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35 Best Napa Wineries & Wine Tasting Tours for 2024

These are Some of the Best Napa Valley Wineries and Wine Tours, Along with Recommended Restaurants & Vineyard Hotels for Unique Tasting Experiences in 2024.

Napa Valley is  the most important wine region in the United States. It was the first American wine region to be fully internationally recognized for producing high-quality wines. And, the Valley has risen to the challenge with world-famous places to eat, drink, and stay.

In this Napa wine tasting guide, we explore wineries, tours, restaurants, and hotels in Napa to craft the ultimate wine country experience for Winetravelers.

Best Napa Wineries & Things to Do This Year

Napa wineries along st. helena highway.

St. Helena Highway runs north and south through most of the towns that dot Napa Valley. In fact, visitors can get a great overview of Napa Valley’s various AVAs just by driving along it! The following wineries can be found on or just off of St Helena Highway (aka Route 29/128), from south to north.

Domaine Chandon

1 California Drive, Yountville

(888) 242 6366

Why Guests Love It: Sparkling Wine, VIP Service, Food & Bubbly Pairings

Every wine tasting tour should start with bubbly, and Domaine Chandon is here to heed the call! Located just off St Helena Highway, the serene grounds provide the perfect backdrop to sip some sparkling and soak in the good life. Cheers!

Nickel & Nickel

8164 St Helena Hwy, Oakville

(707) 967-9600

Why Guests Love It: Single Vineyard Cabernets, Library Wines, Exceptional Service

Since Napa Cabs are really what put California on the global winemaking map, be sure to stop off at Nickel & Nickel . With a range of single vineyard Cabernets to try, it’s a fascinating trip through Napa terroir, all with premier white glove service. Try some older vintages if they’re available to see how beautifully Napa Cab can age.

RELATED: Learn More about Napa’s History, Terroir and Grape Varieties

Sequoia Grove

8338 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford

(707) 944-2945

Why Guests Love It: Classic Cabernets, Boutique Feel, Food & Wine Pairings

Sequoia Grove is almost the little engine that could in Napa, not because it’s any less mighty but because it’s lowkey and relaxed. It’s definitely worth stopping in, though, because the wood-timber building surrounded by sequoias and cypresses gives a distinctive Northern Californian feel. Everything produced is fantastic but take note of the quintessential cedar notes in their Cabs. They’re a standout.

Grgich Hills

1829 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford

(707) 963-2784

Why Guests Love It: Historical Winery, Picnic Tastings, Eco-Focused

Named after its founders, Mike Grgich and Austin Hills, Grgich Hills is one of the more legendary wineries in Napa. Founded in 1977, it has consistently produced stellar wines to be tasted in an equally stellar stone building. Bonus: As of 2006, it uses only estate-grown fruit from its organic, biodynamic, and solar powered winery.

Corison Winery

987 St Helena Hwy, St Helena

(707) 963-0826

Why Guests Love It: Critically Acclaimed Wines, Female Winemaker, Vineyard Views

True trailblazers seem in short supply these days but thankfully Cathy Corison is still here. Year in and year out, she crafts award-winning Cabs from specific vineyard designations. She also produces a stunning Gewürztraminer and Riesling, both of which sing when paired with food. Be sure to snap up what you can because her wines consistently sell out.

401 St Helena Hwy South, St Helena

(707) 967-2626

Why Guests Love It: Stunning Artwork, Female Winemaker, Exceptional Wines

If the whimsical rabbit sculpture isn’t enough to make you stop, the wines most certainly will! Kathryn Hall comes by her craft genetical, having worked in her family’s vineyards north in Mendocino before striking out on her own. And although the Cabs are fabulous, cross the varietal line and taste their Merlots. You’ll be wowed.

The Salon at Heitz Cellar

436 St Helena Hwy, St Helena

(707) 963-2047

Why Guests Love It: Historical Winery, Cheese & Charcuterie Boards, Age-Worthy Wines

Heitz has been around since 1961 – yes, you read that correctly. Everything about Heitz speaks to tradition, from the vineyard selections to the woodblock-esque labels. It’s worth stocking up here and laying some down to age because Heitz is known to develop beautifully for years.

Freemark Abbey

3022 St Helena Hwy N, St Helena

(800) 963-9698

Why Guests Love It: Historical Winery, Stunning Architecture, Library Wines

Housed in a historic stone building that dates back to 1899, Freemark Abbey has consistently been a winery for over a century (except that during that little hiccup known as Prohibition). It further cemented its name in oenological history by being one of only twelve wineries invited to compete in the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Today, the wines remain standouts and tasting here brings guests on a trip through Napa history. 

Sterling Vineyards

1111 W Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga

(800) 726-6136

Why Guests Love It: Breathtaking Views, Tram Rides, Award Winning Wines

Sterling Vineyards unfortunately sustained significant damage during the Glass Fire of 2020 and has since been undergoing reconstruction. The good news for everyone is that it is due to reopen in the Spring of 2023! Sterling has been a longtime favorite because of the stunning views. Plan ahead to book a tour that includes a tram ride to the top of the vista point and sip through their lineup. It’s worth the wait.

Tank Garage Winery

1020 Foothill Blvd, Calistoga

(707) 942-8265

Why Guests Love It: Art Deco Architecture, Intriguing Wines, Small Production

Of all wine tasting experiences through Napa, Tank Garage is probably the most unique because it’s located in a 1930s Art Deco gas station! Tank isn’t for the faint-of-heart – the people there are known for sprinkling salty language around, but they sure provide a fun experience. The wines are just as interesting with everything from orange pét-nat to carbonic Grenache.

Top Napa Wineries along the Silverado Trail

Silverado Trail runs somewhat parallel to St Helena Highway on the east side of Napa. The two are close enough together to make it very easy to toggle between, but Silverado is decidedly quieter because village centers are found on St Helena Highway.

Chateau Montelena

1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga

(707) 942-5105

Why Guests Love It: Stunning Architecture, Napa History, VIP Service

Chateau Montelena is the perfect start to a day of winetasting. This gorgeous stone chateau is home to some legendary wines, including the Chardonnay that beat out white Burgundies in the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Taste through their elegant line up of Cabs or go rogue and try their Riesling – everything is stunning.

Clos Pegase Winery

1060 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga

(707) 942-4981

Why Guests Love It: Sleek Architecture, Quirky Sculptures, Cave Tours

Clos Pegase breaks rank with modern architecture and the quirky “friendship bench” but the wines are no less delightful. With a range of flight options, guests are encouraged to taste through all that Napa has to offer in a relaxing, elegant environment. Be sure to try all of the reds.

Honig Vineyard & Winery

850 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford

(707) 963-4272

Why Guests Love It: Eco Tours, Sustainable Winery, Fabulous Whites

Honig means ‘honey’ in German, which is denoted with the whimsical bees on Honig labels. And, Honig is true to its love of bees by being certified sustainable and solar powered. Book the Eco tour to learn all about Honig’s green practices before tasting through some beautiful wines, including their Sauvignon Blanc.

8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford

(800) 686-6272

Why Guests Love It: Beautiful Views, Classic Sparkling Wine, Cheese Pairings

Is it bubbly time yet? Mumm Napa provides the best of French winemaking and Napa views. Guests can choose to taste through the delightful sparkling wines in a variety of settings, from patio seating to terrace tasting with cheese pairings.

8383 Silverado Trail, Napa

(707) 963-5188

Why Guests Love It: Beautiful Views, Organic Farming, Warm Hospitality

Although technically in another town, ZD is just down the road from Mumm and is definitely worth the stop. While ZD may be smaller than some of the huge Napa wineries, it is no less impressive and produces rich, luscious wines that manage to maintain perfect balance. Taste through the lineup, or book a tour with sample of library wines.

Quixote Winery

6126 Siverado Trail, Napa

(707) 944-2659

Why Guests Love It: Quirky Atmosphere, Estate Tours, Food & Wine Pairings

And now for something completely different! To experience Quixote Winery is to experience a quirky, carnivalesque atmosphere while tasting through intriguing, small production wines. All fruit sourced from Stags Lead District, their wines sell out quickly so be sure to stock up while you can.

Stags’ Leap Winery

6150 Silverado Trail, Napa

(707) 257-5790

Why Guests Love It: Historic Winery, Beautiful Views, Exceptional Service

Stags’ Leap is another legendary Napa winery and is a must for those wanting to taste through the best the valley has to offer. Indulge in a porch tasting to experience the stunning views alongside the stunning wines. And, be sure to grab a bottle of Petite Sirah, which is a perennial favorite among critics.

Clos du Val Winery

5330 Silverado Trail, Napa

(707) 261-5212

Why Guests Love It: Stunning Views, Creative Events, High End Hospitality

Clos du Val is nestled back among the vines, providing a picturesque experience for visitors. Book a tasting in advance, or check out events like Apéro nights, or sparkling wine brunches. No matter what you try, you’ll love the attention to detail that weaves through both the wines and the estate.

4240 Silverado Trail, Napa

(707) 257-2345

Why Guests Love It: Stunning Architecture, Luxurious Pairings, Exceptional Service

Darioush is sort of like Madonna or Cher in that it needs no other name: Darioush is enough. And, for those that know it, the name Darioush means opulence and grandeur unlike anything else in Napa. Grounded in Persian culture, hospitality is elevated to an art form here. Be sure to reserve the Signature Mezza tasting to try the wines alongside traditional Persian mezze plates.

Judd’s Hill Winery & MicroCrush

2332 Silverado Trail, Napa

(707) 255-2332

Why Guests Love It: Small Production, Family Owned, Relaxed Environment

Judd’s Hill is an anomaly in Napa because it’s lowkey and very hands on. Still family owned, guests are encouraged to book tastings, pairings, or even play winemaker and blend their own wines! Another charming experience is their annual poetry contest, for which winners receive a 3-liter bottle but the real prize is being part of this 20+ year tradition.

Best Napa Wine Tours

While we’re thrilled to share our favorite wineries throughout Napa, we’re also big believers in letting the local pros do the heavy lifting. Here are some of the best guided and private tours that take the guesswork out of navigating Napa.

Platypus Tours Limited offers the perfect way to have a more intimate experience while tasting fabulous wines and not worry about driving. (Designated drivers are the heroes we need!) This half-day wine tasting tour takes you to three exceptional wineries and also includes a complimentary picnic lunch . Hotel pickup/dropoff are also included.

