Going to Napa Valley before turning 21 used to feel like a trade-off exercise where my parents would enjoy the Napa wine and we would “marvel” at the architecture and gift shop offerings. The best part of the wine country visits for me was the food, coffee, and grape vines.

Massive changes in the Napa experience when I went after turning 21. It was the start of a newfound love for fermented rotten grape concentrate, otherwise known fondly as ‘wine’. Our family started in Napa and worked north on the Silverado Trail. We took a turn and came down south on Hwy 29, where we finally ended up back in Napa Downtown for dinner. Here is how it went. 

On a sunny afternoon, with crisp November air, and Thanksgiving dinner behind us, my family decided it was time to culture me on the taste of wine after I chugged one glass like it was beer. My uncle, a Napa Valley connoisseur, led us to the top hits of California’s premier wine destination. I also had a very special opportunity to taste one of the best wines of Napa Valley.

The Oxbow Public Market consists of various food options, conveniently situated in Downtown Napa.

Our day in Napa Valley started with lunch at the Oxbow Public Market. With options to satisfy any craving – pizzas, tacos, burgers, baked goods – we opted for tacos and coffee. I know a very weird combination. Tacos by C Casa and Ritual Coffee Roasters primed our palettes for the next part of the journey. 

Tacos from C Casa at the Oxbow Public Market.

A fresh rainfall gave way to greens, reds, yellows, and hues of fall throughout the Silverado Trail. We mostly toured Instagram-worthy wineries as we made our way through Napa. We covered a few major Napa wineries, caught a few sips in a few of them, spent the rest of the afternoon indulging in coffee and pastries, and ended the day with a delightful dinner at the Napa Downtown Waterfront. It was a day well spent, just an hour and a half away from home.

First Stop: Darioush Estate Winery

Inside view of the Darioush Winery, located along the Silverado Trail. Displayed is their flagship Darius II wine collection.

Have you ever dreamed up your own estate? Mine had a grandiose architecture surrounded by a garden and vineyards. As an extra touch of flair, the entrance will have a flame-based lamp by a fancy driveway and before entering the actual estate, a garden surrounded by sculptures. Darioush Estate Winery was this dream coming to reality. Situated in the backdrop of the Napa Valley Hills, Darioush was the perfect spot for wedding photos, new profile photos, or #wanderlust photos… you get the point. 

Entrance to Darioush Winery, located along the Silverado Trail.

Inside, my eyes went directly towards the large wine bottles on display, and then the tasting counter. Following that was the warm Persian-inspired visitors’ tasting room full of vibrant colors and warm mood lights. It is worth the visit, especially if you want to get some great photos.

Second Stop: Hirondelle House at Clos Du Val

Indoor wine-tasting experience at the Hirondelle House, Clos Du Val.

A stone-walled house covered with a bush gave a very medieval French vibe when entering the Hirondelle House. As traditional as the exterior looks, the interior was very chic and modern. Fancy barstools, lounge chairs, textured walls, and modern lighting gave the Hirondelle House a very upscale and airy feeling. Walk outside towards the patio is a contemporary outdoor wine-tasting table overlooking a picturesque scenery of vineyards in front of luscious green hills. Currently, all tasting is by appointment only.

Third Stop: Joseph Phelps Vineyards

2018 Joseph Phelps Pinot from Sonoma served in our wine-tasting experience. One of the best wines, I have ever had from Napa.

Heralded as some of the best of the best of Napa Valley, Joseph Phelps provided the ultimate tasting experience as we were served their renowned 2018 Pinot Noir from their Sonoma vineyards.

Inside the Joseph Phelps Winery. Tastefully elegant decor with a warm wood-cabin-like vibe.

A serene experience with an overload of snob appeal. Yes, this vineyard requires reservations, and the prices were very upscale when compared to other vineyards in the area. The wine and outdoor experience justifies it all. You really do feel rich and king-like at Joseph Phelps.

Fourth Stop: Yountville, CA

A view of Yountville, CA. Bouchon Bakery can be seen with a line outside it.

A quaint little town situated in the heart of Napa Valley, Yountville is known to have one of the best food scenes in California. Thanks to Thomas Keller, renowned restaurants like The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro are situated in the heart of Yountville.

Chocolate Croissant, Muffin, and a Mocha from the Bouchon Bakery. Don’t expect any service as they are a to-go-only location.

Our interest was in the Bouchon Bakery. With delectable coffee and desserts, we waited for over an hour before we got our mochas, flaky croissants, muffins, and more to take home.

Final Stop: Napa Downtown Waterfront 

In the night, Napa has a wide swath of food options for dinner. We tend to stick to Downtown Napa because most restaurants in the Valley require reservations and the Downtown waterfront overlooks Napa Creek – a view worth seeing. We decided on pizzas from Azurro.

With our workload increasing exponentially and the cost of decent lodging increasing tenfold, day trips are starting to gain more popularity as it is a temporary escape from our daily stressful lives. Napa Valley is about 90 minutes from the Bay Area, given the traffic lords are being nice to you. It is worth a visit if you are 21+ and want a taste of the Bay Area elites’ lifestyle.

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