Things to do nearNapa County

Napa County sits roughly 50 miles northeast of San Francisco, cradled between two mountain ranges that create the warm days and cool nights ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and dozens of other varietals. The valley's winemaking history stretches back to the mid-1800s, though it was the 1976 Paris tasting, where California wines outscored French rivals, that announced Napa County to the world.

The county encompasses a remarkable range of experiences beyond the cellar door. Cyclists and walkers enjoy the Napa Valley Vine Trail, a paved path that threads through the heart of the valley. Foodies gravitate toward the Oxbow Public Market in the city of Napa, where local artisans and chefs gather under one roof.

For a memorable detour, the medieval-inspired Castello di Amorosa winery near Calistoga offers tours of its hand-built stone castle alongside estate tastings. The northern end of the county around Calistoga is also known for its geothermal springs and mud bath spas, adding a wellness dimension to any visit.

Napa County rewards those who linger: the combination of world-class wine, inventive cuisine, and genuinely beautiful agricultural landscape makes it one of the most compelling destinations in the American West.