It doesn’t get much better when you’re able to blend the great outdoors with an awesome authentic wine tasting experience. Napa Native Wine Tours offers a full-day guided tour, beginning the day with a morning hike through some of Napa’s redwood forests and mountainscapes. In the afternoon, this particular experience focuses on boutique wineries , so you’ll avoid the crowds and some of the more corporate setups. Hotel pickup and dropoff is also offered, with the option to include lunch.

Step back in time and try the Napa Valley Open Air Wine Trolley ! This throwback trolley lets you soak up the vibe throughout the experience, with a stop-off for lunch.

One of the more iconic experiences any Napa visitor should try (especially if it’s your first time), is to see the Valley from the air. Napa Valley Balloons offers a wine country hot air balloon ride , a breathtaking way to experience Napa. The company also flies drones in tandem to capture images of the experience that you can take home with you.

Restaurants

Oxbow public market.

610 1 st St, Napa

(707) 226-6529

Oxbow is a great place to start the day and plan your attack. There are countless dining options, or you can stock up on nibbles to take with you. It’s almost like a mini Napa boiled down to offer everything you could possibly need for a luxurious day of wine tasting.

Bouchon Bistro

6534 Washington St, Yountville

(707) 944-8037

Located just down the street from The French Laundry, Bouchon Bistro offers Thomas Keller’s vision in a lower-key setting. Think traditional bistro fare with the freshest ingredients, like moules au safran and steak frites. And, the stunning wine list is worth taking time to browse because it’s got some gems available by the glass.

Gott’s Roadside

933 Main St, St Helena

(707) 963-3486

If you were to ask Siri to show you the most California dining option possible, she’d definitely pull up Gott’s Roadside . These unpretentious roadside joint offers classics like double cheeseburgers alongside kale salads and baja fish tacos. And, because it’s in wine country, its beverage offerings include everything from kombucha to high end Cabs.

Goose & Gander

1245 Spring St, St Helena

(707) 967-8779

We love everything about Goose & Gander , from the adorable craftsman house that it occupies to the British-pub-meets-California menu that changes seasonally. The vegetarian options, like watermelon salad or fried squash blossoms, mean that vegetarians won’t be left in the cold.

6525 Washington St, Yountville

(707) 945-1050

Spacious and rustic, Bottega offers delectable Italian in the heart of Yountville’s Gourmet Gulch. Classic dishes are paired with wine selections that are updated daily. Save room for dessert because they are to die for.

Gatehouse Restaurant

The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone

2555 Main St, St Helena

(707) 967-2300

Support fine dining of the future by booking a fantastic evening at The Gatehouse , where students of the CIA (not that CIA) hone their culinary skills. Choose three or four course menus, with or without sommelier-selected pairings – just be sure to make class is in session before you go.

Meritage Resort and Spa

875 Bordeax Way, Napa

The Meritage Resort and Spa is the ultimate place to really indulge in the decadence of Napa. Even the basic rooms are perfection, while the suites take it to the next level. Amenities include everything from wine tastings to cooking class to wellness activities. And, bring your best friend: there’s an on-site dog park. 

El Bonita Motel

195 Main St, St Helena

El Bonita hearkens back to the heyday of roadside motels in Americana. Basic accommodations in prime location make it the simple choice for an overnight after wine tasting. Book a poolside room for best access to the pool and hot tub.

SENZA Hotel

4066 Howard Lane, Napa

SENZA is off-the-beaten path just enough to provide guests with peace and quiet without being too far from everything. Each room has vineyard and/or garden views and amenities include a pool, a hot tub, and cabanas. There are also spa services available, like massages and facials.

Wine Country Inn & Cottages

1152 Lodi Ln, St Helena

This locally-owned establishment offers rooms and cottages in vineyard tranquility. Guests can take a dip in the heated swimming pool before warming themselves next to cottage fireplaces. The concierge is more than happy to recommend the best of Napa, from wineries to restaurants and more. Take a look at their current room rates .

Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs

1507 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga

We can’t say enough about Calistoga, the often overlooked village at the north end of Napa. It’s quaint, it’s cool, and it’s got an unbeatable vibe. Dr. Wilkinson’s is the epitome of Calistoga. It’s got such a throwback quality that we can’t help but love it. Whether you want a swim in a mineral pool, an indulgent mud bath, or a frolic on a tree swing, Dr. Wilkinson’s has you covered.

RELATED: 11 Wine Country Wellness Retreats to Stay at Around The World

Travel Logistics: Getting To and Around Napa

Napa the city is towards the southern end of Napa the valley and is only about an hour north of San Francisco. Visitors coming from further afield can fly to either San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport and drive from there. Since it is a quick jaunt from the Bay Area, it tends to be very busy on the weekends so midweek tastings often are the most relaxing (and available). You can check current flight deals into either airport right here.

Napa is also quite close to Sonoma Valley, which runs parallel on the west. However, mountain passes between the two are often very windy and can be quite dangerous to navigate, particularly at night. We recommend focusing on one valley or the other to fully enjoy the experience. Another great option is to leverage Green Dream Tours’ expertise to get a taste of both Napa and Sonoma on the same day. They offer round-trip transport from San Francisco, stopping at some exceptional boutique wineries in Sonoma and Napa.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Napa Wineries

What is the best time of year to visit napa wineries.

The best time to visit Napa wineries is during the spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) months, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is spectacular. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers and lush green landscapes, while fall showcases the grape harvest and the changing colors of the vine leaves. Summer is also a popular time, but can be crowded and hot, while winter is quieter and offers a more intimate experience.

How do I plan my visit to Napa wineries?

When planning your visit to Napa wineries, start by researching the wineries you’d like to visit, as there are over 400 to choose from. Consider factors such as the types of wines you enjoy, the winery’s ambiance, and any special experiences they offer. We list most of the best wineries in Napa and group them by location to create an efficient itinerary. Read our detailed guide to help you plan your trip. Keep in mind that many wineries in Napa require reservations for tastings and tours, so be sure to book ahead.

How many Napa wineries should I visit in one day?

To fully enjoy your Napa wine tasting experience without feeling rushed, it’s generally recommended to visit 3-5 wineries in one day. This allows ample time to savor the wines, explore the properties, and take breaks for meals or relaxation. However, be sure to have a designated driver on hand or hire one of our preferred drivers or private tours referenced in this guide.

What are the costs associated with wine tasting in Napa?

Tasting fees at Napa wineries can vary widely, typically ranging from $25 to $50 per person, with some high-end or exclusive wineries charging even more. Some wineries offer tastings that are refundable with a wine purchase, while others may waive the fee for wine club members. Guided tours, food pairings, and special experiences may come at an additional cost. To manage expenses, consider setting a daily budget for tastings and prioritize wineries that best align with your preferences.

How should I get around Napa Valley when visiting wineries?

There are several transportation options for exploring Napa wineries, including self-driving, hiring a private driver or tour guide, joining a group wine tour, or using a designated driver service. Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, but it’s crucial to ensure responsible and safe transportation, especially if you plan to consume alcohol during your tastings. We give Winetravelers plenty of options in this guide to get around to Napa’s best wineries safely. Ask us any questions or for recommendations in the guide’s comments.

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The 10 best Napa Valley wine tours to sip and see Wine Country

There are many ways to drink wine in Napa. Try one of these Napa Valley wine tours via hot air balloon, vintage train or stylish tuk-tuk.

One of the easiest ways to experience Napa Valley is on a fun tour. If you're planning to drive through Wine Country, consider booking an informative tour and tasting at one of the best wineries in Napa . If you'd rather leave the car behind,  you can board a train, zip around on a Segway, peddle through the vineyards on a bicycle or take in the view of the valley from a hot air balloon. A standard Napa Valley wine tour will cover the history of the winery and explain how wine is made, but may also include venturing into the cellars, vineyards, and even a museum or art gallery before ending with a wine tasting. Afterwards, sit down at one of the best restaurants in Napa before you head home. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Napa

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Best Napa Valley wine tours

1.  Domaine Carneros

Founded by the Tattinger Champagne house in France, the elegant and impressive Domaine Carneros chateau offers an information-packed daily tour that covers the history of the winery, as well as a quick trips to the vineyard and the winemaking, bottling, riddling/aging and disgorging areas. Along the way visitors are served four glasses of sparkling wines. The tour concludes with a glass of pinot noir and a cheese plate ($60). 

2.  The Hess Collection

The ivy-covered, former Christian Brothers winery building dates back to the early 1900s and currently houses an incredible contemporary art museum that’s free to visit. The Hess winery also offers several different tours and experiences, including a guided tour into the heart of the historic estate vineyards on an ATV. The tour makes several stops to admire the stunning views and enjoy glasses of wine. Combined with the vineyard tour is a wine tasting with cheese ($125) or a three course lunch that is paired with wine ($185).

3.  Robert Mondavi Winery

Heading through the Mission-style gateway entrance to the Robert Mondavi Winery feels grand. A leader in the industry, this legendary winery is a great place to learn about the history of the valley and winemaking. The in-depth winery tour gives visitors the chance to walk into the famous To Kalon Vineyard, see the winemaking cellars (including fermentation and barrel aging) and experience a seated educational tasting of three wines with a wine education specialist ($45).

4.  Palmaz

Just minutes from downtown Napa in the Coombsville AVA is an old property that employs the newest, high-tech winemaking techniques. The Palmaz family makes cabernet, chardonnay, muscat, riesling and rosé. The  comprehensive two-hour tour includes a walk through several levels of the cave, a visit to the fermentation dome where the data (including thermal imaging) from 24 large tanks is projected onto the ceiling, and a tasting of five wines paired with hors d’ oeuvres ($100). 

5.  Laces & Limos

Lace & Limos offers tuk tuk tours of Napa, allowing visitors an open air experience and the opportunity to jump on and off for tastings and exploration. Much more appealing than being stuck on a bus, the six-person vehicles take visitors to boutique winery estates, a seated cave tasting, a vineyard tour, food pairings. There are group and custom options available allowing you to choose how much time and the experiences you’d like to include. Standard tours are $99 for up to 5 hours.

6.  Napa Valley Wine Train

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The Wine Train is a leisurely way to experience the Napa Valley. The elegantly restored vintage train, which dates back to 1915, enables visitors to slow down and literally enjoy the ride. All the tours include a meal, and both half-day and full-day tours include stops at a winery for tastings. The round trip journey takes three hours starting in Napa and goes as far as St. Helena before turning back. Tours which include meals are $249 and up.

7.  Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours

Taking off early in the morning, hot air balloons float over Yountville and Pope Valley lettings visitors see the rural beauty of the valley in a totally unique way. Rides vary in time depending upon the weather, but typically last 40 minutes to an hour (the whole experience lasts 3-4 hours) with an optional Champagne brunch at the end. Tours start at about $200.

