Napa Valley 102: First Timer's Silverado Trail | Local Wally's Napa Tourist Guide
Discover a quieter side of Napa on the Silverado Trail. Day 2 agenda for first timers to Napa uncovers the BEST wineries, restaurants, and picnic spots. Local Wally's Napa Tourist Guide.
Napa 102: WINE Tasting on Silverado Trail
Discover Napa’s Lesser Known Wineries
In a way the Silverado Trail, once a wagon trail for the silver mines, is like how all of Napa used to be. The crowds are fewer, the traffic more manageable, it's a leisurely drive in the country dotted with quaint wineries and friendly tasting rooms. Oh sure, there are a handful of gargantuan wineries but you'll mainly find smaller, more intimate experiences with a family run feel to the wineries.
A side trip off the trail and up Howell Mountain opens up a new side to Napa that’s so unique that you can spend an entire day there.
Because there are no restaurants along the way you'll also want to plan ahead for a picnic - and that’s just fine with me as there is nothing better than a Napa picnic and I know just the spot!
Is the Wine Pass Worth It if I Only Use it at a Few Wineries?
If you are here a full day or longer it would be pretty hard for the Priority Wine Pass to not pay off but do the math. When planning out your trip pay attention to the wineries on the pass - you’ll typically save at least $35 at these wineries. The Wine Pass is $20 off for my readers and you only need one pass for every two people so as long as you hit up 2 wineries you more than come out ahead. And some people max out their savings by only visiting wineries on the pass - a good strategy for Napa on a Budget!
Explore The Other Side of Napa, the Silverado Trail
The main artery through Napa is Highway 29 which I covered in Napa 101. It’s lined with big name wineries like Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Beringer, Sterling, and the famous Napa castle, Castello di Amorosa. It’s also typically lined with cars and tourists during peak season. If you want a quieter Napa head over to The Silverado Trail where the country roads meander and a bit less traveled. I’ll give you plenty of options along the way - some have discounts, some do not, so do the math and add it up to stay within your budget. And yes, I’ll even give you my top pick for each stop just in case you get overwhelmed and can’t decide!
Remember, wineries now require RESERVATIONS so plan ahead! And don’t forget to hire a driver. If you thought Uber didn’t work well in the main area of Napa, wait until you get into the hills where cell coverage is spotty and last minute cancellations the norm. Just email me for driver recommendations, it’s not much more than grabbing Ubers all day.
Stop 1: 9:00, Get Up, Get Going! Breakfast, Napa Style
Downtown Napa has plenty of eateries but watch your time as you don’t want your coffee time to take away from your wine tasting time. Get your food fast, but not fast food, when you go to my two favorite stops, both conveniently located before you jump on the Silverado Trail.
Model Bakery
Downtown Napa in the Oxbow Public Market (google map)
Picnic tables outside, English Muffins inside, Stumptown coffee, good morning to me. Located in the Oxbow Public Market you can also get picnic supplies and other goodies inside. Everything is freshly made, a Napa favorite.
Napa General Store
Located in the Napa Mill, Downtown (google map)
Part retail store, part restaurant, part wine bar, if you have the time to do a sit down meal then there’s nothing better than a sunny outside table and a hearty breakfast. Breakfast and lunch served daily.
Napa General Store Website
Sweetie Pies
Located in the Napa Mill, Downtown (google map)
Not just pies but breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Sweetie Pies also has incredible muffins, cinnamon rolls, and everything is fresh and delicious. Locals love Sweetie Pies as much as the tourists.
WALLY’S PICK: Why do you do this to me? OK, if I had to pick I would go with Model Bakery even if I was there the day before. I just can’t get enough of their English Muffins and their breakfast sandwiches are so good.
Stop 2: 10:00, From Wine Caves to an Italian Villa, First Stop is a Good One!
Option 1: Del Dotto Wine Caves
Don’t get confused! Del Dotto has 3 locations in Napa Valley, all with wine caves. The one you want is on Atlas Peak Rd., the original historic location. Walk through the caves and taste straight from the barrels. So much wine that you just might end up buying a lot more than you were planning to - which might be their plan. They don’t call it “Del Blotto” for nothing!
