Napa — the town, county and valley — is synonymous with world-class wines, dining and lodging. The history, architecture and monetary value of its homes and land have increased dramatically during the last few decades. Founded in 1847, and county seat of Napa County, the city of Napa was once a rough and tumble way-station for California’s “49ers” bound for the Gold Rush. It has been home to tanneries, prune processing and a State Hospital. Previous Napa residents worked mainly blue collar heavy industrial jobs, while today’s workforce is primarily engaged in tourism. The county’s first winery was founded here in 1859.
Napa’s approximately 77,000 year-round residents take pride in the preservation of its past, as is manifest in the town’s Victorian-era homes and historic districts. There is new architecture as well. It’s celebrated on Main Street’s “Restaurant Row.” The town’s Chamber of Commerce likes to say, “Napa is a city with a low crime rate, a high standard of living, clean air and nearly perfect weather.”