UpValley Wineries Go For Holiday Lights

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY AL FRANCIS

The magic of the Napa Valley comes to life during the holidays as wineries and towns along Highway 29 put on sensational light shows.

Starting with Yountville, you can see the spectacular scenes from the comfort of your vehicle driving north on Highway 29.

 Yountville, which had its Festival of Lights on Friday, is all decked out with lights in trees along the main road.

Perhaps take photos without the flash to get the effect of the holiday lights-use a tripod or hold the camera as still as possible.

Smartphones are great devices for photos and videos with amazing low light technology.

As you travel north on Highway 29, look for Far Niente winery to the left on the west side of the valley nestled near the hills with a row of trees blanketed in colorful lights.

As you approach St. Helena, you will see a row of trees decorated with deep red lights on the right side of Highway 29 northbound-that is Peju Winery.

Soon on your journey, you will spot blue lights on the east side of the highway lining both sides of the Franciscan Winery driveway -- a truly majestic scene at night with a huge fountain at the end of the driveway as the water dances under the blue lights.

If you are lucky, you will see the Napa Valley Wine Train on its dinner run to or from St. Helena from Napa. Check out the lights adorning the outside of the train cars from the engine to the caboose -- like a giant holiday ribbon gliding through the Napa Valley.