Not for the faint of heart, the Oakville Grade is something we always look forward to doing while visiting the Napa Valley! The Grade is never recommended for tourists but years ago a local told us about it and we have been driving the route to get to and from Napa and Sonoma for years.

The windy, elevated road has lots of near drop offs and eroded patches but the scenery is so pretty. It's peaceful and not crowded either. Do not take this road if you are a nervous driver or if you have a larger size vehicle. I've had to pull over because I became queasy from all the twists and turns.

Watch out for cycling groups, they love taking this road and you can round a corner too fast and find yourself face to face with a bunch of bicycles (be alert, share the road)!

On the Grade you'll pass quaint rustic farm houses, vineyards, grape vines, tree lined shady bridges and more. I much prefer the drive from Sonoma into Napa because at the top of the mountain there is a view that I can only describe as "show stopping." You'll want to pull over safely and snap some photos of the sweeping vineyard views. It's even better early on a cloudy morning!

Looking at a map, you may think this an easy and fast way to cross between Napa and Sonoma...NOT! It is a beautiful, winding, mountain road, with a variety of meadows, woods, flora and fauna. Well worth the 30 minutes or so that it takes to cross, especially if you are not bothered by many switchbacks, unrailed outside curves and surprise delivery trucks coming around the next blind curve..in your lane! The first time really got under the skin of this flatland Cajun boy! But each time is easier and more beautiful! Check it out!