Frequently asked questions about Napa Valley

How far away is Napa from a) San Francisco? (about 50 miles) approx. 1:15 driving to Napa b) San Jose? (about 90 miles) approx. 1:30 driving to Napa c) Sacramento? (about 60 miles) approx. 1:00 driving to Napa Please note if you are coming in on a Friday afternoon, add 1:00 hour to your drive time for traffic.

We are coming for the day to go wine tasting, what should be bring? Water, Tylenol, snacks. Pace yourselves.

What times are the wineries open for wine tastings? Most are open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 5 pm on average.  They all have their nuances and may have specials events.  About 50% of all the wineries require an appointment, some of which will take your "appointment" when you walk in.

How many wineries can we visit and taste at in one day? For two people you can easily visit and taste at up to 5 while still having a good time and picking up lunch at a deli rather than a sit down restaurant; however if you go on a full tour (90 minutes or so) it would be reduced to 4.

How should we navigate Napa Valley? South to North.  Napa Valley works like a ladder with crossroads as the rungs.  The long sections are Highway 29 and on the East side, Silverado Trail.  Napa is the largest, most "city-fied"; Oakville is literally a train stop; Rutherford is an intersection at Rubicon Estate, Rutherford Grill, Elizabeth Spencer Wines and St. Helena Olive Oil Co.; St. Helena is a darling town as is Yountville; Calistoga is cute and small too with lots of great shops and things to see and do including mineral baths, hot springs etc. Calistoga is about 45 minutes North of Napa to give you a guess.