The Golden Vine
Napa Valley AVA
Napa Valley is divided into 5 horizontal sections based on geography and American Viticulture Area (AVA). It is possible to visit wineries located on opposite ends of the valley on the same day. Driving through the valley will take 45 minutes with favorable traffic and no stops. A large majority of Napa wineries require an appointment, and homework will be needed if you have specific labels in mind. Napa tasting rooms are beginner friendly but you should assume that guests under 21 and emotional support animals are not accommodated. Due to the large amount of visitors and beautiful ambiance, some tasting rooms will charge per visitor regardless if they drink. Use our winery search feature to sort locations by tasting fee and find tasting rooms that welcome walk-ins.
Los Carneros, Coombsville and Downtown Napa
Wineries in Los Carneros and Coombsville occupy the southern portion of Napa Valley. Our featured photo helps to illustrate the huge amount of grapes grown in the region. Most wineries in Los Carneros are easy to find and located along the road side. Tasting rooms in Downtown Napa have been included in this section even though they are not part of an official AVA. Labels located in Downtown Napa offer personalized experiences and most require an appointment. Coombsville destinations include urban tasting rooms located along Enterprise Way. Locations also serve as production facilities and fees include intimate barrel tastings with the winemaker.

Cities included in this section: American Canyon, Napa
Los Carneros, Coombsville and Downtown Napa
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Oak Knoll, Mt Veeder, Stags Leap, Yountville, Atlas Peak
The Oak Knoll District begins as you exit Downtown Napa.This region is home to medium sized locations that welcome patrons with an appointment. The right side of the valley is flanked by Soda Canyon Road and the Atlas Peak AVA. The largest concentration of underground bodegas and cave tours are located in this area. The Mt. Veeder AVA is located on the left side of the valley and features destination wineries accessible through Trancas Street. The Yountville AVA features destination wineries along Highway 29. Our featured photo is Downtown Yountville which features a variety of urban tasting rooms in close proximity. We noticed adequate sidewalk, pedestrian crossings and patrons walking between locations.

Cities included in this section: Napa, Yountville
Oak Knoll, Mt Veeder, Stags Leap, Yountville
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Oakville and Rutherford
Our featured photo is Oakville Crossing which marks the beginning of the Oakville AVA. Wineries in this region are flanked by mountains on both sides and feel rural despite their proximity to downtown. Our first time through the Rutherford AVA felt a little surreal. Production facilities and urban tasting rooms for Napa's most iconic labels can be seen from the roadside. Tasting rooms for Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Rutherford Hall and Peju are all located in this part of the valley. Don’t be caught without an appointment, this part of Napa is a secret to no one. Wineries located along on Sage Canyon Road near Lake Hennessey are also included in this section. These tasting rooms must be accessed through Rutherford AVA and have poor phone reception.

Cities included in this section: Oakville, Rutherford
Oakville and Rutherford
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St. Helena, Spring Mt., Chiles Valley, Howell Mt.
Napa Valley begins to narrow in St Helena and tasting rooms become closer in proximity. As Highway 29 winds through town, tasting rooms sit in between office buildings, residences and other civic businesses. The Napa odyssey continues with labels like Charles Krug, Duckhorn and the 35 foot stainless steel rabbit at HALL Wines. Wineries located in the Spring Mountain AVA and Howell Mountain AVA are included in this section. These tasting rooms must be accessed through St Helena AVA and have poor phone reception. Destinations require a little effort but you will be rewarded with spectacular views and rural Napa. Howell Mountain is CLOSED in between Conn Valley and the Deer Park Road junction (June 2018). Most wineries in this location require an appointment.

Cities included in this section: St Helena, Deer Park, Argwin, Pope Valley
St. Helena, Spring Mt.
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Diamond Mountain and Calistoga
The Calistoga AVA is the northern most section of Napa Valley. Highway 29 cuts though Downtown Calistoga and is our featured photo. This location has a variety of urban tasting rooms that are close in proximity with ample sidewalks. Calistoga is popular for non wine related activities like the hot springs and the artificial geothermal geyser known as, “Old Faithful of California.” Wineries located in the Diamond Mountain AVA are included in this section. These tasting rooms must be accessed through the Calistoga AVA. They include well known locations like Castello Di Amorosa and Tamber Bey.

Cities included in this section: Calistoga and Larkmead
Diamond Mountain and Calistoga
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Silverado Trail
The Silverado Trail spans the entire length of Napa Valley with beautiful landscapes and thinner crowds. Locations along the trail have driveways that intersect the road. Private vineyards that are not open to the public hang signs to advertise their entrances, which can be misleading. Many of the locations along the trail are open by appointment only. Use our search feature to determine the wineries that welcome walk-ins. Bring a lunch if you do not plan to leave the trail because amenities are sparse. Be aware of picnicking fees or and locations that do not accommodate outside food. Many of the wineries that require an appointment will provide lunch or snacks for additional fees.

Cities included in this section: Napa, Yountville, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena and Calistoga
Silverado Trail
Napa by Train and Bicycle
The Napa Vine Trail runs along Highway 29 parallel to the train track. The 12.5 mile trail begins in Oak Knoll (Kennedy Park) and terminates in Yountville. The trail is a standard paved path that allows bicycle traffic in both directions. The trail has periodic resting points with shaded areas and places to sit and rest. Wineries in Oak Knoll and Yountville are accessible from the bike path. Double down on patience and pedestrian crossings if you plan to cross Highway 29. The bike trail is lovely and worth the ride on a non wine day. For more information please visit vinetrail.org. The Napa Valley Wine Train runs along Highway 29 and stops at specific locations along the way. The train also offers evening tours that include dinner and an evening ride through Napa. While we were scouting the region we saw a patrons having a good time waving at traffic and snapping shots for social media.
Napa by Train and Bicycle