I recently reached a milestone.
In January, I celebrated one year of living in the city of Napa — specifically, downtown Napa — a prime location to sample the city’s offerings.
Walking from my house to some of my favorite downtown eateries, and peering into numerous tasting rooms, has been such a highlight of moving here. And I continue to discover new sights and sounds as I explore the Napa Valley and its people and places.
For context, I started working at the Napa Valley Register in May 2022 and commuted from my apartment in Sacramento for a year and a half. It is such a difference to be able to walk to work.
One question that comes up frequently for me as I settle into my new home is: What is there to do in Napa Valley?
This issue of Inside Napa Valley explores different ways people spend their time, including enjoying the abundance of food and wine the valley offers.
While Napa Valley is renowned for its high-end cuisine, we took the opportunity with our Spring 2025 issue to spotlight the many food trucks catering to the masses. Contributor Vincent Vitale focuses on three in particular — Asian Burger, Cooked by Gio and Clif Family’s Bruschetteria — the last of which food reviewer Tracy J. Mayne critiques.
Vincent also highlights the number of breweries springing up across the valley — a growing beverage alternative to the wine the region is known for. The story focuses on Napa Valley Brewing Co., Tannery Bend Beerworks, Erosion Tap House, and Fieldwork Brewing Co.
Of course, part of the appeal of Napa Valley is in its many wineries and tasting rooms. Contributor Jessica Zimmer highlights the Clif Family Winery tasting room, Maria Concetto Winery tasting room, Hill Family Estate, Orin Swift Cellars and Winery, and Vintner’s Collective Napa Valley.
Photographer Nick Otto captures these food and wine businesses as well as another Napa Valley staple throughout these pages.
Apart from food and wine, one thing Napa Valley is known for is its annual music festival — BottleRock Napa Valley. The three-day festival, taking place on Memorial Day weekend in Napa, welcomes roughly 40,000 visitors to the region. Contributor Damian Burford offers his “survival guide” to the festival in which everything you need to know, from what you are allowed to take in to what to eat for breakfast, is mapped out.
I have yet to attend BottleRock — personally or professionally — but to bring things full circle, I was able to hear The Offspring’s set from my house last year. This year? Hopefully, Green Day or Sublime will rock downtown Main Street. Or perhaps I will check off another Napa Valley milestone and attend in person?
