May 1–5, 2026

Napa Valley

A Wine Country Escape

Kevin & Lex • Katie & Joe

-- Days
-- Hours
-- Mins
-- Secs

Trip Overview

Sacramento → Calistoga → Wine Country

Base Camp

Calistoga – Hot springs, spas & northern Napa charm

Duration

5 Days / 4 Nights
May 1–5, 2026

Travelers

Kevin & Lex (Austin)
Katie & Joe (New Orleans)

Wineries

9 Tastings across 2 days + Spa Day

Quick Glance

Day by Day

Thursday, May 1

Arrival Day

Land in Sacramento → Drive to Calistoga (1.5 hrs) → Check-in & explore downtown

Friday, May 2

South Napa Wine Tour

Hendry → Ashes & Diamonds → Trefethen or Matthiasson (3 total)

Saturday, May 3

Icons & Art Tour

Domaine Carneros → Hess Persson Estates → Merryvale or Caymus (3 total)

Sunday, May 4

Castle & Spa Day

Morning: Castello di Amorosa | Afternoon: Indian Springs Spa

Must Do Spa Day

Monday, May 5

Departure

Check-out → Drive to Sacramento → Depart

Flight Options

Coordinating arrivals for both couples

Strategy: Prioritizing Katie & Joe's flights since their route (MSY→SMF) is more expensive. Kevin & Lex match their arrival time within ±2 hours.

✈️ Recommended Flights

K&J land first • K&L arrive ~1 hr later with nonstop • In Calistoga by ~4:00 PM

Kevin & Lex (Austin)

Southwest 11:40 AM → 1:30 PM

Nonstop • $131/person • $522/couple RT

Katie & Joe (New Orleans)

American 7:14 AM → 12:13 PM

1 stop PHX • $179/person • $716/couple RT

Plan: K&J land 12:13 PM, grab lunch/coffee → K&L land 1:30 PM → All meet at rental car

Austin → Sacramento

Kevin & Lex

Search on Google Flights →

Outbound: Friday, May 1 (AUS → SMF)

✈️ Primary: Southwest Nonstop • $131/person
TO BOOK

11:40 AM → 1:30 PM (3h 50m)

Austin (AUS) → Sacramento (SMF)

Nonstop • Southwest

The plan: K&J land at 12:13 PM and wait ~1 hr 17 min → K&L land at 1:30 PM → Grab rental car together → Head to Calistoga by ~2:00 PM

🔄 Backup: American via Phoenix • ~$179/person
+$96/person

Same flight as K&J! Arrive together at 12:13 PM on AA 2880 from Phoenix.

AUS → PHX (early AM) connecting to AA 2880 10:04 AM → 12:13 PM

⚠️ Note: Requires early morning departure + connection in Phoenix

Price Difference

+$194/couple RT

Benefit

Same exact flight as K&J

Return: Monday, May 5 (SMF → AUS)

✈️ Primary: Southwest • ~$130/person
TO BOOK

11:35 AM → 6:20 PM (4h 45m)

Sacramento (SMF) → Austin (AUS)

1 stop ONT • Southwest

The plan: K&L depart 11:35 AM → K&J depart 1:03 PM → Drop K&L at terminal first, then K&J return car

🔄 Backup: American via Phoenix • ~$179/person
+$49/person

Same first flight as K&J! Depart together at 1:03 PM on AA 2880 to Phoenix.

AA 2880 1:03 PM → 3:02 PM connecting to PHX → AUS

⚠️ Note: K&J have only 36 min layover in PHX – yours may differ

💡 Kevin & Lex Summary:
Primary (SW): $131 + $130 = $522/couple RT – Nonstop outbound, K&J wait ~1 hr
Backup (AA): ~$179 + $179 = ~$716/couple RT – Same flights as K&J, +$194 more

New Orleans → Sacramento

Katie & Joe

Search on Google Flights →

Outbound: Friday, May 1 (MSY → SMF)

American Airlines • $179/person
TO BOOK
1

7:14 AM → 9:00 AM (3h 46m)

New Orleans (MSY) → Phoenix (PHX)

AA 3169 • Boeing 737

⏱ 1h 4m layover in Phoenix (PHX)

2

10:04 AM → 12:13 PM (2h 9m)

Phoenix (PHX) → Sacramento (SMF)

AA 2880 • Boeing 737 MAX 8

Total Duration: 6h 59m

Return: Monday, May 5 (SMF → MSY)

American Airlines • $179/person
TO BOOK
1

1:03 PM → 3:02 PM (1h 59m)

Sacramento (SMF) → Phoenix (PHX)

AA 2880 • Boeing 737 MAX 8

⏱ 36m layover in Phoenix (PHX)

2

3:38 PM → 8:36 PM (2h 58m)

Phoenix (PHX) → New Orleans (MSY)

AA 2883 • Boeing 737

Total Duration: 5h 33m

💡 Katie & Joe Total: $179/person × 2 people × 2 ways = $716/couple RT

Summary

Flight Cost Summary

Primary Plan: SW Nonstop for K&L

Travelers Outbound (May 1) Return (May 5) Per Couple
Kevin & Lex SW 11:40 AM → 1:30 PM ($131) SW 11:35 AM → 6:20 PM (~$130) $522
Katie & Joe AA 7:14 AM → 12:13 PM ($179) AA 1:03 PM → 8:36 PM ($179) $716

