How to Plan the Perfect Weekend in Napa

Few destinations capture the spirit of sophistication and relaxation quite like Napa Valley. Famed for its rolling vineyards, exquisite wines, and warm hospitality, Napa offers the perfect escape for anyone seeking to indulge their senses. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, planning your weekend in Napa requires a balance of fine dining, relaxation, and, of course, exceptional wine experiences.

 

Here’s your ultimate guide to planning the perfect Napa Valley weekend, featuring two must-visit stops: GEN 7 Wines and the Meritage Resort and Spa.

 

Choose the Right Place to Stay: The Meritage Resort and Spa

Your Napa experience begins the moment you arrive, and no place sets the tone better than The Meritage Resort and Spa. Nestled at the southern gateway of Napa Valley, this luxury destination seamlessly blends wine country charm with world-class amenities.

Imagine waking up to vineyard views, enjoying coffee on your private balcony, and unwinding in an atmosphere that captures the essence of Napa sophistication. The resort offers everything you could want for a luxurious weekend: an award-winning spa, multiple dining venues, a stunning pool area, and even its own Village at The Meritage, a lively destination featuring wine tastings, artisanal food, and outdoor entertainment.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a friends’ retreat, or a solo escape, The Meritage Resort provides the perfect home base for exploring Napa Valley. Its convenient location places you minutes away from downtown Napa’s bustling restaurants and shops and steps from one of the valley’s most elegant tasting rooms: GEN 7 Wines.

Begin with an Unforgettable Tasting Experience at GEN 7 Wines

No Napa weekend is complete without an exceptional wine tasting. And GEN 7 Wines, located within The Meritage Resort and Spa, offers an experience unlike any other.

Seven Generations of Winemaking Excellence

GEN 7 Wines carries a legacy that dates back over 180 years, a testament to the Bacino family’s enduring passion for winemaking. This isn’t just another Napa tasting room; it’s a story in a glass. Each bottle represents seven generations of craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.

Here, you’ll discover microproduced wines, small-lot creations that embody the best of California’s vineyards. From the rich depth of their Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve to the elegant sparkle of the ART Series Contortionist Sparkling Rosé, every sip reveals the meticulous attention to detail that defines the GEN 7 experience.

The Tasting Room Experience

Step into the GEN 7 Tasting Room, and you’ll immediately feel its warm sophistication. Elegant yet inviting, it’s designed for connection, the kind of place where conversations flow as easily as the wine. Guests can enjoy tastings indoors surrounded by refined décor or relax on the outdoor patio, basking in Napa’s golden sunlight.

Looking for something special? GEN 7 offers private tastings, curated pairings, and even vegan charcuterie options (with 48 hours’ notice). The knowledgeable staff ensures every guest feels at home, whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply exploring new favorites.

And for those who want to take the experience home, joining the GEN 7 Wine Club is the perfect choice. Members enjoy exclusive access to limited-production wines, private events, and deliveries straight to their door, bringing a piece of Napa elegance to every occasion.

Explore Napa’s Culinary Scene

After your wine tasting, it’s time to indulge in the world-class dining that has made Napa Valley a culinary capital.
 

Lunch in Downtown Napa

A short drive from The Meritage Resort brings you to downtown Napa, where farm-to-table dining reigns supreme. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Oxbow Public Market, a gourmet marketplace offering everything from artisanal cheeses to fresh oysters. It’s a must-visit for anyone who wants to taste the local bounty.
 

Dinner at the Resort

For dinner, return to The Meritage Resort and dine at Olive & Hay, a refined yet approachable restaurant that celebrates Italian-inspired California cuisine. Pair your meal with a bottle of GEN 7’s Vaché “1832” Zinfandel Premium Reserve, whose rich notes of blackberry, cinnamon, and chocolate perfectly complement hearty dishes like braised short ribs or wood-fired pizza.
 
End your evening with a nightcap at Crush Lounge, the resort’s stylish bowling and entertainment space, the perfect place to unwind after a day of indulgence.
 

Relax, Recharge, and Explore

A weekend in Napa isn’t just about wine and food. It’s about rejuvenation.
 

Morning at Spa Terra

Located in a stunning underground estate cave, Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort offers an experience unlike any other. Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or body treatment infused with natural ingredients inspired by the vineyards themselves.
 

Afternoon Adventure

Once recharged, explore Napa Valley’s scenic countryside. Rent an e-bike and ride through the vineyards, take a hot air balloon ride over the valley, or enjoy an art walk downtown. For a leisurely afternoon, return to GEN 7 Wines for a second tasting or a glass of your favorite vintage on the patio.
 

Evening Entertainment

The Meritage Resort often hosts seasonal events from Merry Meritage Ice Skating Rink during the holidays to outdoor concerts and wine festivals throughout the year. No matter the season, you’ll find something to enhance your Napa weekend experience.
 

Take Napa Home with You

One of the best parts about visiting Napa is being able to relive it long after you’ve returned home. And with GEN 7 Wines, that’s easier than ever.
 
By joining the GEN 7 Wine Club, you can enjoy premium microproduced wines delivered straight to your door. Choose between Reds & Whites or Reds Only, and enjoy perks like:
 
  • Exclusive access to limited-production releases
  • Complimentary tastings for members and guests
  • Special pricing on bottles and events
  • Invitations to private club gatherings and celebrations
Whether you’re hosting dinner parties, gifting bottles to friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, a GEN 7 Wine Club membership ensures you’re never far from the luxury and craftsmanship of Napa Valley.
 

Final Thoughts: The Perfect Napa Weekend Awaits

Napa Valley offers a world of discovery, from its lush vineyards to its Michelin-starred dining and luxurious stays. But what makes a weekend in Napa truly unforgettable is the connection between the land, the people, and the wine.
 
At GEN 7 Wines, that connection is celebrated in every bottle. Paired with the elegance of The Meritage Resort and Spa, you’ll experience the very best of what Napa has to offer —history, hospitality, and a taste of California’s finest craftsmanship.
 
So go ahead and plan your perfect Napa weekend. Sip, savor, and celebrate the timeless beauty of wine country. Visit the GEN 7 Tasting Room at The Meritage Resort and Spa, or bring the experience home by joining the GEN 7 Wine Club today.