Option 2: Krupp Brothers Winery
Spoil yourself and take a short trip to an Italian villa for a private experience at Krupp Brothers Winery. Oh sure, you could go to their downtown tasting room but the stone walled winery will take your breath away. You’ll totally forget you’re in Napa, if only for 90 minutes. Tasting fee waived with purchase of 4 bottles per person.
Option 3: Prime Solum Tasting Barn
Everyone who’s bought wine at their supermarket knows Wm Hill Estates. Well Bill Hill sold that winery and went back to producing small batch, higher end wines. His daughter Elana runs the tasting room and her chef hubby provides the tasty bites. Get ready to be impressed, these are great wines.
Prime Solum Tasting Info | google map
Wine Pass Deal: Mention the pass when booking and receive a complimentary cheese plate.
Option 4: Backstage Winery
You might mistake this for a winery in Tuscany. Backstage Winery is a family run affair with dad making the wine and the adult kids running the tasting room and other jobs around the winery. Friendly and fun with great wines, and 2 for 1!
Backstage Winery Tasting Info | google map
Wine Pass Deal: Two for One, save $75
WALLY’S PICK: You can’t go wrong with any of these options so I would narrow it down from a time perspective. Both Del Dotto and Krupp Brothers are top picks for extended experiences - If I had the time I’d probably go with Del Dotto for the cave tour and barrel tasting, super fun. But damn two for one at Backstage is a really good deal and the wines are excellent so do that one if you love good wines but want to be nice to your wallet.
How to Wine Taste in Napa Without a Car
Don’t want to hassle with Uber or the expense of hiring a private driver or tour but still want to wine taste? Then get over to the Napa Tasting Barn where you’ll find three top wine tasting rooms and a nearby deli. You seriously could get dropped off her mid morning and spend an entire day tasting great wines without ever leaving.
Best yet, the three wineries are on the Priority Wine Pass so you can get discounts!
JEAN EDWARDS CELLARS: With a philosophy of making wines that they enjoy versus wines just for wine ratings, Jean Edwards succeeds in making extremely delicious wines. Show your Priority Wine Pass and get 10% wine purchases and an extra splash.
PRIME SOLUM: Everything about this experience is luxurious, from the top notch wines to the delicious small bites. I must admit I was oddly star struck when Bill Hill himself said hello to me. Tell them you have a Priority Wine Pass when you reserve and they’ll provide a complimentary cheese plate.
BOUGETZ CELLARS: I get nothing but rave reviews when I send people into Bougetz Cellars. Fun and lively, especially when Tim is pouring, and the perfect spot if you’re coming with a group. Reserve with your Priority Wine Pass and get two for one tastings. Buy enough wine, join their wine club, and tasting fees are often waived. Ask your server when you arrive.
Stop 3: 12:00, Sip Lightly or Go Bold, It’s Your Choice!
Option 1: Judd’s Hill Microcrush Winery
Understated boutique winery, Judd’s Hill is a true family run Napa winery, making only 3,000 cases a year of premium, fruit driven wines. No giant fancy tasting room, it’s an authentic wine tasting experience sitting next to the production barrels (not props!) or outside overlooking the vineyard.
Judd's Hill Winery Tasting Info | google map
Wine Pass Deal: One wine tasting fee waived with purchase of a bottle.
Option 2: Darioush Winery Napa Valley
With its over the top Las Vegas opulence, you half expect to see Cleopatra sitting in front or Lara Croft jumping from column to column. It’s a photo op for sure, one you have to see to believe. And yes, the wines are equally impressive.
Option 3: Hagafen Cellars
If you want a low key, family run winery then visit Hagafen Cellars where you’ll not only find great hospitality in their tiny tasting room but kosher wines as well. Kosher wines? Another good stop for easy sipping wines.
Option 4: Regusci Winery
Ahhh, talk about romance! Regusci Winery looks straight out of Tuscany with its historic stone building, olive trees out front, and impressively big reds inside. It’s a Napa hidden gem, make reservations and be swept away to the Italian countryside.
WALLY’S PICK: I’m going with Regusci Winery for my pick here. There is something so authentic about this place that makes me want to hang out and linger. And yes, I love big, bold reds and very few do them better then this. Of course you also can’t argue with the 2 for 1 at Judd’s Hill Winery and many of my readers go out of their way to tell me how much they loved Judd’s Hill. Time for another coin toss.
