What is the Napa Valley Vine Trail?

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What is the Napa Valley Vine Trail?

By freelance October 3, 2016

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 parallel to Highway 29. Phase 1 of the Vine Trail, open now, covers Napa to Yountville with plans for future segments both north and south.

The Napa Vine Trail connects communities and showcases the best of Napa Valley’s natural beauty, culture, and world-class wineries, like Beaulieu Vineyard and HALL Wines. However, there’s much more than wineries: as you explore the Vine Trail, you can stop at popular spots like V Marketplace or The Kitchen at Priest Ranch in Yountville for a bite, or Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company in Napa for a caffeine boost. Further north, Calistoga Bikeshop is a great pit stop for repairs or upgrades. Of course, you’ll also find plenty of boutiques, galleries, and museums to explore along the way. 

Is it easy to walk or bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail?

The easy gradients throughout the trail allow most visitors to walk or bike. Combine wine with the great outdoors—the Napa Valley Vine Trail is a delightful and unique outdoor activity for individuals, groups, and families alike. Explore the trail and stop at nearby wineries, admire vineyard views, or enjoy a picnic in a trailside park. Simply put: The Vine Trail in Napa offers a fun and unique way to explore Wine Country, providing recreation, relaxation, and discovery opportunities for all ages.

If you’re interested in experiencing all the Vine Trail has to offer, we’ve collected a handful of interesting stops that are all just off the path. Strap on your helmet or lace up your jogging shoes to start your journey:

Outdoor Art Meets Adventure

Rail Arts District (RAD), open-air gallery showcases vibrant murals and sculptures
Photo Courtesy of Rail Arts District (RAD)

Rail Arts District (RAD)

The Rail Arts District (RAD) in downtown Napa transforms a one-mile stretch of the Napa Valley Vine Trail into an open-air gallery few can resist. This unique public art corridor, situated alongside the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks, showcases vibrant murals and sculptures by both local and international artists. The Rail Arts District in Napa is the perfect cultural detour for cyclists and walkers exploring the Vine Trail. Expect ever-changing installations, bold pigments and textures, and thought-provoking messages.

Insider Tip: Start your trail adventure here in downtown Napa. RAD is best explored early in the day before crowds arrive for photos.

Visit: 816 Vallejo Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 501-5355

Urban Winery Delights

Arch & Tower

Situated along the Napa River, Arch & Tower is one of downtown Napa’s newest tasting rooms. Within the sleek, industrial-meets-elegant space, you can sample acclaimed wines from Robert Mondavi through a variety of delightful tasting experiences. The 90-minute Lunch Experience is a particularly great way to fuel up on delicious wine and seasonal fare before a long ride.

Insider Tip: Request one of the outdoor tables or a spot by the windows if you’d like to enjoy views of the river while you sip.

Visit: 930 3rd Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (888) 766-6328

St. Clair Brown Winery

The St. Clair Brown Winery and Brewery, located on Vallejo Street in Napa’s Rail Arts District, is a boutique urban winery specializing in small-batch wines. They produce approximately 200 cases of each wine, with each bottle handcrafted, ensuring exceptional quality. Grab a table in the gorgeous garden eatery, a greenhouse oasis filled with local plants, and savor flavorful small plates paired with some of St. Clair Brown’s delicious wines.

Insider Tip: If you have a sweet tooth, try the pistachio citrus chocolate bark for a satisfying pairing with your glass of red.

Visit: 816 Vallejo Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 255-5591

Must-Visit Culinary Collective

Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Oxbow Public Market
Hog Island Oyster Co. at the Oxbow Public Market, Courtesy of Hog Island Oyster Co.

