Being in California the wine area known as the Napa Valley contains some of the most well-known wineries in the United States. It’s a really beautiful visit to include in the California bucket list and if you are a rent a car in San Francisco, even better!
1. Visit The Napa Valley Vineyards On The Wine Train
Imagine yourself being welcomed on a real 20th-century train to des/wine destinations ‘‘The Vineyards of Napa Valley’. Closely placed in an exquisite rebuilt horse carriage, you will then travel on a 1864 laid rail track which will take you through one of the most recognized wine producing region internationally.
From the downtown Napa to the tiny village of St-Helena, this round trip of approximately 58Km is going to cover you some of the most beautiful green rolling country side.
But that’s not all: this tour is not just a delicious meat feast; but a gourmet tour paired with the breathtaking views of the vineyards of Napa Valley. For lunch or evening meal, great French cooks prepare dishes famous all over the world and waiting for you. Depending on the chosen package, you can have the option to stop and meet the winemakers and try their products.
2. Hot Air Balloon Trip Over Napa Valley
While helicopter trips normally have the advantage for exploring a location from above, it's via hot air balloon that you soar over the idyllic vistas of the famed Napa Valley in California. At dawn, this characteristic regional experience is the greatest way to start the day and surely ranks in the top 5 activities to do in Napa Valley!
Accompanied by a skilled pilot-guide, you will have a front-row seat to appreciate the wines and enjoy the early calm. Do not hesitate to ask him your questions, which he will be pleased to answer.
With the panoramic views at daybreak, this moment will undoubtedly be wonderful.
3. Trip To The Town Of St Helena
The ancient tiny town of St-Helena is the center of the Napa Valley. Many resorts are ready to greet guests in a picturesque environment. There are several wineries, restaurants, and cafés tucked among the hills. For food lovers, it is a veritable heaven.
Stroll down major Street, the major artery, where you may do some shopping in the various boutiques and art galleries. For lunch, stop by the Clif Family organic vineyard tasting facility and reward yourself to a wonderful meal at Bruschetteria, their outstanding family food truck.
In the late afternoon, do not miss the visit to Merryvale Vineyards, the first winery created following the lifting of Prohibition in 1933, thereby eliminating the restriction on creating alcohol in the United States.
This recognized vineyard site was an obvious pillar in the history of California. As you can imagine, a sampling of their products is mandatory for all the freaks for wines out there. Close up the vineyards in the evening then head back for an aperitif.
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4. Guided Bike Tour Of Napa Valley Wineries
To stretch your legs and at the same time alleviate the consequences of a few too many glasses of wine, nothing beats a bike ride! The verdant hills of the lovely Napa Valley area are the perfect playground for cyclists of all levels.
In a small group and accompanied by a guide, you will have the rare chance to wander from one to vineyard and maybe even bike amid the vines. The bike-wine combination is an unusual approach to mix exercise and culinary enjoyment!
5. Drive The Picturesque Silverado Trail
This lovely 48 km rural road, which links Napa to Calistoga, is flanked with countless wineries. It is believed that it would take more than a week to visit them all! Among the numerous sites of interest worth a trip, do not miss Darioush Winery.
There, you will discover the great Californian wines made by the proprietors, as well as their gorgeous home befitting of a Persian palace. Indeed, the pair, originating from Iran, provides guests a unique cultural experience, where ancient customs merge incredibly well with current innovations.
Also, a trip to Miner Family Winery is necessary, to try their famed Oracle, an exceptional full-bodied red wine! Finally, stop by Mumm Napa for a few minutes to have a great sparkling wine on their big patio and appreciate the bucolic landscape.