Napa, CA

Nestled within rolling green hills and lush vineyards, Napa (commonly referred to as the Wine Country) is one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world. Although the name "Napa" derives from the local Native American tribe the Nappan, the city itself is infused with the Spanish influence of its early 1800s settlers.

Napa's moderate Northern California climate makes it ideal for growing grapes. There are more than 400 wineries located throughout the Napa Valley. Neighboring Wine Country towns include Sonoma, Saint Helena, Yountville, Oakville, Calistoga and Rutherford.

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES

The city of Napa enjoys a fairly stable economy. The unemployment rate in Napa is 4.5 percent, which is lower than the nationwide rate. However, the number of jobs in Napa has decreased by 33 percent in recent years.

Educational services and health care are major industrial sectors in Napa, accounting for 22 percent of industries in the city; arts and entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services, combined, account for 13 percent, and construction jobs account for 13 percent.

Top employers include Beringer Vineyards, Silverado Resort, Walsh Vineyards Management, and Dey (a pharmaceutical manufacturer).

NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS

Most of the population in Napa is urban. Neighborhoods and districts of Napa accommodate around 27,700 houses, out of which more than 27,000 are occupied. Of the occupied houses, more than 16,200 are owner-occupied while renters occupy around 10,700 houses.

The city of Napa has embarked on a survey to identify and recognize its historic districts. The focus initially is centering on the Soscol Gateway/East Napa neighborhood where residents expressed interest in exploring the area's heritage. Other neighborhoods in Napa include: Central Napa, Terrace/Shurtleff, River East, Stanly Ranch, Westwood, Pueblo, Linda Vista, Vintage and Beard.

FAMILY FUN

While the area is noted for its fine wining and dining, Napa offers a wealth of activities for visitors to explore.

• Bike Tours: Bicycling is a great way to enjoy the Napa Valley scenery. Small and large group bike tours are available throughout the year.
• Hot-Air Balloon Rides: For a unique perspective, guests can enjoy a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon ride over Napa.
• Golfing: Destination golfers will find many beautiful PGA golf courses scattered across the Napa Valley.
• Hiking: Nature lovers can hike to Mount Saint Helena or walk the trails in nearby Calistoga's Bothe-Napa State Park to check out sweeping views of vineyards and rolling hills.
• Picnicking: Visitors have many scenic wineries to choose from for a romantic picnic lunch or dinner. Gourmet markets and delis throughout Napa offer picnic items. Many wineries and lodgings will pack picnic lunches and wine for guests-at an extra charge.
• River Cruising: Small open-air river boats offer water lovers a leisurely boat ride down the Napa River, providing panoramic views of the area.
• Day Spa Trips: Visitors can relax in the many day spas and wellness resorts located in Napa. Spa services range from massage therapy to yoga classes and more.
• Horseback Riding: Horseback tours are widely available and offer a great way to see the Wine Country.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Napa Valley Opera House: This historical Napa venue features entertainment ranging from rock concerts to Broadway musicals.
• Jarvis Conservatory: The Jarvis Conservatory offers a wide array of performing arts productions, from opera to art films.
• Dreamweavers Troupe: Theater patrons can enjoy unique live productions presented by local Napa actors.

FOR VISITORS

Napa is a haven of both quaint bed-and-breakfast inns and lavish hotels with five-star restaurants. Time-share lodging is also available in Napa.

• Napa Valley Wine Tours: Wine connoisseurs can tour the Napa Valley in style via limousine. Tours visit all the major wineries' tasting rooms. Some tours cater specifically to Napa's boutique wineries. Guests can pick up wine-tasting tips from the best sommeliers in the business.
• Napa Valley Wine Train: This vintage train delights wine and food enthusiasts with a three-hour getaway to the Napa Valley. Guests enjoy California-influenced cuisine created by world-class executive chefs and can sample more than 100 Napa wines at the wine-tasting bar.
• Public Wine-Tasting Rooms and Tours: Napa wineries offer wine tasting and winery tours to the public. Visitors can pick up a local map of public wineries.

LOCAL CULTURE AND CUISINE

Thanks to the local wine industry, Napa visitors will find a plethora of eateries within the city limits, many specializing in California cuisine. Wine is taken very seriously in the area and so is restaurant dining. Consequently, Napa boasts some of the most famous chefs and best restaurants in the nation.

SHOPPING

• Napa Premium Outlets: Napa Premium Outlets draws shoppers from all over the Napa Valley. This large retail center sells name-brand designer fashions, shoes, and accessories at affordable prices.
• Oxbow Public Market: This popular local gourmet market sells fresh artisanal food and local wine. It also sells organic produce and specialty items.

EVENTS

• Weddings: Napa is one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the United States. Napa Valley offers many picturesque wedding facilities available year-round.
• Wine Country Film Festival: Held in September, the festival showcases an eclectic array of feature films and documentaries.
• Napa Valley Mustard Festival: This festival, which runs from late January through March, showcases food, wine, entertainment, and cultural events.
• Napa Wine and Crafts Faire: Held in September, this outdoor street fair features local food, wine tasting, and arts-and-crafts vendors.

FUN FACTS

• Napa is ranked the fourth-largest wine producer in the world and produces 90 percent of the wine in California.
• Napa wines are ranked second in consumption around the world.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular wine variety.
• Napa's Wine Country has more than 45,000 acres dedicated to growing grapes.
• Napa vineyard acreage can sell for up to $300,000 per acre.
• There are 16,000 glasses of wine produced per vineyard acre.
• One bottle of wine consists of 500 crushed grapes.
• More than 40,000 people are employed in Napa's wine and hospitality industries.
• Stony Hill was the first winery built after Prohibition.
• More than 9 million cases of wine are produced in Napa each year.
• Napa's annual wine sales total more than $10 billion.