The News Wheel
No Comments

Best Road Trip Destinations: Napa Valley

Decrease Font Size Increase Font Size Text Size Print This Page
Best Road Trip Destinations: Napa Valley

Best Road Trip Destinations: Napa Valley

If your favorite way of relaxing after a long day of work is to enjoy a nice glass of wine, then there is no better road trip destination for you than Napa Valley. Known as one of the premier wine regions in the world, Napa Valley is located in North California near the San Francisco Bay Area, making it the prime spot for a break from the hustle and bustle of cities across the U.S.

What You’ll See

Quite simply, you’ll see rolling hills dotted with rows of grape vines spread as far as the eye can see, highlighted by the Mayacamas Mountain Range and the Vaca Mountains. Wineries range from the Castello di Amorosa, which draws tourists with its medieval replica castle, to the Chateau Montelena with its reserved elegance. The Mediterranean-like climate makes it the perfect location for producing a number of wines, while also making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation.

Where to Stop

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a nice glass of wine straight out of the barrel or a nice spa vacation, the opportunities are endless in Napa Valley. The aforementioned Castello di Amorosa, which is part of the Napa Wine Trail, allows you to sip cabernet in the shadows of a 13th century Tuscan castle. Another stopping point would be the Beringer Rhine House, which is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley. For an expanded experience, multiple different wine trails options are offered, allowing you to stop at any number of wineries along the way. If you find yourself wanting to take in something that isn’t wine, make sure you stop by the Old Faithful Geyser of California, located in Calistoga, California, or the Oxbow Public Market to sample some of the community’s best fresh food, wine, and cheese.

Best Road Trip Destinations: Napa Valley

History

The first person to begin growing grapes in Napa Valley was George C. Yount, though commercial production of wine didn’t begin until 1858 when John Patchett began selling wine for $2 per gallon. The late 19th and early 20th centuries were difficult for the Napa Valley, with Phylloxera louse killing many grape vines and the Prohibition making many wineries shut down. Now though, the valley continues to produce some of the greatest wines in the world, making Napa Valley a go-to place for many vacationers.