Leaf Peeping in Napa Valley
Blog Post By Meg Barkley
Brilliant colors, pumpkins, apple cider and road trips are all images of an East coast fall season.
Did you know that an escape to Northern California Wine Country can fill those cravings too?
At Clif Family we’ve curated the perfect fall and leaf peeping itinerary for a day in Napa Valley.
Vineyards with a View
As you head up Napa Valley on Highway 29, we suggest you take a detour once you are north of the town of Napa. Hang a right at the light on Oak Knoll Avenue and you’ll drive right past Clif Family’s Oak Knoll Vineyard where we farm 80 acres of recently planted certified organic vineyards. We celebrated our first pick of this harvest season. Our winemaker, Laura will craft Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and more from our vineyard site. Continue down Oak Knoll Avenue and when you dead end into Big Ranch Road, hang a left and then an immediate right to pick Oak Knoll Avenue back up. Once you come to Silverado Trail, take a left to head north. You won’t be disappointed in the sweeping views of the valley floor and colorful landscape.
Fuel up
As you drive through the Stags Leap District, you’ll come upon the Yountville Cross Road, take a left to head into the town of Yountville. We suggest fueling up at Kelly’s Filling Station and Wine Shop. It’s a is a one-of-a-kind experience, where you can fill your tank and get caffeinated with a Matcha Latte. If you’re a “lunch for breakfast” kind of person, don’t miss out on their famous hot dogs. Next up, backtrack down Madison Street heading East and when you dead end into Yount Street, take a left. Follow Yount Street out of town as it turns into Yount Mill Road. This country lane offers up spectacular views of the valley floor and Vaca Mountain Range. Follow the road until it ends at Highway 29. Take a right to continue your way up valley.
Fall Flavors
Clif Family is your one-stop shop for “ The Fall Experience.” Schedule a Tour de St. Helena Bike package at Clif Family. This self-guided experience includes a bike rental, coffee, CLIF Bar and map to launch you on your two-wheel journey through the quiet backcountry lanes of St. Helena. Meander past old vineyard vines and breathe deep as you take in the mountain vistas. After the ride, enjoy a Seasonal Wine Tasting and pairing from Executive Chef John McConnell. Our new fall releases include Sparkling Brut Rose, Gary’s Improv Zinfandel and Kit’s Killer Cab Cabernet Sauvignon. We welcome you to linger longer. Pick-up a farm to table lunch from our Bruschetteria Food Truck to sample fall flavors from the farm. If you’d like to take home a taste of Napa Valley, our shelves are filled with organic artisan foods from the farm. Favorite fall flavors include our Cinnamon Solar Grown™ Honey Spread, Pluot Lavender Preserves and Rosemary Roasted Almonds & Pistachios.
Grammable
Head north on Highway 29, and you’ll land in the town of Calistoga. Park and stretch your legs for some great window shopping. If you’re in need of a beverage or a snack, we suggest Sam’s Social Club for Wine Country inspired cocktails or drop into House of Better for their delicious pie selection featuring fruits of the season. Time your drive out of town to correlate with the golden hour before sunset lands. Be sure to stop at the famous Welcome to Napa Valley Sign on Highway 29 for a photo.. Then as you head south enjoy the wash of color as it spreads over the valley floor and mountain ranges.
Happy Leaf Peeping!