8.  Napa Valley Bike Tours

Napa Valley Bike Tours offers guided bike tours, bike rentals, self-guided tours and electric bikes. Visitors can start in Napa or Yountville and choose half- or full-day excursions and even add on a hot air balloon ride. The tours have different themes so whether you want to ride through To Kalon vineyard, visit an art collection or include a lunch or dinner, there’s a package for you. Most tours start at about $125.

9.  Segway Napa

Segway tours take place in Napa, Yountville and Calistoga and include options such as wine tasting at boutique wineries, exploration of wetlands, a historic tour, culinary tour and ghost tour. Tours range from $75–$99 and are 2–3 hours each and include a knowledgeable guide.  There are even tours for kids!

10.  The Prisoner Wine Company

Located just past Rutherford and before the town of St. Helena, The Prisoner has quickly built a loyal following for its dark and moody bottles and labels and bold and unconventional blends. Fans of the wine can book a $125 tour that takes them through the winery space, out to a small vineyard on the property and then to The Makery, a tasting space dedicated to the work of a variety of artists and craftspeople and their wares for a five-course food and wine experience.

Headed to Sonoma instead?

The 10 best Sonoma wineries

If Napa is Northern California’s land of wine-fueled luxury, with its chic wineries and tasting rooms, Sonoma is its laid back cousin: equally as beautiful with vineyards producing vintages just as world-class, but less crowded and somewhat more humble.

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Napa Valley Wine Tours

Embark on our truly unique napa valley wine tours, book a napa valley wine tour for as low as $112.50. inquire with a tour planner today also now offering our napa valley join in wine tour, smaller and larger group packages, individual couples and custom private planning is also available with one of our knowledgeable tour planners..

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Imagine the most perfect wine touring adventure. The experts at California Wine Tours and Transportation offer customized Napa Valley wine tours for a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy a range of endless wine tasting options and create a tour that you have always dreamed of. Although many of our clients love a glass of fine wine, they may be stunned by the rustic beauty and fairytale-like charm of the Napa Valley vineyards.

We offer much more than a vehicle and a driver. We offer a complete experience that includes personalized visits, comfortable transportation for the whole of your visit, and the pleasant company of our charming and witty drivers who are extremely knowledgeable about Napa Valley tours.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or are visiting the Napa Valley as an outing with friends and family, our Napa Valley wine tours will satisfy your needs. Choose any of our Napa Valley tours and experience ultimate style, comfort, and sophistication.

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A wine tour and transportation journey is so much more than just traveling from one place to another. At California Wine Tours and Transportation, we provide you with unforgettable Napa Valley Wine Tour experience. Whether you choose elegant limousines or fun limousine style buses, be ready for a personalized experience with the charming Napa Valley landscape as your backdrop. We bring to you a rustic-chic experience in a luxury vintage setting. Whether you choose to visit multiple vineyards in exclusive private tours or want to enjoy a day of wine tasting in California’s Wine Country in a join-in style, we have you covered. Get ready for an intimate, light-hearted, and truly enjoyable journey through the world-famous Napa Valley and discover the hidden gems through our well-informed tour guides. Along the way, you will experience:

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Bring your guests with you to this wonderful wine tasting and transportation adventure. We can plan your entire day from start to finish and offer you transportation from the airport to the hotel to the winery.

Come Join Us On One Of Our Curated Napa Valley Wine Tours

California Wine Tours and Transportation offers you a one-of-a-kind experience that is not offered by any other Napa Valley concierge service. We have a phenomenal ability to make Napa Valley truly accessible and enjoyable for all our clients. Whether you are looking for an intimate romantic getaway, an exclusive celebratory trip with family, or a corporate retreat, California Wine Tours and Transportation can make a highly personalized itinerary for you to ensure a memorable trip. Just sit back and let us take care of your planning and traveling.

We offer a wide range of options from riding in a luxury convertible to wine touring in private limousines , town cars, or party buses. Enjoy the stunning scenery, mouthwatering aromas, and divine tastes of Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards and wineries. Each Napa Valley tour includes:

• Experience the real Napa Valley tourism

Get acquainted with the world of wine and Napa Valley! This beautiful spot of bountiful nature is perfect for Napa Valley couples, locals, visitors, friends, families, and wine connoisseurs.

Book One Of Our Napa Valley Wine Tours Today!

When you book a Napa Valley wine and transportation, you will experience Napa Valley like a local. Do not be worried about getting lost, missing out on hidden gems, or risk driving when drinking. Do not waste your day finding the perfect place for lunch or a spot for a scenic picnic. Our Napa Valley Tours will offer you everything from comfortable, luxurious, hassle-free travel straight from your doorstep.

Plan your itinerary exactly according to your desires. We offer you:

• Exceptional airport to hotel to winery transportation with professional chauffeurs
• Tour planning from the beginning to the end
• Excellent recommendations and freedom to reserve wineries directly

Reserve your Napa Valley tour today and choose the wineries that you would like to visit. We will create a custom itinerary based on your preference and tastes that are guaranteed to please all the guests!

Our Napa Valley tour can begin once we pick you up from a hotel. Some vehicles will be provided complimentary champagne as they relax in the plush seats and see the breathtaking view of Napa Valley. Get to know your fellow wine lovers, explore the gorgeous Napa Valley landscapes, experience world-class wines, and five-star dining with us.

Make the most of your summer by exploring the gorgeous world-famous are on one of our Napa Valley tours today!

More Information on Napa Valley tours and towns

A napa wine tour through the carneros region.

The Carneros appellation is considered the crossroads of both Napa and Sonoma Valley where the two major wine regions collide. Along with this, it is known to produce some of the finest Sonoma Valley chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines. Also it should be noted that the climate with the bay breeze and foggy mornings make for the perfect growing region of these Sonoma varietals. In addition it is the perfect halfway area for a Napa or Sonoma wine tour if you are coming from San Francisco or anywhere in the bay area. Finally It is also home to the oldest winery in all of California. What winery is that you ask? None other than the Historic Buena Vista Winery. Founded by Agoston Haraszthy in 1857.

Wineries and convenient spots for lunch or dinner

Our Partners in the Carneros Region: Artesa Vineyards & Winery , Calmere Estate , Etude Winery , Domaine Carneros , Dominus Estate Winery , Buhman Estate Vineyards, Madonna Estate Winery and Cuvaison Estate Wines

Savory Eats close by: Farm at Carneros , Boon Fly Café and Stanly Lane Smokehouse

Hotels on Hwy 121: Carneros Resort and Spa

Artesa Winery

Located in the steep foothills of Mt. Veeder overlooking Los Carneros, the rocky soils and maritime climate of our Estate Vineyard produce world-class pinot noir and chardonnay. Learn More and visit Artesa winery

Staying in downtown Napa and want to take a Napa Valley Wine Tour?

Napa is the largest of Napa Valley’s six towns. Apart from this it is conveniently located just about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay Area and an hour South of Sacramento. It undoubtedly offers an array of hotel options, art galleries, boutique shops, tasting rooms and exquisite restaurants it caters to all generations.

Note-worthy Napa Wine Tours: Darioush , Domaine Carneros , Calmere , Jarvis , Silverado and Chimney Rock

Savory Eats: Morimoto , Angele , Celadon , Cole’s , Bistro Don Giovanni , Ristorante Allegria and Torc

Accommodations: The Westin Verasa Napa , The Archer Hotel Napa , The Andaz , The Embassy Suites , The Napa Valley Marriott , Hilton Garden Inn

If you’re touring Napa Valley, you will more then likely drive through Yountville

Without a doubt the town of Yountville is among the most charming little Napa Valley regions you will come across. Known for its Michelin starred restaurants, award winning Napa Valley tasting rooms and luxurious accommodations. Talk about being transported right into your very own hallmark movie.

Note-worthy Yountville Wine Tours: Domaine Chandon , Bell Wines , Robert Sinskey , Stags’ Leap Winery and Cliff Lede Vineyards

Savory Eats: Bottega, Mustards Grill, The French Laundry , ad hoc + addendum , Brix , Bouchon and R+D Kitchen

Accommodations: Hotel Villagio , Bardessono , Northblock and Napa Valley Railway Inn

Popular stops on a Napa Valley Wine Tour in Oakville, Ca

Right off Napa Valley’s Highway 29 is the small town of Oakville. How small you may say? Well if you blink you quite possibly could miss it. Furthermore, that does not mean that its bold Napa Valley wines do not pack a punch. Whereas you will find the flagship Oakville Grocery deli known throughout the Napa Valley for its delicious picnic spreads. It acts as the perfect wine tour lunch stop for all locals and visitors alike.

Note-worthy Rutherford Wine Tours: Pestoni Family Estate Winery, Grgich Hills, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Mumm Napa, Fleury Estate winery, Alpha Omega Winery, and Frog’s Leap Winery

Savory Eats: Rutherford Grill, and Bistro at Auberge du Soliel

Accommodations: Auberge du Soliel, Maison Fleurie, and Rancho Caymus

Rutherford, Napa Valley

Refined with a touch of rustic Napa Valley, Rutherford will not disappoint. This area was once a riverbed and known for its unique soil. Producing some of the best Napa Valley Cabernet with an element of spice known at the “Rutherford Dust”. Also, home to the iconic Napa staple Rutherford Grill because what is better than comfort food paired with award winning Napa Valley Wines?

St Helena Wineries, Restaurants and Accommodations

As you venture further north to the town of St. Helena you will be greeted with even more small-town culture. St. Helena is in the center of the worlds famous vineyards of the Napa Valley. Clearly perfect for those with a love of the outdoors and Napa Valley viticulture. Want to enjoy a breath-taking picnic with epic views? Particularly our dreamy Napa Valley Wine Tours will have you falling in love all over again. St. Helena is not only the center of historic Napa Valley Wines, but also the home to some of the best views around.

Note-worthy St Helena Wine Tours: Beringer Winery , Louis Martini Winery , Charles Krug , Pride Mountain Vineyards ., Piazza Del Dotto Winery & Caves , V. Sattui , Brasswood Cellars

Savory Eats: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch , Press , Charter Oak Restaurant , Goose and Gander , Model Bakery and Gott’s Roadside

Accommodations: Harvest Inn , Southbridge Napa Valley , Wydown Hotel , Alila Napa Valley , Meadowood Resort

Calistoga Wineries, Restaurants and Accommodations

At the peak of the Napa Valley you will find the historic town of Calistoga. With its old western charm its easy to feel like you are transported back in time. With always something new to discover the Napa Wine Tasting experiences run far and wide. From higher end exclusive Napa Wineries to smaller family owned boutique estates there are a plethora of wineries to choose from for your Napa Valley Tour.