Visit a Local Favorite Picnic Spot, the Soda Canyon Store
You’re going to get hungry so don’t miss your chance to stop at the Soda Canyon Store which features a deli which makes incredible and reasonably priced sandwiches. A local favorite, there’s also both a shady and a sunny picnic area with a creek side vineyard setting. MENU | google map
WARNING: A DETOUR UP THE MOUNTAIN COULD LAST ALL DAY!
No, I’m not going to make it easy on you. You have a big decision to make. If you’ve wondered where the Napa you loved so long ago has gone then you need to take a road trip to Chiles Valley, Pope Valley and Howell Mountain, areas just off The Silverado Trail. The winding road is far less traveled and dotted with hidden gems and family run wineries. You could easily spend an entire day just visiting these secret wineries. Three that come to mind are Maxville Estates, Pope Valley Winery, and Summit Lake Winery.
MAXVILLE LAKE ESTATES: A contemporary, bold, and impressive winery with views of the lake and plenty of space to spread out.
POPE VALLEY WINERY: It’s like a time machine back to when wineries were family owned and operated. Play some bocce ball or corn hole, visit the wine caves, have a picnic, it’s laid back and kid friendly.
SUMMIT LAKE VINEYARDS: If the idea of being surrounded by beautiful scenery, chickens, horses and a winery dog seems like the perfect way to spend an afternoon then keep heading up the mountain to Summit Lake, a family run winery that makes incredible wines and offers a alternative to the big corporate wineries in the valley.
Coming with a Group?
Reach out to me and I’ll connect you with the right people at the wineries and they’ll take super good care of you and offer you special discounts or experiences because you came through me. There’s no charge to connect you so just shoot me an email.
Stop 4: 2:00, Caves, Champagne, and the Judgement of Paris
Option 1: Silverado Vineyards
Located on a hillside with sweeping views of the vineyards and valley below, Silverado Vineyard is exactly the spot you’re looking for if “winery with a view” is on your bucket list. Join their wine club and they’ll waive two tasting fees.
Option 2: Mumm Napa Valley
If it’s a nice sunny day there’s no way you can’t stop at Mumm Napa Valley and sip a flight of sparkling wine. Seated tastings, lively atmosphere, it’s a party out there! If you can’t squeeze it in now then try to loop back at the end of the day.
Option 3: Pine Ridge Vineyards
Taste in a Wine Cave! The Cellar 47 Tour takes you into their cave lounge to sample a selection of estate cabs, a 90 minute experience. On a time crunch? Their estate tasting skips the caves but comes with a 20% discount.
Pine Ridge Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: 20% off Estate Tasting
Option 4: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
There are two wineries with similar names - Stag’s Leap, and Stags’ Leap (note the apostrophe). If you want the winery that made history in the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” blind tasting (aka the “Bottle Shock” movie), this is the one. Make reservations.
WALLY’S PICK: I have to go with Mumm Napa for this one if it’s a sunny day. Being on that patio overlooking the vineyard is Napa magic at its best.
Spend an Afternoon at Maxville Winery
15 minutes off the Silverado Trail is Maxville Winery. Yes, it’s not exactly convenient to get to but once you arrive you might never want to leave. A hidden gem that is often overlooked by first timers, Maxville has beautiful views of the lake and countryside and allows outside food so bring a picnic. Whether you’re looking for a romantic afternoon or a carload of kids who need a break and want to run outside, Maxville doesn’t disappoint.
Maxville Lake Winery | google map |. WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Estate Tasting
Stop 5: 4:00, There’s Still Time, Let’s Keep Going!
Option 1: AuburnJames Winery
If you’ve had it up to here with the big corporate wineries and crowds then its time to go to Auburn James and do a private tasting in their cute winery cottage. Play some bocce ball, bring a picnic, it’s a throwback to a simpler time.
AuburnJames Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting with reservations, save $50
Option 2: Frog’s Leap Winery
Visit an old frog farm (frog’s legs had to come from somewhere, right?) converted into one of Napa’s cutest wineries. Casual sipping outside, or do the walking tour that takes you into the production area. Great for those with kids, too,
Frog’s Leap Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: Get an extra splash when you show your pass, save $10.
Option 3: Rutherford Ranch Vineyards
Come visit and taste at one of Napa’s most famous big name wineries. If you like your reds big and bold then you must visit Rutherford Ranch. Great chardonnay and sauvignon blanc as well, seated tasting experience. Make reservations.
