You can already walk or ride substantial stretches of the Vine Trail, but one assumption could turn a pleasant outing into a very different trip.

The familiar vision of a trail linking the valley is still a work in progress.

So where can you go today, and which connections are still missing?

We’ve put together a practical starting point for choosing a route that fits your afternoon.

Find your next stretch of the Vine Trail.

We’ve talked about using less water in the garden.

But what about the water that arrives on your roof, then disappears down the gutter?

Two approaches can put that runoff to work in very different ways, and one may qualify for a bonus beyond Napa’s usual lawn-replacement rebate.

There’s a step to take before you start digging, though.

Find out which approach fits your yard, and what to check first.

One of wine country’s best-known stories almost never made it into print. Its author is coming to Napa to talk about what happened along the way.

He’ll be joined by dozens of writers at a free November gathering with plenty to explore beyond the speaker lineup.

Families have an especially sweet reason to stop by, including a children’s activity that could send young readers home with a new companion.

We’ve gathered the highlights so you can decide what belongs on your calendar.

What do a classic Audrey Hepburn movie, an unexpected career change, and a trip to Italy have in common? They're all part of the story behind Napa Valley's newest gelato destination.

Roman Holiday Gelato has expanded from St. Helena into Oxbow Public Market, bringing its freshly churned Italian-style treats and a menu that changes with the seasons.

But it's the journey of the woman behind the business—and her approach to creating flavors—that makes this more than just another place to get a scoop.

For months, St. Helena residents have been dealing with an unsettling question whenever they turn on the tap: What color will the water be today?

Now the city is preparing a major operation involving 45 miles of water mains. It's a different approach from the emergency flushing residents have seen before—and one designed to tackle what's been accumulating inside the pipes.

But cleaning the mains is only part of the story. City officials are investigating other potential contributors to the problem, raising an important question: Will this finally provide a lasting solution?

Calistoga residents won't be voting for their next mayor or two City Council members this November. With no contested races, the city decided to skip those elections entirely.

The decision will save taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars. But it also raises a troubling question: Why couldn't the city attract more candidates—even after taking steps to make public service more appealing?

Calistoga's experience is part of a surprising statewide trend that's been growing for nearly two decades. And the numbers suggest this is becoming much more common than you might expect.

Find out what's behind the disappearing competition

If you've driven through Napa Valley lately, you've probably noticed them: piles of uprooted grapevines dotting fields that were once carefully tended vineyards.

They're becoming a familiar sight. But just how much of Napa Valley's vineyard acreage has disappeared in the past year? The newly released numbers are startling.

And while declining wine sales are part of the story, there's another costly problem facing growers—and some intriguing questions about what could replace those vineyards.

Discover what's behind Napa Valley's disappearing vineyards.

Before You Spend a Dime Replacing Your Lawn, See This.

Thinking about a water-wise makeover? There’s something happening in Napa tomorrow evening that could change your plans—and possibly save you from an expensive mistake.

Find out what you should see first

In St. Helena, the team behind one of Napa Valley's most acclaimed restaurants has created something decidedly different. It's not quite a restaurant, not quite a gourmet market—and certainly not your typical bakery.

Inside a familiar St. Helena landmark, culinary rules are being reconsidered, and visitors are invited to do more than just taste the results. What exactly is going on behind those doors?

Discover St. Helena's New Culinary Playground →

An old television. Half-empty paint cans. A mattress you've been meaning to get rid of. You know they don't belong in the garbage, but where exactly are you supposed to take them?

The answer may surprise you. Depending on where you live in Napa Valley, you might not have to drive anywhere at all. And some services you're already paying for could take care of the problem.

Find out where it goes—and what won't cost you a dime

There's something special about a town that knows how to celebrate its own community. This Saturday, October 17, St. Helena is bringing back a tradition that offers considerably more than your typical street festival.

Some of the day's most entertaining moments will happen before the festival even officially opens. And whether you're bringing the kids, your four-legged companion, or just yourself, there's something worth arriving early for.

See what's happening at Hometown Harvest 

Some of Napa Valley's most beautiful landscapes are hidden behind gates most of us never pass through.

Protected redwood forests, waterfalls, oak woodlands and ridgelines aren't necessarily off-limits - you just need to know how to get in.

This October, the Land Trust of Napa County is offering several opportunities to explore preserves that aren't normally open for casual hiking. Even better, two upcoming orientations can qualify you to return and hike on your own.

We'll show you where you can go, what's coming up, and how to get access.

You carefully separate your recycling, compost and trash every week.

But are you actually putting everything in the right cart?

And once the collection truck pulls away, what really happens to all that stuff?

On October 10, Napa residents have a rare opportunity to follow their recycling and compost beyond the curb and see the process firsthand.

You might be surprised by what happens next—and by how much difference one seemingly harmless sorting mistake can make.

Before you roll your carts out again, take a look at what happens beyond the bin.

Bringing your dog along for a Napa Valley wine tasting is easier than you might think, but some wineries make the experience much more welcoming than others.