Note-worthy Calistoga Wine Tours: Castello di Amorosa , Tamber Bey Vineyards , Schramsberg Vineyards and Chateau Montelena Vineyards

Savory Eats: Sam’s Social Club , Solbar , Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery , and Buster’s Southern BBQ

Accommodations: Solage Auberge Resorts , Indian Springs Calistoga , and Four Seasons

• Gallery/Reviews

Napa Valley Wine Excursions

Proud Winner of the LuxeSF

Rising Wine Star Awards

~ Specializing in Custom Wine Tours Guided by a Napa Native ~

"Napa Valley Wine Excursions is the ONLY tour company I will ever use  again in wine country. Our family had an amazing experience with the tour, the wineries, the service. There is not a rating high enough to give this company. From the moment we arrived till the moment we left,  it was one of the best experiences we have ever had while on vacation. The service was phenomenal.  I would say, 'It's like the French Laundry of tour companies.'

You will not be disappointed."    ~ L. Ayers, NC (March, 2020)

With over five hundred wineries in the Napa Valley and nearly four hundred in Sonoma , planning the perfect trip to Wine Country can be overwhelming.  Additionally, many of the most remarkable winery experiences – barrel tastings, tours in the vineyards, and meeting with the winemakers themselves – are hidden gems off the beaten path and very easily missed. 

As the owner of Napa Valley Wine Excursions, i t is my pleasure to create a unique wine tour experience for you that only a Napa native can provide.   Having lived here my entire life, I have been fortunate enough to have established strong relationships with many of the most exclusive wineries in the Valley.  With a background in the wine industry as well,  I am equipped to create an experience that will give you a true taste of what the Napa Valley has to offer. 

Whether you are a novice or a wine expert, new to the Napa Valley or planning your annual visit here, we are happy to customize an itinerary for you.  Your day can include visits to the vineyards, caves, and tasting rooms of Napa’s most famous wineries.  In addition, you will enjoy the charm and intimacy of exceptional wines in the cellars and private homes of family-owned, boutique wineries.  During your tour, we will also provide you with context on the history of the Valley, as well as information on vineyard management, grape-growing, and wine-making.  

Contact us via e-mail or through our "Contact Us" page to begin planning your visit to Wine Country (please do not send text messages). For more information on Napa Valley Wine Excursions' range of services, have a look at our website. We look forward to hosting you in Wine Country!

 *  707.363.1397  *  [email protected]   *  TCP 34  933     * 

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DESTINATION NAPA VALLEY

Knowledgeable, experienced & connected.

Customize a tailor-made wine tasting experience with a local expert. 

Guests can vote daily

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To vote us for Best Wine Tour Company

Please text 341 to 707-846-6832 or

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Hospitality Driven

Always above & beyond.

We custom tailor your wine tasting tour to match your style including the best wineries and restaurants. We have been in the valley since 1996, and have built the relationships with locals that will now benefit you.

We will curate and match you to our partners for the best experience possible. You can choose to hand guide it with our help or let us take over completely. Let us make your experience as flawless as possible get the most out of our trip. We know Napa Valley inside and out. Get the most out of your visit not a minute wasted sit back, relax and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving.

How it works...

Pick your dates, book flight & hotel, we create your custom itinerary, enjoy your trip, what's your next.

NAPA WINE TOURS

SONOMA WINE TOURS

We know wine....

Tom has been a part of the winery world for years having worked in the industry and now providing customized wine tours for visitors from all over the world.

Matching our clients to the perfect winery is what I do.

A FEW WINERIES WE ENJOY

Promise wine, amulet estate, flint knoll.

Napa Valley

B CELLARS VINEYARDS

We know good food..., restaurants.

Tom’s top Napa Valley restaurants are some of the best on the planet and Tom has a few secret spots that are sure to delight!

Check these out to see if one might suit your fancy on your private tour.

A FEW FAVORITES

Auberge du soleil, the charter oak, bottega napa valley, torc napa valley, meet our friends....

Some of our hospitality friends we love and trust.. contact directly to book your accommodation with them.

OUR TOP LODGING PICKS

Westin verasa, auberge du soleil, bardessono hotel & spa, four seasons, destination napa valley.

Let us make your next visit

Unforgettable.

Destination Napa Valley 1030 Hagen Road Napa, CA 94558 Phone: (707) 287-1086

11 Best Wine Tours in Napa Valley in 2023 (Price, Duration, & More)

• Updated on September 16, 2023

Are you a wine lover who’s traveling to Napa Valley, San Francisco? Well, this article is just for you!

The region famous for its wine-making history, Napa Valley’s wineries and vineyards are truly its vinicultural treasures. But you can’t just experience that passion by looking at the vineyard; you must TASTE THE WINE from the finest wineries!

So, let me show you Napa Valley’s best-loved Wine Tours that will offer you a well-organized, unforgettable wine-tasting experience; you’ll fall in love with the valley a little more!

Top 11 Wine Tours in Napa Valley & Sonoma

Check out this quick list of the best Napa Valley wine tours and their starting prices:

Let’s know more about each wine tour & their highlights based on some personal experiences!

1. The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour – Green Dream Tours

Want your wine tour experience to be extremely personal and enjoyable, you must try the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour by Green Dream Tours!

This small-group tour via comfortable vehicles at impressive prices promises an unforgettable one-day tour to the best wineries in Sonoma and Napa!

Best Highlights of the Tour: 

• Touring in small groups of a maximum of 14 members
• Convenient meet at Fisherman’s Wharf location to start off the tour
• 2 hours long lunch break & tasting or self-guided food tour at Sonoma Square
• Promotes eco-friendly wine production
• Free tasting with wine purchase
• Knowledgeable and friendly drivers and guides to make the experience fun and interesting
• Vehicle preference for private touring

Check out this small-group tour details:

2. Join-In Wine Tour with Balloon Flight through Napa Valley – Platypus Wine Tours

The Platypus Wine Tours offers you a lot more than just a wine tour! You’ll kickstart your wine tour with an adventurous hot air balloon ride (by Napa Valley Balloons) over the mesmerizing valley. A one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss!

Key Highlights of the Tour: 

• A mesmerizing and knowledgeable balloon ride over Napa Valley’s landmark areas
• Informative visits to three wineries and vineyards
• Pick-ups available from nearby Napa Valley hotels, rentals, residential, etc.
• Appetizing picnic lunch with the tour members
• Breathtaking views and hypnotic aroma of vineyards

Below are the details of the Join-in Wine Tour with Napa Valley Balloon Ride details:

3. Private Tours of Napa Valley – Green Dream Tours

Experience your Napa Valley wine tour the way you like it with this private tour by Green Dreams Tours! This fully customizable tour lets you decide everything from the group members and wineries to the tour vehicle and tour timings!

What We Love About the Tour: 

• Flexible timings and planning to our needs
• Hassle-free organization at wineries
• Timely Pick-ups and drop-offs from hotels and residences across San Francisco
• Quality visit to the wineries picked by private tourists
• Private driver and guide to make you more comfortable
• Luxurious tour vehicles, like a BMW convertible 

Here are the GDT wine tour details for you:

4. Napa And Sonoma Wine Country Tour From San Francisco – Dylan’s Tours

This full-day wine tour will be one of your best experiences in San Francisco! On your wine-tasting journey to three wineries in Napa & Sonoma Valley, you’ll be blessed with exquisite views from the Golden Gate Bridge!

• A quick stop at the Golden Gate Bridge to click beautiful pictures
• Extra long lunch break to visit local markets, galleries, shops, museums, restaurants, etc. 
• Unforgettable experience of three well-known wineries, with approximately one hour-long stay at each winery
• Delicious breakfast meals from locally favorite shops, like Ritual Coffee, Model Bakery, etc. 
• Best stories about boutique vineyards in Napa and Sonoma Valley

Check out the details of this Napa Valley Wine Tour:

Don’t miss out on Oprah Winfrey’s favorite English Muffins from the Model Bakery at the Oxbow Market.

5. Napa Valley Cable Car “Up Valley” Tour with Castle Visit – Napa Valley Wine Trolley

This tour is your best bet if you’d like to spice up your wine-tasting tour with another mind-blowing experience: visiting the great Castello di Amorosa!

Make the best of your day by touring the castle and 3 to 4 finest wineries in the great Napa Valley!

What We Love About This Tour: 

• A relaxing ride to the historic Castello di Amorosa with enchanting views 
• Informative tours of 3 to 4 wineries and tasting lounges
• Family style picnic at lunch local’s favorite spots 
• Exciting stories about the boutique wineries and the process of winemaking from knowledgeable tour guides and drivers

Interested in this thrilling tour? Check out the details:

6. Deluxe Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Country Tour – Gray Line San Francisco

Dedicate your full day to this luxurious wine tour, and trust me, you won’t regret it! Start your wine tour with an enthralling view of the Bay Area and Alcatraz from over the Golden Gate Bridge, and end it savoring the best wines from North Bay!

Memorable Highlights of this Tour: 

• Two meeting destinations (Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf) to choose from for your convenience
• Extended lunch stop at the historic Sonoma Square Plaza to visit local wine, food, and souvenir shops and galleries
• 3 to 5 tastings at all the three expert-picked boutique wineries (tasting charges not included)
• Thrilling ride over the Golden Gate Bridge
• A comfortable ride via luxury air-conditioned coach buses with restrooms 

Below are the tour details for more help:

7. Napa Valley Cable Car Wine Tasting Tour – Napa Valley Wine Trolley

Do you have a cable car ride and winery visit listed in your San Francisco wishlist? Well, the Napa Valley Wine Trolley will fulfill both of your wishes in one tour! Trust me; you’ll fall in love with the immersive views from the SF Cable Car Replica!

Highlights of the Cable Car Tour: 

• A visit to 3 to 4 premium wineries offering their finest wines
• A warm and attentive welcome at wineries with impressive discounts on wine-tasting
• Driving around the valley while listening to rich stories from seasoned drivers and tour guides and enjoying the climate
• Two-time ride on the trolley without repetition
• A scrumptious Italian-style lunch with like-minted tourists at Ottimo in Yountville

Want to embark on this Cable Car tour? Here are the details:

8. Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour – Extranomical Tours

Planning to visit Napa Valley wineries but don’t want to miss the redwoods? Get set on this Extranomical Wine Tour! It’ll let you immerse yourself in the refreshing aura of the Muir Woods before your memorable Napa and Sonoma winery visits start!

