Tastemaker Annabelle Fleur’s Guide to Napa Valley

Midday | Arrive at Auberge du Soleil

Check into your luxurious residential-style accommodations, complete with soaking tub and private terrace. Unwind from travel with a stroll through Parc du Soleil and the historic olive groves on the property.

Afternoon | Poolside Bliss

Spend a sun-drenched afternoon at La Plage, sipping cocktails like our Miss Hugo, a spin on a classic Hugo Spritz, while admiring the stunning Wine Country views. 

Evening | Dinner on the Terrace

Enjoy an elegant coursed dinner at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil. “The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil is always a must whenever we are visiting,” Annabelle says. “Beautifully decorated, it offers some of the most stunning views and sunsets in Wine Country. Although it is hard to choose a favorite dish since the cuisine is always spectacular, both my husband and I are huge seafood lovers, so we would like to highlight the sautéed octopus as well as black bass.”

Toast to your first night with a glass of Napa’s finest wine while watching the breathtaking sunset from the dining terrace. 

Tuck in with chocolate du amandes for a sweet treat before bed. 

Morning | Wine Country at New Heights

Wake up early with a cafe au lait in your guest room and head off to experience a magical hot air balloon ride over Napa Valley at sunrise. Take in panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the early morning fog floating over the Valley. “To this day, it is one of my favorite experiences,” Annabelle says. “A completely different way to see the beauty of the Napa Valley. If you love nature, I believe this experience will leave a lasting impression.” 

Post-flight, enjoy brunch at Farmstead. Homey, welcoming, bright and happy: there is something incredibly casual yet chic about Farmstead. You’ll love the atmosphere, but it is the food that keeps visitors coming back. What to get: the Dungeness crab roll on butter-toasted brioche is out of this world!

Afternoon | Personalized Wine Tasting

Head to Opus One Winery for a private curated wine tasting and tour of the vineyard estate. “We first found out about the Opus One Winery after we enjoyed some of their wines at the French Laundry. The wine made such an impression on us that we booked a tour the next day. What makes this experience special is the personalized tour of the winery, the curated wine tasting and the incredible views of the estate and the vineyards.”

Evening | Relax & Unwind

Return to Auberge du Soleil for a relaxed evening. Take a walk through the gardens, followed by a casual wine tasting in the Courtyard.

Enjoy a light dinner at The Bar, keeping it simple with fresh, locally sourced dishes and signature cocktails like our Fleur de Lis. 

Morning | Downtown Napa

After breakfast on The Restaurant terrace, head to downtown Napa’s Marketplace at Copia, “offering the most incredible selection of culinary antiques, handmade linens and locally made items for the home. I have a bit of a weakness for beautiful, handmade pottery and cookware, so I always look forward to visiting this wonderful store. For me, traveling is all about memories, and I love taking little mementos home from special trips with me – and The Marketplace always has just the right thing,” Annabelle says.

On your way back to the hotel, stop by Main Street in Saint Helena. The Elyse Walker store is a favorite. “If you are a fashion lover, I think you will love this designer boutique. It’s beautifully curated, so you will always find the best selection of the trendiest items from the current season, as well as the impossible-to-find, sold-out-everywhere treasures, which is why I can never pass up the opportunity to visit.”

Afternoon | Spa Sojourn

Spend the afternoon at leisure at The Spa. “The Bioactive Chebula Facial at the Spa is incredible! If your skin is looking and feeling a bit tired, this is an absolute must! Love how nourishing and hydrating it is.”

Evening | A Fond Farewell

End your trip with a final dinner at The Restaurant, indulging in the decadent oven-roasted banana panna cotta for dessert.

Raise one last toast to an unforgettable Napa Valley getaway.

@annabellefleur