You know that feeling when you have a bite of something amazing for the first time, and you realize just how much you’ve been missing out? That’s how I now feel about Napa. It’s taken me 24, almost 25, years to get out there and now I can’t wait to go back. Sonoma, Napa, St. Helena are all breathtakingly beautiful. The rolling hills are packed with grapes and the tasting rooms are like an inviting home.
We stayed at the cutest little inn, La Residence, right outside of Yountville. They have the most amazing beds (a good hotel bed makes all the difference) , friendly staff and even a wine/cheese happy hour at night before dinner. The location was great and let us drive a quick 5 minutes to either Yountville for dinner or Napa to walk around downtown.
We went to around four wineries a day and brought a picnic lunch to the wineries with us. Easily one of the best decisions of the trip was using My Napa Valley Driver. Instead of hiring a driver/car to take you around, this company sends the driver to you and they drive your rental car. That way you’re not renting a car to leave it sitting in the parking lot and you’re saving a lot of money. Our driver was wonderful and suggested wineries along the way if we had extra time, picked up lunch for us, scheduled reservations and took care of anything we needed. I can’t recommend them enough!
mossimo target dress and necklace / fire jean jacket
A few favorites…
stay:
la residence
carneros inn
to eat:
redd
mustard’s grill
bottega
bouchon bakery
yountville deli (perfect picnic food to bring with you)
wineries:
regusci
hall rutherford (make reservations ahead & do the tour)
robert mondavi
cakebread
clif lede
chimney rock
chimney rock
ledson
Dreaming of going back to San Fran.! Napa and Sausilito will be on our list!
Wow! That looks like an amazing trip! Jealous!
you’re making me soooo homesick. im getting married in napa. that’s right, i have my non-existent wedding pretty much planned. that’s normal, right? glad you had an amazing time! xo
Amazing! Also, you must have known I would want the links to that shirt and those pants. Lucky me that I have the pants in my closet…now I just need that shirt! Thanks for being my vacation and fashion inspiration 🙂 Glad you had such a great trip!
xo, ann e
Your photos are beautiful! This looks like a wonderful trip. My best friend is getting married in this area next year and I am SO excited to see it for myself! It looks breathtaking.
Such a fun trip. Love it all. THe picture of you and your mom is adorable!
We didn’t go to any of those wineries so I MUST make my husband take me back 🙂
Saving this post for a future trip to Napa! Thanks for the awesome suggestions!
Great outfits! What an adorable family. Chimney Rock looks fabulous!
Ah–this just got me so excited for my work trip. Napa looks gorgeous!
looks like a lovely weekend! x
your giving me major wanderlust! looks incredible! and you look gorgeous!
It’s SO beautiful, Ashley. And you look amazing! I love your white jeans.
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
This is the perfect post for me, I’m planning my best friend’s bachelorette party in Sonoma for July and looking for a car service at the present time. THANKS!
Even after living in Cali, I never made it to Napa Valley. Would love to go there on a romantic vacay one day with hubby. Looks like you had an awesome time. I miss California!
-Morgan of Style Oyster
Hey! New follower, and I’m already crazy jealous. What an amazing trip that was. Views were gorgeous, wine is making me drool, and I love all your adorable outfits. I’ve never been to CA at all, and am dying to go. This truly looks like such a relaxing time, and to have your parents with you to enjoy, is even better. Cheers! 🙂
beautiful photos…and I love ur style…
megha
http://meghafashionista.blogspot.com
I just nominated you for a Liebster award today on my blog! Check it out!
-Morgan of Style Oyster
That Inn is seriously the cutest thing ever; and you look gorgeous! I’m so glad that you had an amazing time, Ashley! 🙂
Lovely pictures! This looks like a lot of fun!
-Vogue&Heels
http://www.vogueandheels.com
Wow! How fun. Love the pictures
xoox
SC
Looks like such a fabulous time. The pictures are gorgeous! xx
gorgeous pictures, very classy!
http://everythingsalwayssunny.com
Kristin
xx
I love Napa! So beautiful! I am lucky enough to live just about 30 minutes from the valley!
Your pictures are great, the weather looks perfect!
Did you do the gondola at Sterling? That is one of my favs!
Brooke
I love that Inn. Looks great.
such a fabulous trip – and gorgeous pictures!!
How adorable are you?! Looks like a fantastic trip!
Love your pics (and your outfits!). We have been invited to a wedding in Napa in September, and I’m so excited. This post makes me want to go there right now. The weather looks like it was amazing. Mmm wine, crackers and cheese… plus great views and your loved ones…does life get any better?!
I love all of these pictures! Gorgeous! We’re getting married at The Carneros Inn in July 🙂 So excited. Your entire recommendation list is spot on.
Oh my gosh I’m so jealous you were just out there! My husband and I went out there back in October for our anniversary and it was the most amazing time in the entire world! In fact, we want to move out there so badly (well to San Fran)! We went to Sonona and Napa valley as well and went to Chimney Rock too, how funny! Your pics are gorg!
Hi Ashley. Thanks for commenting on my blog! Your pictures are gorgeous! I went out to Napa in October with my boyfriend and we visited Stags Leap, Duckhorn, and Cliff Leade. How amazing was the sauvignon blanc at Cliff Leade?!?
I can’t wait to go back and take your suggestion of using My Nappa Valley Driver!
Great post and if you want to see my california post click here: http://wp.me/p32SmO-1B
xx,
Jen