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Napa Valley runs north from San Pablo Bay through California's Coast Ranges, a narrow, sunlit valley lined with vineyards. Winemaking began here in the nineteenth century, and a 1976 Paris tasting in which Napa wines beat French rivals helped bring it international fame. The valley is especially celebrated for Cabernet Sauvignon.
The city of Napa, at the southern end, has a revitalized riverfront and the food stalls of Oxbow Public Market, and the Napa Valley Wine Train departs from here for a leisurely ride up the valley. Los Carneros, cooled by breezes off the bay, specializes in pinot noir and sparkling wine. Yountville is known for acclaimed restaurants, and Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville was one of the first major wineries built after Prohibition. The Silverado Trail, along the eastern side, runs through the Stags Leap District. St. Helena's Main Street holds shops and cafes, Beringer is among the valley's oldest wineries, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone occupies a historic stone winery. Farther north, Bale Grist Mill and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park add history and hiking, and Castello di Amorosa recreates a medieval castle near Calistoga.
Napa suits couples, food lovers and wine enthusiasts. Most wineries require reservations, and costs run high. Calistoga is known for hot springs, and Sonoma lies just over the hills.
WiserMap travel guideNapa Valley California Wine Trip from Carneros to CalistogaPlan Napa Valley town by town: Oxbow Public Market, Carneros, Yountville, Oakville wineries, St. Helena, Calistoga geysers, plus when to go and where to stay.Read the guide
Robert Mondavi's 1966 Mission style winery in Oakville helped put Napa on the world wine map and is known for its archway and To Kalon vineyard. The Oakville area is also home to Opus One and the Oakville Grocery, a historic deli. The winery has been under renovation, so check what tastings are offered.
A 13th century style Tuscan castle winery near Calistoga, built over 14 years with a moat, drawbridge, great hall, frescoes, torture chamber and barrel caves. Tours and tastings focus on Italian style wines. Admission requires a tasting or tour ticket, so reserve ahead, especially on weekends.
The Silverado Trail runs along the east side of the valley as a quieter alternative to Highway 29. The Stags Leap District along it is famous for Cabernet Sauvignon, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars won the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting. Most wineries here require tasting reservations, so book ahead.
The cool, windy Carneros region at the south end of the valley, near San Pablo Bay, is known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine. Domaine Carneros serves sparkling wine on the terrace of its French style chateau. Carneros is the first wine area you reach coming from San Francisco.
A small walkable town known as a food capital, home to Thomas Keller's French Laundry, Bouchon and Ad Hoc, plus tasting rooms and art. The Yountville Art Walk sculptures line its streets, and the Napa Valley Museum sits nearby. Even without a French Laundry booking, try Bouchon Bakery for pastries.
St. Helena's Main Street has boutiques, cafes and restaurants in old stone buildings. Just north, Beringer Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa, founded in 1876, with the Rhine House mansion and hand-dug tunnels. Parking on Main Street is limited on weekends, so arrive early.
Calistoga at the north end of the valley is known for hot springs resorts and mud baths, with a relaxed main street called Lincoln Avenue. Just outside town, the Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts regularly and has a small animal area with goats. Book spa treatments in advance on weekends.
A food hall in downtown Napa with stalls selling oysters, tacos, coffee, cheese, charcuterie and baked goods, plus local wine and cider bars. The nearby Napa River promenade has restaurants and tasting rooms in a walkable area. It makes a good lunch stop before heading north up the valley.
A famous cooking school in an 1889 stone winery building just north of St. Helena. Visitors can browse the spice and cookbook shop, see the corkscrew collection, eat at the restaurant and join cooking demonstrations or classes. Check the class schedule online and book ahead, as spots fill quickly.
A restored vintage train that runs about 36 miles between Napa and St. Helena while serving lunch or dinner in Pullman dining cars. Some packages include stops at wineries along the way. It lets you see the valley without driving after tasting. Tickets are pricey, so book a package that fits your plans.
The Bale Grist Mill is a restored 1846 water-powered mill with a 36-foot wheel that still grinds grain during demonstrations. A trail links it to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which has redwood groves, hiking paths and a campground. Check the state park schedule for mill demonstration days.
A large contemporary art site in the Carneros hills, with sculpture spread across meadows and a lake and galleries of Northern California art. The collection was built by Rene di Rosa, a former journalist and grape grower. Hours are limited and some areas are seen by guided tour, so check before going.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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