Living in the San Francisco Bay Area has many perks...excellent restaurants, diverse culture, fun entertainment venues, great outdoor activities, etc. However, the best thing about living here is the close proximity to so many fabulous places to visit...the city, the beach, the mountains, and of course the Napa Valley/Sonoma wine country.
This past New Years weekend, I took a short road trip with my family to visit this "world famous wine growing region" where "the wine is bottled poetry". The grape vines are dormant and the air is much cooler and crisp in the winter time. Therefore, it's a good idea pack with layers in mind. I made sure to bring a few cozy over-sized sweaters in my weekend bag along with a pair of jeans that mixed and matched each day. I also brought a pair of boots that were comfortable to walk around in. Don't forget to bring a beanie, a coat, and perhaps an umbrella this time of year! We are currently having an El Nino weather pattern in California so it's best to be prepared. However, don't worry too much about the weather...the winter months are less crowded and the accommodations are warm and inviting with cozy fireplaces and steam/mineral baths to keep you perfectly relaxed.
Shop what's in my winter Napa weekend bag below.
Our first stop after breakfast, previously featured in this post here, was a wine tasting and tour at Merryvale Winery and Vineyards located in St. Helena. Reservations are not required for wine tasting. However, if you are interested in a unique experience I would highly suggest the Artisanal wine and cheese tasting and their Profile Library tasting. Both of these experiences require advance reservations which can be made online here.
This past New Years weekend, I took a short road trip with my family to visit this "world famous wine growing region" where "the wine is bottled poetry". The grape vines are dormant and the air is much cooler and crisp in the winter time. Therefore, it's a good idea pack with layers in mind. I made sure to bring a few cozy over-sized sweaters in my weekend bag along with a pair of jeans that mixed and matched each day. I also brought a pair of boots that were comfortable to walk around in. Don't forget to bring a beanie, a coat, and perhaps an umbrella this time of year! We are currently having an El Nino weather pattern in California so it's best to be prepared. However, don't worry too much about the weather...the winter months are less crowded and the accommodations are warm and inviting with cozy fireplaces and steam/mineral baths to keep you perfectly relaxed.
Shop what's in my winter Napa weekend bag below.
Our first stop after breakfast, previously featured in this post here, was a wine tasting and tour at Merryvale Winery and Vineyards located in St. Helena. Reservations are not required for wine tasting. However, if you are interested in a unique experience I would highly suggest the Artisanal wine and cheese tasting and their Profile Library tasting. Both of these experiences require advance reservations which can be made online here.
If you have never visited Merryvale, you will thoroughly enjoy the Cask Room where you are surrounded by two stories of century old 2,000 gallon casks which line the stone walls of the room. Check out these upcoming events which will truly make your visit to the Cask Room an unforgettable experience. I may see you there for the Godfather movie night!!
As I mentioned, layers and warmth are essential for winter time in Napa. I wore this cozy over-sized snowflake sweater with my favorite ripped jeans and these suede over the knee boots I got for Christmas and I was perfectly comfortable.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Merryvale and look forward to our next visit. Of course, we didn't leave without picking up a few bottles of wine to take home and enjoy!
Hayley
What's in Hayley's Winter Napa Weekend Bag?
Outfit # 1
Outfit # 2
