Each of Napa Valley's principal growing regions has a distinct character shaped by soil, elevation, and climate. Understanding their differences is understanding Napa itself.
The Spirit of Cabernet
Located between Yountville and Rutherford as you head north, Oakville can appear to visitors as little more than a blip, with the famed Oakville Grocery serving as its spiritual center. Yet Oakville boasts the highest concentration of benchmark estates in Napa Valley—Harlan Estate, Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Silver Oak, Far Niente and Heitz Cellar to name a few. It is also home to two of California's most renowned vineyards, To Kalon and Martha's.
Storied Vineyards
When it comes to grapevines, Rutherford is one of Napa Valley's big names. But as far as towns go, Rutherford is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it spot along Highway 29 about halfway up the valley. As you drive past a former railroad station you might catch the smoky aromas of expertly grilled food at Rutherford Grill without realizing you've just passed through the heart of a town with a population of only about 100.
World-Class Dining
Yountville, founded in 1855 as Sebastopol, was renamed in 1867 in honor of George C. Yount, a pioneer widely credited with planting the first wine grapes in Napa Valley. Tiny and charming, the town has long counted just a modest population (3,500 today), growing slowly even with the arrival of the railroad and eventually becoming an incorporated town in 1965. Over the past few decades, Yountville has evolved into arguably Napa Valley's most celebrated culinary hub.
Historic and Bustling
St. Helena is the second to last town as you head north along the Highway 29 corridor, with the highway itself doubling as the town's main street. That can mean a bit of traffic, especially during afternoon school dismissal. It's a small price to pay, though, for what can be an ideal base camp for your Napa Valley excursion.
A Wine Country Retreat
Tucked away at the northern end of Napa Valley, the town of Calistoga has long held its own, unique vibe. For those looking for a more relaxed version of wine country, Calistoga is a haven. One reason for that vibe is location: 30 miles north of downtown Napa, where the valley narrows and turns west.
Above the Valley Floor
Pritchard Hill rises above the eastern edge of Napa Valley, offering a perspective — and a wine style — that is distinctly its own. The volcanic soils and elevation produce Cabernet Sauvignons of extraordinary concentration and longevity.
The Valley's Urban Core
Downtown Napa has transformed over the past two decades from a quiet county seat into a vibrant destination in its own right. The Oxbow Public Market anchors the culinary scene, while more than 40 tasting rooms line the riverfront and downtown streets.
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