Unforgettable Bits of this Tour: 

• An extended stop at the Muir Woods National Monument, strolling through Muir Redwoods lanes
• Detailed wine country tour at a Napa and Sonoma Winery with trails through vineyards
• An extended stop at the Sonoma Plaza for food and beverage (not included)
• A quick stop at the Golden Gate Bridge in the evening for a memorable photo session
• Guiding audios in eight different foreign languages
• Exciting music playlists created by the driver for the drive

Check out the exciting Muir Woods wine tour details here:

9. Half-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour – Napa Valley Bike Tours

If you want to see the real Napa Valley and relish its Mediterranean climate, ditch the bus and get on an e-bike! Trust me, after this wine tour, you won’t want to take a bus or car again!

What We Love About this Tour: 

• A total of 10-12 miles of biking (3 to 6 miles between breaks)
• Visit three premium wineries, like Black Stallion Estate Winery, Elyse Winery, Ghost Block Estate Wines, Goose Cross, etc. 
• A knowledgeable tour guide sharing interesting stories about the Wine Valley
• Included rain jackets for light rain or available cancellation at $25/person cancellation fee on heavy rains

Check out the exciting tour details below:

10. The Wine Train – Napa Valley Wine Train

A 30-mile journey from Downtown Napa to St. Helena that you won’t ever forget! Explore Napa’s most premium wineries while enjoying the classic 100-year-old antique rail ride and experience its gourmet dining and scenic vineyard views!

The Best Bits of this Tour: 

• A warm welcome with a glass of delicious wine
• Freshly prepared mouth-watering four-course meal throughout the day
• Tour to the best Napa Valley wineries, like V. Sattui, Charles Krug, and more
• First-class service and attention at the wineries and tasting lounges
• The beautiful “Love Lock Bridge” footbridge connecting the Wine Train station to its platform

11. “Just Us 2” Private Wine Tour – Laces and Limos

Want to relish a romantic wine tour in California? This private wine safari is just for you! Featuring an open ride to the finest wineries in Napa Valley, this customizable tour lets you enjoy the views and tasting to your and your partner’s liking!

Key Attractions of This Tour: 

• An open-air ride on a “tuk-tuk” to intake the bewitching views of Napa Valley vineyards
• A romantic & fun-filled lunch with your tour partner, including the local’s favorite delicacies like charcuterie and signature cheeses
• A slow-paced, relaxed tour letting you live every moment

For more details about this private safari, check out the table below:

If you’re in San Francisco, California, for a holiday, you must take a wine tour in Napa Valley. It’s undoubtedly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’d love to have again and again. But be it your first, or second, or third visit, these Napa Valley Wine Tours will always serve you the best!

Hi, I'm Patricia, a travel journalist with a deep love for exploring the world. For more than a decade, I've traveled far and wide, collecting experiences, stories, and helpful advice. On TravelerTactics.com, I share these experiences with you. My goal is to be your guide and friend, helping you plan and fully enjoy your own adventures.

Protect Your Trip »

The 18 best wineries in napa valley.

These award-winning Napa Valley wineries are among the best in the world.

(Bob McClenahan | Courtesy of Cliff Lede Vineyards)

(Courtesy of Rutherford Hill Winery) |

Rutherford Hill Winery: Rutherford

(Courtesy of Chateau Montelena Winery) |

Chateau Montelena Winery: Calistoga

(Courtesy of Clos Pegase) |

Clos Pegase: Calistoga

(Courtesy of Chimney Rock) |

Chimney Rock: Napa

(Courtesy of Stags' Leap Wine Cellars) |

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: Napa

(Jim Sullivan | Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa)

Castello di Amoroso: Calistoga

(Courtesy of Domaine Carneros) |

Domaine Carneros: Napa

(Courtesy of Inglenook) |

Inglenook: Rutherford

(Courtesy of Robert Mondavi Winery) |

Robert Mondavi Winery: Oakville

(Courtesy of Del Dotto Family Wineries) |

Del Dotto Estate: St. Helena

(Courtesy of HALL Wines) |

HALL St. Helena: St. Helena

(Courtesy of Opus One Winery) |

Opus One Winery: Oakville

(Courtesy of Joseph Phelps Vineyards) |

Joseph Phelps Vineyards: St. Helena

(Courtesy of Far Niente Winery) |

Far Niente: Oakville

(Courtesy of Frog's Leap) |

Frog's Leap: Rutherford

Cliff Lede Vineyards: Yountville

(Courtesy of V. Sattui Winery) |

V. Sattui Winery: St. Helena

(Courtesy of Pine Ridge Vineyards) |

Pine Ridge Vineyards: Napa

(Getty Images) |

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

The best napa valley wine tours.

• The Top Things to Do in Napa Valley
• The Top Texas Wineries
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9 Fantastic Napa Valley Wine Tours For Every Traveler

• Things To Do
• by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
• on FEBRUARY 23, 2024

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Thanks to its picturesque vineyards, wineries with stunning architecture, and critically- acclaimed wines , it’s not surprising that most visits to Napa Valley are centered around wine tasting. Yet, with so many quality options, deciding where to taste is no easy feat; not only that, but being the designated driver is a good way to end up with a serious case of FOMO. That’s why wine tours are a great option for tasting your way through Napa Valley. Whether you take a traditional tour or opt for a more unique experience, these Napa Valley wine tours make it easy to take advantage of this world-renowned wine region.

For the Napa newcomer: Beau Wine Tours & Limo

Touring Wine Country by way of a luxury limo? Not too shabby. Exploring Napa Valley and its stunning vineyards with the top down during an Open-Air Tour ? Now we’re talking. California Wine Tours ’ fleet of vehicles may include limos, party buses, vans, and SUVs—in fact, they own and operate the largest and most diverse fleet of luxury vehicles in Northern California—but it’s their classic convertibles and sprinter van convertibles that will really put you into vacation mode (and let you bask in that California sun). California Wine Tours specializes in curated wine tours and each experience is unique to each group, so whether you’re a large group of wine novices or a smaller group of experienced tasters, they know how to make each experience special.

4075 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 294-6386

For the wine enthusiast: Pure Luxury Transportation

For those who like to stay active while sightseeing, Getaway Adventures ’ Sip n’ Cycle is a great option, providing a fun way to discover the area on two wheels. This guided bicycle tour will take you through the scenic back roads of Napa Valley, with stops for wine tastings and a picnic lunch along the way. Since the Sip & Cycle tour covers roughly 12 miles throughout the day on mostly flat roads, it’s a more leisurely than strenuous biking experience, but nonetheless a great way to visit some of the area’s more off-the-beaten-path wineries.

Meeting location: 1401 N Oak Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (800) 499-2453

For the Napa sightseer: North Bay Wine Tours

This small, family-owned tour service wins fans for its quality service and customer satisfaction, providing a personalized tour of Napa Valley that is completely tailored to each individual group’s tastes and preferences. In fact, prior to each trip, Master Wine Tours works with each guest to discover their interests, then puts together a tour that’s truly unique to each group. With vehicles that can accommodate up to 6 – 12 guests, Master Wine Tours is a great option if you’re traveling with a smaller group.

25 Fairways Drive, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 266-3750

For the explorer at heart: Designated Drivers

While a wine tasting tour with Designated Drivers can really be whatever you want it to be, this tour company knows how to please those looking to go off the beaten path and explore some of Napa’s hidden gems. Itineraries can be tailored to your specific goals, whether you’re looking to discover Napa’s up and coming producers, find the wineries that only offer their wine at the winery, or taste some of the most limited-production wines in the valley.

2587 Wine Country Avenue, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 244-1180

Conclusion:

Whether you’re eager to burn off some indulgences from Wine Country with a biking excursion or are seeking a luxurious experience through a private, curated tour, Napa offers a wine tour adventure for every type of traveler. And, while there are dozens of great tour options out there, you can’t go wrong choosing one (or two!) of these for a memorable Napa getaway. Cheers!

About Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Hana-Lee Sedgwick is a writer and editor based between Santa Barbara, CA and Idaho. A Certified Specialist of Wine and Sommelier, Hana-Lee specializes in all things wine, food, and travel, and her work regularly appears in publications such as Edible, Santa Barbara Magazine, and Food & Home. Follow her on Instagram at @wanderandwine .

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Dave's Napa Valley Wine Tours

[email protected]  |  323-761-0255.

1,000+ Napa Wineries & Producers Personally Visited & Reviewed

Thank you for stopping by and for your interest in my Napa Valley wine tours!

Continue Reading Schedule Tour

I have *an extremely unique point of view into the Napa Valley from a winery perspective*, as I have personally visited, tasted with and written more than 1,090 commercial wine producers (wineries, physical or virtual) in Napa over the past 15+ years - CLICK HERE . As a result I have a plethora of resources to draw from in regards to customizing any tour to the Napa Valley.

All tours are private for your party.

A typical tour will last between 6-9 hours; the day is yours, tours can be shortened or increased as needed.

If you are a collector and are interested in purchasing wines for your cellar, I have contacts at some of Napa's most exclusive wineries. I can also setup exclusive & memorable food + wine experiences. Lets talk.

I can setup special tours based on a number of criteria. Want the wineries with the best tours, romance or views? I know these specific wineries and can make the appointments. Advance notice of at least a week is desirable for an appointment only winery tour and more during the busy summer months (especially weekends).

Our tours are relaxed and geared to your interests. Options besides wine tasting include sightseeing (Old Faithful Geyser, Petrified Forest, diRosa Art Preserve, etc) and hiking near Mt. St. Helena. We can also tour through some of Napa's towns including Calistoga and St. Helena.

I know the Napa Valley inside and out, numerous wine makers and tasting experiences that are genuine. I enjoy guiding and providing information about this incredible place. Have your own list of wineries? I would be happy to give you comments.

Any and all levels of wine education are perfectly fine.

Multi-day tours can be arranged..

Pricing and Details

Minimum tour is $400 for 1-2 people.

1 person = $450 2 people = $450 3 people = $450 4 people = $500 5 people = $600 6 people = $700 7 people = $800 8 people = $900 9 people = $1000 10 people = $1100 11 people = $1200

For 12+ people, please inquire.

Large Groups

I can handle guiding for larger size groups and have done so for up to 100 people. I can help arrange the transportation/driver, setting up appointments and lunch. Large size vehicle fees apply - large van, mini bus or full size bus. Please inquire for details and special pricing.

Corporate Groups

I can help setup experiences (lunches, dinners, and winery visits) for corporate groups. Please inquire for details.

Transportation

Napa & Sonoma area hotel pick-ups and drop-offs included. San Francisco pick-up and drop-off (very rarely available some weekends only) is an additional $350.

