A sheltered valley close to the Bay Area, Napa receives just the right amount of sun, moisture, and varying temperatures to produce quality wines. A great many visitors and locals visit each year to sample the wines at its many estates. But is it possible for non-drinkers to enjoy the region without consuming the fruit of the vine?
Explore Wine Country History
Napa is filled with history beginning with the time of the Wapoo Indians. Mexican rancheros, pioneers, ranchers and many others have settled here over the years. At many of the wineries, an historical perspective can be found. For example, the Beringer Winery tour includes caves that were dug by the Chinese laborers after they completed the Transcontinental Railroad tunnels through the Sierra. Beringer is the oldest operating vineyard in Napa and also sports a beautiful home, the 1884 Rhine House, which was the family residence and is now open for viewing.
The Robert Mondavi vineyard tour follows the path of the grape from seedling to glass. Incorporated in the outing is a history of grape growing and wine making which is interesting even to those not imbibing.
Regional parks found in the valley are reminders of the past. Author Robert Louis Stevenson traveled here and left mementos. The Bale Gristmill is on display at another park. Many of the homes at the wineries and in the valley towns Helena, or have historical significance.
There are museums in Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and Napa, each providing a glimpse into the settlement of the valley from Indian encampments to the present day.
Visit A Transplanted Castle
Castillo de Amarosa is an authentic Italian castle brought to Napa through the auspices of Dario Sattui. Enamored with Tuscany, Sattui lovingly recreated an example of renaissance architecture. A tour of the fortress begins by crossing the moat, walking through the guarded gate, and into the complex. A tour guide leads a small group through the chapel, the banquet room with its beautiful hand-painted murals, into the outdoor courtyard, and several levels below ground. There is a medieval torture chamber displaying the rack, the Iron Maiden, the birdcage and other forms of punishment. The miles of corridors are filled with wine barrels and the tour ends in a tasting room with gift shop. The non-drinker is offered water or lemonade in place of wine, which is the case at most establishments.
See the Towns of the Napa Valley
At the northern end of the valley, Calistoga is reminiscent of an old Western town with wooden sidewalks and “cowboy” saloons. Its main street is a hodgepodge of restaurants and gift shops and there is a lovely park along side the Napa River. Just outside of town is the geyser known as the “Old Faithful of California” which can be viewed as it spouts with predictable regularity. Calistoga also boasts hot springs and mud baths and several spas.
St. Helena, about midway in the valley, is home to a wine museum and a central business district with boutiques and restaurants. Because the major access route of Highway 29 runs through town, it can often be filled with traffic.
Yountville, just above Napa, has a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as a major Veteran’s Home. There is a small museum here also featuring exhibits on Napa Valley history and local artists.
Napa, at the southern end, has a vibrant downtown, several newer shopping districts and is the largest town in the area. Hot air balloon rides are offered from various vendors and the early morning ascents over the valley are beautiful to behold and exciting to experience. Napa also has a theatre that offers plays, concerts, lectures, and events.
Experience Beauty in Art and Nature
Many of the wineries have art collections, whether indoors or out. There are sculpture gardens, paintings, glass works, stained glass, antiques, and much more. Every winery has its gems. While those tasting wine are engaged in their sampling, the non-drinker is able to wander around and take in the beauty of each place.
Likewise the gardens, lawns, topiary, and flowers at the wineries are attractively landscaped and a joy to behold. The non-drinker has the opportunity to roam the grounds and marvel in the splendor.
Each season of the year brings its particular charm. Spring flowers and budding trees give way to the full blossoms and roses of summer. Autumn colors turn the wine fields to orange, red, and russet as the mums bloom in vibrant colors. Winter may at first appear drab but the hills turn green, evergreens abound, and holiday lights sparkle everywhere.
Find Unique Locations
Having the capability to wander the Napa roads without drinking allows for many revelations. There is an aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards, for example, that takes the visitor to the mountain top winery with fantastic views. The self-guided tour leads to a tasting room but the scenery and artwork are worthwhile in themselves.
At V. Sattui, one of the original wineries, a delicatessen featuring cheeses, deli meats, breads, and pastries is available. It is also one of the few places where a lawn picnic is possible.
Greystone, the former Christian Brothers’ Winery, is now the Culinary Institute with an open kitchen restaurant upstairs and a museum and gift shop downstairs. There are cooking classes offered at specific times that are open to the public.
From this brief account, the non-drinker can perceive there are many ways to enjoy the Napa Valley without tasting wine. There is one more advantage to being a non-drinker: those who are doing the tasting have a designated driver to safely drive them around.
Ethel Brodie - Intrigued by the world, encouraged to write my observations, published in newspapers and magazines, and sharing special places.
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