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.

American Canyon’s beloved Mexican bakery energizes the early hours with the irresistible scent of freshly baked pan dulce wafting down Antonina Avenue.

Long before dawn, neighbors and commuters gather, drawn to pastries shaped by hand—a testament to cherished tradition and family pride.

Each concha boasts a crisp shell and soft center, while golden orejas and hand-crimped empanadas highlight the depth of authentic baking.

This bakery serves as more than a pastry shop—it's a cornerstone for early risers, growing families, and newcomers seeking warmth and a taste of home.

With early opening hours that cater to busy locals, the shop has become a staple for breakfasts, celebrations, and community gatherings.

As American Canyon expands, the bakery continues to nurture connections and traditions at the heart of neighborhood life.

Turns out you don't need a country club membership to play pickleball in wine country. From a brand-new court complex in Napa to a mountain-view park in Yountville, we mapped out every free public court between American Canyon and Calistoga.

This is part one of a three-part series - next week, we head into the resorts.

Napa Valley shines as a haven for farm-fresh food lovers, thanks to its vibrant farmers markets spread across the region.

These markets are more than shopping destinations—they serve as the heartbeat of each community, where families gather and friends connect amid abundant local harvests.

Shoppers enjoy displays of heirloom tomatoes, creamy cheeses, fragrant flowers, and chef-inspired baked treats.

Certified markets guarantee truly local, handpicked produce, often gathered the morning of the market.

The bustling Napa Farmers Market draws diverse crowds every weekend.

Yountville’s market brings a unique flair with chef demos, while St. Helena delights with live music, nostalgia, and fresh offerings.

Farmstead and Calistoga keep things lively—and cozy—through every season with artisan goods, farm-raised meats, and local talent.

Napa’s farmers markets anchor community spirit and showcase the freshest flavors of the region.

The Beringer Winery 150th anniversary is lighting up St. Helena, welcoming locals and visitors to a season rich in Napa Valley wine tasting culture and celebration.

Excitement builds as the estate hosts a lively summer music series, The Mix: Music Through the Decades, filling the gardens with nostalgia and joy.

Guests can enjoy live performances every Saturday, savoring fine wines and seasonal bites in a relaxed, first-come, first-served atmosphere that captures the heart of community spirit.

Movie night offers a unique twist, featuring a beloved classic filmed right at the winery—a true celebration of Beringer's local legacy.

Fall brings exclusive reserve tastings and festive toasts, while families await cherished favorites like the St. Helena Barrel Tree Lighting and creative gingerbread house events each December.

This milestone year inspires pride and connection, inviting all to rediscover the timeless charm of Napa Valley—one unforgettable celebration at a time.

Excitement is mounting for the 2026 Harvest Table event in Calistoga, where Lincoln Avenue will become a breathtaking outdoor feast beneath the Palisades.

This beloved tradition brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the region’s harvest with unforgettable atmosphere, music, and the glow of candlelit tables stretching for nearly a thousand feet.

This year’s festivities will introduce a playful 1970s theme, infusing the event with retro colors and vintage touches, while Calistoga’s renowned chefs create seasonal menus for every palate.

Favorite restaurants like the Calistoga Inn, House of Better, Hydro Grill, and Lovina are planning standout multi-course offerings, including inventive vegetarian dishes that honor Napa Valley’s freshest flavors.

Top local wineries will set up stations, pouring their finest wines as guests mingle at community tables or reserve seats to celebrate with friends.

The event always sells out well in advance, underscoring the passion and unity this event inspires throughout Calistoga each fall.

This isn’t your standard grilled cheese.

Napa Valley chef Sandy Sauter combines creamy fontina, fresh blackberries, and thyme for a sandwich that lands somewhere between comfort food and something you’d happily order at a wine-country café.

It’s simple, unexpected, and probably not a combination you would have thought to try on your own.

We’ve got the full recipe, along with a little background on the local chef behind it.

See the recipe →

Calistoga is doing something new: instead of another valley-wide tasting, it's throwing its first festival built entirely around its own AVA.

Held August 15 at the Brannan Center from 1 to 5 p.m., the inaugural Calistoga Wine Festival ties in the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Judgment of Paris, opening with a retrospective interview led by sommelier Christopher Sawyer before moving into an awards ceremony and Grand Tasting of medal-winning Calistoga wines.

Tickets are limited to 100 at $85 each, with proceeds supporting UpValley Family Centers. For a first-year event, it's a bold move — asking guests to discover what the Calistoga AVA can do on its own, rather than folding it into a bigger Napa Valley story.

American Canyon’s summer is marked by the much-anticipated Meet Me in the Street festival, transforming West American Canyon Road into a lively gathering place for friends, families, and neighbors.

Spanning June through September, this outdoor series features everything from a dynamic food truck rally—now one of Napa County’s biggest family foodie events—to showcases of local businesses dishing out fresh eats and handcrafted finds.

Live music, community performances, and a Kids’ Zone packed with entertainment ensure everyone finds something to love.

The classic car show remains a standout, attracting both vintage auto enthusiasts and curious youngsters.

Magicians and street performers add a touch of wonder, while expanded parks and community spaces create fresh hangout spots for festival-goers.

With new families and businesses enriching the city, Meet Me in the Street continues to embody American Canyon’s unique spirit.

