To start this off I think it’s important to point out that I absolutely love my birthday and to celebrate other peoples’ birthdays. I have no idea how I became this way but I love going all out for birthdays and to celebrate on multiple days throughout my birthday month. Just to give you a little glimpse into some of my past birthday parties; I’ve had a tea party, America’s Next Top Model themed party, slumber parties, obstacle course party, birthday dinners with friends, and my last birthday was celebrated by spending a weekend in Napa Valley!
I knew for my 25th birthday I wanted to have some kind of experience, as opposed to a dinner or party, so I thought I’d mark something off my bucket list and go on a hot air balloon ride. A hot air balloon ride coupled with a weekend of wine tasting, one of my absolute favorite things to do, just seemed like the perfect way to celebrate a new year around the sun.
Napa Valley is obviously a gorgeous place and one of the best wine regions in the world, but it is also very crowded which means that if you want the perfect wine country weekend you’re going to have to plan your itinerary beforehand. That being said, I booked all of our winery and hot air balloon reservations about a month in advance. (Pro Tip: Check out what events might be taking place in and around Napa during the weekend you’re planning to visit. This will help you in searching for a place to stay and prices). Below is everything that made my weekend of flying high at twenty-five in Napa Valley so wonderful!
Wineries
Artesa – Some of you may recognize this winery as the one that got a cameo in the Netflix movie Wine Country. We started our day at this gorgeous winery located on top of a hill that has sweeping views of Napa Valley. The tasting cost $35 and lasted around an hour. Our pourer even added in extra wines to taste because we were celebrating a birthday. Overall, a great place to kick off a weekend in Napa. (Brought home the Los Carneros 2016 Chardonnay – perfection).
Domaine Carneros – Two things that instantly make me happy are champagne and luxury. Domaine Carneros brings these two beauties together, which is why this was a must-stop place on my itinerary. Located at the bottom of the hill from Artesa, is this gorgeous Chateau. Reservations are required and the tasting that I chose cost $35. I’d highly recommend getting a table on the terrace so that you can take in views of the rolling vineyards while enjoying a delicious charcuterie board with your flights of champagne. Honestly, I could have spent all day here and would go back in a heartbeat. (Of course, I purchased a bottle and brought home the 2014 Estate Brut Cuvée).
V. Sattui – The first winery that I ever went to, and by this point I’ve been to my fair share of wineries, was V.Sattui. So naturally, it holds a special place in my heart. What I love most about this winery is that it’s located on a lot of land, has an ample amount of outdoor eating spaces, and has a delicious gourmet market. Since I have tasted here before, we decided to buy my favorite V. Sattui wine along with some desserts from the market and enjoy them amongst the vines. This made for the perfect last stop of the day. (My favorite bottle from here is the Off-Dry Riesling – you won’t be disappointed).
Eateries
Gott’s – This roadside burger joint has been a Napa staple since 1999. We stopped here for lunch between wineries and it was the perfect place to fuel back up for the rest of the day. If you love classic All American food this is the place for you.
Lou’s Luncheonette (Formerly Boxcar) – I, unfortunately, did not get to eat here during my birthday trip, but I have gone here before with my family and we loved it! It’s feel-good, local ingredient food, that tastes like you’re in the South. Fried chicken and biscuits are always a good idea, which is why I’ve included this must-eat place on my list.
Adventure
Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. – There are a few hot air balloon companies that fly over Napa, but I ultimately chose this company because they included both a small breakfast before you take off (P.S. You take off super early. Like need to be at your meeting spot at 5:30 am early) as well as a champagne brunch after you land. Both of complimentary meals were held at the very famous Domaine Chandon winery, which was lovely, and included an array of delicious food. It’s important to note that going on a hot air balloon ride depends entirely on the weather, and can frequently be canceled or rescheduled. Luckily for us, we had beautiful clear skies, which allowed us to travel farther and higher in our ballon, and our pilot even said that you’ll never experience a balloon ride as great as the one we had. Aka if I ride in a hot air balloon again it may disappoint me. Those were my pilot’s words, not mine. Altogether, it was the perfect way to celebrate my birthday and cross an experience off my bucket list.
Napa is the perfect place to celebrate, unwind, and enjoy the company you’re with. Now it’s time to see how and where I’ll be celebrating my 26th year, cheers!
