How does it sound to bike or walk your way through Napa Valley, taking in this treasure of natural beauty and vineyard views? You can slow time to truly appreciate how precious this protected agricultural land is, cycling or walking at a terroir level while connecting with Napa Valley in a uniquely safe, healthy way.

This is what awaits you on the Vine Trail, which, when completed, will be a 47-mile stretch of Class 1 paved trails through some of California’s most scenic settings, to say nothing of the chance to explore some of the valley’s noted wineries and their wines at a pace which invites sipping, savoring the day, relaxing.

This winery visit itinerary, the first of two, celebrates the opening of an 8.2-mile stretch of the Vine Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga (most of it through the Ag Preserve). The wineries included in these itineraries all donated precious land to make this possible for visitors and locals alike. All are located just off the Vine Trail itself.

These first three wineries are from north to south, starting in St. Helena. You may want to play with having longer stretches between wineries by mixing and matching the two Vine Trail winery visit itineraries.

A few notes:

• Outside wine and food are not permitted at any of these wineries
• Most of the wineries require advance reservations, although walk-ins are sometimes accepted. Please check in directly with the wineries as to their policies.

1. Charles Krug

Vine Trail visitors will enter Charles Krug from the main driveway and continue until they reach the tasting room on the right. There is a bike rack in front of the tasting room and you may ask any member of the team there for water refills.

For your wine tasting experience, you can sit outdoors on Charles Krug’s expansive lawns; private cabanas are also available for a fee. Visitors can buy wood-fired pizzas Fridays through Mondays and enjoy a bottle of wine in the outdoor areas. Also offered are wines by the glass, cheese and charcuterie plates and caviar with accouterments.

2. Markham Vineyards

The Vine Trail runs directly past Markham Vineyards on the east side of Highway 29. Once there, guests will find bike racks and an expansive, recently renovated outdoor patio, shaded by beautiful mature olive trees.

Markham Vineyards offers an array of wine tasting experiences exploring the nuances of limited-production and single-vineyard wines set in and around their historic 150-year-old stone cellar, an iconic architectural landmark in Napa Valley. Explore Napa Valley’s unique growing regions and how varietals express themselves differently depending on climate, soil, and location.

3. Ballentine Vineyards

The entrance to Ballentine Vineyards is an easy 30 feet from the Vine Trail. Once there, guests are welcomed with water and bike racks and can relax on their shaded vineyard terrace, with expansive views of Mount St. Helena.

A fun part of visiting this family-run estate with a long history in Napa Valley is the chance to taste a broad array of different varietals grown in their estate vineyards, including Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Reserve Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their Malvasia Bianca and sparkling Malvasia Bianca are also opened on occasion.