For my husband’s 40th birthday, we decided to throw together a last-minute trip to Napa Valley—and wow, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we made!

Napa is the perfect destination if you love great wine, delicious food, and scenic views. And the best part? I was able to use points and miles to cover most of the trip, saving us a ton of money while experiencing Napa at its best.

If you’re looking to plan a similar getaway to Napa or want to learn how to get the most out of your points for travel, this post is for you.

Let me walk you through how I used my credit cards to score a great deal on flights, hotels, and car rentals—and how you can do the same.

Getting There: Flights and Transportation

We flew round-trip from Kansas City (MCI) to Oakland using my husband’s Southwest Companion Pass + points. Our total cost for both of us to fly was under $23 plus points. That’s it—just $23! If you’re not familiar with the Companion Pass, it’s one of the best perks from Southwest Airlines, allowing you to add a companion to your flight for nearly free. Read Ultimate Guide to Earning the Southwest Companion Pass.

Once we landed, I used the Chase Travel Portal to book our rental car, which we had for the entire four days. Because I used my Chase Sapphire Preferred card, I only paid $5-$10 for the rental. This card gives me excellent rental car coverage and earns me Chase Ultimate Rewards points—definitely one of my favorite cards for travel. Read How to Save Big on Rental Cars (Plus How to Use Credit Card Coverage & Points) for all of my rental car strategies.

Where We Stayed: Hotels and Points Redemption

We stayed at the Andaz Napa, right in downtown Napa, which was an incredible spot to base ourselves. I redeemed points from my Chase Ink Business Cash card to book the stay. Having the Chase Sapphire card also helped, as it lets me transfer points to travel partners like Hyatt, so I was able to book a stay for $0! Yes, you read that right, $0!!!

A pro tip: When booking, I emailed the hotel in advance and mentioned that it was my husband’s 40th birthday. They upgraded us to a Junior Suite and even greeted us with a bottle of wine and snacks. Don’t be afraid to ask for an upgrade—you’d be surprised at how many hotels will accommodate special requests if you give them a heads up!

Wine, Food, and Fun: Napa’s Best Attractions

Now let’s get to the good stuff—the wine and food! We had such a blast winery hopping and checking out the local eats. Here are some of the places we visited (and I highly recommend you check them out too):

• Beringer Vineyards: One of the oldest vineyards in Napa, Beringer has a rich history. Our sommelier told us amazing stories, including how Jacob Beringer hand-drew maps to help people find the vineyard back in the 1800s! The history and wine here are top-notch.
• Trefethen Family Vineyards: This vineyard felt a bit more commercial but was still beautiful, with amazing wines and great service.
• Frog’s Leap Winery: If you go to Napa, you have to visit Frog’s Leap. The grounds are absolutely stunning, and it has a vibe that makes you want to stay forever. The house, gardens, and atmosphere were just incredible. If you’re into wine, be sure to grab a bottle (or a case, like we did) to take home!
• White Rock Vineyards: This was the most laid-back and unique stop. We were the only ones there, so we got a private tour. The experience was super chill and informative—it was my vibe all the way!

Add Even More Fun with Viator: Unique Napa Tours

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your Napa adventure and really dive into the region’s food and wine scene, I highly recommend booking some experiences through Viator. Here are three tours I’m obsessed with:

Behind-the-Scenes Food and Wine E-Bike Tour: This is a fantastic way to experience Napa’s wineries in a totally unique way. Instead of a traditional wine tour, hop on an e-bike and cruise through Napa’s gorgeous vineyards while sampling local wines and food. You’ll get the inside scoop on how the vineyards operate and the history behind some of the most famous spots. It’s a fun, active way to enjoy the valley’s best offerings—without breaking a sweat!

Napa Valley Wine Trolley Classic Tour: If you’re into a more nostalgic, vintage Napa experience, this is for you. The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is modeled after an old-fashioned San Francisco cable car and takes you through the picturesque vineyards of the area. You’ll stop at multiple wineries for tastings, all while enjoying the scenic views. It’s a fun, laid-back way to experience the best of Napa’s wine culture.

6-Hour Napa or Sonoma Valley Wine Tour by Private SUV: For a more customized experience, hop into your private SUV for a wine tour of the Sonoma or Napa Valley. You’ll have the flexibility to create your own itinerary, with a private guide/driver who is happy to recommend the best spots. Taste as much wine as you like (tasting fees are at your own expense) while you don’t have to worry about being the sober driver. It’s a convenient and private way to explore both valleys, with pickup and drop-off included in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Eating in Napa: Where to Grab a Bite

Napa isn’t just about the wine—there’s incredible food everywhere you turn. Here are a few spots that stood out:

• Model Bakery and C Casa inside Oxbow Public Market: Both of these were phenomenal. Model Bakery is known for its famous English muffins, and C Casa offers fresh, flavorful dishes that are perfect for a laid-back lunch.
• R+D Kitchen: This was a fantastic spot for lunch on the patio. The food is delicious, and it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy the beautiful Napa weather.
• Gott’s Roadside: If you’re in the mood for an American classic, you can’t go wrong here. Think burgers, fries, and shakes in a cool, casual setting.

Exploring Beyond Napa: A Day Trip to Lake Tahoe

One of the highlights of our trip was a day trip to Lake Tahoe. We went kayaking and got some great recommendations for a future trip. The standout spot was Fallen Leaf Lake—it’s peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a relaxing day with family.

How to Make This Trip Possible: The Right Credit Cards

Here’s the truth: points and miles are the reason we were able to afford this trip. If you want to experience Napa (or any destination) in the same way, start by using the right credit cards.

• Chase Sapphire Preferred: This card is my go-to for earning points on dining and travel. It’s perfect for booking flights, hotels, and car rentals. Plus, it gives you access to Chase’s transfer partners, which is huge for booking travel on points.
• Chase Ink Business Cash: I used this card to book our hotel, and it earned us more points on business expenses. It’s also a great card if you’re looking to earn more points for everyday spending.

Final Thoughts: Napa Was a Blast, and You Can Do It Too!

This trip was a complete success, and I’m so glad we went! It was thrown together quickly, but thanks to some solid recommendations and the power of points, we had an amazing time. If you want to plan a trip like this, don’t forget about using points and miles—you’ll be amazed at how much you can save.

If you’re ready to start earning your own points for travel, consider signing up for the credit cards available on my Best Offers page. It’s a smart way to maximize your spending and take more vacations for less. And if you decide to use any of my affiliate links for credit card sign ups or Viator bookings, I’d be so grateful—it’s a free way to support the content I create.