Napa welcomes around 3.5 million visitors each year.  Surprisingly, most of these are day trippers, with only around 35% staying overnight.  Hopefully everyone had the forethought to catch an Uber to their final destination (safety first!)

Wine is aged in a labyrinth of underground caves throughout Napa.  Not only do these caves offer the benefit of storage in limited space, but their naturally high humidity and low temperatures are ideal for the wine’s aging process.

Far Niente was the first winery we visited in Napa.  If you’re a big fan of chardonnays, then do yourself a favor and check out their 2014 bottle.  Beyond amazing!

Meaning “Without A Care,” Far Niente truly didn’t have a care in the world until the onset of Prohibition in 1919, when it was abandon and fell into ruin.  Finally in 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and began a three year restoration project to bring the beautiful estate back to its former glory.  Today, it is one of the most beautiful vineyards in Napa.

Hello, little ones!  Early in the season, grapes appear in tiny clusters throughout the vines.  Roses are planted nearby in order to keep pests away (since they attract insects that prey on vine pests.)  In addition, roses are highly suseptible to the same fungal diseases as vines, so they act as an early warning sign to vineyard managers.  So next time you see roses planted at the ends of grape rows, you’ll know they’re not just a pretty face.

Napa Mill offers a variety of shops and restaurants along the riverwalk, as well as the Napa Visitors Center.  If you want some souvenirs, check out the Napa General Store for a wide selection!

I just love this fountain outside Napa Mill!  Alan Shepp’s mosaic fountain captures the history of Napa Valley, including the rise of agriculture and farming.  Also included are local tragedies, such as the death of the Nappa tribe of Wintun Indians due to smallpox and harassment.  In addition, it also includes a depiction of Napa’s Chinatown burning and the KKK’s aggression towards Afrian Americans at the time.  The colorful mosaic tiles bring to light a dark history that would otherwise be buried in history books.

After a long day of wine tasting you can work up quite an appetite!  Stop by Celadon for a delicious mix of eclectic comfort food.

Wine has been aged in oak barrels since the Roman Empire, because it was much easier to shape than palm wood and easier to transport than the clay amphoraes.  As long as it ain’t broke why fix it, right???

Founded in 1876, Beringer Winery is the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley.   Uniquely beautiful is the Rhine House (shown here), which mimics the Beringer family’s German home at Mainz on the Rhine.

The Visitors Center along the Napa Riverwalk is a great place to find information about Napa’s many wineries, as well as souvenirs.

So many wineries, so little time!  What are some of your favorites?!?

With picture perfect boulevards and lush green vineyards everywhere you look, Napa is just as beautiful as you imagine it is.  Because of its popularity, it’s best to book your wine tastings ahead of time (since they can fill up fast!)

I still have dreams about the breakfast I enjoyed at Grace’s Table near Napa Mill.  Easily the best breakfast I’ve ever had in my entire life!  If you find yourself in Napa, make sure not to miss it!

Just a couple girls, a dirt road, and miles of grape vines.  If you’re thinking this looks like a little slice of heaven, you’d be right.