I love wine, so Napa was the obvious choice when we were trying to decide where to go for our second anniversary. We stayed at the RiverPointe Napa Valley Resort. The resort was on the banks of the Napa River, and was quiet and secluded, though only a couple minutes from the Oxbow District. Our accommodations were a cute little trailer cottage with a bedroom, full kitchen, living room, and bath. It was comfortable and clean. There was a river walk to stroll down, and restaurants within walking distance.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Our first excursion in Napa was a hot air balloon ride! We booked our ride through Balloons Above the Valley . We met at the Napa Valley Marriot the next morning at 7:00 AM, and boarded a bus to the lift off location, where we were able to watch the balloon being prepared and inflated.
Next we climbed into our balloon’s basket, and soon we were in the air! The ride was so smooth as we floated up among the clouds. The views of the valley below were incredible as we floated over farms and vineyards.
It was the perfect day to spend up above the valley. Too soon the experience was over and our balloon landed smoothly on the ground. We were shuttled back to the hotel, where we enjoyed a champagne brunch with a delicious buffet.
The Wine Train
The next day we took a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train . While waiting for our train to arrive, we checked out the love lock fence, replicating the love lock fence in Paris. A love lock or love padlock is a padlock which sweethearts lock to a bridge, fence, gate, monument or similar public fixture to symbolize their love. Typically the sweethearts’ names or initials are inscribed on the padlock, and its key is thrown away to symbolize unbreakable love.
We had purchased tickets to the dome car, which included lunch, wine (of course) and a private car on the second floor with a lovely viewing dome.
The views of the vineyards were incredible, and the food was absolutely amazing! We were also given two wine glasses and a set of wine train coasters as a gift! We were able to walk through the train at our leisure, and even go outside on the back to check out the views!
The wine train also offers winery tours, and stops at wineries to let people off for the tour to be picked up later. We chose to just enjoy the ride, food, and wine to the end and back.
The Castle Winery
Our next order of business was…. wait for it… WINE! We took off to check out some of the wineries in the area. Castello di Amorosa, an authentically-built, 13th century inspired Tuscan castle and winery, was our favorite hands down. This place was amazing!
The castle was absolutely authentic, complete with a drawbridge, moat, and even a torture chamber! There were even sheep, goats, and ducks roaming the lawn!
Look at this detail! We really felt like we were in Tuscany at a real castle!
The dining room was enormous, and the murals covering the walls were incredible.
There were even suits of armor!
The torture chamber was scary! We were glad we did not live during medieval times!
At the end of the tour we stopped for some wine tasting. The wine was soooo good! They even had chocolates to purchase that paired perfectly with the wine.
What a wonderful trip! We made some unforgettable memories and had some amazing experiences! This little vacation was fun, adventurous and romantic, and was the perfect couples getaway!
Beautiful post! That train and castle look amazing, it’s like you were transported to another time.
I have always wanted to go up in a hot air balloon! And visit Napa Valley! Thanks for sharing. I am pinning this for future reference!
It really was an awesome experience! Just like you’re floating with the best view ever! I hope you get to go sometime!
Napa looks amazing and I love the photos!
What a wonderful trip! I haven’t made it to Napa yet, but I must!!!
What a great trip for all ages! I’ve never visited the Napa area but now I really want to! My daughter has offered a mother-daughter trip there….I’m thinking YES! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. I’m sure that I will be visiting Napa Valley sometime in the near future.
I’m not a wine drinker, but would still love visiting Napa area. The train ride looks beautiful.
I have ALWAYS wanted to do this. It looks like SO much fun!
Wow! We’ve done the hot air balloon ride in Napa – it was awesome! The train ride and castle look amazing too! Will have to add that to our list of things to do in Napa.
Not sure about the Balloon ride, (heights) although they are beautiful. But the rest of the trip sounds amazing, something about wine on a train sound like so much fun!
I love wine too. Yes, that looks like a wonderful romantic getaway.
The Napa Balley Wine Train is on my bucket list!
This is gorgeous! Pinning the post because now I want to plan and do all these wonderful things! 🙂
What a great trip! That wine train looks amazing. I’ll need to check this out.
This looks like the PERFECT trip for me! Your photos are beautiful. I love wine and riding on a hot air balloon is on my bucket list. (even though i’m sure i’d be terrified)
What a cool thing to do! Looks like an amazing trip!
We’re headed to this area and I can’t wait! I find the landscape simply gorgeous.
Wow! Everything you did was so awesome! I’d definitely love to visit Napa (and that vineyard) someday.
I definitely think Tom and I need to check this out. It looks like so much fun and romantic! Never knew the wine train existed.
Absolutely beautiful!! Great photos.
There was so much about this post that had me mesmerized. First off – that title caught my attention. I love hot air ballons, castles, wine, etc. LOL. The pictures you used are stunning and I absolutely love the colors on the balloons. The castle is amazing, too! I have never been to Napa, but you certainly sparked my curiosity!
I always wanted to take a hot air balloon ride as a kid. Not sure I’d be brave enough now! BEAUTIFUL shots, can’t believe that blue sky! Gorgeous post.