What better way to spend a long weekend in the Wine Country than by experiencing the best champagne, food, art, and pampering that the Napa and Sonoma Valleys have to offer. This long weekend trip illustrates the diversity and hedonism of Wine Country, and most locations are within easy drives of the countless inns, B&Bs, and resorts in the southern end of the Napa Valley.

Depending on what time your day gets started, there are plenty of opportunities to stop in at additional wineries in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys or Carneros. Alternatively, cut out a few wineries from the itinerary along the way and spend more time simply soaking up the atmosphere or soaking in a mud bath.

DAY 1
Get acquainted with the Napa Valley, its history, and its wines at the Napa Valley Museum just outside Yountville before toasting your arrival in the Wine Country with some luxuriously rich blanc de noirs champagne at nearby Domaine Chandon. Have lunch at the winery’s renowned restaurant, then take a tour or simply explore the sculpture-filled gardens.

In the evening, head down to the old redbrick Napa Mill on the river in downtown Napa for a classic Wine Country dinner on the patio at Celadon, followed by an after-dinner cocktail and dance at DG’s jazz and blues bar right next door.

DAY 2
Drive south into Carneros to the di Rosa Preserve and see some whimsical contemporary art at the Gatehouse Gallery. Before you get to Napa, make an appointment for one of the morning tours of all the galleries and beautiful gardens that are home to one of California’s biggest collections of contemporary art.

Afterward, head across the road to the palatial Domaine Carneros and contemplate art with a glass of fruity Brut Rosé champagne and hors d’oeuvres on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, or in front of a blazing fire on a chilly winter day.

Drive a little farther west to Sonoma and enjoy a light gourmet lunch before spending the afternoon exploring the historic sights and boutique shops around pretty Sonoma Plaza, perhaps even taking a stroll past flower-filled front yards to the Sebastiani winery to taste some of the more unusual Italian-varietal wines.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of wine while watching the plaza’s wildlife—from ducks to humans—at the Ledson Hotel before driving north for dinner in Glen Ellen at the cozy and romantic bistro Saffron. If you’re in the mood for some nighttime stargazing, drive east from Glen Ellen up into the dark Mayacamas Mountains on Trinity Road, then descend back into the Napa Valley via the Oakville Grade.

DAY 3
Begin the day with breakfast or brunch at Gordon’s Café & Wine Bar in Yountville. If it’s not too late in the morning, drive north to the winery that has come to symbolize the Napa Valley like no other—the Robert Mondavi Winery. Be sure to take one of the regular tours to see the best of the sprawling mission-style buildings and taste some classic Napa wines.

Continue north to the V. Sattui Winery just outside St. Helena to buy a cheap, fruity bottle of Gamay Rouge and picnic supplies (including a corkscrew and picnic cups) before continuing north to the Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, where you can be in the redwoods within minutes and find a perfect picnic spot.

After a relaxing lunch, and perhaps a short hike to appreciate some of the park’s valley views, it’s time for some pampering, Calistoga style. Drive north to the famous spa town in time for your appointment for a couple’s restorative mud bath at the Lincoln Avenue Spa. Since it’s a wine-themed weekend, choose the antioxidant-laden mud containing wine, grape seed oil, and green tea.

Later in the afternoon, head south from Calistoga along the pretty Silverado Trail to Rutherford and the Mumm Napa Valley champagne house. There’s usually a fascinating exhibition of art or photography that can be enjoyed with glass of bubbly in hand.

Stay in Rutherford or return later in the evening for the culinary highlight: a sunset dinner overlooking the valley at the Auberge du Soleil resort, high up in the hills. Book well in advance to secure a table on the terrace for a memorable experience.