10 Reasons You Can Cancel Your Trip to Europe and Head to Napa Instead

Updated on 7/18/2017 at 8:30 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Matthew Rodrigues

OK, so I don't really want you to cancel a trip to Europe. If you have the opportunity and can afford it, get your butt on a plane and experience a world filled with rich culture. However, many of us don't have the resources or the time to plan a trip overseas — but have no fear. Napa, CA, is waiting for you, and it is a wonderland. Whenever I visit the Napa Valley area, I feel as if I am transported to the most beautiful regions of Europe, and I know you'll feel the same way.

Napa Has Food That Will Make Your Mouth Sing!

Napa Valley has become one of the top foodie destinations in the world. Find a creamy cheese at Oakville Grocery that will make you forget all about that little country called France. Bite into pasta that rivals the best restaurants Rome has to offer at Ciccio. Treat yo'self with a three-Michelin-starred fine dining experience at The Restaurant at Meadowood and you'll be sure to toss your passport away instantly. Your taste buds are going to be squealing like a 14-year-old British kid at a One Direction concert.

And It Has Castles!

Sure, Buckingham Palace is the symbol of Old World power and Neuschwanstein Castle is straight out of a fairy tale, but do they have a working vineyard in the front yard? I think not. Rumor has it that Elsa and Anna are relocating from their castle in Arendelle and moving into Castello di Amorosa.

Soak Up the Olive Oil

Not into wine tasting? How about olive oil tasting? Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company has been creating that golden goodness since 1931, and you best believe that if Sophia Petrillo from The Golden Girls knew about this spot, she would have forgotten she was from Sicily real fast.

Visit Ancient Ruins

Pompeii? Göbekli Tepe? Ogrodzieniec Castle? The Parthenon? Stonehenge? That's cute and all, but once you've seen a barn with no roof, you'll get some real perspective on history.

See Views Worthy of Instagram

It's not a good vacation if you can't brag about it on social media, right? Just like Europe, all the major travel hashtags apply here. #Globetrotter #Wanderlust #Travelgram #InstaPassport #Discover #BeautifulDestinations. The list goes on and on. Except for #Europe. That one won't make much sense.

Europeans Want to Move There

Don't believe me? Just ask Jean Claude. (Yes, that's his real name.) Thirty years ago, Jean came to Napa Valley for a short vacation from his home country of France and never went back. There are many more just like him. They should basically just move the Statue of Liberty to downtown Napa.

You Can Take Adventurous Road Trips

The Autobahn is not all it's cracked up to be. Going that fast is dangerous. The winding roads of wine country are a bit more tame and simply made for exploring. I suggest jumping in a Buick Cascada with the top down and letting yourself get lost. With over 500 wineries in the region, you'll be sure to stumble upon some real gems. Plus, your windswept hair and sun-kissed cheeks will make you feel like you're on a yacht with Beyoncé and Jay Z in the South of France.

There Are Accommodations Worthy of a European Princess!

Prince Harry, take note. You're gonna want to have your future honeymoon at Auberge du Soleil if you know what's good for you.

The Champagne Here Sparkles!

OK, here's the deal — you can only call something Champagne if it's from Champagne, France. So in Napa they call it sparkling wine. Doesn't that sound magical? I want everything in my life to sparkle, especially my wine.

Wine, Wine, Wine

You'll be so buzzed you won't know if you're in Europe or at a McDonald's in Queens, NY, so sit back and enjoy!