EXHIBIT 99.1

                                NORTH BAY BANCORP

                                  PRESS RELEASE

                                 March 2 , 2001





                                  EXHIBIT 99.1

                                NORTH BAY BANCORP

                                  PRESS RELEASE

                                  March 2, 2001

North Bay  Bancorp,  holding  company  for The  Vintage  Bank and  Solano  Bank,
reported consolidated  earnings of $2,612,585,  or $1.40 per share, for the year
ended December 31, 2000. This compares with earnings of $2,715,377, or $1.58 per
share,  for 1999.  Total  assets  were  $247,469,066  as of December  31,  2000,
equating  to growth of 26% for the year.  Return on average  assets for the year
was 1.17% and return on average shareholders' equity was 11.7%.

"We are very pleased with our 2000 financial  results in light of opening Solano
Bank in July, 2000 and absorbing six months of operating losses  associated with
the new Bank",  stated  Terry  Robinson,  President & CEO of North Bay  Bancorp.
Robinson  went on to note that  "North  Bay has  adopted  an  aggressive  growth
strategy  which we believe  will cause  earnings to lag our  historical  returns
through year 2002. With the opening of Solano Bank in 2000, the opening of a St.
Helena  Office of The Vintage  Bank in mid 2001 and a Vallejo  Office for Solano
Bank in our plans,  we are  currently  sacrificing  some  profitability  for the
benefit of growth.  We think this  approach  is prudent  given our high level of
capital,  the market  opportunities  before us, the capability of our management
and the  economies  of scale to be realized at a larger  size.  We believe  this
strategy will reward shareholders over the longer term."

Earlier this month the Holding Company  announced a 5% stock dividend and a $.20
per  share  cash  dividend.  Both  dividends  are  payable  March  20,  2001 for
shareholders of record as of March 1, 2001. Stock of North Bay Bancorp is quoted
on the Over-The-Counter (OTC) Bulletin Board, Symbol NBAN.

         This press release contains forward-looking  statements with respect to
the financial condition,  results of operation and business of North Bay Bancorp
and its  subsidiaries.  These include,  but are not limited to,  statements that
relate to or are dependent on estimates or



assumptions relating to the prospects of loan growth, credit quality and certain
operating  efficiencies  resulting  from the  operations of The Vintage Bank and
Solano  Bank.  These  forward-looking   statements  involve  certain  risks  and
uncertainties.  Factors that may cause actual results to differ  materially from
those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, among others, the
following  possibilities:  (1)  competitive  pressure among  financial  services
companies increases significantly;  (2) changes in the interest rate environment
reduce  interest  margins;  (3) general  economic  conditions,  internationally,
nationally or in the State of California are less  favorable than expected;  (4)
legislation or regulatory  requirements or changes adversely affect the business
in which the combined organization will be engaged; and (5) other risks detailed
in the  North  Bay  Bancorp  reports  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission.


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Questions  regarding  this press release should be directed to Terry L. Robinson
at (707) 258-3969.