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. 

A Google Maps screenshot of the route from Calistoga to Spring Mountain in Napa Valley.

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. 

A screen-grab of the Google Maps route of Silverado Trail and Howell Mountain Road.

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.
 
A Google Maps image of the scenic drive along Highway 128 in Napa Valley.

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. 

This Google Maps screenshot shows a rout that goes in and around Coombsville in the Napa Valley.

Distance: 9.2 miles
Stops along the way: 
Shadybrook Estate 
Sodaro Estate 
Palmaz Vineyards

Happy cruising!