Napa Valley Holidays

Luxury Holidays to Napa Valley

And with the outdoorsy attractions and restaurant scene proving such a hit, it would be remiss for your accommodation standards to slip. That’s where the California holiday experts at Kenwood Travel come in. We’ve contracted some of Napa Valley’s leading luxury hotels direct, eliminating the middle man to keep package costs low. Kenwood jetsetters get the best choice of Napa Valley hotels, at the most competitive prices. Leaving more money in your pocket for that second bottle of Petite Sirah.

5 Reasons to Holiday in Napa Valley

The Wine – Since Charles Krug established the region’s first commercial winery at St. Helena in 1861, the area’s vineyard expansion has grown to a whopping 400 Napa Valley wineries across 43,000 acres. It’s all to do with the Mediterranean climate and unique geology of the valley floor that makes it conducive to cultivating quality wine grapes. Put frankly, Napa Valley is one of the world’s premier wine regions. Napa’s wine producing reputation was established in 1976 at the ‘Judgement of Paris’, when its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon beat famous French labels in a blind taste. Today, top sommeliers applaud classic Napa reds like Zinfandel and Syrah. Best way to experience Napa’s tastiest export in one trip? Take the Napa Valley wine train, of course.

The Scenery – With the Mayacamas Mountains flanking the west of the valley, the Vaca Mountains bordering the east, and several smaller valleys and rolling hills making up the landscape in between, Napa Valley impresses onlookers with the kind of cinematic panoramas local son Francis Ford Coppola would be proud of. Rivers, creeks and marshlands reward a closer look too, while Nor Cal’s famous coastlines and redwood forests are easy to reach by car.

The Adventure – Go wild at Safari West, a 400-acre wildlife sanctuary; go kayaking on the Napa River; hike the Westwood Hills Park trails; sip and cycle on a freewheeling tour in Carneros; survey the scenery from on high with a Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Rides booking ... The ways to stay active and adventurous in Napa are as varied as the landscape that surrounds you.

The Leisure – But it’s not all high-octane pursuits. Spa experiences (from basic to deluxe) in Calistoga; rounds of golf surrounded by vineyards; sailing away on a wine yacht tour; fishing on Lake Berryessa; Napa Valley Museum trips; and ambling round the beautiful French Laundry Gardens are some of the unmissable like-a-local ideas recommended by the Kenwood California team.

The Location – Napa Valley makes a terrific HQ from which to discover California as a whole. We recommend hiring a car and taking to the open road in the great American tradition. Classic routes include San Francisco and Yosemite; San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma County; and San Francisco, Sonoma County, Sacramento and Lake Tahoe.

Things to See and Do in Napa Valley

Go to town – Away from the wineries, Napa Valley’s towns have lots to offer. For boutiques, galleries and restaurants, head to St. Helena. Napa Town’s lively tasting rooms and nightlife make for a great day out, and there are some superb downtown Napa Valley hotels for overnighters. American Canyon attracts nature travellers with its nearby nature reserves and wetlands, and Calistoga, with its natural hot springs and (quintessentially Calistoga) mud baths, is the place to be for rustic charm and quirky wellness rituals.

Dine in Style – Foodies, start your gastronomic getaway in Yountville town. There are more Michelin-starred restaurants here per capita than any other wine region in the world. Elsewhere, tuck into Gott’s Roadside Burger shack, the Farmer’s Market at Calistoga, cooking classes at The Culinary Institute of America, Oxbow artisanal market and the downtown Napa Valley food tour. Napa Valley wine tours abound too of course, if you’re looking for the best way to complement all the food. And don’t miss your chance to savour the region’s famous olive oil – almost as good as the wine.

Travel Smart – To help you get the most out of your Napa Valley California holiday, Kenwood Travel’s USA specialists have listed their top tips: Visit in Cabernet season from November to April for the best weather and a slower pace. Plan ahead – hotels and wineries book up fast, and most wineries and tasting rooms close around 5pm. Avoid weekends if possible; less traffic and lower room rates. For drivers, the Silverado trail is quieter and more scenic than Highway 29, and Uber is widely available if you’d prefer to leave your hire car at the hotel.

Napa Valley Weather

A balmy, Mediterranean climate pervades in Napa. The more open south of the valley, near San Pablo Bay, is cooler during growing season while the weather is warmer in the sheltered north. The east edge is dryer, with winter storms making the western mountains and hills rainier.

Facts about Napa Valley

• Population – 136,400
• Area – 789 square miles
• Incorporated – 1850

Napa Valley Holidays 2024 / 2025

Napa Valley is a popular destination, and competition for places and accommodation hots up during seasonal peak times. Beat the rush and get better value on your Napa holiday when you book in advance with Kenwood Travel. Our 2024 and 2025 Napa valley holidays are ready to book now – get the dates you want for a price you’ll love.