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How to have a great day in Napa with friends

April 6, 2016 By Ashley 18 Comments

I could safely say that wine country is on the top of my “happy place” list. And when visitors come into town, I always try to plan a trip for them to see what it’s all about.

This past weekend, my older brother and his girlfriend were here for an extended weekend from Atlanta. Leading up to their arrival, I knew I wanted to put together the perfect day in Napa, and after all was said and done — it was pretty darn great — with plenty of fun and a lot of wine.

Here are a few things I considered when planning the day …

  1. Arranging a car service, so we wouldn’t have to worry about directions or driving around between wineries
  2. Scheduling appointments at no more than three wineries located in a close vicinity so we didn’t overbook the day
  3. Packing plenty of water and snacks for the car trip so we could stay hydrated and full
  4. Taking total advantage of the gorgeous weather and finding places where we could be outside

And here’s what our day looked like …

Outdoor tasting at Paraduxx at 11 a.m.

Our first stop was at a fancy winery and tasting room on Silverado Trail called Paraduxx Winery. We were greeted with a glass of white wine, then shown to a nice table out on the patio.

Seriously, we could have stayed all day at Paraduxx — just sitting there — because the weather was beautiful, and the fog burned off shortly after our table of tasting glasses was served.

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

Before the tasting, our sommelier gave us a history of Paraduxx and it’s family of wines (including my personal favorite, Duckhorn). Then, we tried a selection of red wines, paired with cheese, crackers and chocolate. 

The red wines were super rich, and we all tried our best to taste the notes that were written on the tasting cards — sometimes being able to and sometimes not. The wines were definitely pricey, but you could tell the quality was there in every single sip. I would love to have a couple bottles of the red for a fancy steak dinner at home.

The tasting took about 90 minutes, but of course, we stopped halfway through to take some pictures with the vista behind us. So much beauty! 

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

The best parts about the Paraduxx tasting? The great service, the tasty nibblies and the awesome setting. By the time we were finishing up, the tables were filling up across the courtyard area and people were arriving with their dogs. It made me super upset that we didn’t have our little Rudy with us. Nonetheless, off to the next winery … (Thanks, Paraduxx for hosting us — we love your chic vibe and scene!)

Paraduxx winery visit by A Lady Goes West

Tour and tasting at Clos du Val at 12:45 p.m.

If you want to see a beautiful winery, you should put Clos du Val on your list. This place is absolutely gorgeous, and the wine is very tasty too.

Clos du Val winery in Napa

Clos du Val outdoor area in Napa

We were lucky to start our visit with a glass of white wine, then get a special tour of the wine barrels in the back and have a private tasting with a very knowledgable sommelier — who educated our group of four with each sip. 

Private tour at Clos du Val in Napa

We were so pleased with the experience and the wine that we each bought a bottle of Winemaker’s Signature Three Graces White 2014 (which is now in the fridge waiting for a special occasion). By the way, Clos du Val winery sells many wines that are not available in stores, which we enjoyed experiencing, and they are at a little lower price point than our first winery.

I loved learning about how Clos du Val has changed the way it grows and produces wine and how the brand is turning more to an estate winery (where they grow their own grapes). The wine business is pretty interesting!

Ashley and Dave at Clos du Val in Napa

Private tasting at Clos du Val in Napa

The best parts about the Clos du Val tasting? The wine! And the outside vineyard views. (Thanks to the lovely people at Clos du Val for the hospitality for our group!) Note: You can take a picnic lunch to Clos du Val if you buy a bottle, and it’s definitely a nice place to relax and hang out — a little more casual and cheery.

Ashley in Napa at Clos du Val

Drop-in lunch in Yountville at 2 p.m.

If you’re in need of a sandwich or salad in Napa and don’t have a reservation at an expensive spot for lunch, head to downtown Yountville and wait in line at the Yountville Deli. I ordered a smoked salmon sandwich, and it was beyond. It was a little messy, so no pictures to show, but we each were fully satisfied with our mid-day meal. We didn’t want to waste too much time inside a restaurant since we had a car service waiting for us, so this stop was just what we needed.

Casual tasting at Hagafen at 3 p.m.

Our final stop of the day didn’t have an exact appointment time, and I did that specifically in case we were running late. With full bellies after lunch, we pulled up to Hagafen Cellars, also off Silverado Trail in Napa. And let me tell you, Hagafen is a laid back and casual place to do a wine tasting. We walked into the tiny tasting room greeted by some super friendly folks, who were totally informal and funny.

Hagafen Cellars in Napa by A Lady Goes West

Instead of doing a tasting, we elected to each choose and purchase a glass and sit outside in the Mediterranean garden. There were people playing corn-hole and listening to music, and the weather remained gorgeous. We’d definitely go back to Hagafen one day to buy a bottle and play a board game in the sun. It’s not uppity at all. It’s a come-as-you-are place to chill. Good work, Hagafen.

Ashley and Dave smile at Clos du Val in Napa

Cheers at Hagafen Cellars in Napa

After three wineries and a stop for lunch, our group of four was incredibly happy with our day in Napa. Each of the three wineries offered a different type of wine, setting and experience, making it a very complete day.

