Our Water to Wine tour will introduce a side of Napa few have ever seen, providing context for the region and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. On this tour, you will learn of the world-class wines and unique influences that make this such a special place. Alongside a cool breeze blowing up the river, your guide will provide a sense of place, sharing history, culture, and marine-influenced wines harvested from three distinct wine regions visible in the nearby hills.
Your time on the water provides a visceral connection to the Napa River Valley. In contrast, your time in the Roots Run Deep tasting salon lets you revisit the terroir in your glass after the paddle to explore how it all translates to wine flavor!
Explore the luxury of nature with NVP.
About the Napa River
The Napa River is a meeting place—where fresh and salt water converge; where fish, birds, and animals comingle; and where the histories and cultures of generations of people blend and flow, twisting and turning like the living river itself.
"From these volcanic soils, natives chiseled arrowheads where vineyards grow today. Roots that ebb & flow each growing season, penetrating volcanic rock toward the water table below. This river and its raging waters are essential to produce wines of perfection from a diverse range of grapes harvested from Napa’s world-famous vines." - Drew Dickson, owner/winemaker NVP
DEPARTURE TIME
Friday - Monday, 9am & 1130am. *7- days per week for groups of 4 or more
TRIP LENGTH
Up to 2 hours. Guided tour of Oxbow District by water
1-hour free paddle, explore at your own pace
ROOTS RUN DEEP TASTING SALON Downtown Napa at 1607 First Street on the corner of Seminary. This historic 120 year old craftsman home provides the perfect backdrop to showcase our amazing wines from both the Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
Special NVP menu featuring marine-influenced vineyards from both Napa & Sonoma, spanning the Petaluma Gap.
VIP admission to the tasting salon on a walk-in basis with NVP voucher, six days a week. Reservations are required for Saturday tastings.
Let your guide do the work! Relax aboard a hand-crafted wooden kanaka boat modeled after those carrying early settlers to Napa Valley from arriving ships in the San Francisco Bay. Perfect for couples, friends, and families.
Treat your group to a wine tasting, cheese and charcuterie, or a fully-catered spread. Complete the experience with transportation to and from your hotel or meeting facility. You provide the wish list and we'll do the rest!
• Private riverfront cottage & grounds
• Charcuterie & wine tasting on-site
• Guided tour of Fagan Preserve
• Central to hiking, biking & wineries
• Local oysters! (Nov - April)
• Custom catering options
RENTAL INCLUDES
Kayak or paddle board, life vest, paddle, pre-paddle orientation, and river overview
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Family-oriented paddling is best in the morning before 1 pm. This is safe, calm paddling environment with proximity to the shoreline at all times. Paddlers enjoy flat, calm water in a 5mph zone with very little boat traffic, particularly in the Oxbow. Paddleboarding at lower tide levels is not suitable for beginners. Paddling into the Oxbow generally requires over 1.5ft on the tide chart (we will advise you regarding the route)
PARKING
Plenty of parking is available in the 5th Street Parking Garage across the street from Riverfront Plaza. Street parking is limited to 2 hours on the street with no limits on Sunday.
WHAT TO WEAR
Water shoes are not essential but are preferred by many of our guests. Others prefer flip-flops or paddling barefoot. Dress in layers and synthetic clothing (it will dry faster than cotton).
WHAT TO BRING
Drinking water, sunscreen, light towel. We suggest using our dry bags or dry boxes for phones, wallets, and keys, or bring your own. We have a sports lanyard for your cellphone available for $20, free with our audio guide/navigational assistant.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Reservations canceled up to 48 hours before your scheduled launch will be refunded.