A new biennial study released by Visit Napa Valley found that tourism generated a $2.8 billion total economic impact in Napa County in 2025, driven by 3.8 million visitors who spent $2.2 billion throughout the county, a 2.9% increase over the prior year. While the report analyzes Napa County as a whole, the findings are […]
Napa County
Posted inFirst Person
Are libraries competing with bookstores? Short answer: Yes
Earlier this year, the Napa County Library rolled out a new website, a new catalog and most exciting of all, a new partnership with the St. Helena Public Library. With a single library card, patrons can now use both systems seamlessly. It’s a change that’s been a long time coming, and we’re thrilled about the […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Butterfly season brings hope to Napa Valley gardens
Every morning when I venture into my garden for my daily walk-through, I hope I will see the golden wings of a monarch butterfly. Occasionally I am lucky, but at this time of year, they are not laying eggs on my milkweed. They are just passing through on their journey to their summer breeding grounds. When they return […]
Posted inNews
Napa County agricultural value dips 6% in 2025, led by winegrapes
The total value of Napa County’s agricultural production reached $974.2 million in 2025, a 6% decrease from the previous year, according to the 2025 Napa County Agricultural Crop Report presented to the Napa County Board of Supervisors on July 28. “Our overall value is higher than anticipated,” said Tracy Cleveland, Napa County agricultural commissioner. “The slight 6 […]
Posted inNews
Harvest 2026 begins in Napa Valley
Round Pond Estate kicked off the 2026 Napa Valley wine grape harvest with six and a half tons of Chardonnay from their Rutherford estate vineyard on Tuesday, July 21. The grapes were destined for sparkling wine. These grapes are among the first harvested each year to preserve the acidity and freshness that define great sparkling […]
Posted inHome & Garden
A tiny weed sparks a big lesson in the garden
May and June are wonderful months for Napa Valley gardens. The flowers haven’t gone to seed; the weeds haven’t emerged; the tomato plants look promising. I had an unusually full social calendar in June, so I decided I would be the ambassador for the Good-Enough Garden. This is the garden that is a well-intentioned work […]
Posted inNews
Brief Yountville Town Council meeting brings big news: Tagliaboschi to run for mayor
It was less than an hour on Tuesday, July 7, possibly the shortest Yountville Town Council meeting in years, beginning with several interesting comments and announcements made during the public comment section of the agenda. Town resident and former director of public works Joe Tagliaboschi said that while it is good a lot of people […]
Posted inHome & Garden
Fighting back after Ganoderma fungus invades
All the signs were there for some time, but I was too distracted to pay attention. First, the cherry tree (never a robust bearer) began to put forth two cherries per season. Next, I started to notice a healthy crop of mushrooms after every rain at the base of the same tree. Finally, last March, […]
Posted inNews
Calls for trust, transparency shape town manager search discussion at Yountville Town Council meeting
People filled the chambers for the Yountville Town Council meeting on May 19, while additional residents watched the proceedings on TV from the Locals Lounge next door. Council Member Robin McKee opened the meeting by reading the heartfelt apology she had published in the Yountville Sun last week as a letter to the editor. The […]
Posted inFood & Wine
Summer tradition returns as Thomas Keller’s Addendum reopens in Yountville
Addendum, the seasonal outdoor dining site behind Chef Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc, returns for the summer season this Friday, May 22. Set again within Ad Hoc’s garden, Addendum has a relaxed, al fresco vibe centered around comfort-driven favorites, seasonal specials and family-style offerings through Labor Day weekend. Open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to […]