The Silverado Trail runs the length of the Napa Valley on the eastern side, from the town of Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north — about 45 km of two-lane highway that parallels the busier Highway 29 on the western side. The trail is the more enjoyable drive, with less traffic, better views of the vine-covered Mayacamas across the valley, and access to some of the valley's most highly rated wineries.
Notable Silverado Trail wineries include Stag's Leap Wine Cellars (whose 1973 cabernet won the famous Judgement of Paris), Cliff Lede, Mumm Napa for sparkling wines, and the historic Pine Ridge. Plan no more than three wineries in a day if you want to taste seriously — and book ahead, as drop-ins have become rarer post-pandemic.