Oxbow Public Market

A must-stop for culinary lovers exploring the Napa Valley Vine Trail, Oxbow Public Market, at 1st Street in Napa, California, is a bustling indoor marketplace delivering a diverse range of offerings, from local wine and craft beer to oysters, wood-fired pizzas, and artisanal cheeses. Conveniently located in downtown Napa, the market features dozens of local vendors, making it an ideal spot for shopping, dining, or simply passing the time. Enjoy lunch in Downtown Napa during a trail break and take advantage of indoor or outdoor seating and stunning riverfront views. Oxbow is a great place to sample Wine Country flavors in one convenient location.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss a visit to the Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant to grab a flight or glass of Napa Valley wine and pair it with a curated cheese board for a relaxing post-ride treat. It’s sure to be a gouda time!

Visit: 610 1st Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 226-6529

Caffeine Kick for the Trail

Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company

Just steps from the Vine Trail in downtown Napa, Napa Valley Coffee Roasting Company is the go-to spot for a quality cup of joe before hitting the trail. Locally owned and roasting their own beans since 1985, this cozy and popular Napa café serves up expertly brewed espresso, drip coffee, and pastries. The shop is filled with local flavor and charm, featuring community art, vintage roasting equipment, and friendly baristas who are knowledgeable about their beans. It’s a great spot for early morning cyclists or anyone looking to fuel up before a day of wine tasting and exploring.

Insider Tip: Try the “Snuggler” for a decadent cocoa flavor made with San-Francisco-based Ghirardelli chocolate. Or the “911,” an intense espresso drink that locals swear by—and if you’re biking, grab a cold brew to go!

Visit: 710 Main Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 224-2233

Modern Art in the Vines

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art museum in Napa

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Tucked into the scenic Carneros region just a short detour from the trail, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art harbors one of Northern California’s most compelling modern art collections. Wander through galleries, enjoy sculpture gardens and outdoor installations set on a former vineyard estate. This peaceful and creative space brings art and nature together in inspiring ways.

Insider Tip: Many of the outdoor sculptures at the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art in Napa are positioned against panoramic vineyard backdrops, making them perfect for mid-trail photo ops.

Visit: 5200 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 224-2233

Farmhouse Flavors, Family Vibes

The Boon Fly Café at Carneros Resort and Spa in Napa, CA
Photo courtesy of Carneros Resort and Spa

Boon Fly Café

Located near the southern end of the Vine Trail, Boon Fly Café is a roadside staple known for its fresh, modern take on rustic American fare. Housed in a cheerful red barn on the Carneros Resort property, this café serves up comfort food classics like green eggs and ham, fried chicken sandwiches, and their legendary mini donuts. It’s a delicious and family-friendly pit stop that will no doubt fuel your next Napa Vine Trail stops.

Insider Tip: A local and visitor favorite, it’s a good idea to arrive early for brunch. Especially because Boon Fly’s donuts are made fresh daily and sell out fast!

Visit: 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 224-2233

Sparkling Wine With Château Views

Domaine Carneros
Photo Courtesy of Domaine Carneros

Domaine Carneros

Considered one of the best sparkling wine houses in Napa Valley, the Domaine Carneros winery in Napa is a must-visit. A French-style château with Napa Valley flair, Domaine Carneros is one of the region’s most iconic sparkling wine houses. Perched just east of the Vine Trail, this lavish winery has elegant terrace tastings with panoramic views of the stunning vineyard. Enjoy méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines or explore their silky Pinot Noir offerings, all served in a setting fit for royalty.

Insider Tip: Book a “Bubbles & Bites” experience in advance—it often includes limited-edition wines and local fare not on the standard menu.

Visit: 1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 257-0101

Historic Market Picnic Stop

Oakville Grocery in Napa Valley, CA, Best place for a sandwich winner
Best spot for a sandwich in Napa Valley, Oakville Grocery

Oakville Grocery

Established in 1881, Oakville Grocery in Napa Valley is a revered establishment that serves as an ideal spot for picking up picnic provisions during your Napa Valley Vine Trail journey. The Oakville and Rutherford region offers a variety of culinary activities for residents and visitors to indulge in, and a stop at this iconic store is definitely on the list! This gourmet market stocks artisan sandwiches, local cheeses, fresh produce, and grab-and-go Napa wines. Sit outside on their shaded patio or take your lunch to go for a trailside picnic with a vineyard view.

