The Napa Valley Wine Trail is network of walking and bicycling trails running from Vallejo to Calistoga. The well-paved trails afford excellent views of vineyards and the surrounding hills. There are rest stops, drinking fountains, and signage with information.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail has informative signage sponsored by Napa Valley Bike Tours and Rentals. Trail Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer.
70 Days Across America
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a system of walking and biking trails connecting the entire Napa Valley in Northern California’s premier wine-producing region.
Stretching from the ferry pier in Vallejo at the southern end of the Napa Valley all the way to Calistoga at the northern end of the valley, the Napa Valley Vine Trail links the Napa Valley physically, artistically, and culturally.
While there, I borrowed a bicycle from the hotel and rode all the way to Yountville and back, a 10 mile trek.
I didn’t really think I’d ride that far, but when I reached the half way point at Oak Knoll, I decided to keep on pedaling.
It was simply too nice a day to turn back. The scenery was beautiful, and the weather was perfect!
The journey took me a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes, and I enjoyed every minute of it!
Napa Valley Vine Trail in Pictures
Here is a photo essay of my trip from the Napa Valley Resort & Spa to Yountville …
I borrowed a bicycle from the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel and Spa. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyOne of the few commercial advertisements I saw on the trek along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyRailroad tracks run adjacent to the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyOne of the many vineyards located along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyPhoto Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyPhoto Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyA park bench on the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyThe Napa Valley Vine Trail Oak Knoll rest station. There are air pumps and a portable toilet. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyThe drinking fountain is suitable for adults, children, and dogs. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyA shady stretch along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyThe entrance of Domaine Chandon winery at Yountville, California. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValleyThe rest station at Yountville. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @VisitNapaValley
I totally enjoyed my trek along the Napa Valley Vine Trail. My only regret is that I couldn’t have spent more time in Napa Valley, exploring the charming towns the dot the region.
For a more leisurely tour of the valley, take the Napa Valley Wine Train, a traveling restaurant housed in vintage Pullman cars that is pulled by a vintage locomotive along railroad tracks through the Napa Valley.
Napa Valley 101
SF Ferry docked at the Ferry Terminal in downtown San Francisco. Photo Credit: Accidental Travel Writer. @SFTravel
Located 74 miles north of San Francisco in Northern California, Napa Valley is home to hundreds of vineyards, which line the valley floor and meander up and down the surrounding hillsides.
The valley is known for its world class wineries, a laid-back lifestyle, beautiful scenery, excellent hot spring resorts, and a stellar food and beverage scene.
Here is a quick travel guide to the Napa Valley, running from south to north.
Vallejo
The 10th most populous city in the San Francisco Bay Area, Vallejo (population: 116,000) is located in Solano County.
Home to the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom theme park, Vallejo serves as a gateway to the Napa Valley.
Vallejo is 30 miles north of San Francisco and 15 miles south of Napa. The city can be reached from San Francisco by ferry.
Napa
The largest city and county seat of Napa County, Napa (population: 77,000) has a picturesque downtown with streets lined with late-1800s and early-1900s buildings.
There is a riverfront promenade with shops and restaurants and a vibrant arts scene.
Local highlights include the the Napa Valley Opera House and the Oxbow Public Market, a 40,000-square-foot marketplace with a diverse tenant mixture of local food vendors, artisan cafes, and an organic produce outlet for local farms.
Yountville
Home of the Veterans Home of California, Yountville (population: 3,000) is an important mecca for foodies.
The tiny town is renowned for its world-class dining out scene. There are several well-regarded eateries, including two with Michelin stars: The French Laundry and Bouchon Bistro.
Calistoga
Located at the northern end of Napa Valley, Calistoga (population: 5,200) is noted for its hot spring resorts. There are no freeways – access to the town is by two lane roads only.
Not only that, fast-food outlets are banned in Calistoga. Talk about taking a walk down Memory Lane!
