rental car or used Uber and Lyft. Uber and Lyft wasn’t as expensive as we thought it would be, but I’m sure if you use it over and over it can get a bit pricey. I think the best way to go is with a rental car and just make sure you give yourself enough time to digest between wine tastings or have a designated driver!
BEST TIME TO VISIT NAPA VALLEY
Although California is a great idea all year round, especially the Napa Valley area, I personally think that September is the best time to visit. It’s harvesting season which means there are plenty of things to do in St. Helena since the town is in full swing, it’s the end of the summer so tourists start winding down, and the temperature is still hot, sometimes unbearably hot, but doable.
