The scenic village of Angwin is near the summit of Howell Mountain, east of the Napa Valley. The distinctive climate and rocky soil combine to create intense and complex wine flavors for which the area is quite well known.
The census-designated place (CDP) is only 4.9 square miles with about 3,000 residents, anchored on one side by a small shopping center and the campus of Pacific Union College on the other. While no hotels or restaurants are in Angwin, the wineries offer abundant tasting opportunities and spectacular views from St. Helena to Calistoga. It should be noted that some wineries offer tasting by appointment only.
Opportunities to commune with nature abound in Las Posadas State Forest, with trails, creeks and canyons and even an ancient Native American burial ground. Angwin is also home to the annual Napa Valley Dirt Classic, a 22-mile race through the woods behind the Pacific Union campus.
Angwin is a lovely secluded community about eight miles northeast of St. Helena. The locals maintain it is well worth a look, for house hunters as well as recreation seekers.