This is one of the most beautiful Sunday drives you can do in the Bay Area.

The Silverado Trail runs parallel to Rte. 29, the main traffic artery through the Napa Valley. This quieter back road offers glimpses of the nation’s foremost wine region, about an hour northeast of San Francisco, as it was perhaps 30 years ago. Because the roadway dips and curves along the foothills, it offers gorgeous views of vineyards and mountains. (Just don't drink and drive!) Along the way you can stop in at small wineries for tours and tastings, a welcome change from Route 29, where most of the larger wineries reside.The Silverado Trail was established in 1852, when floods swamped the valley’s main road. By the late 1800s it was the wagon route from the cinnabar mines on Mount St. Helena, which marks the valley’s north end, to the docks of San Pablo Bay to the south.

There is no shortage of great wineries along the Silverado Trail. A few of my favorites include Andretti Winery, Clos Du Val, Goosecross Cellars, and Robinson Valley Vineyards. Many of these wineries are family owned so you know you are getting a piece of history as well as a great glass of wine.



A lot of great information about this region and member wineries can be found at the Silverado Trails Winery Association's homepage. Check it out and add your own information about the region here!