Not all Napa Valley neighborhoods are the same — the southern end skews urban and approachable, while the northern towns lean quieter and more intimate. The valley offers a wide range of wineries and activities, so familiarizing yourself with the neighborhoods makes decision-making and scheduling easier. Let’s explore!
Angwin
At the base of Howell Mountain, you’ll find one of the most storied wine-growing appellations in the world. The fog, mountain air, and rocky soil force grapevines to root deeply, producing some intense wines. Cade Estate Winery, Ladera Wineyards, and Outpost Wines call Angwin home, but there are plenty of other things to do if you want to skip the wine tours in this neighborhood. Angwin is a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, the area is famous for its mountain biking trails.
Calistoga
In addition to its highly regarded wineries, Calistoga is dotted with natural volcanic hot springs rumored to have healing powers. Consider visiting Bennett Lane Winery, Chateau Montelena Winery, and Castillo de Amorosa before heading to the springs for some relaxation. Just east of Calistoga in Northern Napa County is the launch site for hot-air balloon rides with Napa Valley Aloft, offering a quieter, more rural perspective of the surrounding landscape from above.
Deer Park
This quiet Napa neighborhood is more residential than touristy. Most people steer clear of Deer Park during their visit, especially if it’s their first visit to wine country. If you do venture into this neighborhood, visit Burgess Cellars and Viader Vineyards and Winery. The benefit is that they are likely to be less crowded than the wineries in Calistoga, Napa, Rutherford, or St. Helena.
Napa
The namesake city of this wine country valley draws crowds to its downtown, where you’ll find hip restaurants and high-end Napa wineries for wine-tasting opportunities. Consider scheduling a walking tour of the historic downtown area, visiting Napa’s wine caves, or spending the day shopping in the area’s chic shops.
Oakville
If you’re going to Napa for the wineries, which most people do, you’re going to want to stop in Oakville. It began as a simple water stop for steam trains, but it has grown to be so much more. Oakville is where many of the grapes for wineries like Robert Mondavi, Plumpjack, and others are grown. Wine cellar tours, stunning gardens, wine museums, and an open-air amphitheater are just a few of the things you can do while in Oakville.
Rutherford
Here, you’ll find some of the region’s most famed Cabernets. The soil in this area is perfect for nurturing grapes to produce some of the best Cabs in the world. Much like fairy dust, the “Rutherford dust” that is present in wines from this area gives them a mysterious, spicy element that you won’t find in wines from other regions.
St. Helena
St. Helena is located in the heart of the Napa Valley, and some would argue that the region has its own pulse. Winemakers have been calling St. Helena home since the 1800s, and the area’s history is evident throughout. For a mix of the typical wine-tasting experience with a rich dose of history, visit Beringer and Charles Krug wineries. You’ll also find juggernauts like Sutter Home Family Vineyards and Louis Martini Winery in St. Helena.
Yountville
Yountville is one of the most popular places to stay in Napa Valley because it seems to have the best of everything. World-class resorts, top-notch restaurants, shops, bakeries, and wine – all within walking distance. What more could you ask for? Here, you’ll find Chandon (perfect for a morning tasting), Chiarello Family Vineyards, Hill Family Estate, and more. Yountville is also a launch point for hot air balloon rides with Napa Valley Aloft, giving visitors the chance to start the day with a sunrise flight over the valley before heading out to explore.
