Napa Valley Vine Trail: Tips, Must-Stops & Scenic Routes

  • Things To Do
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on SEPTEMBER 8, 2025
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Things To Do

Napa Valley Vine Trail: Tips, Must-Stops & Scenic Routes

By WineCountry Collective September 8, 2025

Locals love it. Visitors can’t wait to experience it. So, what is the Napa Valley Vine Trail? The Napa Valley Vine Trail stretches approximately 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga, offering scenic, car-free cycling and walking paths alongside Highway 29. While the entire trail isn’t yet complete, the finished segments connect Napa to Yountville and Calistoga to St. Helena, making for a picturesque adventure whether you’re on two wheels or two feet.

This relaxed trail links communities, winds through vineyards, and offers plenty of opportunities to stop, sip, and savor along the way. With gentle gradients and wide, paved lanes, it’s an easy to navigate trail accessible for most fitness levels (and a variety of ages)—perfect for pairing Wine Country exploration with some fresh air.

Photo courtesy of Visit St. Helena
Photo courtesy of Visit St. Helena

Where to rent bikes along the Napa Valley Vine Trail

Conveniently, Napa Valley Bike Tours offers three locations from which to rent bikes: in downtown Napa, in Yountville, and in St. Helena. Also in downtown Napa is Fat Tire Bike Rentals. If you’re starting in Calistoga, Calistoga Bikeshop is a great place to rent a bike to hit the trail. 

How long is the Napa Valley Vine Trail from Napa to Yountville?

From downtown Napa to Yountville, it’s about 9 miles. If you’re starting in Calistoga and heading to St. Helena, that stretch of the Napa Valley Vine Trail is about 8.5 miles. 

What should I bring when biking on the Napa Valley Vine Trail?

When biking or running the Napa Valley Vine Trail, it’s important to bring the essentials. Make sure you have a helmet and a backpack with water, sunscreen, and snacks. A map of the trail may be helpful, as well. If you plan to stop anywhere, you’ll need your wallet and ID—and don’t forget the bike lock! Just be aware that any wine you purchase may not fit on your bike and will have to be shipped home.

Sign on the Napa Valley Wine Trail
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Below, you’ll find two easy-to-follow routes: from downtown Napa to Yountville and from Calistoga to St. Helena, featuring some of our favorite stops just off the trail. Pick and choose your Vine Trail adventure, then strap on your helmet or lace up your jogging shoes, and let’s go!

Napa Valley Vine Trail Itinerary 1: A Day from Napa to Yountville

VineTrail.org
Photo courtesy of VineTrail.org

Start Here: Downtown Napa

With its walkable riverfront, vibrant tasting rooms, and ever-growing food scene, downtown Napa is the perfect launch point for a day on the Vine Trail.

Oxbow Public Market

Start your day at Oxbow Public Market, a beloved local hub for all things food and drink. Grab a coffee at Ritual Coffee, then stock up on picnic provisions from The Model Bakery (don’t skip the famous English muffins) or Fatted Calf Charcuterie. This bustling market is as much about people-watching as it is about flavor—an essential stop before hitting the trail.

Arch & Tower

After fueling up on coffee and a bite, it’s time to move onto wine at Arch & Tower—the downtown Napa outpost of Robert Mondavi Winery. This sleek tasting space showcases the winery’s celebrated Napa Valley and To Kalon Vineyard wines in a modern, light-filled setting right along the riverfront. It’s a fitting place to set the tone for your day—sip a crisp Fumé Blanc or an elegant Cabernet while enjoying the relaxing river views.

Napa Valley Wine Train
Photo courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Train

Rail Arts District

As you follow the Vine Trail north, you’ll pass through the Rail Arts District, or RAD, where colorful murals and sculptures turn the industrial stretch into an outdoor gallery. This unique public art corridor, situated alongside the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks, highlights works from local and international artists. It’s a reminder that Napa Valley’s artistry extends well beyond the vineyard.

Need a place to stay in Downtown Napa?

Downtown Napa has a bit of everything—urban tasting rooms, incredible food options, and a lively vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere in Napa Valley. Look no further than these 10 Napa hotels when seeking a memorable getaway. Let’s Go

Linger Here: Yountville

Rolling into Yountville, you’ll find flower-lined streets, Michelin-starred restaurants, and tasting rooms at every turn. Park your bike and take some time to wander—the town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

The Kitchen at Priest Ranch
Photo courtesy of The Kitchen at Priest Ranch

Kitchen at Priest Ranch

For a late lunch, you’ve got stellar options. Kitchen at Priest Ranch is a relaxed spot serving elevated comfort food, from fried chicken sandwiches to truffle mac and cheese, all designed to pair beautifully with Priest Ranch wines.

