A Day in Napa Valley, Part One
Trying to plan a day in Napa Valley’s wine country can be tricky. There are many wineries in the region and it is impossible to visit all of them in one day. Not to mention disastrous for your liver. Your aim in visiting wineries shouldn’t be to overly imbibe. The goal is to understand the flavors and different varieties of wines available. To prevent palate overload visit three or four wineries in one day. A perfect day in wine country mixes relaxation, scenery, eating, and wine tasting. “A Day in Napa Valley” is a three-part series that will give you a complete itinerary for a day in Napa.
Morning
To reach Napa Valley, you will find yourself on Highway 29, the main artery running through the region. You can use Highway 29 to reach the various locations listed in this guide. Or if you prefer you can use back roads, which offer closer views of the picturesque hills and vineyards.
Stop #1 – Bouchon Bakery
Macaroons from Bouchon Bakery
Before your first sip of wine you will stop off at Bouchon Bakery for breakfast. The bakery is run by Chef Thomas Keller and is in Yountville. Bouchon Bakery is popular so if you are line averse be sure to arrive when the bakery opens its doors. If upon arriving there is a line do not let that deter you. The good folks working at the counter move quickly and efficiently. Plus the wait in line just allows you more time to decide which pastries to buy. If you are having trouble deciding, the macaroons are delicious. The macaroons come in multiple flavors so don’t be shy and buy a couple variations to try.
Stop #2 – PlumpJack Winery
With your belly content off of Bouchon’s delicacies you are set to begin your day of wine tasting. Your first winery to visit will be PlumpJack Winery. The winery isn’t located directly on Highway 29 but tucked away on Oakville Cross Road. Set off from what can be a busy highway makes PlumpJack Winery a great place to settle into the flow of wine country living. The grounds are quiet and the tasting room is quaint and homey. At first glance PlumpJack might appear to be a small time winery but it packs big time wines. Be sure to sample their Chardonnay, a bold buttery wine that will leave you wanting more.
Stop #3 – St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery
Grapevine tasting at St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery
Your next stop is St.Supéry Vineyards & Winery. St.Supéry offers a variety of clean crisp wines. Their moscato in particular is a light fruity dessert wine that is so popular it has its own wine club. The St.Supéry tasting center is modern and airy with comfy couches just begging to be sat on while wine tasting. What sets St.Supéry apart is that it offers the opportunity for you to expand on your wine education. When grapes are in season St.Supéry has a section of vines next to the tasting center that the public may pick grapes off of and taste. The vines are labeled so you will know which grapes are used to make particular wines. Grab a red grape from a vine labeled Cabernet. Gently bite into the grape and while tasting the juices of the grape imagine just how this little grape would have transformed into a red wine. This is a great way to experience the wine making process from where it initially begins.
Grapes on vine at St. Supéry Vineyards & Winery
Next Stop – Lunch, wine, and more
After visits to two wineries it’s time for lunch. Be sure to read part two of “A Day in Napa Valley” for how your day will continue!
A Day in Napa Valley, Part Two
A Day in Napa Valley, Part Three
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 |  A Day in Napa Valley, Part One Bouchon Bakery, Washington Street, Yountville, CA, United States |
 | A Day in Napa Valley, Part One PlumpJack Winery, Oakville Cross Road, Napa, CA, United States |
| A Day in Napa Valley, Part One St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Saint Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA, United States |
| A Day in Napa Valley, Part Two V. Sattui Winery, White Lane, Saint Helena, CA, United States |
 | A Day in Napa Valley, Part Two 7610 St Helena Hwy, Napa, California, United States |
| A Day in Napa Valley, Part Three Charles Krug Winery, Main Street, Saint Helena, CA, United States |
| A Day in Napa Valley, Part Three Sterling Winery, Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA, United States |
