Robert Mondavi is one of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries

Where does the tourist go in Napa Valley?

Quick tips on avoiding the tourist crowds in the Napa Valley

Spring is almost here. You would not know this by the high 70-degree temperatures in the Napa Valley these past February and March weeks. The tourist is back in full force in the Napa Valley. Tourism brings in more than five million visitors per year to the Napa Valley. The savvy and veteran tourist to the Napa Valley is anxious to avoid the crowds that flock to the tasting rooms and clog the highways. Find out where the tourist goes in the Napa Valley and avoid those spots. The Robert Mondavi Winery, featured in our Wine Country Photo of the Day, is one of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries. On weekends the parking lot is jammed, and the tasting rooms are as busy as can be. Robert Mondavi and many other popular wineries are along Highway 29 between Yountville and St. Helena.

Tips for avoiding the crowds

Avoid Highway 29 altogether and fast track over to the Silverado Trail.  Head up the Silverado Trail north to the Deer Park Road. Cross over Deer Park to Highway 29 and visit wineries between St. Helena and Calistoga. Along this stretch we like St. Clement, Ballentine, Madrigal Family Winery and Markham.

Traveling to Calistoga, we have the wineries on our Calistoga Wine Trail that are all small, fun, and not so crowded. These wineries are just north of Calistoga.

Hidden Wine Trail: These are some wineries scattered throughout the Napa Valley that are off the beaten path or, for some reason, bypassed by tourists. Pick a couple to visit. They are usually open by appointment only, so reserve your spot in the tasting room. Wineries by appointment are obviously less touristy.