Summer Getaway to Napa Valley

Patrick and I kicked off Summer with a getaway to the beautiful Napa Valley! We got married in Napa Valley last year, so it holds a very special place in our hearts. I am always getting asked about where to stay and what to do while in Napa, so I thought I’d share some of my recommendations and what we did on our trip!

We stayed at the newly remodeled Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa and it was the perfect central location for everything we wanted to do. We had our own private patio to enjoy a morning coffee and were only about a total of 10 steps to the beautiful pool. Whether you are traveling for leisure or business, with a group of family or friends, I highly recommend this hotel for your next Napa stay! There are cozy fire pits, happy hour wine pours and two amazing new restaurants on-site. It was the perfect relaxing space to unwind after exploring Napa Valley and going to wine tastings!

The first night we went to the brand new South Yard Restaurant located at the hotel! South Yard is built for the community as Napa’s “backyard” for drinks, fun outdoor activities and live music on weekends. They offer homestyle barbecue in the evenings, so Patrick obviously couldn’t get there fast enough! We enjoyed our BBQ while watching the Ave’s game and then played an intense game of ping-pong on the lawn. Even if you aren’t staying at the hotel, I highly recommend coming here with friends for dinner + drinks. Make sure to get an order of the cornbread, so good!!

On our first day we booked a tasting at Chandon in Yountville (only 10 minutes from the hotel!) and it’s an instant new favorite! We did the garden grazing experience and the bubbly was perfect for a nice Summer day. Plus the winery is stunning!!!

After our wine tasting, we went back to the hotel and relaxed by the pool the rest of the day! It was so nice not having to drive anywhere for dinner and we were so excited to finally try Little Summer, the hot new restaurant located within the hotel. The menu draws inspiration from the coastal Mediterranean regions of the South of France, Spain, North Africa, Greece, Italy and the Middle East (all places that share the same climate region as Napa Valley). Everything we tried was incredible! We could have stayed there all night and basically did. It was so pleasant sitting out by the fire pits, with the lively summer restaurant scene in full swing. I ordered the spritz and Patrick got a margarita! For my main course I ordered the scallops and already can’t wait to go back for them. Highly recommend when staying at the hotel or if you are in the area!

Just what we needed to kick-off Summer and we already can’t wait to go back! I asked for winery recommendations on my IG Stories for next time we’re in Napa Valley and I promised to share the answers, so below are the most recommended Napa Wineries. I have actually been to all of these and can attest to how great they all are!!

Napa Valley Winery Most Recommended: Domaine Carneros, Del Dotto, Castello Di Amorosa, Inglenook, Sequoia Grove