A late model Subaru Outback is used. Prefer I drive your own vehicle? Let me know and I can do so.

Schedule Tour

Schedule Tour Dave is in a unique position to offer you insider tours of the Napa Valley. He has been offering tours of the region since 2006. He is in the middle of a lifelong endeavor in which he is visiting, tasting and reviewing nearly every winery in the Napa Valley. He has personally reviewed 1,000+ to date. As a result he has a very unique insiders perspective of the winery scene in the Napa Valley. Tours can be customized to your needs based on interest and personal level of wine experience. All his winery visits and reviews are available on his website here .

He also maintains a popular international travel site, Dave's Travel Corner (est. 1996).

Comments from satisfied customers:

Aaron, florida, clark brown, michele, new york, carissa mondavi, elizabeth, santa clara, california.

View more comments Schedule Tour

Please contact Dave if you have any questions, or would like to schedule a tour: Email (for quicker response): [email protected] Call: (323) 761-0255

  Follow our global travels & Napa wine exploits:

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Wine Tastings and Events

A World Renowned Destination for Wine

Tasting Tips

Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

Build Your Wine Experience

Use our winery map to research which destinations you’d like to visit, add them to your custom trip planner or opt for one of our curated one-day tasting itineraries.

Plan Your Tasting Schedule

Expect to visit about 3 or 4 wineries in a single day. While some wineries welcome walk-in tastings, book your visit ahead of time for the most relaxed experience.

Hospitality at Its Finest

Start With A Tour

Whether it’s your first winery of the day or a winery you want to learn everything about, a tour is a great way to dive deeper into the wine you love.

Tips for Enjoying Yourself

Taste Responsibly

Designate a driver or hire a car, ensure you eat well, drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t be shy to use spittoons! Being responsible means a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Just One More Day

Stay A Little Longer

Book a stay at one of Napa Valley's many enticing hotels or resorts and consider visiting during the fall or winter months for a quiet and cozy wine country experience.

Upcoming Events

Join us for some of Napa Valley’s best wine celebrations and online experiences.

Kitchen Herb Box & Vineyard Walk with Trinitas Cellars

Cabernet Cookoff

Afternoon in the Vineyards

Calistoga Wine and Culinary Experience at Four Seasons

Honig Spring Open House and Pick Up Party

Spring Wine & Chocolate Party

Trip planner.

Customize Your Tastings

Tasting Itineraries

Being green is more than just a practice, it's a mindset.

A Day of Cabernet

Taste the iconic grape of the Napa Valley within three of the sixteen nested Napa Valley AVAs.

Bordeaux Blonde’s Picks: Wineries close to downtown Napa

Winery experiences within an Uber drive of Napa

Bordeaux Blonde’s Picks: My Highway 29

wineries on highway 29 in Napa Valley

Mountain High

Wine tasting in Napa Valley's Atlas Peak.

The Crusher District of Napa Valley

A new breed of Napa Valley winemakers creates a conclave of urban-style wineries.

East to West

Taste along some of the Napa Valley's "crossroads."

St. Helena's Past Made Present

With its location in the heart of Napa Valley, the St. Helena nested AVA is home to many of the valley’s most historic wineries.

Hidden Gems

Three wineries tucked into the southern, cool-climate vineyards of Napa Valley.

American Dream

Three wineries developing their own American Dream here in the Napa Valley.

Bees & Bocce

Mix an educational and sustainable experience with a round of bocce.

Dog Days for Wine Lovers

Enjoy Napa Valley wines while your pup gets spoiled with dog treats, a comfy bed and even a frolic in a dog park!

Making History

Visit three wineries with historical ties to the Napa Valley of yesteryear.

Chenin Blanc: Napa's secret passion

A labor of love to grow what once was the most planted grape variety in Napa Valley.

Elevated Experience

Taste through some of the more mountainous regions of the Napa Valley.

Petite Wine Traveler's Gastronomic Journey through Napa Valley

Suggestions for food lovers in Napa Valley

Stags Leap Stunners

Experience the Stags Leap District, the home of renowned Cabernet Sauvignons.

Green & Gold

Learn about the Napa Green certification program while overlooking vineyard views and golden hills.

Bordeaux Blonde’s Picks: South end of the Silverado Trail

Visiting Napa Valley's Silverado Trail near Napa, CA

Double Down

A unique itinerary with a bit of something for everybody

Sparkle & Shine

Start the day off with sparkling wine along the Silverado Trail.

Art & Architecture

Pair great wine with fantastic art, architecture and vineyard views.

Petite Wine Traveler's "How Sweet It Is!” - Napa Valley's Sweet Wines

Savoring Napa’s Valley's Sweet Wines

More Tasting Time

A fantastic lineup of wineries all within a few miles of one another.

Bordeaux Blonde’s Picks: Family & Wine

Napa Valley Family & Wine Roadtrip

South Side Tour

Wine tasting, shopping, dining, and strolling in downtown Napa, Carneros, and Yountville.

Cruising through Napa Valley's Los Carneros

A trip suggestion in Napa Valley's Los Carneros - the area closest to San Francisco

Zin Heritage

A Zinfandel tasting guide to Napa Valley.

The Art of a Great Wine List

Napa Valley Wine Awards

Enjoy Napa Valley wines at local restaurants and wine shops.

Helpful Resources

• Napa Neighbor Deals
• Lexus Owner Benefits
• Visit Napa Valley
• Online Store

Take a Bit of Napa Valley Home

Shop maps, posters and books that showcase all that Napa Valley has to offer.

Special Offers for Napa County Residents

Explore your own backyard with a list of wineries offering special invitations to residents.

Winery Offers for Lexus Owners

In partnership with Lexus, select Napa Valley wineries offer special tours, tastings and discounts to Lexus owners.

Our Friends at Visit Napa Valley

Explore even more unforgettable wine experiences, stylish hotels and fine dining.

Additional ideas for wine tasting in Napa Valley.

The Napa Valley Wine Trail

Guide to Napa Valley Restaurants

Going Car-Free in the Napa Valley

Insider Tips

Tips from the Napa Valley Welcome Center

Sleep Green

Eco-Friendly Hotels in the Napa Valley

Stay in the know with Napa Valley wine.

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Napa Valley Wine Tours With a Twist

Travel through the valley in a san francisco cable car, daily tours and private charters, visit napa valley wineries & tasting rooms & learn about the area.

We offer Two premium wine tasting tours for the visiting wine-curious traveler  aboard a classic San Francisco cable car . We blend fun and historic local trivia with basic wine knowledge on our trolley tours to entertain our guests. See the chateaus of some of Napa’s finest wineries and taste wines, olive oil , and other artisan products. Learn more about what makes Napa such a special wine-producing location.  We offer two tours, The Napa Valley Classic and the Up Valley Castle Tour . The Classic tour stays in South Napa and the Up Valley Tour heads to North Napa. For a description of each clink link below.

Up Valley Castle Tour

Classic napa valley tour, visit napa’s finest wineries, enjoy the great outdoors, exceptional service from expert guides, the wineries you’ll visit.

Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries and 90 urban tasting rooms in its 30-mile span. Our winery partners have been selected for the wines they produce, their scenic locations, the vineyard tour, and the warm hospitality they offer guests in their tasting rooms. At these wineries, you will taste some of the acclaimed cabernet sauvignon that has become Napa Valley’s signature grape, but you’ll also find other interesting varietals.

Previous Guests Share Their Experiences

Tripadvisor review, april 2023.

I will be recommending the wine trolley to any friends who visit Napa! Each of the 4 wineries we visited were wonderful and had a personal touch to them. The lunch included was delicious all around. Our tour guide, Richard, was so knowledgable on Napa and the wine industry. The trolley was such a great way to see so much of Napa in just one day!

TripAdvisor Review, May 2023

Richard our guide was excellent. Born and raised in Napa he knew the valley and brought a local perspective to the tour. The trolley was super fun and the wine was excellent.

Fuquay-Varina

Tripadvisor review, june 2023.

This was the trolley tour with Castle visit. We got picked up right at our hotel (Embassy-Napa) and Dennis greeted us and got us settled in the trolley. Had a wonderful day exploring Hwy. 29 to Calistoga and back. The tastings were great, the group was fun, and the luxury of having a such a great driver was a bonus. I feel this is a great value based on pricing of other alternatives. We enjoyed the wine and would recommend this day to anyone looking for a worry free day!

Katie Brown

We decided to go on the trolley and it was an absolute blast. Our driver was amazing and it was so great to explore 4 different wineries and not have to think about anything. Also the lunch that was included surpassed our expectations!

The day was overcast and spots of rain, however, we didn’t even notice as our guide, Richard was just phenomenal and kept us engaged and entertained throughout the tour. The wineries were all very different in their layout and approach, however, it was great to experience them all together. Richard was very knowledgeable and quite the host. There are so many wineries in this beautiful area, taking the Trolly tour was the most economical and informative way to indulge in these venues. We traveled here from Atlanta, and can’t stop sharing the great time we had on the Trolley tour and Napa altogether. BOOK THIS TOUR!

Napa Valley Wine Trolley’s Story

Great local partnerships & years of experience.

The original Napa Valley Wine Trolley has been running tours on custom built San Francisco cable cars through the Napa Valley since 2010. With the knowledge and experience of 25+ years in the industry from our parent company Appellation Tours, our focus turned to Napa Valley, one of the jewels in the United States’ wine-making crown.

Our Local Partners

Catch up on our news, see what we’ve been up to, get in touch.

Now’s The Time For Extra: Luxury Wine Tours In Napa Valley

Discover hidden-gem wineries , Explore Napa’s food scene, Find the perfect accommodation, Experience Napa Valley’s stunning landscapes

Be a little extra on your next trip to wine country with these luxury wine tours in Napa Valley

Sometimes you want to travel and drink wine like you’re a disheveled background actor in Oliver! —  “please sir, can I have some more?”

But sometimes, you just want to make like Fergie and live that “First Class” life. These luxury wine tours in Napa will have you singing G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S. all the live long day.

For those that are looking for a more elevated wine tasting experience in Napa Valley, this is the list that separates the ballers from the penny pinchers and while every trip to Napa is a palate-tantalizing experience, taking one of these outrageous luxury wine tours in Napa will give your social media followers a little #sipenvy.

private wine tours in napa valley

Beau tours-private wine tour napa valley collector’s tour.

This a luxury wine tour in Napa by Beau Tours is one for the wine connoisseur. You’ll taste high-end, limited production wines and underground cult wines that you can only find by referral or introduction.

