Nearly everyone is aware that Napa Valley is home to some of the world’s finest wines. This relatively small region also happens to be packed with welcoming businesses and communities that offer a vast assortment of outdoor activities, award-winning restaurants, musical concerts, cultural activities, shopping, winery tours, festivals, hot air balloon rides, and much more.
And all these Napa Valley activities take place with a backdrop of gorgeous weather and jaw-dropping scenery.
Planning a Memorable Napa Wine Tasting Weekend
Frequent weekend visitors to Napa Valley know there is a delicate balance between over-scheduling and under-scheduling a weekend journey to Napa Valley. With so many activities available, trying to cram too much into a short Napa Valley visit is common, often leaving participants exhausted rather than refreshed.
On the other hand, if you do not make reservations in advance, preferred activities might not be available on short notice.
The best plan is to prioritize your Napa adventure, make reservations where possible, and leave ample time between activities to avoid exhaustion or overlap.
Sample Weekend Itinerary
Assume your Napa Valley weekend begins with a late Friday afternoon arrival and a late Sunday departure, leaving about 48 hours to do what you can.
- Friday PM: Night on the Town
After checking into your lodging, you and your partner or group may head out for dinner at one of Napa Valley’s many award-winning restaurants or pubs. Follow that with a visit to a nightclub for dancing and drinks or to an entertainment venue or concert.
- Saturday AM: Balloons Above the Valley
Try not to stay up too late because the most stunning way to greet the day is with a glorious hot air balloon ride with Balloons Above the Valley floating gently above Napa Valley. Following morning coffee and pastries at Model Bakery in Napa, you will be transported to the balloon launch site. You will have a photo opportunity as you board and receive further safety instructions from your professional licensed pilot.
Enjoy the tranquility as your balloon drifts calmly above the vineyards, wineries, and towns of Napa Valley during your hour-long flight. From this unique bird’s eye perspective, you may spot some of the wineries you will be visiting later during your wine tasting tour, and the communities below that are now becoming familiar.
Inhale the fresh air and enjoy the beautiful vistas as you progress toward your landing area near Napa.
Hungry by now? You and the others might consider a delicious Champagne Brunch before heading out your professionally curated wine country tour of some of the area’s notable wineries.
- Saturday Late Morning and Afternoon: Winery Tour
Several winery tours offer a half or full-day tour of wineries throughout Napa Valley and even Sonoma Wine Country. You can plan a private tour for you and your friends or select a “join-in” tour that takes you and others to three or four prearranged wineries. The tour operators or wineries will provide food along the way.
Tours are conducted by knowledgeable guides who will offer interesting insights and historical perspectives to the experience.
- Saturday Night: Dinner and Entertainment
Pick another of Napa Valley’s top restaurants for a guaranteed excellent dining experience. Return to your Friday night venue for late-night dancing and entertainment, if you like, or choose something different.
- Sunday Morning: Sleep In
- Sunday Late Morning: Spa Visit and Shopping
Following an action-packed and slightly hectic Saturday, rejuvenate and refresh at one of Napa Valley’s top-ranked spas. Enjoy a massage, sauna, or other treatments of choice as you recharge your internal batteries before heading home.
After checking out of your lodging, consider a shopping excursion and a walk around town as you prepare to return to your routine.
Make Advance Reservations at Balloons Above the Valley
For the safest and most enjoyable hot air balloon Napa Valley experience, contact Balloons Above the Valley to reserve your spot or purchase Gift Certificates for future flights. For more information, visit the Balloons Above the Valley website or phone +1-800-464-6824.