After being grounded from traveling for over a year and half due to Covid restrictions, we were thrilled to once again be able to escape to California’s wine country. Our first stop was Napa Valley, more specifically Calistoga, Napa’s northern tip. Calistoga, known by many as the valley’s spa capital and the home of the famous mud baths, has a laid-back vibe reminiscent of the early Napa days.

Since Calistoga is often overlooked by visitors due to it being on the northern part of the valley and to travelers’ time constraints we figured we would give you a 24 hour itinerary to help you enjoy and explore this history and entertainment rich part of wine country. What most people do not realize is that Calistoga is an easy 37 minute drive from the town of Napa. The drive actually gives you the perfect excuse to slow down and take in the stunning views of one of the world’s most iconic wine regions. When we visit Calistoga we often like to head north on Highway 29 and make our way back south taking in the scenery of the lesser traveled Silverado Trail.

CALISTOGA in 24 HOURS 

11:00 am - After the drive, you might want to stretch your legs and have something to eat so what better way to get both accomplished than by exploring Main Street and enjoying lunch at the Calistoga Inn and Brewery.

1:00 pm - Visit Frank Family Vineyards. From sparkling wines that you can only find at the winery to award winning Cabernets, Frank Family is a great way to get a day of wine tasting started.

3:00 pm - Visit Larkmead Vineyards. Right across the street from Frank Family you can find Larkmead Vineyards. Larkmead, which is owned by the Solari-Baker Family, is one of the oldest family owned wineries in Napa Valley making it the perfect place to learn more about the history of the valley while enjoying a glass of wine. Make sure to save some time to take in their hummingbird garden and their breathtaking vineyard views.

5:30 pm - Check into your lodging accommodations. After all of the exploring and wine tasting, you are most likely going to be ready to kick back and enjoy some R&R and we have the perfect spot for you. We were lucky to enjoy the hospitality of The Bungalows at Calistoga during our most recent visit and we fell in love with them. They are conveniently located in the town of Calistoga and offer that cozy home away from home feel.

7:00 pm - Dinner at Sushi Mambo, a locals’ favorite. Once located in downtown Napa this Japanese eatery now calls Calistoga home and is the perfect spot after a full day of exploring. It is conveniently located walking distance from The Bungalows at Calistoga. Make sure to call ahead for reservations as it is often booked solid. If possible, try to get a reservation on their outdoor terrace.

9:00 pm - A walk down Main Street to work off the sushi feast might not be a bad idea. Then head back to your Bungalow and open a bottle of wine by the fireplace to wrap up the night.

 Day 2

9:00 am - Start your day out by pampering yourself with a spa treatment. Make sure to do some research ahead of time as the packages and prices vary from spa to spa. 

10:30 am - Check out of your accommodations and head to the Calistoga Roastery for a late breakfast or early lunch. Their breakfast sandwich is delish and their coffee will for sure get you ready for another great day of wine tastings.

We hope that this itinerary inspires you to explore Calistoga the next time you are in Napa. We suggest that you try to find more than 24 hours when you visit this wine destination as there are many other things to enjoy including a visit to the legendary Chateau Montelena Winery, who with their 1973 Chardonnay help put Napa Valley among the wine elite at the 1976 Judgement of Paris or a visit to the younger Maldonado Family Vineyards who is also producing award winning wines.