• Napa Valley - The landscape remains constant while its people evolve. Discover the Napa River Valley by water, exploring downtown and beyond.

• Saintsbury Winery - 1. Wildcat & Petaluma Gap
  “To the west, Wildcat Vineyard is elevated above the bay, where fog rolls in like a tide. The red soils here are rich in iron and volcanic—low in nutrients but full of character. Each vine struggles to survive, digging deep through fractured stone, producing small berries bursting with flavor. The cool marine winds of the Petaluma Gap slow the ripening process, preserving brightness and structure. It’s a place of tension—between sun and fog, struggle and reward—and this is evident in every sip.”

• Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection - “Our first Pinot originates from Stanly Ranch, nestled at the base of Mount Veeder—where ancient seafloor was elevated by tectonic forces. Seashells can still be found in the soil of the mountain top vineyards, a reminder that this entire valley was once submerged. Over millions of years, these forces helped shape the ‘Cabernet mud’ that formed our wetlands. The wine? Vibrant and earthy, with a quiet strength that reflects the mountain’s essence.”

• Napa Sonoma Marsh - Wappo Indians + Legacy of the Land

“Long before wine, there were arrowheads. The Wappo Indians shaped this valley, crafting obsidian into sharp tools—sourced from the same volcanic veins that now nurture vines. People come and go, but the land remembers. Arrowheads have been replaced by wineglasses, but the story remains: this land shapes what is created, and we shape what is left behind. From Gold Rush grit to riverfront sips—cheers to the next chapter in Napa’s story. You’re now a part of it.”

• Atlas Peak - We’re paddling along the seam where the Napa River Valley meets the estuary. Look north and you’ll see the Vaca Range—the ridgeline stretching east to west, marking the valley’s edge.

As the valley turns west, ocean wind rushing through the Petaluma Gap can’t follow. Like water swirling around a rock, the wind eddies here, cooling the land below.

That breeze shapes the wine. Downriver, it’s cooler—perfect for crisp whites and pinot noir. Upriver, where the wind can’t reach, it’s warmer—ideal for Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

The river doesn’t just shape the land—it shapes the flavor of Napa.”

• Carneros Wine Company - Cabernet Mud

What you’re looking at? That’s Cabernet mud. All that fancy vineyard topsoil from upvalley got washed down here by flood after flood—millions of years of Napa’s best dirt, now right under your kayak.

We like to say these wetlands are made of Cabernet. Not exactly the tasting note you’re looking for… unless you’re a duck.

In winemaking, mud’s what you find at the bottom of the barrel. Sommeliers might turn up their noses—but the ducks? They think it’s vintage.”

• Napa Valley - “Here flowed all the water of the Napa River and the great tide-lands… I could hardly contain myself with the joy of it.” So wrote Jack London, the Bard of the Bay—and an early member of the Vallejo Yacht Club, just six miles downriver. Founded in 1900, the Club is one of the oldest in the region. London joined in 1910.

• Voucher for Roots Run Deep on 1st Street Downtown Napa with a private NVP menu of marine influenced wines.
• Guided Tour
• Voucher for Saintsbury Winery to explore 3 Carneros vineyards with a private menu.
• One seat in a tandem kayak, with options for paddle board or single kayak based on availability.
• Contact NVP for launch location and time, as it may change due to water level.

• OPTIONAL Roots Run Deep tasting explores marine influenced wines showcased during your river tour
• OPTIONAL Saintsbury Winery. Revisit three vineyards during your tour, in the glass, after the paddle

Explore Napa Valley by Kayak or Paddleboard

Paddle through the estuary of Napa Valley in the Carneros Wine Region. Experience Wine Country from a fresh perspective, from the tranquil marshlands to the waters that sustain some of the world’s most exquisite wines.

Delight in the beauty of the Napa River with a hands-free audio guide that animates the landscape. As you paddle, stories unfold around you—perfectly synced to your location. Uncover hidden gems through concise narratives of local history, ecology, culture, and mythology. Navigate at your own pace with built-in guidance that leads you through the winding estuary waters. It’s more than just a tour—it’s a journey that allows nature to speak, and you to truly listen.

Sample our Water To Vine! audio tour narrated by Robo (Burt) Reynolds and a local winemaker (copy/paste link below): https://s3.resultworx.com/nvp/WaterToWine%2F7.Wildcat%20%26%20Petaluma%20Gap%20Smaller%20Gaps.mp3

• Total duration includes the travel time

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.