Imagine this reality – one day soon, you will be able to ride your bike from the hot springs of Calistoga, 44 miles south through the vineyards of Napa, then hop on a ferry to San Francisco or Marin – all without having to compete with automobiles and traffic.

Surprisingly, the path has not received much resistance from the decision-making governing bodies and agriculture groups. A joint statement from the founding members of the Vine Trail Coalition was issued May 7, 2009, indicating support for the trail plan: “The Napa Valley Grapegrowers, the Napa County Farm Bureau, the Napa Valley Vintners and the Winegrowers of Napa County support the voluntary development of a trail along the existing major transportation routes that does not require any modification of the Agricultural Preserve,” it reads.

At a recent NVVT Committee meeting, I learned of the following progress:

- NVVT has received its 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization

- As part of above, they have organized a board of directors, and are now able to accept volunteers and donations.

- A new website (napavalleyvinetrail.org) is under development and will launch Q1-2010.

- Yountville is breaking ground on the first part of designated NVVT around April 15th, 2010.

- The first phase, from Trancas in Napa to Calistoga, is 22 miles.

- Current budget for the project is at approximately $40M, of which the NVVT Coalition is responsible for raising 20% and is counting on goverment funds for the remaining 80%.

- Committees are actively working on capital campaign, permits, and all other aspects of making this trail a reality.

To volunteer, get additional information, or provide comments contact NVVT: info@napavalleyvinetrail.org

It’s always fun to find a surprise a little off the beaten path that has been there forever, but is entirely new to you. One such place is the Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company, housed in an old barn in St Helena, just east of the landmark Tra Vigne restaurant, at the end of Charter Oak Avenue.

This little gem has been around for over 30 years, and is the best place to pick up deli meat, breadsticks, cheese and obviously, olive oil from a family-owned, authentic Italian deli.

Directions:

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