A Napa Valley & Sonoma Bachelorette Party City Guide to Plan Your Weekend

If your bride is a wine aficionado, there is no better weekend than a Sonoma and Napa Valley bachelorette party. In these wine capitals of the U.S., you'll have plenty to taste, see, and do—and beautiful scenery to take in, too. From rolling vineyard hills to farm-to-table eats, and plenty of pampering, this is the ultimate bachelorette getaway.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party Planning in this Article:

• Napa Valley Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes
• Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities
• Places to Stay in Napa Valley and Sonoma for a Bachelorette Party
• Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party Nightlife
• Expert Napa Valley and Sonoma Travel Tips

Napa Valley Bachelorette Party Ideas and Themes

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First thing on the menu on a Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party: Wine of course! This is the trip for winos who want to taste some of the best sips on offer. But if you must stray from the vineyards, there is plenty else to see and do, including VIP spa packages, cooking classes, and even hot air balloon rides. (Don't forget to thank the girls for making the trip with swag and matching attire from The Knot Shop—perfect for a bridal party photo shoot in the vines, too.)

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For the Wine Lovers

This is the bachelorette party for you! There are plenty of ways to get a multitude of tastings in on a Napa Valley and Sonoma bachelorette party. Pick from a number of options including the luxurious Napa Valley Wine Train, a private tour through four to five premier wineries (in a party bus, lunch included); take in both sights and sips with a half day of hiking and half day tasting tour; or work up a sweat on a bicycle tour through historic Sonoma Valley with stops at wineries for a quick refresher.

For the Foodies

While it's known for wine, Napa and Sonoma Valleys also have a great food scene, full of farm-to-table options and picturesque dining settings. Take a guided walking food tour of downtown Healdsburg (wine pairings included, of course); try your hand at seasonal cuisine with a cooking class; or eat at some of the most renowned restaurants, including The French Laundry.

For the Adventurer

If your bride has had enough wine that she's ready for a little thrill, there are plenty of activities to partake in. For starters, begin one of your days with a hot air balloon ride above the valleys, one of the best ways to take in the full scene. There's also plenty of hiking to scenic overlooks and waterfalls, as well as boat rides that will take you on a cruise to the San Francisco Bay.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party Itinerary and Activities

Day 1

Morning: If you're in time for breakfast or lunch, make your first stop Grace's Table, where you'll find iron skillet cornbread, cinnamon rolls, house-baked scones and croissants, grilled goat cheese, prosciutto and melon salad, pulled pork and egg tacos, and tamales on the menu, along with wines by the glass and tasty cocktails like the Jalapeno Wasabi Bloody Mary and Citrus Super Shandy.

Afternoon: Since guests may be trickling in throughout the day, skip hitting the vines today and opt for an afternoon cooking class at Cooking with Julie instead. In this hands-on cooking class, you'll get to experience Napa-style cuisine (think loads of local fruits and veggies) and of course the dishes you make (a 3-course lunch) will be paired with fantastic local fine wines.

Evening: For your first night, head to downtown Napa for dinner at Celedon, where you'll find a cozy rustic courtyard set along the Napa River. Here, you'll find the ultimate comfort food after a day traveling to your bachelorette party, including dungeness crab cakes, sweet coconut-fried prawns, rigatoni bolognese, and pan-roasted salmon. From there it's just a short walk to The Mule Lounge, a great spot for creative cocktails and one of the few (non-wine) bars in town open late. Or head to Cadet Wine and Beer Bar, open until 11 p.m. for everything from champagne to local wine to beer on tap.

Day 2

Morning: Wake up early to take to the skies for the ultimate Napa views. With Napa Valley Aloft, you'll have iews of Napa Valley that are well-worth the a.m. wake up call, plus a champagne breakfast following your flight.

Afternoon: Today's the day for exploring vineyards in Napa Valley. You can take the Napa Valley Wine Train or book a private tour that's set up for you, or you can create your own from the plethora of options out there. A few top notch spots to consider: Round Pond Estate offers one of the most scenic settings with a beautiful terrace overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains; have a picnic lunch at V. Sattui, which offers barbecue and wood-fired pizzas along with tastings in a beautiful oak tree-lined setting; Sterling Vineyards, where you'll take an aerial tram to a Greecian-style estate; Ovid Vineyards for tasty sips of organic Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Merlot, and magnificent views; Domain Carneros if you're craving something sparkling to taste and a gorgeous chalet setting; or try your own hand at winemaking at Raymond Vineyards, where you can make your own blend (bottled and custom labeled) in their laboratory.