We hopped back into our black SUV and reflected on our experience on the less-than-an-hour drive back to Walnut Creek. Wine country adventure = major success. 

Seriously though, wine country is not just a place to sip on wine — there are tons of vistas, places to play games outside, excellent restaurants and so much more — and according to our trip, very dog and family friendly. If you’ve never been, put it on the list! 

Oh Napa, you’re always a good time. I hope to see you again very soon! 

How to have a great day in #WineCountry ... Click To Tweet

*Thanks to both Paraduxx and Clos du Val for hosting our group on the house. We are big fans!

Questions of the day

What’s your happy place?

Have you ever been to wine country?

Filed Under: Visitors, Weekends, Wine Country Tagged With: Clos du Val, Hafagen, Napa, Paraduxx, Wine Country, Yountville Deli

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About Ashley

I'm a mom and fitness instructor in Charlotte, North Carolina. And A Lady Goes West is where I share fitness, wellness and clean beauty tips, as well as stories from my life.
 
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Comments

  1. Matt P says

    April 7, 2016 at 6:28 am

    I can attest you did indeed put together the perfect day in wine country! Stephanie and I had an amazing time. Look forward to seeing you again soon sister!

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 8:07 am

      YAY hahah! Thanks, bro. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    April 7, 2016 at 8:23 am

    My happy place is a caribbean beach 🙂 Or…Florida! Sounds like a great trip this is on my list of places to visit!
    Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…WIAW: Saturday DelightsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 9:14 am

      Well I love both of those places too, Heather!!

      Reply
  3. Julie says

    April 7, 2016 at 9:45 am

    We are Duckhorn members but still have yet to visit Paraduxx! Definitely need to visit them next 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      So cool Julie!!! We share good taste in wine- but I’m not cool enough to be a member hehhe

      Reply
  4. Victoria @ Minus Thirty Three says

    April 7, 2016 at 11:23 am

    My happy place is on Signal Hill which is a walking/running trail at home (St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada) that overlooks the ocean for 75% of the inclined trail!

    I’ve never been to Wine Country but I think I should add it to my list! It looks like you guys had a fantastic time 🙂
    Victoria @ Minus Thirty Three recently posted…WIAW – Eating Too Much Sugar EditionMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      That sounds beautiful, Victoria!! Yay! And yes, hope you make it to wine country one day!

      Reply
  5. Amanda @ Cheers to the Weekends says

    April 7, 2016 at 12:01 pm

    I love Napa! I totally agree with the hire a driver rule. It’s less fun if you are worried or one group member can’t enjoy themselves.

    My happy place is somewhere on a warm beach with clear water. I need a vacation! 🙂

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 1:34 pm

      You are making me want to be at the beach right now! Hope you get a vacation soon!

      Reply
  6. Dani @ Dani California Cooks says

    April 7, 2016 at 3:17 pm

    We went to Sonoma for my birthday, and it was awesome! Napa is on the top of my to do list, and I’m going to bookmark your tips and tricks. What car service did you use? Someone having to be DD is never fun.
    Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…WIAW – Hi from PennsylvaniaMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      Yes!! It’s so much more fun for the group with a driver. We used a company called Premiere something?? Not sure– Dave took care of that hehe

      Reply
  7. sarah says

    April 7, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    My happy place is definitely the beach. Napa looks beautiful, and by the way, your outfit is so cute!
    sarah recently posted…Motivation MondayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      Thanks, Sarah! I love the beach as well!

      Reply
  8. Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says

    April 7, 2016 at 7:07 pm

    Wow – I have so many amazing memories in Napa (both brothers’ weddings, 10 year wedding vow renewals, girls weekends, couples weekends, etc)… this brought back major, fantastic flashbacks. Definitely need to make my way back there.

    We’re thinking an extended weekend for our honeymoon. It kind of sounds ideal doesn’t it… Hmmm…

    Thanks for sharing your local tips!
    XO, Jessica
    Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth recently posted…Travel Guide: Lima, PeruMy Profile

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 7, 2016 at 9:10 pm

      Oh wow, Jessica — Napa is definitely a special place for you! 🙂 I love that you’ve been so many times!
      Ashley recently posted…How to have a great day in Napa with friendsMy Profile

      Reply
  9. Charlotte says

    April 17, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    What a beautiful post. I would love to visit Napa and Tuscany one day.
    I try to get to many local tastings and wine events, as a lover of vino. Wine country in Niagara, Ontario is very nice.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      April 18, 2016 at 7:45 am

      Hi Charlotte! I’ve actually never been to Canada. Sounds lovely!! And hope you make it to Napa one day! 🙂 I went to Tuscany during a study abroad in college, and it’s beautiful as well.

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Ashley. I'm a mom and fitness instructor living in Charlotte, North Carolina. I love to help you live a balanced life with no extremes, making sure you never skip a rest day. A Lady Goes West is where I share my workouts, simple meals, clean beauty tips and wellness insight with you. Find out more about me and stay awhile!

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