Backup Plan: AA via PHX for K&L (+$194/couple)

Travelers Outbound (May 1) Return (May 5) Per Couple
Kevin & Lex AA via PHX → 12:13 PM (~$179) AA 1:03 PM via PHX (~$179) ~$716
Katie & Joe AA 7:14 AM → 12:13 PM ($179) AA 1:03 PM → 8:36 PM ($179) $716

⚠️ Backup requires early AM departure from Austin + connection in Phoenix

Primary Timing

K&J Arrive: 12:13 PM
K&L Arrive: 1:30 PM (1h 17m later)
In Calistoga by ~4:00 PM

Backup Timing

Everyone Arrives: 12:13 PM
Same Flight: AA 2880
In Calistoga by ~2:30 PM

🎯 Recommendation: Go with the Primary Plan. K&J can grab lunch at the airport while waiting ~1 hr. Saves $194 and K&L get a nonstop flight.

Transportation

Rental Car

Hertz @ Sacramento Airport

Compact SUV – Chevrolet Trax

Vehicle Chevrolet Trax or similar
Capacity 5 passengers, 2 bags
Features Automatic, A/C, Unlimited miles
Pick-up Fri, May 1 @ 5:00 PM
Drop-off Tue, May 5 @ 11:00 AM
Location 6327 Aviation Drive (SMF)
Total (4 days) $228.11
Per person (split 4 ways) ~$57

✓ Free airport shuttle to pick-up location
✓ Free cancellation until Apr 29

💳 Credit Card Benefits

By booking with Capital One Venture X, you can decline Hertz's expensive add-ons and save significantly:

Hertz LDW/CDW $45/day × 4 = $180
Personal Accident Insurance ~$12/day × 4 = $48
You Save ~$228

💎 Capital One Venture X

  • PRIMARY rental car insurance (up to $75,000)
  • Hertz President's Circle status – skip the counter
  • Free additional driver (spouse/partner)

PRIMARY insurance means: If the car is damaged, file directly with Capital One – your personal auto insurance is never involved.

⚡ At the Counter: Decline Hertz's LDW/CDW (say "I have coverage through my credit card"), pay with Venture X, and keep a copy of your card's benefits guide just in case.

Accommodations

Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

Our Stay

Dr. Wilkinson's

Calistoga's Original Wellness Resort • Since 1952

📍 Location

1507 Lincoln Ave

Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 942-4102

Visit Website →

🛏️ Details

Check-in: 4:00 PM

Check-out: 12:00 PM

Rooms: 2 (one per couple)

Total Cost: $3,656 ($1,828/couple)

✓ Free parking • EV charging • On-site spa

🗺️ Distances from Hotel

Downtown Calistoga

Walk: 2 min (0.1 mi)
Drive: 1 min

Castello di Amorosa

Walk: N/A
Drive: 8 min (3 mi)

Downtown Napa

Walk: N/A
Drive: 30 min (15 mi)

Sacramento Airport (SMF)

Walk: N/A
Drive: 1 hr 30 min (75 mi)

✨ What's Included

  • ✓ Mineral pools access
  • ✓ Backyard & pool area
  • ✓ On-site restaurant (House of Better)
  • ✓ Free parking
  • ✓ WiFi included
  • ✓ Mid-century modern rooms
💆 Spa Note: The famous mud baths and spa treatments are available on-site but cost extra. Perfect for Day 4's spa afternoon!

Day 1 — Arrival

Thursday, May 1, 2026

Theme

Sacramento to Calistoga

Travel & Settle In

Afternoon

Arrive Sacramento (SMF)

Pick up rental car at airport

~1.5 Hour Drive

Drive to Calistoga

Scenic Route: I-80 W → CA-29 N through Napa Valley

Beautiful drive through the valley – consider stopping in Yountville for a quick coffee

Late Afternoon

Check into Accommodation

Calistoga area – still need to book!

To Do

Evening

Explore Downtown Calistoga

Casual dinner, stroll Lincoln Avenue, early night before wine days

Day 2 — South Napa Tour

Friday, May 2, 2026

Theme

The "Insider" Tour

Educational, Modern & Family-Owned

10:00 AM

Hendry Winery

Book the "Long Tour" – their famous experience

~$75/person • Family estate since 1939 • Appointment-only

Book First

12:30 PM

Ashes & Diamonds

A&D Wines + Cheese pairing (doubles as lunch)

$60–95/person • Mid-century modern aesthetic • Lighter wines

3:00 PM

Option A: Trefethen or Option B: Matthiasson

A: Historic estate • B: Organic pioneers, very limited seating

Trefethen ~$45/person • Matthiasson ~$75/person (appointment only!)

Pick One

Evening

Return to Calistoga

Drive back (~30 min) • Dinner in town • Rest up!