Evening: After a day of drinking, rest up a bit before heading out for dinner. Tonight is the ultimate in feasts: A booking at Thomas Keller's renowned The French Laundry. If you are lucky enough to snag a reservation here, it's well worth the price tag for this pre-fixe French dinner. Menus change daily but include options like hand-harvested Maine sea scallops with a saffron-orange emulsion, handmade macaroni with parmesan and shaved white truffles, and charcoal grilled Japanese Wagyu beef. Save room for dessert (think ice cream, chocolate, and candies). You're well outside of downtown for this top-of-the-line dinner, so consider making your way back to your house or hotel for the night and enjoying an easy night together—you'll probably be stuffed, anyway!

Day 3

Morning: Today, head to Sonoma Valley for the rest of your wine-tasting experience. Before starting out, stop at Alexis Baking Company for a quick breakfast (eggs benedict, omelettes, or challah French toast, for instance) or make your way to Sonoma and enjoy a quick pastry from Cafe Des Croissants in downtown Santa Rosa.

Afternoon: If you're skipping a pre-scheduled tour, consider booking a driver to take you to a number of Sonoma favorites so you can try them all. First, there's Viansa Sonoma, with its stunning courtyard and equally stunning views while you taste. Overlook Sonoma Valley at Arrowood Vineyards and Winery, with a tasting room set in a New England Farmhouse. Award-winning Moondance Cellars offers a boutique wine tasting experience in a casual country setting. In town you'll find other tasting room options, including the Lake Sonoma Tasting Room for a drink around fire pits on the outdoor patio. Or for estate-grown chardonnays and pinots, visit the historic Adobe Home in Sonoma square for Three Sticks Wine.

Evening: For your last night, head back to downtown Napa for dinner at Basalt, a great spot for fresh and locally-sourced cuisine including albacore ceviche tostadas, fried chicken sliders, steamed pork bunks, and Baja-style fish tacos. The chic restaurant also offers a private dining room for larger bachelorette parties. It's the perfect spot to end the perfect weekend.

Napa Valley Bachelorette Scavenger Hunt

Turn your itinerary into a game with a Napa Valley scavenger hunt for some fun and friendly competition. Distribute a list of activities with points awarded for each completed task and ask participants to provide proof with pictures. Download an editable template to customize the list and include local attractions and sights. Don't forget to give the winner a prize such as a cute souvenir.

Places to Stay in Napa Valley and Sonoma for a Bachelorette Party

Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa; Photo courtesy of Marriott

While there's plenty within walking distance in downtown Napa, you're going to be spending a lot of time in the car to get to vineyards and wineries in the sprawling valley. So be comfortable with booking car services or Ubers in order to get where you're going, and don't worry about staying right in town if it's not within your budget or party size restrictions.

Best Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Hotels

The Napa Valley Marriott Hotel: This is a great option for mid-range budgets looking to get away from the more boutique options in the area. Boasting renovated rooms, a resort-style swimming pool, and a beautiful spa and garden, you'll find plenty of R&R here.

The Silverado Resort: This luxury favorite in Napa, offers a sprawling estate, spa, and a number of on-property restaurant options including local wines and home-baked goods at its Market & Bakery.

Hotel Healdsburg: If you'd rather be closer to Sonoma. this hotel's amenities include a spa, beautiful surroundings, and 60-foot pool and jacuzzi (plus a pool bar).

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Napa Valley Bachelorette Party Home Rental

VRBO

There are plenty of housing options for a Napa Valley and Sonoma bachelorette party, so check out Expedia, TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Here are a few vacation rentals to consider booking for a group stay.

Mid-Century Home With Solar-Heated Pool (Santa Rosa): This rustic mid-century home is nestled on 85 acres, providing a scenic ambiance for your wine-country experience. Ideal for bachelorette parties of up to 16 guests, it has a solar-heated pool and a hot tub, complemented by an outdoor kitchen. Close to Bennett Valley Golf Course and Sonoma County Fairgrounds, you'll be able to explore the area easily during your stay. It's priced at an average of $1,520 per night.