You’ll receive a private wine tour of Napa via a luxury car (think Mercedes, Escalade), explore at least three wineries be treated to a catered lunch. $1,275 per couple (does not include tasting fees). 

Chimney Rock Winery – Ganymede Private Wine Tasting And Tour + Lunch Experience 

Nothing says “I’m on top of the world” like you’re Leo who just got a ticket to the greatest experience in the world (minus the iceberg!) than a private curated wine tasting and lunch experience at Chimney Rock Winery. 

This Napa luxury tour experience is named after Ganymede, the fabled cup-bearer to the gods. You and a guest (or your party) will be given a guided tour of the estate with one of their wine educators. You are then escorted to a seated tasting with a gourmet lunch prepared by their private chef. $250/per person.

Luxury dinner series

Darioush Estate Dinner Series 

You’ll already feel like a royal when you step on the grounds of Darioush winery , but if you want to keep the majestic red carpet rolling, attend one of their Estate Dinner Series (time and dates vary).

Enjoy a night under the stars, with a sensory evaluation expert to experience a wine tasting like no other, paired with a multi-course dinner made by their creative culinary team. $395/per person.  

Domaine Carneros – The Ultimate Chips & Dip / The Art of Sabrage 

This luxury winery that sparkles with more than just bubbles, delivers two separate luxury tasting tours — one is The Ultimate Chips & Dip which pairs a flight of their sparkling wines with potato chips and decadent Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. $175/per person. 

The Art of Sabrage puts you in the entertainer’s seat. Get an unforgettable lesson in how to saber off the head of a bottle of champs (that’s casual for champagne). Your host will share the history and techniques on this legendary practice while you taste a selection of artisanal cheeses, wines, and caviar. $150/per person.

Luxury wine experiences

Heitz Cellars – The Vineyard To Bottle Experience 

Don’t just taste the wine at Heitz Cellars, immerse yourself in the complete experience. This private wine tour in Napa Valley is the best of the best. You and up to four guests will explore two of the winery’s vineyards that have produced over 130 vintages while learning about the unique micro-climates of Napa Valley. Then you’ll return to the tasting salon where you will taste both current and library wines. $1,000/per person.

Raymond Vineyards – Winemaker For a Day / Cabana Under the Palms 

If a straight-up tasting isn’t unique enough for you, this Raymond Vineyards luxury wine tour takes you behind the scenes of what it’s like to be a Napa Valley winemaker for the day.

You’ll spend time in the secret Blending Room where you can learn the art of winemaking, blending your own Bordeaux-style red blend.

Not only will you get to craft your wine, but you’ll be able to fill your bottle, cork it and capsule it and dress it up with your own custom label. Afterwards you’ll get the option to have Raymond Vineyards produce cases of your personal blend that you can share with friends and family. $150/per person.

More Of The Best Luxury Winery Tours In Napa Valley To Check Out

• Far Niente – Cave Collection Winery Tasting $250/ per person
• Hall Wines – Platinum Tasting $350/per person 
• Judd’s Hill – Bottle Blending Day Camp $350/per person
• Trefethen – Legacy Tasting $300/per person
• Merryvale Vineyards – Profile Estate Picnic $295
• Joseph Phelps – Insignia Retrospective Tasting $300

want to bring wine country home with you?

We recommend the VinGardeValise  12 bottle wine suitcase . There are a couple ways you can use this suitcase. One is, when you come home you only pack half the suitcase with wine and the other side clothes; or, what we do is bring a duffle bag to carry our clothes home. You can still check a duffle bag home btw, you don’t have to schlep it around for all four connections.

Pro tip: you can also use the duffle bag to drop off your clothes to be laundered if you’re doing an extended trip. Multiple uses for one duffle bag.

Author: Tiffany Carter

Tiffany is a contributing writer to Armchair Sommelier. When she isn’t writing about wine, the California native is touring local wineries (Hello Napa and Paso!) and filling her glass across the globe (Ciao, Tuscany!). She loves a full-bodied cab, but she plays favorites when it comes to a spicy Zinfandel or juicy Malbec. Her fridge is stocked with a bottle of sparkling rosé for emergencies. Hint: there’s always an emergency. You can follow Tiffany @winetastetravel .

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How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Napa Valley

Posted: November 3, 2023 | Last updated: November 3, 2023

Welcome to VERANDA's Perfect Weekend , where we show you how to make the most of 48 hours in one of our favorite destinations. This month, we’re Napa-bound to relax and unwind in one of the world’s premier wine-growing regions. Renowned for its vine-covered rolling hills and the exquisite wine that’s a result of the labored landscape, Napa is the ultimate U.S. destination for wine lovers—but make no mistake, the valley has so much more to offer than delicious bottles of vino.

From a shocking number of Michelin-rated and -starred restaurants and beautiful architecture in the form of tasting rooms to lavish spas nestled among the valley’s verdant landscape and a recently re-developed downtown that cost a whopping $30 million to bring to life, Napa has it all. But be warned: With so much to do in the valley, a quick weekend trip may feel like a tease. Nevertheless, keep reading to learn how to have the perfect weekend in Napa. By the end of it, we have a sneaking suspicion that you’ll be eager to book your next visit.

1) Friday Afternoon

To make the absolute most of your weekend in Napa, we suggest getting an early start. To kick things off, check into Auberge Du Soleil —considered to be Napa’s most luxurious resort—a Provence-inspired chateau outfitted with private maisons.

Once settled, lean into the allure of wine country with your first tasting. While some tasting rooms and wineries take walk-ins, it’s best to make reservations or set up appointments prior to arrival. Take Dakota Shy Winery —a beautiful estate just down the road from Auberge Du Soleil—for example. The ivy-covered boutique winery—which is founded upon the ethos of hard work, commitment, and determination—welcomes visitors by appointment only. The beauty of this is that your first sips in Napa will be not only more personal, but also more educational as you’ll be able to converse freely with the winemakers about the entire process.

Another thing you may want to think about before setting foot in Napa? How you plan to get around. While Uber and Lyft are available, cars can take a while to show up and can be more difficult to find after 8 p.m. Because of this, we (along with many people we talked to) suggest booking a private driver for your time in Napa ( Napa Valley Tours is one of the top picks among both locals and tourists.). While undoubtedly expensive, the ease of getting from point A to point B and the assurance of not missing a reservation make it well worth the investment.

2) Friday Evening

After wrapping up at Dakota Shy, head to your next tasting at Ashes & Diamonds . The boutique winery and tasting room is loved for its wine and stunning design. The bright white building and its uniformly zig-zagged roof (designed by architect Barbara Bestor ) stand out from the lush green landscape and the more rustic estates that dot it, but it's the interior that will stop you in your tracks.

Founder, Kashy Khaledi (son of Darioush Khaledi, owner of Napa’s iconic Darioush Winery ), wanted to pay homage to Napa in the '60s, and to do so, he outfitted the space in retro mid-century modern furniture doused in pops of color. The result? A picture-perfect tasting room where you could easily spend an entire day. But remember: You only have 48 hours in Napa, it’s time to move to the next stop of the evening.

As delectable as wine and cheese pairings are (especially at Ashes & Diamonds—their sourdough focaccia is to die for), a sit-down dinner is a must in Napa. While there are many highly rated restaurants worth visiting, Mustards Grill , a Michelin-rated restaurant led by chef and wine country pioneer Cindy Pawlcyn, sits just eight minutes northwest of Ashes & Diamonds. As far as the cuisine: think upscale American with wood-fired pork chops, steaks, pastas and sandwiches that are perfect after a day of drinking.

3) Saturday Afternoon

After taking your time at breakfast—trust us, with that view, you won’t want to rush—make your way to Domaine Chandon . The recently remodeled, blush-toned winery is built into the grounds to be virtually invisible from passerby. This means that once you step foot into the reimagined Chandon Home, you’re entirely surrounded by stunning landscaping, gnarly oak trees, and vast blue skies, truly making you feel like you’re in a different world altogether—and that’s before even delighting your senses with one of the brand’s iconic sparkling wines. (May we suggest the Chandon Garden Spritz, which features notes of orange mingling with a bounty of herbs and spices, or the Garden Spritz Tea, an unexpected blend of bubbles and Earl Grey tea? Of course, you can also never go wrong with By The Bay, a crisp chardonnay partially fermented in French oak barrels.)

While some people might tell you to wiggle in as many wineries as you can in a single day, we’re here to let you in on a little secret: Settling in at Domaine Chandon—whether on your own, with a partner, or with a group of friends—is all you need. The breathtaking space (designed by architect Linda Taalman ) can be enjoyed via a variety of curated experiences, most of which can be booked for groups of up to 12.

Whether you choose to relax under the canopy of the garden cabana or dig into a family-style "Togetherness Lunch," take in the grandeur under the oaks or go all out with the "Ultimate Culinary Journey," you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience at Domaine Chandon. (And if you want to take home a relic of your visit beyond a bottle of wine, the winery’s shop sells logo clothing, tantalizing candles in repurposed wine bottles, and even the gorgeous fluted ice buckets you’ll see all over the property.)

4) Saturday Evening

After an unbelievable afternoon of wine tastings, conversation, and moments of mindfulness amidst nature, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite. Since Domaine Chandon is but five minutes away from the main street of Yountville (Washington Street), you’ll want to head that way to partake in yet another wow-worthy meal. Bottega is a Michelin-starred restaurant beloved for its rustic Italian fare.

Our suggestion? Start with the burrata, which is beautifully served over tangerines, pistachio pesto, and pomegranate syrup. For your entree, order the costolette di manzo , a delectable braised short rib in espresso agro-dolce. And whatever you do, don’t forget a plate of pasta for the table—the fluffy and flavorful ricotta gnocchi della nonna is a crowd-pleaser.

If you’re not quite ready to head back to the hotel, consider zipping over to St. Helena (roughly 15 minutes away) to pop into Goose & Gander for a cocktail you won’t soon forget. When you step inside the unassuming restaurant, you’ll be met with a moody, scholarly flair that looks more fitting of a library than a fine dining establishment. Make your way downstairs to the cozy bar, complete with a brick fireplace, and order the craft cocktail that best aligns with your cloud-nine Napa mood.

5) Sunday Morning

After checking out, take stock of how much time you have before needing to be home or back at SFO. If you’re traveling by air, you’ll make your way down Highway 29 back toward the airport. On your way, stop back in Yountville for a couple bites. First, step into Bouchon Bakery , an iconic Thomas Keller creation known for its artisanal breads and traditional French desserts (the ham, egg, and cheese danish, chocolate croissant, and iced mocha are all a delight). Then, venture over to Mini Model Bakery , a hole-in-the-wall home to Oprah’s favorite English muffins. Even if you simply order a muffin with butter and strawberry jam, it will undoubtedly be the best you’ve ever had.

