There’s something about being actively engaged with a new experience that lifts us up to the wonders of the world--and ourselves. A new skill, a refreshed understanding of woodlands and their ecosystems, the glory of a falcon in flight, finding the seasons in the garden and then bringing them to the table…these are threads of memories in the making. As well as being such fun!

This is not an itinerary in a traditional sense, as the experiences listed here deserve a stretch of time all to themselves, but rather a sampling of the perfect day trip to the multifaceted Napa Valley.

Bouchaine Vineyards: Falconry in the Garden

Tucked in the rolling landscape of the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley, Bouchaine Vineyards, with its breezes off the San Pablo Bay, is the pastoral setting for watching falcons take flight.  

Join Master Falconer Rebecca Rosen for an immersion into these noble creatures and their role as a sustainable approach to vineyard management. You’ll learn how raptors hunt, fly and see and even try your (well-guarded!) hand at sending off and receiving a falcon back from its flight. Sips of wine are sprinkled in as you take in vineyard vistas.

This unique experience is offered on Fridays at 10 a.m. for groups of four or more, by advance reservation. For private class options or for groups of 7 or more, please call reservations at 800.654.9463.

Approximate time of experience: 2-2½ hours

Cost: from $95

Contact: info@bouchaine.com

Seavey Vineyard: Forest Walk

Napa Valley’s oak woodlands are some of the most diverse in California and their role in the valley’s ecosystems is a precious part of its health and natural beauty. Oak woodlands sequester significant amounts of carbon dioxide and provide a habitat for an intricate array of wildlife.

Experience a hillside landscape of Napa Valley with Fred Seavey, who leads Seavey Vineyard’s forest management and preservation efforts. As you are drawn into their 150 acres of ancient oak woodlands and surrounding acres of vineyards, you’ll learn about their efforts to preserve and protect these forest guardians.

You’ll walk through the forest to the top of the estate, where you’ll have a guided tasting of their wines in the midst of an oak grove with vast vineyard vistas. Along the way, you may just pass the winery’s corral of cows, sheep and goats. The entire walk is about two miles, so dress appropriately!

Approximate time of experience: 3 hours

Cost: $175

contact: info@seaveyvineyard.com

J. H. Wheeler: Chef’s Table Experience

There is something immensely satisfying about harvesting perfectly ripe ingredients from the garden or grove and transforming them into a memorable meal in the kitchen. And when matched with wine, a certain alchemy takes place.

Join Chef Tom Harder and Garden Director Emily Buller of J.H. Wheeler as you immerse yourself in the synergy of food and wine. You’ll be greeted outside with a small bite and sparkling wine as Emily takes you on a tour of the estate’s gardens, which include vegetables, herbs, citrus, stone fruit, beehives, a pollinator garden and a chicken coop. These will be the ingredients from which your lunch will be created.

You’ll then get an inside look at how J.H Wheeler’s wines are crafted before heading over to the kitchen where the magic happens. Watch Chef Tom, bring your bounty together while listening and learning or put on an apron and lean into cooking alongside Tom. 

Whichever you choose, guests then sit down for a four-course lunch that brings the garden to the table in a most intimate way and provides inspiration for your own garden or farmers market and cooking experience at home.

Approximate time of experience: 2 hours

Cost:$350

contact: info@wheelerfarms.com