Destination: Napa Valley First Time Guide | The Perfect Itinerary for New Visitors

Your first trip to Napa Valley should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With more than 400 wineries, charming towns, and incredible dining, deciding where to start can be daunting. This Napa Valley first time guide gives you a ready-made three-day itinerary so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying wine country.

Silverado Resort is your perfect Napa base. Centrally located and surrounded by vineyards, it offers luxury suites, championship golf, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options, making it easy to blend wine country adventures with resort-style relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival and Napa Valley Classics

Your first day in Napa is about getting settled and easing into the rhythm of wine country. Silverado Resort welcomes you with peaceful grounds, sweeping vineyard views, and the kind of amenities that make you feel instantly on vacation. Use the morning to soak in the surroundings before diving into your first tastings.

• Morning: Arrive in wine country and check in to Silverado Resort. Take a stroll through the scenic grounds, then enjoy a welcome lunch at The Grill with views of the golf course.
• Afternoon: Begin your tasting journey at Trefethen Family Vineyards, a historic, family-owned estate known for its warm hospitality and beautifully restored 1886 winery building. Their tastings are approachable, educational, and a perfect introduction to Napa wines.
• Late Afternoon: Head to Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa, and taste inside the beautiful Rhine House.
• Evening: Return to Silverado for a relaxed dinner at the Mansion Bar & Terrace, or get cozy and order from our In Room Dining option.

Day 2: Castles, Shopping, and Sparkling Wines

After a restful night, start your day with the resort’s fresh breakfast offerings. Whether you grab coffee and a pastry at Market & Bakery or sit down for a hearty plate at The Grill, you will be fueled and ready for a full day of exploration. Silverado’s location makes it easy to head north toward Calistoga or south toward Carneros without losing time on the road.

• Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Market & Bakery, then make your way to Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-inspired castle winery filled with courtyards, towers, and handcrafted wines.
• Late Morning: Ride the aerial tram to Sterling Vineyards for panoramic views and a unique tasting experience.
• Lunch: Stop in Calistoga for a casual meal at Truss, and explore its charming main street shops.
• Late Afternoon: Sip sparkling wine at Domaine Carneros, where the terrace overlooks rolling vineyards.
• Evening: Unwind back at Silverado with wood-fired pizza from Forno Pizza at the Market.

Day 3: Hidden Gems and Last Sips

Your final morning is perfect for a slow start at Silverado. Enjoy coffee on your balcony or a visit to the spa for a pre-departure treatment. A little resort time will have you feeling rested and ready for the journey home, even after a packed itinerary.

• Morning: Begin with Frog’s Leap Winery, where organic farming meets warm hospitality. Stroll the gardens before your tasting.
• Late Morning: Visit Artesa Vineyards & Winery for its striking modern architecture and sweeping Carneros views.
• Lunch: Wrap up your trip with lunch at Bistro Don Giovanni, known for fresh pasta and an outstanding wine list.
• Afternoon: Before heading home, treat yourself to a massage or facial at the Silverado Spa to leave Napa feeling refreshed and recharged.

Tips for Traveling to Napa Valley for the First Time

• Book winery reservations early since many tasting rooms require them
• Plan your route to avoid unnecessary driving across the valley
• Mix iconic wineries with smaller boutique producers for variety
• Leave space in your schedule for leisurely meals, unexpected stops, and enjoying Silverado’s amenities

Whether you are looking for things to see in Napa Valley CA, wondering what to visit in Napa, or simply want a plan that blends wine, food, and relaxation, this itinerary offers the best of both worlds. Silverado Resort is your key to experiencing Napa like a local while enjoying the comforts of a luxury resort.