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Napa, California

The heart of America's most celebrated wine region, Napa sits at the southern end of the Napa Valley, which produces some of the world's finest wines. The 1976 "Judgment of Paris" tasting, where Napa wines beat French wines in a blind test, put this small California city on the global map and launched a wine tourism empire worth billions.
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Founded 1847 | Population 79,680 | Peak 79,680 (2024) | County Napa County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Napa, California

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1847Founded: Napa was founded during the early American settlement of California, becoming the seat of Napa County.
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1861Wine Industry Begins: Charles Krug established Napa Valley's first commercial winery, launching the region's wine legacy.
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1976Judgment of Paris: Napa wines shocked the world by defeating top French wines in a blind tasting, transforming the valley's reputation overnight.
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2000Napa Flood Control: A 00 million flood control project restored the Napa River, revitalizing downtown and creating a living river park.
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2014South Napa Earthquake: A 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Napa, causing billion in damage — the largest Bay Area quake since 1989.
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Complete Historical Timeline

1847 Culture
Founded
1861 Business
Wine Industry Begins
1976 Culture
Judgment of Paris
2000 Government
Napa Flood Control
2014 Disaster
South Napa Earthquake

Did You Know?

1
1976 Judgment of Paris shocked the world when Napa beat French wines.
2
Over 400 wineries in Napa Valley.
3
Wine Train offers scenic rail tours.
4
Napa is located in Napa County, California.
5
Napa was founded in 1847.

Famous People from Napa, California

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Shirley Walker
Composer, Conductor · Born Apr 10, 1945 · Died Nov 30, 2006 (age 61)
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Logan Tom
Volleyball Player, Beach Volleyball Player · Born May 25, 1981 · Age 44
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William Thompson
Rower · Born Jul 19, 1908 · Died Feb 8, 1956 (age 47)
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David Dunlap
Rower · Born Nov 19, 1910 · Died Dec 16, 1994 (age 84)
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Donny Robinson
Sport Cyclist · Born Jun 17, 1983 · Age 42
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