Highway 29 is definitely the most legendary road, and the one most frequently traveled by visitors. It has excellent access to many famous wineries, and for much of the route, parallels the Wine Train route. The road can certainly get congested on weekends, and slows considerably when passing through Napa and St. Helena. Most people only take 29 up to Calistoga, although it continues up to exceedingly beautiful Clear Lake.I think there are several other stunning routes in wine country. Here are some recommendations to help you beat the traffic. Note: with $5 gas well on the way, you may want to pick up a hybrid!
Silverado Trail. This road runs parallel to Hwy 29, so it's a better option if you're traveling the route between Napa and St. Helena. There's less traffic here, and the views are just as sweeping. There are also a couple of major wineries along this road, including Clos du Val, Stags Leap, Mumm (sparkling) and Clos Pegase (a perennial favorite). I've found that driving just under the speed limit on Cruise Control gives the perfect balance between covering ground and taking in the scenery. Silverado Trail does skip Yountville, however, so you'll need to take a left at Yountville Cross Rd. in time to make your reservation at French Laundry.
Dry Creek Rd. Take a look at the map below. Starting from historic and bustling Healdsburg, this road winds north through the beautiful Dry Creek Valley. The wineries here, famous for their Zinfandel, are as picturesque as any other. This route is a bit of the beaten path, and you're more likely to meet locals in the tasting rooms. You can take Dry Creek Rd. north out of Healdsburg, then make a right on Canyon Rd., go under the highway, and take another beautiful drive, Highway 128 to Calistoga. There are plenty of great wineries along the way.
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Chalk Hill Road. This is definitely one that most people miss. There are a bunch of wonderful wineries on this windy road--they're all quite small and generally require you to call ahead for an appointment (free tasting with Visa Signature card). This is also an excellent connecting road between Highway 101 and Highway 128. Don't expect it to be a quick trip, though.
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2 comments:
how about biking rather than driving? Now here is an idea for $5 gas ! And better for the environment too.
fair point, i'll have to blog about some of the best cycling routes. that topic has been pretty much covered on other sites however. Here is one I like: http://www.srcc.com/10_rides.html
Thanks for reading!
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