Adventure in St. Helena!

V. Sattui Winery

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure to the heart of Napa Valley with a visit to the renowned V. Sattui Winery. Located in the picturesque town of St. Helena, this winery offers a blend of rich history, exquisite wines, and stunning landscapes.

Getting There

Start your journey with a scenic drive from San Francisco, approximately 1.5 hours north via the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow the signs to Napa Valley and take CA-29 north directly to St. Helena. As you meander through the rolling vineyards, prepare for an immersive experience.

V. Sattui Winery Experience

Arrive at V. Sattui Winery, a family-owned gem established in 1885, renowned for its commitment to sustainability and exclusive wines not sold in stores. Begin with a guided tour that reveals the intricate process of winemaking, from grape to bottle. The tour offers an in-depth look at the fermentation techniques and the ageing process in oak barrels.

Adventure Activities

After your tour, engage in a robust tasting session featuring a selection of V. Sattui’s award-winning wines. For adventure enthusiasts, complement your wine experience with a hike in the nearby Moore Creek Park, which offers stunning trails and views over the valley. Alternatively, opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for breathtaking aerial views of Napa Valley.

Dining and Relaxation

Post adventure, return to V. Sattui for a gourmet picnic lunch. The winery boasts a delightful Italian-style marketplace with a variety of artisanal foods and wine-friendly snacks. Choose your favorites and enjoy a picnic among the vineyards.

Interesting Fact

V. Sattui takes pride in its sustainable viticulture practices, ensuring every bottle has a story that is environmentally conscious and deeply rooted in the tradition of winemaking.

Finish your day by relaxing on the winery’s lush grounds, wine glass in hand, as the sun sets over the idylic Napa Valley. This adventure combines the thrill of exploration with the finesse of wine tasting, making it a perfect getaway for adventure lovers and wine enthusiasts alike.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Silverado Trail

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour on the Silverado Trail

Embark on a thrilling escapade along the Silver Mountain Trail, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s majestic landscapes. Renowned for its sprawling vineyards, this route offers much more than wine.

Day 1: Biking and Ballooning

Begin your journey in the quaint town of Napa. Rent a bike from Napa Valley Bike Tours and pedal north. The Silverado Trail runs parallel to Highway 29 but is less trafficked, making it perfect for a serene cycle. Your destination: the awe-inspiring views at Rutherford Hill. After a morning ride, take to the skies with Napa Valley Balloons from Yountville, offering breathtaking aerial views of the valley at sunrise.

Day 2: Hiking and History

Drive or cycle up to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, where trails lead to the summit of Mount St. Helena. Stevenson, the famed author, honeymooned here in 1880, and the area inspired several of his writings. The hike is vigorous, about a 10-mile round trip, but the panoramic views of the valley are your well-earned reward.

Day 3: Spa and Spring Waters

No adventure is complete without a rejuvenation day. The trail leads to Calistoga, known for its hot springs. Visit Calistoga Spa Hot Springs to soak in therapeutic mineral waters or opt for a mud bath, a unique Calistoga invention from the 1940s.

Day 4: Kayaking and Culinary Delights

Conclude your adventure with a morning kayak trip down the Russian River, easily accessible from Calistoga. After working up an appetite, enjoy a gourmet picnic from Oakville Grocery, the oldest continually operating grocery store in California, right on the banks of the river.

Getting There & Around

Fly into San Francisco or Oakland and rent a car to drive to Napa. The Silverado Trail stretches approximately 29 miles from Napa to Calistoga, and renting a vehicle offers the flexibility to explore freely.

Pack your spirit of adventure and come explore the Silverado Trail, where every turn brings a new discovery!

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Andretti Winery

Why Visit?

Adventurous Spirits’ Tour to Andretini Winery

Embark on an exhilarating journey to the heart of Napa Valley with a visit to the charming Andretti Winery, a spot inspired by the deep-rooted wine traditions of Italy but infused with the adventurous spirit of its founder, racing legend Mario Andretti.

Getting There

Your adventure begins in San Francisco. Rent a car and drive north on US-101, transitioning onto CA-37 E before taking CA-29 N into Napa Valley - a scenic route that offers mesmerizing vistas of rolling vineyards and lush landscapes. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours, a perfect short road trip filled with picturesque opportunities.

