Napa Valley, California - Golden Gate Tours

Napa Valley

Situated on the northern side of the renowned San Francisco Bay Area, Napa County is America’s answer to all things invigorating. The weather is always partial to this land. No matter where you go, you will find warm sunshine accompanying you, lighting up everything, and bringing out the best of colors!

Flanked by breath-taking mountain ranges as far as your vision goes, Napa Valley is blessed with an exciting history.Marbled with warmth, mystique, and allure, Napa entrances you with its many layers. On the northern side, lies the Mount Saint Helena and the mighty Mayacamas Mountains which have one of the tallest peaks in the area. The county alsoincludes the famous Hood Mountain which never ceases to inspire awe and wonder in the beholders. Napa Valley takes a commanding position in the country’s colonial history. It was one of the earliest counties of the country that was developed way back in the 1850s.

The region is full of rolling mountains, flowery meadows, and rippling waterfalls. It also houses a variety of state parks and valleys. The best way to kick start your journey into this land of delight is by taking the Napa Valley Wine Train. Winding through the dusty roads and green fields, it presents Napa at its natural best. You can also take an air balloon ride torevel in the Valley’s aerial views.You can also peddle your way across the valley to catch a magnificent view of the grounds.Sight-seeing in Napa Valley enables you to take a dive into the very heart of nature. National protected areas, rivers, creeks, and reservoirs generously lend their presence to the place. While you’re busy heaving with nature, you can swirl in the intoxicating sips of the most exquisite red grapes. Here, at Napa, you can forget everything else and go wherever your feet point to.

Napa County is a shrine for all those whoconsider wine as the elixir of life.The county is awash with over 300 wineriesand is America’s own little wine capital. The most coveted wine here is the world-famous Cabernet Sauvignon. The important wine producers of the area include Colgin Cellars, Jericho Canyon Vineyards, Dominus Estate, and Steltzner Vineyards to name a few. Napa Valley’s sprawling vineyards full of voluptuous grapes are sure to intoxicate your vision. When it comes to the sweet nectar, few other counties in California can come even close to its magnificence.

The Snell Valley and Missimer Wildflower Preserve are two of the star attractions for anyone who loves nature. Here, you can spot a variety of breath-taking flora and fauna. If you are lucky you may even have a glimpse of the exotic and endangered species. The San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge enables you to serenely parade its wildlife habitat.You can cruise along the Napa River and gaze at the sun setting the water aflame.The County’s few of the many reservoirs to visit are East Napa Reservoir, East Side Reservoir, and Fiege Reservoir. Hiking enthusiasts have the perfect avenue for enjoying their favorite sport at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Silverado Trail. The scenery is lush green, peppered with a magical assortment of flora.

Napa Valley cradles a host of art getaways.You can explore the Napa Valley Museum or enjoy the musical strains in the evening at the Napa Valley Opera House or Napa Valley Symphony Concert. The county is also home to The Hess Collection, a one of a kind wine gallery. If you wish to explorethe age-old art of wine-making, you can take a quick course at Seguin-Moreau Napa Cooperage. Napa Valley offers many challenging golf courses for golf enthusiasts.You can choose from Eagle Vines Golf Club, Mt. St. Helena Golf Course, or Napa Valley Country Club to name the best few.

The county of Napa includes towns like Calistoga, Napa, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Yountville. These draw tourists in large numbers throughout the year. Each city has its own charm and evokes a myriad of special sentiments. Calistoga has the allure of a small old town where life goes by at its own leisurely pace. Situated at the northern end of the county, the town has a very interesting story to tell. Originally named Saratoga, its name switched to Calistoga, whenafter a bout of heavy drinking, one of the very prominent men from the region called it ‘Calistoga of Sarafornia’. Calistoga is full of spring spas, fun shopping avenues, vineyards and a scenic view of the countryside.Self-proclaimed as the ‘Spa Capital of northern California’, your time here will be best enjoyed when you let yourself soak in the hot springs and mud bath spas. You can take an evening stroll in the Lincoln Avenue and shop at it many stores. Book stores and art galleries are found in great numbers here. You can tour the thrilling Safari West with its 400-acre preserve. If you’re here in the month of March, you wouldn’t want to miss its much-awaited Jazz festival. At Calistoga, you will come across the popular geothermal geyser called the “Old Faithful of California”. The magnificent sight of the geyser starts with bamboo grass that curtains the shallow pond, slowly giving way to the bubbling hot water ahead.Watching gallons of effervescent hot water springing upwards in the cocoon of mountains is nothing short of being in wonderland.

Another city to visit is theCounty Seat Napa. The heart of the county, Napa is a wonderful town for enjoying your holidays. The town’s vibrant nightlife, amusement,and nature parks provide for the perfect recreation. Kids and adults alike can have a fascinating experience at the Scientopia Discovery Centre of the town. Then, there is the unincorporated land of Oakville. The place is known for its position in American history as a water stop for steam trains back in the 1860s. This picturesque town got its name from the intense coppice of oak that is found everywhere here. The place has a lot of wineries where you can spend some pleasant time with your loved one. You can also walk through the vineyards and sink into their enticing world. The town of Rutherford is a small, sleepy town in the valley. It is famous for its wineries and wine bars. You can explore places like Alpha Omega Winery, Beaulieu Vineyard, Frog’s Leap Winery, Grgich Hills Cellar, Home Winemakers Classic and Niebaum-Coppola Winery. If you’re in the mood to shop, you can stop at Napa Valley Grapevine Wreath Company and shuffle through some really interesting things.

The romantic old-style town of St. Helena is heralded as the ‘heart’ of the valley. The place where romance sizzles and love grows, St. Helena has an invigorating beauty and charm of its own. The town enjoys an enchanting backdrop of the mountains and lush green vineyards.It is a thriving center for art, culture, fine dining and wine tasting. So, don your favorite outfit, put your best foot forward and step out to have the time of your life. You can relish the choicest of wines from the local wineries. The Flora Springs Winery is one of the city’s best wineries to visit. The downtown market area bursts with a multitude of stores for an exciting shopping spree.You can go to the city’s health and wellness spas to have a rejuvenating time. If you’re looking for some adventure and wildlife observation, you can meander through the city’s thrilling and winding trails.

If not the first, the capital town of Yountville must definitely be your last spot to visit. It is an American Viticultural Area and has the honor of being the first town where a vineyard was established. Alluring in its appearance, the city entices you with establishments like the Lincoln Theatre, Thomas Keller’s French Laundry restaurant, and Domaine Chandon winery. You can dine at the ultra-sophisticated French restaurant that comes in the list of 50 best restaurants in the world. The town’s five-star dining includeslip-smacking dishes conjured by world-class chefs, with ingredients flown in from allover the world. The town alsoincludes the famous Ad Hoc that dishes out some of the most scrumptious dishes in the county. Art lovers can have a wonderful time at the Lincoln Theatre which is packed with truly enthralling performances.