Do you really know Napa Valley if you haven’t experienced the joy of an off-the-beaten path roadtrip during harvest? From August through October, the valley hums with energy as grapes are picked, crushed, and celebrated. It’s the perfect time of year to slow down, take the scenic route, and soak in the sights, sounds, and scents of the season. Pack some snacks, cue up your favorite playlist, and hit the back roads of Napa County for a mini harvest road trip—complete with breathtaking vineyard views, winery stops, and plenty of chances to toast the most magical time of year in wine country.
Make sure to call ahead if you plan to taste at the suggested wineries as most wineries require advance reservations (in which case, it's best to hire a driver so you can sit back and enjoy!).
Calistoga to Spring Mountain
Discover boutique wineries, a 3.4 million-year-old Petrified Forest, and beautiful valley views as you explore the back roads of Calistoga and Spring Mountain on this road trip adventure.
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Distance: 22 miles
Stops along the way:
Tank Garage Winery
Petrified Forest
Barnett Vineyards
Paloma Vineyard
Fantesca Estate & Winery
Silverado Trail + Howell Mountain Road
Escape into nature on this quiet ride up Silverado Trail and onto Howell Mountain in St. Helena. A hiking break at Moore Creek Park on peaceful Lake Hennessey provides the perfect respite between wine-tasting stops, and mountainside wineries will have you swooning over some of the most gorgeous views in the valley.
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Distance: 38 miles
Stops along the way:
Stags' Leap Winery
Moore Creek Park
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Amizetta Estate Vineyard & Winery
Highway 128
Discover off-the-beaten-path rustic wineries (plus a kitschy dive bar), sweeping lake views, and plenty of natural beauty on this curvy mountain road adventure through the east side of Napa Valley.
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Distance: 27 miles
Stops along the way:
Cruising Coombsville
Napa’s Coombsville AVA is one of the most unexplored regions of the valley, despite being just a hop, skip, and a jump from bustling Downtown Napa. Enjoy a slower pace and a taste of the country life as you cruise around the back roads of Coombsville on this quick scenic drive. If you're up for some fresh air and good exercise, you can even bike this one.
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Distance: 9.5 miles
Stops along the way: