Napa Wines Road Trip Itinerary
Experience the best of California wine country on the Napa Wines Road Trip! This 3-day journey starts in the city of Napa and ends in the city of Mendocino, covering a distance of ca. 273km. The best time of the year to drive this route is during the spring and summer months when the vineyards are in full bloom.
The route passes through the towns of Sonoma, Calistoga, and Cloverdale, each offering its own unique attractions. In Sonoma, take the time to explore the historic Sonoma Plaza and the surrounding wineries. Calistoga is a great place to relax and soak in the natural hot springs. And in Cloverdale, you can explore the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds and the neighboring vineyards.
The roads along the route are in good condition, offering spectacular views of the rolling hills and vineyards that make up the region. Drivers of all skill levels can enjoy the Napa Wines Road Trip, as it provides an amazing experience and unforgettable memories. However, it is important to note that this road trip does require a higher budget.
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number of days
273 km
route length
high
budget
tourist
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
START
Napa
Distance 273 km
Driving time 4.5 h
Pace: modest
71.0 kWh
Airports
SFO
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Napa, United States is a perfect starting point for the Napa Wines Road Trip. Located in the heart of wine country, Napa boasts a wide variety of attractions, from wineries and tasting rooms to hiking trails and hot springs. With its picturesque vineyards, rolling hills and charming downtown, Napa is a must-visit destination for wine lovers.
For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport is San Francisco International Airport (SFO). From there, car rentals are available for those wishing to explore Napa Valley.
Once in Napa, visitors can sample the region’s renowned wines at a variety of wineries and tasting rooms, explore the trails of the Napa Valley State Park, and soak in the hot springs at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, which travels from Napa to St. Helena, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the valley while sipping wine.
Napa is also home to a vibrant downtown area, with a wide array of restaurants, shops, galleries, and theaters. A visit to the Oxbow Public Market, a lively indoor market featuring local specialties and artisanal products, is a must.
No matter how you decide to explore Napa, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. So start your Napa Wines Road Trip here and embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of wine country.
1
Napa
- Sonoma
Distance 21 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: modest
5.5 kWh
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Itinerary
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Ready to take a road trip from Napa to Sonoma? This 13 mile journey will take you fewer than an hour to complete, and you'll get to experience some of the most unique historical sites in the region.
Start off in Napa and be sure to check out the Napa Valley Wine Train, a vintage train offering a luxurious experience, as well as the Napa Valley Opera House, a premier performing arts venue. Then, make your way to Sonoma and explore the historic Sonoma Plaza, the city's main square. Don't forget to visit the Mission San Francisco Solano, the northernmost of the California missions.
As you make your way between Napa and Sonoma, you'll be surrounded by gorgeous vineyards and rolling hills. Be sure to take in the scenery and snap a few photos! For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.
Sonoma - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Sonoma
- Oakville
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
8.4 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Get ready for an amazing journey from Sonoma to Oakville. This 20mi stage takes less than an hour to complete, and it is part of a larger tour.
In Sonoma, you can visit the mission San Francisco Solano, the last of the 21 California Missions, and the Sonoma Plaza, the heart of the city. The Plaza is surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and shops.
Continue your journey to Oakville and explore its historical downtown. Visit the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate, the former home of the Chisolm family, and the Oakville Galleries, which feature contemporary art exhibitions.
If you want to explore more, you can also visit the Bronte Creek Provincial Park, where you can find trails, a playground, and a farm.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Oakville - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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3
Oakville
- Calistoga
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.7 h
Pace: modest
8.1 kWh
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Welcome to the Oakville to Calistoga road trip stage! This scenic 19mi drive will take you less than an hour to complete and is one of the stages of an amazing road trip.
Start your journey in Oakville and make a stop at the beautiful Oakville Grade, a historical site with stunning views of the Napa Valley. Then, drive to the Oakville Grocery, a charming store where you can pick up some local specialties before continuing your adventure.
The next stop is at the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, a great place for a short hike and to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mount St. Helena. After that, you can visit the historic Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, a working mill from the mid-19th century.
Continue your journey to Calistoga and make a stop at the Sharpsteen Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the history of the area. Then, take some time to explore the Petrified Forest, where you can see fossilized trees that are millions of years old.
Finally, end your journey in Calistoga, where you can visit the world-famous Old Faithful Geyser of California. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Calistoga - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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4
Calistoga
- Santa Rosa
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
7.6 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! Are you ready for the Calistoga to Santa Rosa stage of your tour? This 18mi journey will take you less than an hour to complete.
Starting in Calistoga, you can visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California, the Calistoga Hot Springs, and the Sharpsteen Museum. The Old Faithful Geyser of California is a unique geothermal feature, while the Calistoga Hot Springs is a great spot to relax and enjoy the natural hot springs. The Sharpsteen Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of Calistoga and the Napa Valley.
Continuing your journey, you will arrive in Santa Rosa. Here you can explore the Charles M. Schulz Museum, the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens, and the Sonoma County Museum. The Charles M. Schulz Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous cartoonist, while the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is a great place to learn about the famous horticulturist. The Sonoma County Museum offers a great selection of exhibits on the history of the local area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey and have a great time!