Insider Tip: Pick up their popular prosciutto and brie baguette sandwich and a bottle of chilled rosé—it’s a crowd-pleasing trail lunch combo.

Visit: 7856 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA 94562
Contact: (707) 944-8802

Art, Architecture & Bold Reds

HALL Wines

By far one of the best wineries for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, HALL Wines in Napa’s St. Helena region is a striking finale (or kickoff) to any Vine Trail itinerary. While technically north of the current completed trail segment, it’s well worth the journey for those exploring future extensions. Known for unmatched innovation, hospitality, and captivating contemporary art, in addition to being a near-the-Napa-Valley-Vine-Trail-winery favorite, HALL is a one-of-a-kind stop for everyone. The LEED Gold-certified estate features curated tasting experiences, immersive art installations, and luxurious lounges overlooking the gorgeous grounds.

Insider Tip: Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are also welcome. If you have a group of 7 or more, contact HALL for availability and options.

Visit: 401 St. Helena Highway S, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-2626

Trailside Bike Repairs & Rentals

biking through the vineyards, rentals available from Calistoga Bikeshop
Photo Courtesy of Calistoga Bike Shop

Calistoga Bikeshop

There are more than just Napa Valley Vine Trail wineries and restaurants to explore. If you plan to bike the Napa Valley Vine Trail, Calistoga Bikeshop is your go-to for high-quality bike rentals, gear, and quick repairs for cyclists passing through the northern end of the Vine Trail. Whether you need a tune-up or looking to upgrade to an e-bike for your Wine Country bicycle rides, expect friendly staff who are happy to help get you rolling again. They also offer recommendations and guided bike tours for those seeking a curated route.

Insider Tip: Ask the staff for scenic backroads and winery routes on or near the trail, and they’ll tailor recommendations to your preferences.

Visit: 1318 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 967-2626

Explore the Napa Valley Vine Trail in Your Own Way

For those exploring beyond the main highlights, the Louis M. Martini Winery in St. Helena offers iconic Cabernet tastings in a refined setting. The V Marketplace in Yountville is a uniquely artistic shopping space housed in a historic building. Laird Family Estate, just off the Oak Knoll section, rewards detours with sweeping views and stellar wines.

No matter where you choose to go, you won’t want to skip traversing Napa Valley’s heart with a 47-mile journey that’s as satisfying for walkers and cyclists as the stops along the way. Or, join a wine tasting tour for an extra relaxing and fun trek. The current open segment runs from Napa to Yountville, with plans to connect the entire valley, incorporating more soon-to-be Napa Valley Vine Trail wineries.

The paved, multi-use trail offers vineyard views, Napa’s top picnic spots, public art, and gentle gradients, making it ideal for families, casual cyclists, and walkers. You will find trail access and parking in Napa (Kennedy Park and downtown lots) and Yountville near the community center.

Wine, Views & Car-Free Adventure

Bike Napa Valley Vine Trail is a perennial way to experience some of the best Napa wineries, restaurants, and historical sites in Napa Valley. As you ride down this picturesque trail, take advantage of all of the great local sites and breathe in the Wine Country air. That’s because this bike-friendly trail connects you to Napa’s most revered wineries, shops, and cafés. Not to mention the views along the way!

Napa’s Vine Trail is one of the best ways to enjoy wine tasting without driving, and upcoming extensions toward Calistoga will bring even more scenic and sip-worthy stops. Hiking in Napa can be equally rewarding when you’re indulging along the way, especially on this trail. Don’t miss seasonal and annual events throughout Napa Valley, and be sure to review the Napa Valley Vine Trail map for restrooms, bike racks, and local tips.