Historic Van Keppel Ranch (Bennett Valley): Experience the historic Van Keppel Ranch in Bennett Valley, great for bachelorette getaways of up to 14 guests. Located near Bennett Valley Golf Course and Graton Casino, this newly renovated home offers modern décor, floor-to-ceiling windows and a hot tub with picturesque views. You'll have access to Taylor Mountain Regional Park where you can hike and take in the natural beauty of the area. It usually costs around $790 per night.

Cozy Home (Downtown Napa): This second-floor apartment is excellent for smaller bachelorette parties of up to six guests. Located in the heart of downtown Napa, you and your guests will be steps away from all the action—including the Napa Valley Wine Train, Uptown Theatre and Oxbow Public Market. It averages $365 per night.

Private Retreat for Intimate Groups (Calistoga): Nestled in Calistoga, this private retreat offers a nostalgic trip back in time to the American West. You'll be minutes away from attractions like the Petrified Forest and Palmer House, with plenty of spas, restaurants and wineries nearby. At $450 per night, this space accommodates up to four guests, making it great for an intimate bachelorette celebration.

Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or spa facility, you can secure hotel day passes on ResortPass.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Bachelorette Party Nightlife

Napa Valley is the ideal place to have some incredible dining experiences and try plenty of high-quality, local wines. If you're looking for suggestions, here are some of our favorite places to eat and drink in Napa Valley.

Best Napa Valley Bachelorette Restaurants

Brix: Brix is a farm-to-table celebration of Californian cuisine, with incredible mountain views. Brix, inside Kelleher Family Vineyard, serves delicious dishes like Dungeness Crab Fondue with melted leek, braised artichoke, creamy gruyere and brie, and garlic crostini and Smoked Blue Crabcakes with peppery arugula, lemon fermented chili vinaigrette, and pickled ramps.

Angele Restaurant & Bar: Angele Restaurant & Bar along the riverfront inside the Napa River Inn serves French food and cocktails. Share some oysters on the half shell with champagne mignonette, Fried Artichoke Hearts with lemon aioli, or Escargot with pu pastry, garlic, parsley, and beurre blanc over conversation before drinks.

Morimoto Napa: If you're craving Japanese, Morimoto Napa is the ideal spot for elevated food and cocktails. Share sashimi, sushi, and apps like freshwater Eel and creamy Sea Urchin, or hot apps like Sticky Ribs with green mango and spicy tamarind sauce or Kakuni, a ten-hour pork belly with scallop congee, and soy ginger jus.

Best Napa Valley Bachelorette Party Bars

Mercantile Social: The Mercantile Social on the terrace of the Andaz Hotel is a relaxing lounge, great for small plates to share, glasses of wine, beer, and cocktails. The farm-to-table establishment is a fun spot to start the evening.

Castello di Amorosa: Inside Castello di Amorosa, there's a winery with options to take a guided tour of the castle grounds, in addition to tasting the wines. Guests can add pairings to their wine samples like a Cheese and Charcuterie Box Pairing or Handmade Belgian Chocolates to enhance their experience.

Carpe Diem Restaurant & Bar: Carpe Diem Restaurant & Bar is a high-end wine bar with plenty of small plates to share like Sweet Chili Calamari with shaved lemon, olives, lemon caper aioli, spring onion, and fennel, or Octopus Salad with potatoes, lemon vinaigrette, and confit O'Vesuvio yellow & red Pomodoro cherry tomato to snack on with your wine.

Expert Napa Valley and Sonoma Travel Tips

When flying to Napa Valley, Napa County Airport will get you close to where you need to be, but you'll probably have better options if you fly into Oakland International Airport or San Francisco International Airport. For nonstop 6-6 1/2 hour flights from NYC, there are plenty of options with JetBlue, Alaska, Spirit, United, and America. For nonstop 1 ½ hour flights from LA, there are options with airlines like United, American, Alaska, Delta, Spirit, Avelo, Southwest, and JetBlue. For ideal weather, aim to visit Napa Valley anytime from March-May or August-October. In Napa Valley, you can get around with rideshare, private drivers, bikes, car rentals, and trolleys.