Ad Hoc

On weekends, Ad Hoc opens for lunch, offering a delicious alternative. Chef Thomas Keller’s family-style spot serves a daily-changing menu of comforting, generously portioned dishes—always hearty, always satisfying.

Priest Ranch Winery

If you opted to eat at the Kitchen at Priest Ranch, your next tasting is just steps away. Priest Ranch Winery offers bold, expressive wines from their high-elevation estate in the eastern hills of Napa Valley. Their bacon and wine pairing is a crowd-pleaser, and the friendly staff make the experience feel as warm as it is indulgent.

JCB Yountville

For a completely different vibe, step into JCB Yountville, where opulence meets whimsy. Part wine tasting salon, part boutique, part curiosity shop, this space reflects Jean-Charles Boisset’s vibrant personality. Expect delightful sparkling wines and refined reds, plush décor, and maybe even a few leopard-print chairs. There’s also caviar on the menu if you really feel like indulging.

Bell Wine Cellars

Before heading back toward Napa, you may want to make a short detour to Bell Wine Cellars, just south of Yountville. Known for their single-clone Cabernet Sauvignon wines, this family-run winery offers intimate tastings that highlight both the craft and the character of the region. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the winemaking team at work.

Quick Tip: While this itinerary includes plenty of tempting stops, it’s best not to overindulge in wine and then hop back on a bike. Choose one or two wineries to enjoy, sip water generously in between, and keep the ride safe and fun.

Vine Trail Itinerary 2: Venturing Up Valley from Calistoga to St. Helena

VineTrail.org
Photo courtesy of VineTrail.org

Start Here: Calistoga

At the northern tip of Napa Valley is Calistoga, known for its laid-back vibe, historic hot springs, and excellent wine. It’s the perfect place to kick off a day of trail riding and wine tasting

House of Better

Start your morning with a wholesome, Southwestern-inspired breakfast at House of Better, located at the playful Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort. Their sunny patio sets the tone for a leisurely day of exploring.

Calistoga Depot Provisions

If you prefer to pack snacks for the trail, stop by the beautifully restored Calistoga Depot. This historic hub now houses Depot Provisions, where you can pick up artisanal bites, fresh pastries, or picnic provisions that make mid-ride breaks all the more enjoyable.

Tank Garage Winery

Before venturing away from Calistoga, consider stopping at Tank Garage Winery. Set in a retro gas station, this unconventional tasting room specializes in one-off blends with edgy labels and plenty of personality. 

Looking for things to do in Calistoga?

Outside of acclaimed wineries, relaxing spas, and worthy restaurants, Calistoga is home to some outstanding attractions and activities. We’re sharing our top things to do when visiting Calistoga. Explore Now

Sterling Vineyards

Once you’re on the trail, don’t miss pedaling over to Sterling Vineyards. Known for its iconic aerial tram ride and sweeping views, the winery has reopened with updated spaces and tasting experiences that make the journey as memorable as the wines themselves.

Frank Family Vineyards

A little further down the trail, Frank Family Vineyards invites you to slow down in its historic stone winery. This family-run estate pairs approachable hospitality with consistently elegant wines.

Destination: St. Helena

Rolling into St. Helena, you’ll feel the pace shift to equal parts refinement and warmth. This town blends Napa Valley history with a modern culinary scene, offering plenty of ways to toast the end of your Vine Trail ride.

Markham Vineyards
Photo courtesy of Markham Vineyards

Markham Vineyards

Once you approach St. Helena, don’t miss Markham Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s pioneering Merlot producers. The historic stone cellar and bold Bordeaux wines make it a destination that blends heritage with lasting appeal.

Violetto

When it’s time to refuel, head to Violetto, a chic Italian-inspired spot at Alila Napa Valley. Whether you linger over lunch on the sun-drenched patio or opt for a well-earned Negroni at the bar, it’s the perfect way to celebrate a day of cycling, sipping, and savoring through Napa Valley.

Where to Stay in St. Helena

If you want to make St. Helena your home base, you’ve got options. From luxurious resorts to boutique properties, St. Helena knows how to make a stay extra special. Get Inspired.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash | Frank Flores

Conclusion

Whether you venture along the Napa Valley Vine Trail by bike, or stick to one general area on foot, the trail offers the perfect balance of outdoor scenery and delicious stops. It’s a reminder that in Napa Valley, the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination.