Napa Warnings and Dangers

Napa is one of CA's major wine growing regions as well as a major tourist attraction due to all the wineries. The CA CHP know this and they know that many people will not just taste, they will seriously imbibe in the grape...

AS SUCH, it is quite common to see radar with a number of motorcycle officers ready to assist drivers that may have consumed more grape than water.

The speed limits on Hwy29 are generous in most places, but drop drastically going through St. Helena and other small towns. FOLLOW the signs to the letter and you should be just fine.

After enjoying a day in Napa, just sit back and chill. Let some one else get the ticket for trying to get home fast.

Many of the wineries will offer you discounts on your wine purchases if you join their wine club. To join the wine clubs is extremely expensive and granted they will ship you a bottle or two now and then but then when you weigh out the costs, there really isn't much of a savings, you're still paying $20-$35 for that bottle they send you and you probably could have bought it for much less back at home. So, be weary of these wine clubs.

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Van Der Heyden Vineyards is on Silverado Trail amongst some of the finest vineyards in Napa. But don't be fooled! The wine sucks to put it bluntly and your outdoor wine tasting experience is not too pleasant. The final wine tasting with the wine master himself is definitely not impressive. The only reason why we stopped was because most vineyards close at 5pm. This vineyard stays open until 6pm

Accidents are a common occurence on the Silverado Trail. It is a winding country road pretty much, and add into that the fact that many of the people around are doing wine tasting (so probably a little bit drunk). Be a little more cautious when you are roaming around.

The county issues only a particular amount of wine tasting permits to wineries for people to just walk in whenever they feel like it. Those who do not have an open wine tasting permit are required to do tastings by "appointment only". To avoid disappointment, you might want to call ahead and schedule something. Although one time I called a winery as I was at their entrance and asked if I could schedule an appointment for "right now". If they are slow, they will book you for one in 5 minutes...the amount of time it will take you to drive in, park, and walk in.

Do not forget to taste with appreciation and moderation...

Remember that the driver should not drink and that water is provided in unlimited quantity free of charge...

One glass is all right... Two... Be aware of the risks...

Cheers ;-)))

The hot dry weather in California in late summer and early autumn before the rains start makes wildfires and forest fires commonplace.

This picture shows smoke, not clouds, from a forest fire that burned at least 14,000 acres in the wine country in Sonoma County during the first weekend of September 2004.

This seems like obvious advice - stay away from wildfire areas. The smoke and ash are unpleasant and traffic usually has to be diverted. We've had to alter vacation plans more than once due to California fires during this time of year. Fortunately, wildfires doing significant damage to homes and vineyards in the wine country are rare.

A last one in my prevention...

Red suits you so well... but only as compliment for Santa Claus of course...