Rutherford Ranch Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: Receive a complimentary tasting with a $125 purchase.
Option 4: Quintessa Winery
With the curved stone facade built into the hillside, Quintessa Winery calls out to you and beckons you to come taste their exquisite wines in this ultra chic winery. High end tasting experience, it’s one to splurge on if you love the finest wines. Make reservations.
WALLY’S PICK: Just for the fun of it I would go with Frog’s Leap. If you want to stay casual sip in the garden but the tour is the way to go here if you want to see production and get a tour of the old frog farm. If you want fancy wines I really like AuburnJames - with the Wine Pass you can do a true high end tasting for $40 for two, a great deal, and their wines are really some of the best.
Oh No, Out of Time and So Many Good Options Left!
Option 1: Boeschen Vineyards
An underground winery, vintage car collection, Victorian gardens, how did you get in here you will wonder! A true hidden gem, private tour and experience, this is hidden Napa Valley at its best. Make reservations.
Boeschen Vineyards Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: With a 6 bottle red wine purchase receive 4 Complimentary Tastings with a tour of the underground winery and Cave, Victorian gardens, and classic car collection.
Option 2: Duckhorn Winery
The classic craftsman house is enough to make you want to stop here but the experience, pours while seated at the table, are some of the best. Worth it just to see the servers clearing tables stack a dozen or so glasses stacked on one hand. Make reservations.
Option 3: Rombauer Vineyards
It’s all about that buttery chardonnay. Rombauer Vineyards pretty much invented the category and is a must-visit stop for chardonnay lovers. One of the least expensive tastings at $25, or buy a glass or bottle and enjoy their gardens at an outside picnic table.
Option 4: Chateau Montelena
You know this one - the famous winery that made the chardonnay that beat the French in that movie Bottle Shock - and in real life in 1976. Crazy Chinese pond in back, very eclectic and cool. A must see to believe!
Option 5: Brian Arden Winery
Another hidden gem of a winery, Brian Arden has standard flights, of course, but it’s the Chef Experience (11:30 and 2:30) that takes it to the top. Not your typical wine and food pairing where the bites are happy sized, come hungry for this culinary experience.
Brian Arden Winery Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: Monday-Thursday Receive 50% off of the wine flight tastings for up to 2 people.
Option 6: Picayune Winery
Wait - is this a winery tasting room or a retail boutique shop? It’s both - and boasts wines that are not only outstanding but affordable. Lunch and wine pairing option and Live Music on Fridays at 6PM makes Picayune one of my favorite stops.
Picayune Winery Tasting Info | google map
WINE PASS DEAL: Extra pours when you show your wine pass, $20 value.
WALLY’S PICK: If you love your buttery chardonnays then Rombauer is your choice - no one does this style better and the wine by the glass in their garden option makes for a nice change from a tasting flight. Do this, then head over to Picayune if it’s Friday and enjoy some live music with a glass of wine.
Look, I know I gave you way too many options! Remember, if you get overwhelmed picking just email me and I’ll give you free personal advice to help you pick the best ones for you.
SolBar in Calistoga
Dinner Options
Since you are up near Calistoga you might want to pop into SolBar, a Michelin star restaurant inside the Solage Resort. Evangeline is another really solid restaurant for a bit of French Bistro meets Creole cooking.
You can also head back down south if you are staying in that area and hit up a restaurant on the way back. I am never turning down dinner at Rutherford Grill - their grill artichoke is the absolute best in the world and a seat at the bar prime real estate. Another great spot is Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch, a casually upscale dining experience with great food and atmosphere. And no one would fault you for stopping in at St. Helena and going to Market, a local favorite with moderate prices and upscale comfort food.
Do the Math to see if the wine pass is worth it for you
Pick your wineries, both here and on the Napa 101 guide for top picks on Highway 29, and do the math. Figure that the wine pass will cost you $39.99 for two people. Count up the savings and decide if it’s worth it. Or go total budget and just focus on the wineries that offer discounts and max out the pass and pocket the money for a splurge at dinner. And if you find yourself in Napa and regretting not buying it as you stand at a tasting room know you can buy it NOW, download the pass, and you are good to go for discounts. Questions? Email me!
