So much has been written about Napa that it seems larger than life. In fact, the valley is only 30 miles from the town of Napa in the south, up through the towns of Yountville, Rutherford, Oakville and St. Helena to the northern most town of Calistoga. It’s width ranges from 1 mile to 5 miles and there are only two primary roads, Rt. 29 and the Silverado Trail running north to south.
Napa is the largest wine producer in the U.S. and is home to over 400 wineries producing some of the most acclaimed wines in the world. Commercial wine production dates back to the 19th century but premium wine production actually began in the 1960’s.
The infamous “Judgment of Paris” in 1976 put Napa on the worldwide wine map when Chateau Montelena and Stag’s Leap beat their French counterparts in a blind tasting of wine experts. The event solidified Napa’s place among the finest wines in the world.
Despite its reputation, Napa has retained much of its agrarian origins and remains a small community of people who love the weather, good food and good wine. The scenery is stunning, the weather consistent (70º average temperatures) and the feeling is one of laid back contentment.