T-H-E-M, THEM: As in All The Stops on your Napa Itinerary

Get the picture?

Many millennial women will tell you that a defining moment in our youth was our introduction to Nick Parker. Some will say it was his cereal bowl full of chili that made us swoon, others will mention the million reasons to love him, all of them sitting in the Napa Valley Bank. Either way, Nick Parker and The Parent Trap put the Napa and Sonoma Valley on our radar about 12 years before it legally had any business doing so. Which is why we need to discuss just how perfect this cinematic masterpiece made Napa and the surrounding counties for any wine-loving girl group. Sure, it gets plenty of praise without “showing a little chest hair”, but I still consider it to be underrated, especially for how much great food and various attractions are in the area. Here is my ideal Napa itinerary for your next trip to wine country.

Opus One Winery

The first stop on my list is Opus One for the best cabernet in Napa Valley. Let me caution: this place is a splurge, but it’s the best ambiance and environment to drink in. They have multiple tasting locations throughout the grounds, and they all feel as if you’re in the Tuscan countryside. You’re transported out of California. Your sommeliers will be so knowledgeable, and if you ask nicely, they’ll give you a full tour of the property. If you’re extra respectful and kind, you’ll get to see the barrel room. Fun fact: each barrel is insured for $135,000. They have class and we don’t, but it’s still worth adding to your Napa itinerary.

Matanzas Creek Winery

My next winery is one of my all-time favorites: Matanzas Creek. If you can time your trip, go in August for their lavender festival, as they have a small lavender field on the property. Their wines are top tier, and they have one of the best wine clubs so you can taste the Sonoma Valley at home. Get any of their whites (my favorite is the Journey Chardonay), and make sure you request Nicole! She’s the best!

Bouchon Bakery

If you’re a foodie, you’ve heard of celebrity chef Thomas Keller, who has established his domain in the Napa Valley. You could probably make an entire Napa itinerary around visiting his restaurants, cafes, and lounges alone! Because you’re a brilliant planner (and know your drinking limits), you made a pitstop at Bouchon Bakery for mid-day snacks before pulling off the St. Helena Highway. Of all his properties, my favorite is Bouchon Bakery, the quintessential French café. While their croissants and macarons are amazing, make sure you buy a stack of their shortbread cookies to bring home to enjoy after your trip, but skip the chocolate bouchons. They dry out too quickly. And if you need something with more sustenance, check out the Oakville Grocery right next door.

Domaine Carneros Winery

At this point, I hope you’re warm and buzzing, but if not, there’s one winery left on our list. Domaine Carneros is the best property I’ve ever been to. Situated on the most picturesque hilltop, you have sweeping views of the valley from a property that resembles a French chateau. Domaine Carneros is one of the only wineries that offers bubbles, and they’re good, considering they’re owned by French champagne powerhouse Taittinger. “I didn’t even know she knew French (champagne powerhouses).” They also have a fantastic wine club that will deliver champagne to your door six times a year minimum.

Napa Bookmine

Now that you’ve had your fill of beverages, it’s time to sober up, boozehound. Napa Bookmine is one of my favorite bookstores on the west coast thanks to their great selection of used copies and new releases. Their staff painstakingly recommends books with such vivid detail. I had to stop reading their write ups, because it made me want to buy every book in there. Can I hug them?!

Morimoto Asia

Right across the street is Morimoto Asia. This is not where you go to eat “just a half of grapefruit, thanks”. No, you are here to absolutely gorge on specialties across the Asian diaspora. I highly recommend any of their dumplings, their hotpot for two, and their orange chicken. It’s the perfect food to sober you up so that you’re prepared to take on a brand-new day… or just sleep this one off.