Do you really know Napa Valley if you haven’t explored the back roads of Napa County? Autumn is such a beautiful time of year in the valley to slow down and cruise the path less traveled, so pack some snacks, grab a cooler, and hop in your car for a mini road trip adventure. We’ve included some wineries and other interesting stops along the way (because wine not?), but you can easily enjoy each of these gorgeous scenic drives all on their own without getting out of your car.
Advance reservations are required if you want to wine taste along the way (in which case, it's best to hire a driver so you can sit back and enjoy!). Make sure to call ahead if you plan to taste at the suggested wineries.
Calistoga to Spring Mountain
Discover boutique wineries, a 3.4 million-year-old forest, and beautiful valley views as you explore the back roads of Calistoga and Spring Mountain on this 45-minute road trip adventure. Click on the map image to load Google Maps navigation on your phone.
Distance: 21.4 miles
Stops along the way:
Tank Garage Winery
Petrified Forest
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Schweiger Vineyards
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. Click on the map image to load Google Maps navigation on your phone.
Distance: 36.4 miles
Stops along the way:
Soda Canyon Store
Joseph Phelps
Moore Creek Park
Amizetta
Aonair
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. Click on the map image to load Google Maps navigation on your phone.
Distance: 31 miles
Stops along the way:
Conn Creek Winery
Chappellet
Nichelini
Turtle Rock Bar Cafe
Jarvis Estate Winery
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. Click on the map image to load Google Maps navigation on your phone.
Distance: 9.2 miles
Stops along the way:
Shadybrook Estate
Sodaro Estate
Palmaz Vineyards
Happy cruising!
