Thinking of heading to Napa Valley for a wine tasting weekend, but not sure how to plan it without feeling overwhelmed? You’re in the right place. Napa has hundreds of wineries packed into a small, gorgeous valley—and with a little structure, your first trip can feel relaxed, fun, and wonderfully “I totally know what I’m doing.”

Below is a first-timer-friendly 3-day Napa Valley wine tasting itinerary with 9 standout stops (3 per day) plus lunch breaks, pacing advice, and practical tips so you can enjoy the wine and the weekend.

Planning Your First Trip to Napa Valley: Quick Wins Before You Go

A few simple moves will make your whole trip smoother:

• Book tastings ahead (especially Fri–Sun). Walk-ins still exist at some places, but Napa is increasingly reservation-forward.
• Aim for 3 wineries per day your first time. Tastings often run 45–90 minutes, and you’ll want time to drive, snack, browse, and enjoy the views.
• Eat like it’s your job. A solid lunch is the difference between “dreamy Cabernet day” and “why does everything taste the same?”
• Bring layers + comfy shoes. Mornings can be brisk; afternoons can warm up fast.
• Have a safe ride plan. Designate a driver, book a car service, or choose one winery day to do a guided tour.

Pro Tip: Ask About “Sharing” a Tasting

Some wineries will allow two people to share a single tasting (or offer a reduced non-taster option). Policies vary, so it never hurts to ask politely when booking.

Your Unforgettable 3-Day Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tour (Top 9 + Lunches)

DAY 1: Rutherford & St. Helena—Easygoing, Classic Napa Vibes

1) Frog’s Leap Winery (Rutherford)

Frog’s Leap is an ideal first stop: welcoming, beautiful, and not intimidating—yet the wines are absolutely the real deal.

Great starter experiences (current options):

• Garden Bar (casual outdoor tasting): daily 10:00–3:30, starting at $45; kids (with supervision) and leashed dogs are welcome in this area. Frog’s Leap Winery
• Vineyard House Back Porch Tasting (seated, five-wine flight): daily 10:00–3:30, starting at $60; 21+ only. Frog’s Leap Winery
• Rooted in Rutherford (immersive tour + seated tasting): Thu–Mon, starting at $100; 21+ only and no dogs. Frog’s Leap Winery

Nice perk: Frog’s Leap notes they’ll refund/waive one tasting fee with each six-bottle purchase (details vary by experience). Frog’s Leap Winery

Wine club: The Fellowship of the Frog includes member perks and shipments.

Lunch Stop: Oakville Grocery (Oakville/Rutherford area)

A Napa classic for picnic-ready sandwiches, snacks, and “let’s grab something delicious but not fussy” energy. Hours can vary seasonally, so check current times before you go.

2) Robert Biale Vineyards (Napa)

If you love Zinfandel (or want to understand why people are obsessed with it), Biale is a fantastic stop with a strong sense of heritage.

Current tasting options:

• Valley Vista Experience (seated, porch tasting): $50/person, appointments daily 10:00–3:00. Robert Biale Vineyards
• Estate Experience (guided, includes a barrel sample + seated tasting): $85/person, Fri–Mon at 10:00, about 90 minutes; no children or pets. Robert Biale Vineyards

Good to know: They note no picnics on premise (local permitting rules). Robert Biale Vineyards

Wine club: The Black Chicken Society offers member perks and seasonal benefits.

3) Conn Creek (St. Helena)

Conn Creek has long been known for Bordeaux-style reds and a fun, hands-on spirit. Availability and experience formats can shift, so confirm when booking.

What to expect (current general info): open daily with tastings from about $40, and reservations are typically required. NapaValley.com – Explore Napa Valley

DAY 2: Silverado Trail Favorites—Sustainability, History, and a Legendary Deli Lunch

4) ZD Wines (Napa)

ZD is a great “second-day” winery: polished experience, beautiful views, and an eco-minded approach.

Signature visit:

• ZD Experience Tour & Tasting: $125/person, about 90 minutes, by appointment, 21+ only, open daily 10:00–4:00. ZD Wines

Wine club: First Taste members receive discounts on tastings. ZD Wines

5) V. Sattui Winery (St. Helena) — Lunch + Tasting in One Spot

V. Sattui is lively, iconic, and super convenient—especially for first-timers who want to combine tasting with food and a stroll around the grounds.