The Winery Experience

Arrive at Andretti Winery, located just off the Silverado Trail. The villa-style estate, reminiscent of a traditional Tuscan farmstead, invites you in with its rustic charm. Start your visit with a guided ATV vineyard tour, exploring the rugged terrain that shapes the unique character of Andretti wines. Feel the thrill of the ride and the crisp valley air against your face, an apt tribute to Mario Andretti"s own racing adventures.

Wine Tasting & More

After your tour, indulge in a personalized wine tasting session under the expert guidance of the estate’s sommelier. Discover the robust flavors of their signature Cabernet Sauvignon and the delicate notes of their Montona Super Tuscan Series, each sip telling a story of meticulous cultivation and bold adventures.

Engage and Learn

Wrap up your visit with a hands-on blending workshop where you can create your own wine mix, learning about varietals and their interactions - a perfect blend of science and art.

Departure

As the sun sets over the vineyards, drive back to San Francisco, enriched by the spirit of adventure and the taste of exquisite wines, carrying memories of a day well spent at the spirited Andretti Winery.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Beringer

Why Visit?

Adventure seekers, get ready for a thrilling journey to the heart of Napa Valley with a visit to the historic Beringer Vineyards, one of the oldest continuously operating wineries in California. Founded in 1876, Beringer is not just a winery; it"s an exploration of tradition, taste, and the rugged beauty of its surroundings.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start your adventure by flying into San Francisco International Airport and rent a car for a scenic 1.5-hour drive to St. Helena, California. Check into a local cottage or bed and breakfast, then head to Beringer Vineyards for your first taste of adventure. Upon arrival, marvel at the iconic Rhine House with its intricate architecture, a perfect backdrop for your first Instagram story of the trip.

Day 2: The Beringer Tour

Rise early and gear up for a "Taste of Beringer Tour". Enjoy a walk through the lush, expansive estate, and learn about the winery"s foundation while your guide shares tales of the Beringer family"s pioneering spirit. Explore the extensive tunnels carved by Chinese laborers in the 1870s, a testament to the tenacity needed to establish wine in this region.

Day 3: Outdoor Activities

After exploring the historical aspects of Beringer, take advantage of the surrounding nature. Opt for a bike tour along the vineyard paths or perhaps a hot air balloon ride at dawn for breathtaking views over Napa Valley. For lunch, enjoy a picnic on the beautifully manicured grounds of Beringer, with a selection of their finest wines.

Day 4: Culinary Delights and Departure

Conclude your trip with a hands-on cooking class offered by Beringer, where you can learn to pair wines with locally sourced food, embraced by the rustic charm of the estate. After a leisurely morning, make your way back to San Francisco, reflecting on a journey that perfectly blends adrenaline with the serene beauty of wine country.

Remember, Beringer isn"t just a stop; it’s where culture, adventure, and nature sip wine together under the Californian sun.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling adventure to the Old Faithful Geyser of California, one of the few predictable geysers in the world. This natural wonder, located in the scenic Napa Valley, near Calistoga, promises a dynamic spectacle that captures the raw beauty of geothermal activity.

Getting There

Nestled in the heart of wine country, about 75 miles north of San Francisco, the geyser is easily accessible by car. From San Francisco, take US-101 N toward Santa Rosa, then merge onto CA-128 W, following signs for Calistoga. The journey offers a picturesque route through rolling vineyards and lush landscapes, making every mile an anticipation of the adventure ahead.

At the Geyser

Upon arrival, prepare to witness the magnificent eruption of steam and scalding water that shoots up at regular intervals—typically every 15 to 30 minutes. These eruptions are a stunning display of Earth"s inner powers, rising up to 60 feet in the air. The geyser"s activity is influenced by seismic activity and can serve as a natural indicator of potential earthquakes, adding an element of mystique to its allure.

Activities

Beyond the geyser, the site offers more than just eruptions. Visit the geothermal bocce ball court for a unique game experience. The area is also home to a petting zoo, featuring Tennessee Fainting Goats, Jacob’s Four-Horn Sheep, and Guard Llamas, offering a fun diversion for animal lovers.

Educational Experience

Don"t miss the educational exhibits that explain the geothermal dynamics of the geyser. The displays provide insights into how geysers work and their role in the local ecosystem, making your visit not only thrilling but also informative.

Planning Your Visit

The geyser is open year-round, with varying operational hours depending to the season. Check the official website for the latest information and to plan your visit around the peak eruption times for the best experience.

End your day with a leisurely picnic in the designated areas, reflecting on the spectacular natural performances and the serene beauty of Napa Valley.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.