A few go beyond simply allowing dogs on the patio, with extras like water bowls, treats, shaded seating, picnic areas, and even special canine tasting experiences.

For Part 4 of our Dog-Friendly Napa Valley series, we found several wineries where your dog can join the outing without feeling like an afterthought.

See which wineries stand out for four-legged guests, and what you should know before making a reservation.

Before Napa Valley became famous for its vineyards, the landscape looked remarkably different. Some of the crops that once dominated the valley might surprise you.

Over the generations, changing markets, agricultural disasters and even national politics helped transform what farmers grew here. Along the way, some crops flourished while others nearly disappeared.

One remarkable piece of that earlier Napa Valley is still standing just north of St. Helena, and for one weekend in October, it will offer visitors a chance to experience life in the valley nearly 180 years ago.

What did Napa Valley look like before vineyards took over, and what happened to the farms that once defined it? Explore the valley's agricultural past and discover an upcoming event that brings some of that history back to life.

Thinking about replacing your lawn with something that uses less water? Depending on where you live in Napa Valley, you could get paid to do it.

Five communities across the valley have offered Cash for Grass programs that provide rebates to residents who replace traditional lawns with water-efficient landscaping. And Napa recently doubled its standard rebate, making an already attractive incentive even better.

But the programs aren't identical. Rebate amounts, eligibility requirements and maximum payouts vary from one community to another. There's also one important mistake you could make before you even pick up a shovel that might cost you your entire rebate.

We've compared the local programs, explained how much you could receive and outlined what you need to know before getting started. See what's available in your community and find out how to turn that thirsty lawn into a landscape that saves both water and money.

Keeping a traditional lawn green through a Napa Valley summer can take a lot of water, and a lot of work. But creating a yard that uses less water doesn’t mean settling for rocks, bare ground, or a handful of cactus plants.

Local residents have access to free tools that can make planning a more water-wise landscape much easier, including a Napa Valley-specific plant database with more than 1,000 climate-appropriate choices.

The City of Napa also offers guidance on everything from irrigation and mulch to soil, compost, rainwater harvesting, and other ways to make landscapes more efficient.

And this October, two free local workshops will give residents a chance to learn directly from gardening, conservation, and landscape experts.

We pulled together the best places to start, what the upcoming workshops cover, and where to find ideas for creating a yard that looks good while using less water.

A new doughnut shop has arrived at Napa's Oxbow Public Market, and there's more to its story than coffee and something sweet.

Johnny Doughnuts has developed a following throughout the Bay Area, thanks in part to an unusual approach to making its signature treats. One of its recipes dates back more than a century and uses an ingredient you probably wouldn't associate with doughnuts.

Now Napa residents can find out what all the fuss is about without leaving the valley.

What's the secret behind Johnny's signature doughnuts? Take a closer look at Oxbow's newest addition and discover what makes these handmade treats different.

Looking for a good place to get out with your dog this fall? Napa Valley has more dog-friendly walks and hikes than many people realize, from easy riverside strolls to scenic trails with a little more room to roam.

In this week’s article, we round up several local spots where you and your pup can enjoy the outdoors together, along with a few practical details to help you choose the right outing. Some are great for a quick everyday walk, while others are better for a longer adventure.

We also included a short “before you go” section with a few reminders that matter more than people sometimes expect, especially when it comes to leash rules, water, trail etiquette, and keeping everyone safe and happy out on the path.

If you’ve been meaning to explore more of Napa Valley with your dog, this is a good place to start. And it’s just the beginning, this is the first in a series, so keep an eye out for Part 2 next week.

A new California law was designed to make it easier for winegrowers to host tasting events directly in their vineyards, giving smaller producers another way to reach customers without building a traditional tasting room.

In Napa County, though, that new flexibility comes with a long list of local conditions. Guest limits, daylight-only events, emergency-access requirements, permit fees, and restrictions on which vineyard properties qualify all narrow how the law can actually be used here.

That has created an unusual situation: growers in the heart of California wine country may have less freedom under the new law than producers elsewhere in the state.

We took a closer look at what the law allows, how Napa County is interpreting it, and why the disagreement matters for local growers trying to adapt to a tougher wine market.

Most restaurants pick a menu and stick with it. This one has a different plan entirely: a brand-new chef takes over the kitchen every single month, bringing their own menu, their own story, and a completely different dining experience each time.

It's not a gimmick, either. Past residencies have gone to a Top Chef alum, a James Beard Award finalist, and chefs specializing in everything from Ukrainian cooking to island-inspired fusion. Locals who've been once keep coming back just to see who's next.

So who's in the kitchen this month, and what's coming after that? Read on to find out.

Bringing your dog along for lunch or dinner in Napa Valley is easier than you might think.

From casual patios and beer gardens to full-service restaurants, there are dog-friendly options scattered from American Canyon to Calistoga, giving you more chances to bring your dog along instead of leaving them at home.