Updated tasting options include:

• Free three-wine flight (select days): Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00–5:00, reservation recommended; bar seating is 21+ only. V. Sattui Winery
• Tour & Tasting: $75/person, daily 11:00–3:30, reservation required. V. Sattui Winery
• Terrace Tasting: $55, Fri–Sun 10:00–4:00, reservation recommended, 21+ only. V. Sattui Winery
• Reserve Tower Tasting: $60, Fri–Sun 10:30–4:00, reservation recommended, 21+ only. V. Sattui Winery

Lunch plan: Build your lunch around their market/deli offerings and treat it as your “reset” before the third tasting.

6) Frank Family Vineyards (Calistoga)

A Napa favorite that feels both special and approachable—bonus points if you snag patio time.

Current experiences include:

• Frank Family Estate Tasting: $60 Frank Family Vineyards
• Wines of Winston Hill Tasting: $80 Frank Family Vineyards
• Miller House Elevated Experience: $100 (includes pairings) Frank Family Vineyards

They also note their newer Miller House hospitality space. Frank Family Vineyards

DAY 3: Calistoga Classics + Castle Drama (in the best way)

7) Chateau Montelena (Calistoga)

History, charm, and a Napa legend tied to the Judgment of Paris story—this is a wonderful “final day” winery.

Current options include:

• A Taste of Montelena: $65/person, about 45 minutes, and it’s offered daily on a walk-in basis (wait time may apply). Chateau Montelena
• Upgraded tastings and tours (Estate Walking Tour & Tasting $85, Vineyard Tour & Tasting $110, and more) are also offered. Chateau Montelena

Lunch Stop: Yountville Deli (Yountville)

A great low-fuss lunch reset—classic sandwiches and quick service so you can stay on schedule. (Hours can vary; check before you go.)

8) Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga)

Yes, it’s a full-on Tuscan-style castle—moats, towers, courtyards, the whole fairytale. It’s also genuinely fun and very photo-worthy.

Key update: reservations are required for everyone in your party for standard experiences.

Popular option:

• A self-guided explore + tasting format runs about 75 minutes and lists an adult price of $60 (children 2–20 listed at $25). Castello di Amorosa

(They also offer longer guided/pairing options at higher price points.) Castello di Amorosa

9) Beringer Vineyards (St. Helena)

One of Napa’s most historic names, with experiences that lean into heritage, caves, and classic Napa polish.

Current visit options include:

• Premium mid-week wine tasting at the Rhine House: $45/person (Mon–Fri) Beringer
• The Bar at the Rhine House: $65/person Beringer
• Old Winery Tour & Tasting: $60/person, includes a guided historical tour + seated tasting Beringer
• Legacy Cave Tour: $35/person (plus a non-drinker price listed) Beringer

Shipping Your Wine Home (Without the Suitcase Stress)

If you fall in love with bottles (you will), you have a few good options:

Option 1: Ship everything together

Instead of shipping from each winery, many travelers consolidate at a local pack-and-ship store (like Buffalo’s Shipping Post in Napa) to send one larger, safer shipment. Buffalo’s Shipping

Option 2: Fly with wine (checked baggage rules)

Wine can typically go in checked luggage, but you’ll want protective packaging and you’ll want to stay within airline weight limits. TSA’s alcohol guidance includes quantity limits for certain alcohol content ranges (for example, the commonly cited 5 liters limit for beverages between 24%–70% alcohol—wine is usually below that). TSA

Airline note (important update):

• Southwest’s “two free checked bags” was a long-time money-saver, but Southwest announced checked bag fees for most passengers starting May 28, 2025 (with some exceptions for certain fare types/status). Alaska Airlines
• Alaska Airlines has offered a Wine Flies Free-style perk tied to membership/eligibility in certain cases—confirm current terms before relying on it. Oregon Wine Board

Related Questions (First-Timer Napa FAQs)

When is the best time to visit Napa Valley?

• Mid-week tends to be calmer and easier for reservations.
• Harvest season (late summer into fall) is gorgeous and energetic—but also busy and often pricier.

Do I need to tip at a wine tasting?

Not required like a bar, since tastings are usually paid experiences—but if someone goes above and beyond, a tip is always appreciated.

What should I wear for wine tasting in Napa?

Dressy-casual and comfortable:

• Layers (cool mornings, warm afternoons)
• Comfortable shoes (you may walk vineyards, gravel paths, stairs)
• Sunglasses + sunscreen for outdoor tastings

Final Toast: Make It Easy on Yourself

Your first Napa trip doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it to three tastings a day, build in real lunch breaks, and treat the drives between wineries as part of the magic—rolling vineyards, golden light, and that happy little feeling that you’re doing something special.