Road & Track's Route to Vine Was 3 Days of Napa Valley Delight

We just got back from Road & Track's Route to Vine, and what an adventure! Three days of the most beautiful back-road driving Northern California can offer, followed by evenings sampling the finest wines of the Napa Valley—and so much more! It was the latest event from Experiences by Road & Track, and our guests enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Here's what you missed, and what you can expect if you sign up for next year's event.

We started with breakfast at the gorgeous Presidio Log Cabin, at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. R&T editor-in-chief Mike Guy and special guest (and route-master) Matt Farah gave opening remarks, then everyone headed for their cars to roar off on our three-day California adventure.

San Francisco welcomed us with signature moody fog, but a damp morning couldn't dampen our spirits. More than two dozen R&T fans signed up for this event, bringing an impressive variety of performance cars old and new.

First stop: Sonoma Raceway. Our guests were able to use this legendary California race track as their personal playground, driving their own cars on the challenging and hilly 12-corner track, or hopping in the passenger seat for a high-speed ride-along with IndyCar legend Graham Rahal, driving a brand-new Acura NSX. Talk about a hot lap!

That wasn't the only excitement at the track. Our guests were able to compete on a challenging autocross course, driving brand-new Polestar 2 electric sports sedans. A few cones were sacrificed, but with a little practice, lap times got faster and faster. Everyone who got out of the Polestar 2 was impressed by its instant acceleration, sharp handling, and unflappable traction and cornering grip. When they weren't out torturing tires, guests got to stock up on Meguiars car care products.

After another gorgeous back-road drive through the California mountains, our crew arrived in the picturesque town of Yountville, and headed to a private dinner at the exclusive restaurant Ottimo by Bottega Napa Valley. Over a chef-prepared meal, R&T editor in chief Mike Guy presented awards for superior performance at the Polestar autocross, then hosted a fireside chat with Graham Rahal, who gave a behind-the-scenes look at life on the IndyCar circuit, and what it takes to become a professional race car driver at the pinnacle of speed.

Recognize that face? It's none other than Mike Valentine, founder of Valentine One, maker of the most highly regarded radar and laser detectors in the business. Winners of the Polestar autocross awards received a special gift from Valentine One that will hopefully keep them from having uncomfortable conversations at the side of the road with lights flashing in their mirrors. Guests returned to the beautiful grounds of Hotel Yountville and retired for the evening.

The next morning's wake-up call came early, but for a very good reason: A sunrise hot-air balloon ride over wine country! Why would anybody sleep in when they could capture views like this?