The Silverado Trail runs 29 miles along the eastern edge of Napa Valley, from Napa to Calistoga. Quieter than Highway 29, it passes through some of the valley's most respected appellations — including the Stags Leap District, where Baldacci Family Vineyards has farmed estate vineyards since 1998.
Baldacci on the Silverado Trail
Baldacci Family Vineyards sits at 6236 Silverado Trail, in the heart of the Stags Leap District. Founded by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci, the estate is now led by their son Michael, who serves as both winemaker and proprietor.
Our estate vineyards are certified organic by CCOF. The wines — predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap District — are aged in our underground wine cave in French oak barrels that Michael selects personally from cooperages in France.
We are open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM, by appointment. Two tasting experiences are available:
- Stags Leap Tasting ($125/guest) — Estate wines in the tasting salon with a walk through the barrel cave.
- Winemaker's Collection Tasting ($250/guest) — Private cave tour and barrel tasting with Michael, followed by a 10-year horizontal tasting of three single-vineyard Cabernets.
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Appellations Along the Trail
The Silverado Trail passes through or borders several of Napa Valley's most important growing regions:
- Stags Leap District — Known for structured, elegant Cabernet Sauvignon. The volcanic soils and afternoon shade from the Vaca Mountains create wines with firm tannins and a silky finish.
- Oakville — Alluvial soils on the valley floor produce powerful, concentrated Cabernets. Some of Napa's most collected wines come from this bench.
- Rutherford — Famous for "Rutherford Dust," a mineral character in its Cabernet. The appellation's gravel and loam soils drain well, stressing vines into producing small, intensely flavored berries.
- Calistoga — The warmest end of the valley. Bold, ripe Cabernets with soft tannins. Volcanic ash and tufa soils add mineral depth.
Planning a Silverado Trail Wine Day
The Trail is best experienced at a pace of two to three wineries per day. Most tasting rooms are within 10 to 15 minutes of each other by car. A few practical notes:
- Reservations: Required at most Silverado Trail wineries, including Baldacci. Book at least a week in advance during peak season (June through October).
- Driving: The Trail has less traffic than Highway 29, but designated drivers, ride-shares, or hired car services are strongly recommended.
- Lunch: Several restaurants and delis are accessible from the Trail. Plan a midday break between your second and third tasting.
- Direction: Starting from the south (Napa) and working north (toward Calistoga) keeps the afternoon sun behind you.
Why the Silverado Trail Over Highway 29
Highway 29 is Napa Valley's main artery — more commercial, more traffic, more large-scale operations. The Silverado Trail is the alternative. Smaller tasting rooms, less congestion, and more of the rural character that drew winemakers to this valley in the first place.
At Baldacci, this is deliberate. We're a family-owned winery where the person making the wine is also the person greeting you. That kind of access is harder to find on Highway 29.
Read our full Napa Valley Wineries Guide →