Santa Rosa - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Santa Rosa - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Santa Rosa
- Cloverdale
Distance 49 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
14.6 kWh
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Itinerary
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Are you ready for a 30mi road trip from Santa Rosa to Cloverdale? This stage of your journey will take you less than an hour, and there are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way.
In Santa Rosa, take some time to explore the Luther Burbank Home and Gardens. This historic home and park is a great place to learn about the work of Luther Burbank, a horticulturalist and botanist who developed more than 800 varieties of plants.
As you drive to Cloverdale, make sure to stop at the Russian River Brewing Company. This award-winning brewery offers a variety of delicious craft beers, and the tasting room is a great place to relax and enjoy a cold one.
In Cloverdale, take a stroll through the Cloverdale Historical Museum. This museum is a great place to learn about the history of Cloverdale, as well as the surrounding area.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along this route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Cloverdale - United States - North America - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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6
Cloverdale
- Mendocino
Distance 110 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: fast
33.1 kWh
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Welcome to the beautiful road trip stage from Cloverdale to Mendocino! This 68mi drive will take you less than 2 hours and will provide you with a wonderful opportunity to explore the historical gems of Northern California.
Start your journey in Cloverdale and make sure to visit the Cloverdale Historical Society Museum, where you can learn about the rich history of the town. As you drive along the stunning winding roads, you will pass through the small towns of Geyserville and Healdsburg and be able to admire the stunning views of the vineyards.
Continue your journey to Mendocino, a quaint town with a rich history. Make sure to visit the Kelley House Museum and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens to learn more about the area. Don't forget to take a stroll along the Mendocino Headlands State Park, a stunning coastal park with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your trip!
Mendocino - United States - North America - Road Trip - Wikipedia
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Mendocino
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Mendocino, United States, is a scenic town located along the Pacific coastline in northern California. It is the perfect destination to end your Napa Wines Road Trip and explore the beauty of nature. The main street of Mendocino is lined with charming houses and galleries, and you can find many unique shops and restaurants.
One of the best places to visit in Mendocino is the Mendocino Headlands State Park. This park is located on a rugged stretch of the California coastline and features a number of trails and views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also explore the nearby Mendocino National Forest, an area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered California red-legged frog.
In Mendocino, you can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, and whale watching. For those who are looking for a more leisurely experience, there are plenty of beaches to explore. You can take a stroll along the beaches, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the coastline.
For those who are traveling by air, the closest international airport is the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) located approximately 90 miles away.
Mendocino is a wonderful destination to end your Napa Wines Road Trip and explore the natural beauty of northern California. With stunning views of the coastline, plenty of outdoor activities, and unique shops and restaurants, Mendocino is sure to be an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Napa Wines Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Napa
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End:
Mendocino
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Distance:
273 km
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Stay:
3 days
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Getting there:
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
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When to drive:
January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on the Napa Valley Wine Road Trip, an enchanting 3-day excursion that begins in the world-famous wine city of Napa and culminates in the coastal serenity of Mendocino. Covering roughly 273 kilometers (170 miles), this picturesque journey takes you through the heart of California's celebrated wine country, with its verdant vineyards and quaint towns that have long attracted oenophiles and travelers alike.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Napa: Start your adventure in the epicenter of wine excellence, home to some of the finest wineries in the world and a vibrant culinary scene.
- Sonoma: Wander the historic Sonoma Plaza, explore its rich past, and visit the surrounding wineries, each offering a unique blend of tradition and taste.
- Calistoga: Indulge in self-care at the natural hot springs and mud baths, a hallmark of the region's spa offerings.
- Cloverdale: Discover the rural charm with a stop at the Cloverdale Citrus Fairgrounds and savor the local wines that reflect the unique terroir of northern Sonoma County.
Best Time to Go:
To experience the region in full bloom and enjoy the temperate Mediterranean climate, plan your Trip during the spring or summer months. This period allows for the best views of the lush vineyards and an opportunity to participate in outdoor wine-tasting events.
Potential Risks:
While the Roads in this region are well-maintained, be mindful of the temptation to sample wines. Always have a designated driver or arrange alternate transportation to ensure a safe and enjoyable Trip. Also, be prepared for a Trip that may be on the pricier side, given the luxurious offerings of the region.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- The Napa to Mendocino route traverses the Mayacamas Mountains, providing stunning vistas of the valleys below.
- The area is not only famous for its wines but also for pioneering sustainable viticulture practices.
- Along the way, drivers will find numerous opportunities to learn about the winemaking process and the history of the region, which dates back to the 19th century.
- The Trip provides a chance to taste some of the most acclaimed varietals, including Napa's signature Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, as well as the Pinot Noirs and Zinfandels of Sonoma and Mendocino.
A good choice for:
The Napa Valley Wine Road Trip is an unparalleled experience that blends the opulence of California's premier wineries with the natural splendor and tranquility of wine country. It's a sophisticated and indulgent retreat perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the luxurious lifestyle of one of the world's most famous viticultural regions.
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