Escape Napa's hustle and bustle via a little slice of open space filled with some of the easternmost coastal redwood trees in the state. Located just north of St. Helena on Napa Valley's busy Highway 29, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park features a hiking loop with lots of variety and rewarding views. Start the hike alongside Ritchey Creek, where redwood groves and large maple trees with autumn-gold leaves shade the way. The path eventually veers and rises steadily; near the summit, the trees give way and the trail becomes exposed. The best views are from just below Coyote Peak, where a break in the forest creates a wide-angle panorama of St. Helena and the Vaca Mountain Range. Complete the loop by descending the south side of the peak, which links up again with the Ritchey Canyon Trail. After your ramble, continue the redwoods theme with wine-tasting in one of Napa's few outdoor 'tasting rooms.' About 2 miles north of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is blink-and-you'll-miss-it Diamond Mountain Road where you'll find Reverie Vineyard and Winery, a 40-acre winery on the side of a mountain. Reverie prefers appointment-tastings, but its personal approach to winemaking and tours merits the effort. Sit and sip under the redwoods—the perfect way to end a Napa day.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located 5 miles north of St. Helena on Hwy. 29. The Coyote Peak loop trail is about 4.5 miles. Park at the trailhead, on the right of the road just past the visitor center. Start hiking on the Ritchey Canyon Trail. Follow this along Ritchey Creek until you reach Redwood Trail. Follow this to the Coyote Peak Trail. A signed spur trail goes to the summit. After taking the spur trail, continue on the Coyote Peak Trail to the South Fork Trail and go right. Cross Ritchey Creek, and turn right on Redwood Trail. Cross the creek again to Ritchey Canyon Trail and continue all the way back to the parking lot. Dog are allowed in the park, but not on the trails.
Reverie Vineyard and Winery, 1520 Diamond Mountain Rd., Calistoga; 707-942-6800. Open weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., by appointment only. Tastings are complimentary, unless you have a group of 10 or more; then it is $20 per person.