The catch is that “dog-friendly” usually means outdoor seating, and policies can vary from place to place. Patio availability, weather, and even individual restaurant rules can all make a difference.

For Part 2 of our Dog-Friendly Napa Valley series, we rounded up some of the best places around the valley where your dog can join you while you eat, drink, and enjoy the outdoors.

See the full list and find a spot near you.

The Calistoga Fairgrounds are showing signs of life again, but not quite in the way city leaders originally expected.

A new annual rock festival was supposed to help bring major activity back to the property this fall, with organizers promising something more intimate than BottleRock. That festival was canceled, and another planned event, the Vintage Revival Rodeo, has now been pushed to 2027.

Even so, the larger revival is continuing. The Ag Fair returned this year, sprint car racing is back at Calistoga Speedway, and the city is still working through what the fairgrounds should become in the years ahead.

That makes the story bigger than any one event. The real question is how Calistoga balances history, community use, tourism, entertainment, and the future of one of its most distinctive public spaces.

We take a closer look at what has returned, what has changed, and what may be next for the Calistoga Fairgrounds.

St. Helena residents have been dealing with brown or yellow tap water for weeks, and the issue has raised a broader question: is this just a St. Helena problem?

The answer is more complicated than it looks. Similar discoloration can happen in Napa, Yountville, and American Canyon when hydrants are flushed, repairs are made, or minerals are stirred up in water mains. What makes St. Helena different is how often the problem has returned.

We took a closer look at what’s causing it, why some communities see only brief episodes, and what Napa Valley residents should do if the water coming from their tap suddenly turns brown.

Read the full story →

Growing great wine starts long before the grapes — it starts in the soil. A new $3 million grant is putting that idea to work across Napa Valley, with $2 million headed directly to local vineyards adopting practices like cover cropping, no-till farming, and rotational grazing.

Behind the funding is Napa Green, a local nonprofit that's already helped dozens of Napa vineyards phase out synthetic herbicides entirely. This new investment builds on that work, giving growers the resources to make changes that pay off in the ground for decades.

Curious what regenerative farming actually looks like in practice, and why it matters for the wine in your glass? Read the full story.

Napa Valley tourism hasn't fully bounced back, and wineries are feeling it. Visitor numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels, fewer Americans are drinking wine at all, and the cost of a weekend in wine country keeps climbing.

So wineries are adapting, and not all in the same direction. Some are slashing tasting fees or offering free pours to get people through the door. Others are betting the opposite way, building exclusive, high-priced experiences for visitors willing to pay more for less crowded, more memorable visits.

Which strategy is actually working? Read on to see how Napa Valley's wineries are rewriting the rules.

Harvest kicked off weeks ahead of schedule this year across Napa Valley, and growers are seeing a pattern repeat from Calistoga to Carneros: smaller yields, but noticeably concentrated flavors.

Shatter, a condition that leaves vine clusters smaller and more irregular, has cut yields by as much as 50% in some AVAs. But less fruit often means more character in what's left, and early reports on Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are already turning heads.

Read on for a full AVA-by-AVA breakdown of how this year's harvest is shaping up.

Tickets for this one run $2,500 to $7,500, and it's easy to see why. The One Mind Music Festival has spent 32 years turning a single September evening in Rutherford into one of the most influential mental health fundraisers in the world, and this year's lineup is no exception.

The day pairs a headline set from The Fray, marking the 20th anniversary of "How to Save a Life," with a Science & Innovation Symposium featuring leading mental health researchers. From there, guests move into a wine tasting with over 70 American vintners, followed by a four-course dinner prepared by a chef from a Michelin-starred New York restaurant.

Last year's festival raised more than $4.1 million for mental health research. Here's what a day at Staglin Family Vineyard actually includes, and how to get tickets before they're gone.

The Michael Leonardi Foundation will present its next Music + Awareness Concert at The Barn Napa Valley on August 29, blending live performances with a vital mission for fentanyl safety.

Local favorites, including Dirty Cello and Cherry Blonde, will headline the evening, drawing community focus to the urgent issue of fentanyl awareness sweeping through Napa.

Open to residents and visitors, the event provides an inviting space to learn, celebrate, and connect.

Beyond the music, guests will access resources on fentanyl test strips, overdose prevention, and the latest public health guidance.

Guest speakers will share real stories—reminding all how essential it is to confront the risks tied to illicit drugs.

This series stands as a beacon of hope, uniting art and activism, while proceeds directly support Napa’s prevention and recovery programs.

Knowledge, support, and compassion remain Napa’s strongest tools in the fight against fentanyl’s silent impact.

You don’t have to leave Napa Valley for a seriously good concert this weekend.

Blue Note Napa’s Summer Sessions brings Morris Day & The Time, Sheila E., Raphael Saadiq and Jason Bonham to The Meritage for three very different nights of live music.

Friday brings the funk, Saturday leans into soul and R&B, and Sunday turns up the classic rock.

See which night belongs on your weekend calendar.