Page 52 - 2023-2024 Travel Guide to California

NAPA VALLEY
Raising a glass to the good life in Napa Valley
NAPA VALLEY’S
DELIGHTS:
WINE AND
MUCH MORE
VISIT NAPA VALLEY
www.visitnapavalley.com
DOWNTOWN ST. HELENA, below. OPPOSITE (from
top to bottom): Downtown Napa's Riverwalk; bal-
loon launch at dawn in Yountville; Main St., St.
Helena; Culinary team at work.
Spring, summer, fall and winter. There’s
never an off season in the Napa Valley.
Even in cool winter months, Napa
Valley bursts with color as yellow mustard
flowers blanket the vineyards. Warmer
weather in spring and summer invites
leisurely, alfresco picnics and wine tasting.
Autumn brings the crush, the time for har-
vest and producing the renowned Napa
Valley Cabernets, Chardonnay and many
other varietals.
Hundreds of wineries are situated along,
and adjacent from, the two main arteries of
Napa Valley—Highway 29 and the Silverado
Trail. Both roads, running north/south along
the 35-mile stretch of land that encompasses
Napa Valley, along with the smaller, off-the-
beaten-path back roads, are home to
picture-perfect vineyard landscapes, tall
oaks, rolling hills and historic estates. While
world-class wines may be the best reason to
explore Napa Valley, there is so much more
to enjoy: Michelin-starred dining, shop-
ping, biking, spa indulgences and simply
soaking up the relaxed, laid-back Northern
California lifestyle.
Bustling Napa
Start your journey in the vibrant city of
Napa. In the last decade, more restaurants,
tasting rooms, art galleries and boutiques
have made downtown Napa their home,
giving this area a hip and fun vibe. And with
50 2023-24 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
the walkable proximity to a multitude of
options, including scenic strolls along the
Napa River, there is something here for
everyone right in the middle of town. Every
Saturday, farmers and artists gather at the
lively Napa Farmers Market, a short distance
from an attractive residential district filled
with Victorian-era homes—some of which
have been transformed into boutique inns,
ranging from traditional to modern.
Located in the Oxbow District of Napa,
the Culinary Institute of America’s Copia is
a foodie haven with cooking classes, a
demonstration kitchen, an on-site garden,
and a museum-like exhibit of culinary-
related pieces. Nearby, the Oxbow Market
offers a bustling food hall with a riverside
deck and mouth-watering dining choices
such as C Casa and Hog Island Oyster Co.
The Napa Valley Wine Train is like taking
a trip from another era. Slowly rolling up
the tracks from downtown Napa, you can
explore much of the valley on any number
of excursions, including a seasonal holiday
trip—with Santa!—or even on a “murder
mystery” train ride complete with dinner
and wine. Aboard plush antique Pullman
rail cars, passengers enjoy the vistas and
scenery accompanied by multi-course
meals, wine, cocktails or afternoon tea.
Yountville Foodie Haven
One of the don’t-miss Napa Valley towns is
BOB MCCLENAHAN