Strolling Along The Silverado Trail

Featuring Hunnicutt Winery, Failla Winery, and Ladera Vineyards

While Highway 29 often claims the spotlight in Napa Valley, locals know that some magic unfolds on the east side of the valley along the Silverado Trail.

Stretching from Napa in the south to Calistoga in the north, this historic road winds past rolling vineyards, rugged hillsides, and some of the valley’s most respected wineries. It's also a more relaxed way to experience Napa wine country, with your 2026 Napa Vine Pass in hand.

A Road Steeped in History

The Silverado Trail dates back to the mid-1800s, when it served as a vital route during California’s silver-mining boom, giving birth to its name. Miners, settlers, and early vintners used the trail to travel between Napa Valley, unknowingly laying the groundwork for what would become one of the world’s most celebrated wine roads.

Over time, the Silverado Trail evolved into a corridor for elevated winemaking. Its eastern exposure, varied elevations, and proximity to the Vaca Mountains create unique microclimates, ideal for producing spectacular wines. Today, the trail is synonymous with thoughtful wine craftsmanship, boutique estates, and the true essence of Napa Valley.

Unlike the bustle of Highway 29, the Silverado Trail offers a quieter pace that mirrors the philosophy of many of its wineries. It’s a road made for strolling, lingering, and discovering, especially when paired with our Napa wine pass, which unlocks exclusive access and savings at select wine estates along the way.

Silverado Trail Standout Wineries ~ Vines of Napa Program

Failla Winery: Pinot Noir with a Sense of Place

Founded by acclaimed winemaker Ehren Jordan, Failla Winery is known for its Burgundian approach to winemaking and its deep respect for vineyard site. Failla sources fruit from exceptional vineyards across Northern California; its Silverado Trail location reflects a commitment to balance, texture, and restraint.

Failla’s wines, especially their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, are refined and elegant, characterized by lively acidity and intricate complexity, providing a lovely contrast to some of Napa’s bolder wine styles. Visiting this winery offers a thoughtful, serene, and intimate experience, ideal for those who value wines that are subtle yet remarkable.

Hunnicutt Winery: Modern Napa with Classic Roots

Hunnicutt Wines brings a refined, contemporary energy to the Silverado Trail, backed by a serious Napa Valley pedigree. Founded in 2002 by Jason Hunnicutt, the winery focuses on small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. The winemaking team is led by renowned Napa winemaker Kirk Venge, crafting wines from some of the valley’s most coveted vineyard sites.

The wines are polished yet expressive, combining ripe fruit, supple tannins, and seamless balance. Tastings here are relaxed and personal, offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at modern Napa winemaking while staying true to the region’s classic foundations.

Ladera Vineyards – Mountain Strength Meets Valley Elegance

Just off the Silverado Trail, Ladera Vineyards artfully bridges the best of Napa Valley’s mountain and valley fruit. Founded in 1999 by Pat and Anne Stokesbury, Ladera was built on a clear vision to craft a refined, balanced expression of mountain Cabernet Sauvignon.

Aptly named Ladera, Spanish for “hillside," the estate made its debut with a Cabernet Sauvignon that set the tone for a sophisticated, terroir-driven style that continues to define the winery today.

Ladera’s wines showcase structure, depth, and age-worthiness while maintaining freshness and precision. A relaxed tasting accompanied by curated cheese plates, small bites, and seasonal offerings, all within a serene and welcoming environment are an inviting and welcome change.

Plan Your Silverado Trail Day Trip

Our Napa wine passport opens the door for each guest to receive exclusive savings and genuine hospitality at three exceptional neighboring wineries along the Silverado Trail. Present your 2026 Napa Vine Pass to enjoy these winery-exclusive benefits:

Failla Winery

• $50 off Cave Tasting Experience with each 2026 Vine Pass

Hunnicutt Winery

• $35 off a Portfolio or AVA Tasting Experience with each 2026 Vine Pass

Ladera Vineyards

• $25 off Portfolio or $50 off Cabernet Tasting with each 2026 Vine Pass

Strolling along the Silverado Trail is about embracing a different rhythm of Napa Valley. Sometimes, the best stories in Napa aren’t found on the busiest road, but waiting to be found and explored.

Cheers! 🍷

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