Feedback on Napa Itinerary for Late September

I’m helping put together a Napa visit for a small group (6 people including myself) in late September trip. We have a VRBO booked (St. Helena), vehicle rented, and a driver lined up for the two full days we will be in CA (Thursday, 9/23 and Friday, 9/24).

Since this is the first time we’re going solo on putting together the itinerary, wanted to get feedback on logistics, timing, feasibility, etc. I have confirmed the majority of our visits, but still a couple things to lock in.

We have one tasting slot open, but still debating whether we should check out the Farmer’s Market in St. Helena and do something ‘non-wine’ related while we are there, but if there are must see spots or strong suggestions, we are definitely open! Also, would love feedback on the dining suggestions. The one place I want to make sure we visit is Auberge, but it looks like there are so many great options in the area!

Thank you in advance for any feedback or pointers. :slight_smile:


Wednesday, 9/22

Arrive OAK airport @9:40AM

Travel 60 mins from OAK to Bedrock Wine Co

Tasting #1 - Bedrock Wine Co (12:30PM-2PM) - Confirmed

Lunch - Won’t have time for a sit down, grab something en route

Travel 54 mins to tasting

Tasting #2 - Aonair Wine Co. (3:30PM - 4:45PM) - Confirmed

Travel 15 mins to house

Check-in @ VRBO (starts 4PM)

Dinner - 7:30PM @ The Charter Oak


Thursday, 9/23

9:30AM - Leave house

Travel 15 mins from house to VHR

Tasting #1 - Vine Hill Ranch (10:00AM-11:30AM) - Confirmed

Travel 5 mins from VHR to Mustard’s Grill

Lunch - Mustard’s Grill (11:45AM-1:00PM)

Travel 50 mins from Mustard’s Grill to Ridge Estate

Tasting #2 - Ridge Estate Lytton Springs (2:00PM-3:15PM) - Need to confirm

Travel 15 mins from Ridge to Skipstone

Tasting #3 - Skipstone Winery (3:30PM-5:00PM) - Confirmed

Travel 44 mins from Skipstone to house

Dinner - 7:30PM @ Auberge du Soleil (10 mins from house)


Friday, 9/24

Tasting #1 - or we can hang out at downtown St. Helena farmer’s market, etc.

Lunch - Rutherford Grill (11:45AM - 12:45PM)

Travel 5 mins from RG to Myriad

Tasting #2 - Myriad Cellars (1:00PM-2:30PM) - Confirmed

Travel 22 mins from Myriad to W&M

Tasting #3 - William & Mary Wine Co (3:00PM-4:30PM) - Need to confirm, but can switch to morning based on Will’s availability

Travel back to house

Dinner - 7:30PM @ Farmstead At Long Meadow Ranch

Looks good! For all your drives up and down 29, budget some extra time, traffic seems to be pretty bad these days.

Missed this before, but thanks for the feedback, Alan! Will definitely do that!

One suggestion for lunch on your way up to Sonoma is Nugget Market off 101 at Ignacio. You can get a good sandwich there, other prepared foods, etc.

Would highly suggest Vice Versa and La Pelle as both have a portfolio of wines and are really executing at the highest level for their price points.

Also Gott’s is always an easy grab and go with their great burgers and Ahi Tacos.

Does anyone know if La Pelle has a tasting room?