One of the most celebrated wine growing regions in the world, Napa is known for its bold Cabernet Sauvignons in the north and its smooth Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the south. Almost all of the wineries are located along the scenic farmland of Highway 29, which runs from Napa up to Calistoga. It’s about 26 miles, or 40 minutes from start to finish. There are more than 195 wineries in Napa Valley. The Neighboring region of Sonoma has more than 75 vineyards and tasting rooms. And the numbers keep on growing. Clearly, it’s impossible to visit all of the Napa wineries in one visit, so try to focus on about 2-3 per day. Many wineries are pet and child friendly! A few of my favorite Napa Valley wineries are the elegant Domaine Chandon, known for its bright sparkling wines and beautifully landscaped grounds; the rustic and beautiful Silverado Winery, perched on a knoll above the Silverado Trail; and the modern Opus One Vineyards, known for its Newgrange-style tasting room, manicured vineyards and single Bordeux style blend. Join a winery’s club and you’ll get a free tasting and discount on your purchases! For a relaxed and educational tasting room experience, don’t miss St. Supery’s Wine Discovery Center, where you learn how the grape goes from vineyard to bottle in less than 30 minutes. Its one of the best primers on Wine 101 in the valley. If you want to enjoy the day in true Napa style, pack a gourmet picnic lunch from Yountville’s Ranch Market Too or Thomas Keller’s famed …
CaliforniaTravelTips // May 29, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Thanks Tim! We’ll let you know next time we go! I’m sure there are some cool builder videos you could do up there too. Any reason to go to wine country is a good one!
zinfandel66 // Oct 14, 2008 at 12:22 am
try some of the smaller wineries on your next visit, with some planning you can find passion. Cheers
CuveeCorner // Oct 17, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Like the video! Keep up the good work!
CaliforniaTravelTips // Oct 19, 2008 at 7:11 pm
Thanks! I do have a soft spot for good wine!
Shirazme // Nov 16, 2008 at 1:51 am
you’re right… check with the locals, they’ll set you up with some off the beatin path wines. make it an adventure, make it fun…
LivLegendz1 // Apr 11, 2009 at 2:11 am
heh I live here
CaliforniaTravelTips // Apr 14, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Lucky!
Newmicon // Jun 18, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Napa is great, was a great trip for sure.
CaliforniaTravelTips // Jun 18, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Thanks for commenting! What were your favorite wineries, restaurants and hotels?
Newmicon // Jun 19, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Don’t remember many in Napa (only went to 2 in the limited time I had), spent most of my time in Sonoma, Valley of the Moon is probably my favourite Sonoman(is that a word?) wine. Either way, my visit to California partially inspired me to grow grapes!
CaliforniaTravelTips // Jun 19, 2009 at 10:23 pm
How wonderful! I’ve often been tempted to grow our own vineyard here at home. I’ll have to try a bottle of Valley of the Moon next time I’m wine shopping! Thanks for commenting! Veronica
rav1984wi // Jul 13, 2009 at 11:00 am
Napa Valley is a beautiful. I grew up there but left to go in the service in 1980. My wife and I went back in 2007 to visit and go to several wineries. If any one is interested some of our favorites where Schramsberg for sparkling wine. Pine Ridge, Sequioa Grove, and Ehler. We had the opportunity to go to Opus one. The wine is probably the best Ive tasted but its expensive, $35 to taste one wine. We had a complementy tasting as a result of a mutual friend of the wine maker.
rav1984wi // Jul 13, 2009 at 11:04 am
I just wanted to finish up with my previous comment but ran out of room. I now live in the Santa Barbara county wine region and we have some great wines down here. Napa is the best for Cab’s and Merlots. However for PInot Noir, I would have to say this area is a little better. The Pinot’s that come from the Santa Rita Hills area here are awesome. I’m not an expert, just wanted to share my experiences with other wine loves. Cheers!
CaliforniaTravelTips // Jul 16, 2009 at 11:16 am
Thanks for sharing your experience! I appreciate it. Take care! Veronica
hwehe // Aug 3, 2009 at 7:38 pm
whats the name of the song from 0:18 until 0:52?
CaliforniaTravelTips // Aug 3, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Fireside, by Imovie HD.
hwehe // Aug 4, 2009 at 11:05 am
thnx !
btw, i love ur videos
CaliforniaTravelTips // Aug 4, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Thank you!
rav1984wi // Aug 11, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Here are some place else we went. Hess Collection is very nice. The main building is very old. It used to be a Christian Brothers winery years ago. If you go, you have to check out their art. We stayed at the Vino Bello Resort in one of their one bedroom condos. It’s 836 with full kitchen so if like to cook its great. We are planning another trip in Nov. and will let you know of new places we discover.
CaliforniaTravelTips // Aug 11, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Sounds wonderful! Thanks for the new tips and ideas. Vino Bello sounds nice as well. Look forward to hearing from you again in November!
juanster555 // Dec 19, 2009 at 1:19 pm
i live here it’s boring though=[
CaliforniaTravelTips // Dec 22, 2009 at 9:17 pm
Oh, I would never be bored in Napa Valley!!
V
juanster555 // Dec 25, 2009 at 1:45 am
WHAT IS SO FUN ABOUT IT BESIDES GETTING WASTED AND EATING
LOL >:p
Laceyacb // Feb 4, 2010 at 7:23 am
I drive up highway 29 every time i visit my sister.. its always a lovely drive. though i’ve never been to any of the stops.
CaliforniaTravelTips // Feb 4, 2010 at 10:12 am
Hope you find time to visit a few of the wineries some day. They are all beautiful with their own unique style.