The PGA Tour Championship Series will soon return to Napa, promising fresh excitement for both avid golf fans and the local community.

The prestigious Silverado Resort North Course has been selected as host, drawing national attention to this acclaimed Northern California venue.

Napa, already renowned for scenic golf, anticipates even greater exposure with this high-profile tournament.

Local businesses and residents are preparing for a boost in tourism and economic activity, as hotels, restaurants, and shops gear up for waves of visitors expected during the event.

The 2027 tournament will feature a field of 144 top golfers battling for late-season playoff spots, ensuring drama and memorable moments.

Previous events at Silverado have created a festive, tradition-filled atmosphere, and this new series is set to solidify Napa’s reputation as a premier sports destination.

Napa Valley has more places to cool off than most people realize — from $3 community swim days to resort pools built for lounging. We ranked the best public spots by value, access, and amenities, so you can skip the guesswork.

Inside: hours and pricing for every pool on the list, our picks for lap swimming, families, and resort-style days, plus a bonus option up in Angwin most people overlook.

Napa Valley remains a powerhouse for tourism, driving both the charm and economic growth of Napa, California.

Visitor numbers soared in 2025, as travelers flocked to its celebrated vineyards, top-tier restaurants, and relaxing countryside.

This steady stream of guests does more than savor fine wine—it sustains local jobs and boosts small businesses across the region.

New data shows that overnight visitors are especially valuable, staying over four nights and spending generously at shops, restaurants, and tours.

This sets Napa apart from rivals like Sonoma, lifting its reputation and visitor intent above neighboring destinations.

Boutique hotels and lively tasting rooms are opening downtown, encouraged by rising demand from food, wine, and wellness seekers nationwide.

The impact is undeniable: tourism supports thousands of jobs, strengthens the community, and funds essential projects.

As tastes evolve and travelers seek ‘wine and’ experiences, Napa Valley is poised for even greater success ahead.

In the center of Napa, California, heirloom beans are sparking a quiet culinary revolution well beyond the city’s world-renowned wineries.

Locals and food travelers are flocking to Rancho Gordo, where a vivid array of hand-selected heirloom beans showcases flavors and textures lost from industrial agriculture.

The cheerful shop on Yajome Street surprises visitors with varieties like Rio Zape and Scarlet Runner, earning loyal support among residents proud of Napa’s growing food scene.

Pandemic-era home cooking spiked demand, and now bustling farmers markets and local restaurant menus feature these prized beans as signature ingredients.

By trialing new seeds and partnering with farmers from California to Mexico, Rancho Gordo celebrates both heritage and innovation in sustainable agriculture.

This bean renaissance builds a deeper bond to Napa’s land, history, and cultural connections, highlighting how local crops can redefine American cuisine.

A wave of excitement is sweeping through Rutherford as Beaulieu Vineyard celebrates a major winery renovation, seamlessly blending its historic roots with modern hospitality.

Founded over a century ago by the de Latour family, the iconic winery ushers in a new era, greeting visitors with restored stonework and thoughtfully designed spaces showcasing its rich story.

The transformation features a stunning hospitality center that preserves historic architecture while introducing elegant, contemporary flourishes.

Guests attending the grand reopening explored reinvented tasting rooms such as the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Wine Library, Founders’ Garage, and the radiant Rutherford Atrium.

Stepping inside, many felt the thrill of living history, with photos and artifacts on display for the first time in decades.

The unique Rarity Room offers intimate experiences, letting visitors taste acclaimed cabernets beneath original, storied ceilings.

Outside, a welcoming courtyard invites guests to reflect by André Tchelistcheff’s statue—honoring the pioneering spirit still inspiring Beaulieu Vineyard today.

Alcohol consumption in the United States has dropped to lows not seen since Prohibition, prompting a major shift in the wine industry.

Currently, just 54% of American adults report drinking alcohol, down significantly from 67% in 2022.

This decline spans all age groups, with Gen Z leading the charge as health-driven social norms take hold.

Wineries nationwide are responding by innovating with lower alcohol wines.

Napa Valley’s Clif Family Winery launched a Sauvignon Blanc with just 8.5% alcohol, while Francis Ford Coppola Winery debuted “Vibrance” Pinot Grigio at 8%.

The Duckhorn Portfolio has also released Decoy Featherweight Sauvignon Blanc at 9% alcohol, reflecting a wider move among respected wineries.

Industry experts say this is a lasting, health-driven shift, with consumers prioritizing flavor and wellness in their wine choices.

The 46th annual Auction Napa Valley wrapped up on June 6, 2026, generating $6 million for youth wellness across Napa Valley.

Organized by Napa Valley Vintners, the event drew over 2,000 guests from 29 states, each contributing to a shared cause.

Exclusive vintner dinners and wine experiences kicked off the weekend, setting a celebratory tone.

The Barrel Auction at a newly renovated Robert Mondavi Winery showcased over 100 lots from the 2024 vintage, with wineries like Chappellet and Cardinale leading top bids.

Saturday’s live auction at Inglenook Winery honored Robin Lail with a lifetime achievement award.

Standout lots, including a five-day Costa Rica excursion and rare BottleRock Napa experiences, inspired spirited bidding.

The evening’s Fund-a-Need paddle raise brought an extra $1 million boost; proceeds will enhance wellness centers and youth programs, impacting thousands across Napa County.