Napa's Smoothest Vintage

Napa with no cars? That’s not the wine talking! It’s Stanly Lane in Napa’s Carneros region. Part of the Bay Trail and tucked just off the intersection of Highway 121, Stanly Lane is a paved oasis of solitude and wine country beauty. It also leads to a winery. Bring a bike or plan to hike. From the parking area, you’ll roll or stroll a section flanked by tall eucalyptus trees with the Carneros appellation surrounding you. In the distance you’ll get a nice view of Mount Diablo.

Follow the trail as it comes out of the trees and hugs vineyards layering the landscape. Now you’ve got a hard choice to make: At a signed intersection you can continue straight to Migration Wines.

For those who want to continue rolling, follow the trail west onto Stanly Cross, a wide road with vineyards on both sides of you. At the end, when you’re out of the vineyards, if you're walking turn around and head back the way you came. Bikers can go an extra mile on a stretch that does see cars. Head west on Las Amigas, briefly, before turning south onto Cutting’s Wharf Road and continuing to its namesake along the Napa River with plenty of birds and boats and some picnic tables. Return the way you came and detour to Starmont on the way back.

BONUS WINE & FOOD: Migration Wines makes a nice mid or post-ride stop, though you'll need a reservation. For some good post-adventure grub, head directly across Highway 121 to Stanly Lane Smokehouse (3100 Golden Gate Drive). Family owned and run, this modern farmhouse deli serves up authentic BBQ: pulled pork, brisket, tri-tip, ribs, even a portabella mushroom vegetarian option. Eat in or take out!

Stanly Lane is located off of Hwy. 121 in Napa at the intersection of Golden Gate Dr (map). Dog-friendly! The full bike ride is about 6 miles (round-trip). The Bay Trail section of this route is dog-friendly, but dogs not recommended if you’re biking the last mile to the wharf. Starmont Winery is dog-friendly!