Day 2 Wineries

Hendry Winery

Napa

Tasting Fee ~$75
Experience Long Tour
Booking Appointment Only
Known For Estate wines, education

Ashes & Diamonds

Napa

Tasting Fee $60–95
Experience Wines + Cheese
Vibe Mid-century modern
Known For Lighter, fresher wines

Option A: Trefethen

Oak Knoll District

Tasting Fee ~$45
Experience Standard flight
Vibe Historic, elegant
Known For Chardonnay, Cabernet

Option B: Matthiasson

Napa

Tasting Fee ~$75
Experience Intimate tasting
Booking Very Limited!
Known For Organic, terroir-driven

Day 3 — Icons & Art Tour

Saturday, May 3, 2026

Theme

Grand Estates & Views

Sparkling, Art & Cabernet

10:00 AM

Domaine Carneros

Sparkling flight on the terrace

~$50/person • French château • Stunning views

12:30 PM

Hess Persson Estates

Tour the Art Museum + Estate Tasting

$65–125/person • World-class contemporary art • Mountain wines

Art Museum

3:00 PM

Option A: Merryvale or Option B: Caymus

A: Historic Cask Room tasting • B: Famous Cabernet, books up fast

Merryvale ~$50/person (St. Helena) • Caymus ~$50/person (Rutherford)

Pick One

Evening

Return to Calistoga

Nice dinner to celebrate • Maybe Solbar or Sam's Social Club

Day 3 Wineries

Domaine Carneros

Carneros

Tasting Fee ~$50
Experience Terrace sparkling
Vibe French château
Known For Sparkling wine, views

Hess Persson Estates

Mt. Veeder

Tasting Fee $65–125
Experience Art + Wine tour
Special Art Museum (free)
Known For Mountain Cab, art

Option A: Merryvale

St. Helena

Tasting Fee ~$50
Experience Cask Room tasting
Vibe Historic, elegant
Known For Bordeaux blends

Option B: Caymus

Rutherford

Tasting Fee ~$50
Experience Famous Cab tasting
Booking Books up fast!
Known For Cabernet Sauvignon

Day 4 — Castle & Spa

Sunday, May 4, 2026

Theme

Castle & Relaxation

The Must-Do Day

10:00 AM

Castello di Amorosa

13th-century Tuscan castle – 8 levels, 107 rooms

Book a tour + tasting • Wine caves, great hall, torture chamber • ~$50-85/person

Must Do

12:30 PM

Lunch in Calistoga

Casual lunch before spa – Café Sarafornia, Calistoga Inn, or Buster's BBQ

2:00 PM onwards

Spa Afternoon

Indian Springs Resort or Calistoga Hot Springs

Mud baths, mineral pools, massages • Book treatments in advance • Perfect recovery day

Spa Day

Evening

Nice Dinner Out

Special night before departure – Evangeline, Solbar, or Sam's Social Club

Castello di Amorosa

Authentic 13th-century Tuscan castle with drawbridge, moat, and torture chamber. Italian varietals in an unforgettable setting.

Indian Springs Resort

Historic spa since 1862. Famous mud baths, Olympic-size mineral pool fed by natural geysers, world-class treatments.

Calistoga Hot Springs

Four mineral pools at different temps, mud baths, and affordable day passes. More casual, local vibe.

Day 5 — Departure

Monday, May 5, 2026

Theme

Farewell to Wine Country

Calistoga → Sacramento

Morning

Leisurely Breakfast

No rush – enjoy Calistoga one more time. Café Sarafornia has great breakfast.

Late Morning

Check Out

Pack up any wine you've purchased – might need to ship larger orders

~1.5 Hour Drive

Drive to Sacramento

CA-29 S → I-80 E • Option to stop in Davis for lunch

Afternoon

Depart Sacramento (SMF)

Return rental car • Still need to book flights!

To Do

Cost Breakdown

Estimated Per Person (4 Travelers)

Budget

Wine Tasting & Transport

Expense Estimated Cost Notes
Flights (Kevin & Lex) $261/person Southwest Nonstop RT from Austin
Flights (Katie & Joe) $358/person American RT via Phoenix
Accommodation $457/person Dr. Wilkinson's, 4 nights ($1,828/couple)
Rental Car (Hertz) $57/person Compact SUV, 4 days, split 4 ways
Day 2 Tastings (3) $180–245 Hendry, A&D, Trefethen or Matthiasson
Day 3 Tastings (3) $165–225 Domaine Carneros, Hess, Merryvale or Caymus
Day 4 – Castello $50–85 Tour + tasting experience
Day 4 – Spa $400 Dr. Wilkinson's mud bath + treatments
Lunches (2 days) $80–150 A&D + casual stop
Kevin & Lex (per couple) $3,339–3,569 — Flights $522 + Hotel $1,828 + Car $114 + Wine/Spa ~$875-1,105
Katie & Joe (per couple) $3,533–3,763 — Flights $716 + Hotel $1,828 + Car $114 + Wine/Spa ~$875-1,105
Not Included: Dinners, wine purchases to take home.

Booking Checklist

Click to mark as complete

🍷 Pro Tip: Book Hendry first – they have the strictest schedule. If you choose Matthiasson (Option B), book that early too as seating is very limited.