We recently took the sweetest anniversary trip to Napa Valley, and I couldn’t wait to share all the details.
For our second wedding anniversary, we chose to stay in Calistoga – a charming town nestled in the northern part of the valley. From cozy mountain views and hot spring pools to unforgettable winery stops and romantic dinners, this weekend felt like a dream.
In this blog post, I’m sharing exactly where we stayed, where we ate, and everything we explored – perfect if you’re planning your own Napa Valley anniversary getaway.
At-a-Glance: Our Anniversary Trip to Napa Valley
Base: Calistoga, CA (North Napa Valley)
Stay: Calistoga Motor Lodge | Retro vibes, mountain views, and hot spring pools
Where We Ate:
- Sam’s Social Club: Breakfast with mimosas + churros
- Brix Restaurant & Gardens: Romantic sunset dinner
- The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil: Lunch for impressive views
Wineries We Visited:
- V. Sattui Winery
- Vincent Arroyo Winery
- Robert Mondavi
- Solorio Family Wines
- Castello di Amorosa
What We Did:
- Hiked Oat Hill Mine Trail
- Explored downtown Calistoga & St. Helena
- Ended each day with wine, views, and connection
Where We Stayed: Calistoga Motor Lodge
We stayed at Calistoga Motor Lodge. It is a retro-inspired hotel with awesome views.
Our room was facing the mountains so that was incredible to wake up to. We spent most of our time outside of the resort except for the first night. I am not sure what the pool environment was during the day, but I will say this, if you are looking for an adult-only resort, this isn’t it. This place is a family-friendly option with two pools, and one hot tub, to choose from.
Pros:
- Great location – close to the wineries and Calistoga.
- You can walk to the nearest hiking trail, Oat Hill Mine Trail.
- The staff will replenish snacks, water, and coffee every day.
- There is a spa onsite.
- The pools are fed from underground hot springs, which I find to be pretty cool.
- Our room was spacious (probably bigger than our apartment haha).
Cons:
- The walls were thin and could hear our loud neighbors. Not fun.
- I didn’t think the pillows were comfortable…but Jose thought they were fine. I guess we have different taste in pillows sometimes.
Also, one quick note – we met a local couple at our last dinner and they suggested staying at the Solage, so we will most likely consider their suggestion next time.
Where We Ate
The only thing I love talking about as much as clothes (okay, maybe more than shoes) is food. WE LOVE FOOD. So naturally, I did extensive research on where to eat in Napa Valley. Below are my top picks – places that delivered on flavor, vibe, and views.
Sam’s Social Club
Please come here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – you won’t regret it. On a serious note, we came here for breakfast and it was everything. I had really wanted to return for lunch or dinner, but our time was limited.
The outdoor patio is adorable – perfect for sipping drinks or enjoying a slow meal. Our waiter was also the sweetest! He surprised us with mimosas and churros (major win). It was the perfect way to ease into our weekend in Calistoga.
Brix Restaurant and Gardens
Not only does Brix serve delicious food, but the views are just as memorable. Then again – it’s Napa, so are we even surprised?
After dinner, we took a stroll through their garden, which felt like the perfect way to end the evening. We wrapped up the night by the fire with a glass of cabernet in hand. Romantic, cozy, and totally worth booking in advance – especially around sunset.
Auberge du Soleil
This spot is all about the views and the calm, elevated vibes. We came here for lunch and fully immersed ourselves in the nature-filled setting – it was peaceful, refreshing, and everything you’d want from a midday escape in Napa.
Honestly, I can’t wait for the day we’re able to stay here. It’s definitely on the future wishlist.
Wineries We Visited
V. Sattui Winery
We made a quick stop at V. Sattui on our way to Calistoga since it was conveniently located along the route to our hotel. It was one of the few wineries open until 6 p.m. – which was a big plus, since most spots in Napa close early.
The tasting was a blast, thanks to our lively bartender, and we ended up grabbing a few things from their deli to enjoy in the picnic area. Such a laid-back, easygoing vibe. Highly recommend adding V. Sattui to your anniversary trip itinerary if you’re looking for a casual, delicious stop.
Vincent Arroyo Winery
This was hands-down one of my favorite wine experiences of the trip. Vincent Arroyo Winery offers a more intimate tasting – we got a tour of the property, a detailed walk-through of the winemaking process, and truly personalized attention throughout.
The grounds were absolutely stunning, with sweeping mountain views that felt straight out of a postcard. You can actually catch a glimpse of the views on my IG highlights. They only take appointments so be sure to schedule yours!
Robert Mondavi Winery
Not going to lie – I was hesitant about visiting this winery because I typically prefer more off-the-beaten-path experiences. But I’m so glad we went.
The estate is beautiful and the group tour exceeded expectations. Even with about 20 people in our group, the guide made everyone feel welcome and included. It was informative, relaxed, and really well done. I’d gladly visit again on a future trip.
Solorio Family Wines
Last but definitely not least – this was one of the most unique wine tasting experiences I’ve ever had.
Mario Solorio, the owner, graciously invited us into his home for a private tasting. He grows his own grapes and walks you through every step of the winemaking process. If you’re into the nitty gritty behind-the-scenes details, you’ll love this kind of hands-on, personal approach.
To book your own private experience, feel free to message him on Instagram. I’ll link his profile here. Tell him Sonia Hernandez of mrsprofresh sent you 😉
Other Considerations
Visit Castello di Amorosa
Even if you don’t do a full wine tasting or tour, Castello di Amorosa is worth a visit for the views alone. We didn’t do a tasting this time, but we still walked the grounds and soaked up the medieval castle vibes. We visited a few years back for the full experience, and I still remember how magical it was. This estate is a must if it’s your first time in Napa Valley.
Hike Oat Hill Mine Trail
If I had to pick the peak of our anniversary trip – this was it.
We did this hike on our actual anniversary date, and it was everything I could’ve hoped for. We packed snacks, a blanket, and our camera, and set out to find a quiet spot overlooking the valley. Once we found our view, we just sat, talked, and disconnected from everything else. It was such a grounding moment – peaceful, sweet, and one I’ll never forget.
Highly recommend adding Oat Hill Mine Trail to your itinerary if you’re looking for something memorable and low-key romantic
Explore St. Helena & Calistoga
Don’t skip the nearby towns – St. Helena and Calistoga are both filled with charm, cute shops, great food, and even a bit of history.
We had a little date night in St. Helena and watched The Lion King at Cameo Cinema, a one-screen theater that feels like stepping back in time. It was nostalgic, affordable, and surprisingly cozy.
Drive Scenic Highway 128 & See Lake Berryessa
If you’re flying into Sacramento, do yourself a favor and take the backroads. Highway 128 offers one of the most scenic drives in Northern California – and leads you straight to Lake Berryessa.
It’s hands down the most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind coming back just to spend a few days there. The drive alone is worth adding to your anniversary itinerary.
Final Thoughts
This anniversary trip to Napa Valley was everything I hoped it would be – peaceful, romantic, and full of good wine, great food, and even better company. Calistoga ended up being the perfect home base for our weekend. It was quiet, scenic, and gave us the chance to truly slow down and soak up each moment.
If you’re planning a couples getaway, anniversary, or even a girls’ trip to Napa, I can’t recommend the valley enough. In fact, if you’re planning something special like a Napa bachelorette party, you’ll love this post I wrote – it’s packed with itinerary ideas, restaurant picks, and wineries to visit!
As always, if you have questions or want help building your itinerary, feel free to reach out via email (sonia@mrsprofresh.com) or send me a DM on Instagram. I’d love to help you plan a trip that’s just as special.