Once you have your sweet and savory pastries ready for the road, hop back in the car and drive 20 minutes South to First Street , the recently renovated downtown area of Napa. The highly walkable area is a shopping oasis with large-scale retailers like Anthropologie as well as small boutiques, like Tay & Grace , which instantly caught our eye with its vibrant decor and vivid luxury garments, featuring brands like Farm Rio, Kule, and more.

On First Street, you’ll also find a number of art galleries worth perusing, including Quent Cordair Fine Art and Gallery 1870 . If you have the time for one last drink in Napa, take your pick: The Abaretum is a fan favorite for craft cocktails and a quirky aesthetic while Vineyard 29 Tasting Room has fabulous varietals and posh decor.

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Impressive wineries to visit? Do you need reservations?

Popular food places?

Any must see sights?

Don’t know if Sonoma is better than doing Napa?

Maybe take a drive up to Calistoga and then come back a different route?

No Muir Woods. I know there’s a jelly factory as an option on the way out.

5 replies to this topic

Yes reservations are good (and often required) to have.

For a full day 3 to 4 wineries.

Sonoma has smaller wineries and sometimes lower tasting fees,

Its good to know what type of wine - sparking to bold reds, etc. to choose.

Many drive up highway 29 to Calistoga - drive through downtown and then drive silverado Highway back,

Other things to consider are seeing the shops such as at Yountville or St. Helena.

Some combine wine tasting with olive oil tastings such as a Round Pond.

For food - people often combine it with a picnic lunch at a winery. V. Sattui has a good deli,,

Then to end the day go to dinner such as in Napa if do the loop drive.

some of the favorites there are Celadon, Morimoto, Cole's Chop House.

some stop by Oxbow market too and walk through the market - its like an upscale food court with some nice bakeries, spice stores, etc.

for some architectural places in Napa, Hall, Sterling.

for nice views Mumm on Silverado Highway.

For modern art, Hess.

have them look at the wineries and see if they have any preferred places they prefer to visit as so many great ones.

https://www.visitnapavalley.com/wineries/

Thank you so much. This was so fantastic of you! I really appreciate this. It gives me a really good place to start.

400 wineries?… Are there any wineries that have a tour/architecture? Not looking for a wine tasting aspect.

there is no specific winery tour on architecture that i know of - but for some unique architectural touches (indoor water falls, amazing rocks and rooms to see) Jarvis

https://www.jarviswines.com/about/winery

Castello di Amarosa is a unique winery in a castle style.

https://castellodiamorosa.com/

Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation.

Yes, Mini, this is what I meant. Thank you so much.

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Winery Cave Tours & Tastings in Napa Valley

March 11, 2024.

Above-ground tasting rooms aren’t the only formal places to sip wine in Napa Valley. Many wineries also offer caves for tasting experiences. These caves serve dual purposes – they are cool and humid locations to store wine while it ages to perfection in barrels, and they are both beautiful and unique spots to taste wine.

Dug deep into the earth, underground caves provide a steady cool temperature – at around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature for wine storage and for aging wine in barrels, and means no air conditioning or heating is necessary.

Napa Valley has over 65 wineries with caves, and many offer their caves to visitors for wine tastings. Head underground for a markedly different tasting experience from the ones above ground – the underground experiences often have a speakeasy vibe and can range from luxurious to a little spooky (in a good way, of course).

Here are some of the Napa Valley cave tasting experiences that have caught our eye; reservations are required unless otherwise specified.

Schramsberg

The dark, historic caves at Schramsberg date back over 150 years. Chinese laborers chiseled them by hand, and if you look closely, you can still see pick marks in the walls of volcanic rock. Known for their sparkling wines, Schramsberg offers multiple cave tour and tasting experiences depending on interest, such as a sparkling wine only tasting, a sparkling and red wine tasting (the still wines are courtesy of their sister winery, Davies Vineyards ), and even a tasting paired with artisan cheeses.

Joseph Cellars Winery

All tastings at this Calistoga winery include a tour through the extensive hillside caves before seated tastings outside or upstairs. Cellar Club members have the additional option of tasting underground; this experience includes a short tour of the cave and five wines paired with small bites.

Davis Estates

This circa-2011 Calistoga winery boasts more than 11,000 square feet of caves, and the Cave Tour & Tasting winds guests through some of the underground area before a seated tasting in a Howard Backen-designed tasting salon. All wines are paired with small food bites.

Pope Valley

Pope valley winery.

Located in the northeast corner of Napa Valley, Pope Valley Winery’s cave dates to the late 1800s and took eight years to dig by hand. The cave still features the original hand-hewn redwood beams and sits at the bottom of the three-story gravitational flow winery established in 1897. All wine tastings begin with a walk through a portion of the cave (which is also their barrel room).

CADE Winery

The first organically farmed LEED Gold Certified estate winery in Napa Valley features 15,000 square feet of caves that include event space. All visitors of the winery are shown through the caves as part of the standard tasting and tour, while larger groups can arrange special events, lunch, and dinner there. The design of CADE Winery’s caves is in the shape of the PlumpJack shield, and at the center, they have a large steel dining room table that was built from the hull of a World War 2 submarine while the table legs were salvaged from a vacant building on Mare Island.

Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves

Cave tastings at this Venetian-inspired St. Helena winery feature red wine varietals thieved from barrels. Guests taste a side-by-side comparison of a single-vineyard Cabernet aged in French Oak alongside the same wine aged in American Oak. Visitors also sample bottled wine served with house-made pizza.

V. Sattui Winery

If you’re a Gold Card member at V. Sattui, this one’s for you: V. Sattui offers an exclusive wine tasting experience in their cellar cave, complete with cheese and a charcuterie board. Guests will find themselves nestled amongst the winery’s older wines, including their Reserve wines.

Brasswood Estate

Brasswood’s caves cover 17,000 square feet, and guests who book their Cave Tasting experience will get the full immersive experience. The tasting includes a tour of the caves, including the largest cave tunnel in Napa Valley (in width and height), and a flight of Brasswood Cellars current release wines.

Rutherford Hill Winery

The caves at Rutherford Hill are located behind the winery and carved deep under the hillside cliffs. The mile-long cave system stores 7,000 French Oak barrels and are the largest of their kind in Napa Valley. The “ATV vineyard and cave tour” takes guests on a ride up the hill to the Estate Vineyard and then into the caves for a tour, finishing with a tasting of reserve-tier wines.

HALL Rutherford

HALL’s Rutherford property (they have another property in St. Helena) has a 14,000 square-foot cave system finished with Austrian brick and limestone dating back to the Hapsburg Empire. Seated tastings take place under Donald Lipski’s dazzling “Chilean Red” chandelier, designed to look like the underground root system of a vine. This is truly one of those “only in Napa Valley” experiences.

HALL Rutherford, photo by Michael Cuffe

Far Niente Winery

This winery, having constructed the first new caves after Prohibition (the first in the US in the 20th century), now boasts one of Napa County's most expansive cave systems, covering 40,000 square feet. Accessing the underground labyrinth requires descending a narrow wooden staircase within the circa-1885 winery building, which has been refurbished and transformed into a tasting center. Once below ground, guests will encounter hundreds of French oak wine barrels housing Cabernet and Chardonnay vintages, along with an inviting cave system and a "main area" illuminated by a three-tiered chandelier.

Vine Cliff Winery

Tours of this historic Oakville winery, found in a canyon above the Silverado Trail, include a stroll through some of the 15,000-square-foot cave system, parts of which have been used for storage for nearly a century. While tastings take place in the outdoor garden or inside the winery, wine club dinners are often hosted underground.

Several private tasting experiences at B Cellars unfold in special tasting rooms in the winery’s 15,000 square-foot cave, which is tunneled under a hill – salons are separated by glass walls. The cave not only serves as a place for special tastings, but also acts as barrel storage for the winery. While underground in one of the elegantly designed rooms, guests can sample wines from various vintages. Each tasting is paired with local cheese, charcuterie, and accompaniments from the B Cellars kitchen.

Pine Ridge Vineyards

The first thing guests will notice upon arriving at Pine Ridge Vineyards’ 47-acre property is the hills surrounding the estate. Tucked deep below the vineyards on those hills sits an intricate cave system of 37,000 square feet of underground caves. The Cellar 47 tasting offers guests an escorted tour of the European-inspired cave system where they can experience floor-to-ceiling views of the rock that supports the hills. Guests on this tour enjoy a selection of highly limited estate Cabernets. Wine lovers can also opt for a “vineyard to cave experience” to get the full winery experience.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

A Foucault pendulum – one of only about 50 in the world – swings in the center of the caves at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. The pendulum is suspended from the ceiling and marks the passing of time, and the aging of wine. The caves cover 34,000 square feet of tunnels and house 6,000 barrels. The cave entrance takes guests to the Great Room, with copper sconces and quartzite floors, and right outside the doors sits the ARCADE, a glorious arched patio designed for tasting with sweeping views of the Stags Leap Palisades.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Baldacci Family Vineyards

Baldacci Family Vineyards features over 19,000 square feet of wine caves in their hillside knoll, where their wines are crafted and barrel aged. The private Cave Tour & Estate Tasting experience begins with a splash of brut sparkling wine before journeying through the spectacular wine cave. Guests have the chance to taste wine directly from the barrel and see behind the scenes of the winery’s production area. This experience concludes in the Estate House with an indoor seated tasting.

Porter Family Vineyard

You won’t see a big winery building at this Coombsville brand; the entire winemaking operation here happens underground. There are 17,000 square feet of caves in all, and private tours include a walkthrough of at least some of the operation – there’s even an underground wine library. The Bordeaux varietals are outstanding.

Jarvis Estate

Jarvis Estate is unique because the entire winery exists underground in a cave – the first in the nation to be built in this way. The 45,000-square-foot cave system includes an underground waterfall, which serves to enhance the cave's inherent humidity, creating an ideal environment for making and aging wine. There is also a “gallery” of a dozen oak fermentation tanks, assembled on-site by a team of French coopers. All tours end with a seated tasting experience where guests sample six estate wines.

Be sure to check out these other wineries with caves:

• Castello di Amorosa
• Caves at Soda Canyon
• Clos Pegase Winery
• Covert Estate
• Fantesca Estate & Winery
• Miner Family Winery
• Palmaz Vineyards
• Pride Mountain Vineyards
• Vineyard 29

Jenny Szekely

As the Marketing Coordinator, Jenny brings insider knowledge on all that Napa Valley has to discover.

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