must visit wineries in napa

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The 18 best napa valley wineries to visit in 2024.

Set your sights on these can't-miss wineries during your next visit to California's wine country.

John Merkl | Courtesy of Larkmead Vineyards

Whether you want to indulge in deep reds or sip crisp whites, these Napa Valley wineries will help you do it in style.

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 Stag's 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 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

Bob McClenahan | Courtesy of Cliff Lede Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards: Yountville

Courtesy of V. Sattui Winery |

V. Sattui Winery: St. Helena

Courtesy of Pine Ridge Vineyards |

Pine Ridge Vineyards: Napa

Robb McDonough | Courtesy of Larkmead Vineyards

Larkmead Vineyards: Calistoga

Getty Images |

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California Winery Advisor

Your Independent Guide to the Wine Country

The 10 Best Napa Valley Wineries To Visit

CWA Staff [April 2024]

Contributions by Igor Sill

[ Editor's Note : We update our list of the Best Napa Valley wineries once per year. The updates are based on feedback from our Facebook fans, our review of Yelp and Trip Advisor data, and our network of Napa Valley winery travel experts like our partners at The Priority Wine Pass . We will provide a list of wineries from prior years below the list of our current top 10]

Readers often ask us, "What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit?" This isn't an easy question to answer because there are so many excellent wineries. Some people prefer the small boutique or "micro" wineries, some are looking for a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal , while others want a lively venue with many amenities like restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Our list is a starting point for your exploration of this globally revered wine region. Please don't stop exploring. You may find that your own list of the best Napa Valley wineries differs from ours. That is the fun of exploring the valley!

No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention or visitors as Napa Valley . It's visited by five million people every year, making it the second most visited tourist destination in California (Disneyland is # 1).  Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley will award you with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, and world-renowned wines.

For many San Francisco Bay Area tourists, the opportunity of tasting exceptional quality wines is an absolute must.  Napa's soil, gentle climate, and growing conditions (terroir) make for ideal grapes, coveted by wine enthusiasts everywhere.

What To Expect When Visiting The Wineries Of Napa Valley

Napa Valley contains well over 400 wineries , most of them welcoming guests with tours, wine education, and tasting rooms. While enticing, the sheer number of winery options can be overwhelming.  In this article, I've focused on wineries that offer excellent wines, rich history, and informative and entertaining adventures.

Wine is not to be feared, though at first, it can seem daunting.  A knowledgeable wine tender can erase those fears while guiding your pallet to an enjoyable and memorable experience on your very first visit.  If you are a first-time visitor, you may wish to consider picking the right time of year to visit.

Napa wineries receive guests on an appointment-only basis, so always call ahead, or visit their website for availability.  Also, note that Napa zoning restrictions preclude picnic eating at all but a couple of Napa estates, so hold off on that picnic basket.

Expect to be charged a fee for the tour or tasting, but given the amount of information garnered and the quality of wines poured, along with the beautiful and stylish settings, these visits are an incredible bargain.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Napa Valley

The best times to visit Napa are during the Spring and Fall seasons, meaning April to early June and then September to October time frames.   Early fall is our "crush" period when wineries are harvesting their grapes.  If you want to experience a winery in action, come in the Fall.  The other optimal time is early Spring (late February to March) when the Valley's mustard plants are all in full, brilliant yellow bloom.

How We Picked The Best Napa Wineries

Since acquiring my own Napa Valley vineyard some 28 years ago, I've gotten acquainted with and toured most of the popular wineries, with numerous repeat visits amongst my favorites.  My recommendations, supported by researching 3,000+ yelp.com reviews, for the best, as well as the hidden gems, are from my own first-hand experience of their hospitality, exceptional wines, the facility's ambiance, history & beauty, the wine tasting experience, and the memories that linger long after the visit is over.

Excellent wines are certainly appreciated, however, the entire experience that a winery and its staff provide leaves its guests wanting to return.  Wineries achieve a first-class status when their staff enjoys greeting people, are extraordinary experts in their fields and are capable of conveying their knowledge in a friendly, fun, and understandable fashion.  Life is way too short for lousy wine and a mediocre time.  And so, with the help of yelp.com reviews, here are 10 of my favorite wineries with tastings and tours that are open to the public.

Of course, this list only scratches the surface. Napa has dozens of other wineries worth noting, such as Beaulieu, Cakebread, Clos Pegase, Ehlers, Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Shrader, and Silver Oak to name a few.

You will save money at some of the best Napa Valley wineries with the PRIORITY WINE PASS. L EARN MORE HERE

Our List Of The Best Napa Valley Wineries To Visit

V.sattui winery.

St Helena, Napa (www.vsattui.com) :  This is the most popular and most visited winery in all of Napa. The winery was recently awarded a "best innovative winery tourism" designation. Making it one of only 10 wineries in the world to earn this distinction.

It's a top favorite because they offer old-world charm, 80 different varietals of wines, champagne, ports, vast picnic grounds, personalized tours, a legendary Italian deli with fresh foods, cheeses, and friendly, well-trained staff.   It's one of the few wineries that consistently wins top awards for all of its wines.

Brooks Painter , the head winemaker at V. Sattui, received the Winemaker of the Year award two times.  The main tasting room is as close to a party as you’ll get in the often seriously snobby Napa.  Those who want to learn and talk about terroir  while indulging in aficionado conversations about serious wines should go to their Vittorio tasting room (Tower).

There's always a party going on at this winery because it's always packed with visitors, frequent BBQs, special events, entertainment, and Spring weddings.  This winery has a full-time executive food pairing chef, Stefano Masanti, who creates phenomenal wine and food pairing events.

It's also a great spot to relax with their wines while enjoying a family lunch on their picnic grounds.  V. Sattui is a family, dog-friendly winery where you'll see children having a great time as well.  This is truly a wonderful and gorgeous place to spend your day.

Hours are 10-5 daily with reservations required for most tastings and tours.  Click here to make a reservation at V. Sattui.

( Click Here To Learn More About The Priority Wine Pass  Pass Holders Save On Tastings At V. Sattui )

Darioush Winery

Oak Knoll, Napa I made reservations for 4 at Darioush Winery for a flight of 5 wines hosted tasting on a busy Saturday afternoon @ $150 per person. We arrived a bit early and drove up that beautiful long driveway at the base of Atlas Peak off of Silverado Trail. We were graciously greeted as we approached the entry by Mark, a very friendly concierge who checked us in with a smile and served us a wonderful Russian River Chardonnay .

Mark quickly guided us inside to a waiting living room setting in front of a massive fireplace graced by Persian columns. Mark then introduced us to our host, Derek, who engaged us with a bit of history behind Darioush's founder, Darioush Khaledi, who achieved the American dream by immigrating to the US from Iran following the Islamic revolution and started what turned out to become the largest family-owned grocery business in Los Angeles.

He then founded Darioush in 1997 to bring the opulent architecture, rich culture, arts, and wines of the famed royal city of Persepolis to Napa. And, that he has done. The winery is amazingly impressive, with Persepolis columns framing the entrance with a royal palace setting inside.

Our 5 wines were served paired perfectly with artisan cheeses and nuts. We tasted 2 Syrahs, a Merlot, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and lastly, the Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. All were luscious and superbly outstanding. Darioush himself walked over, introduced himself, and welcomed us to his winery with genuine and gracious hospitality, making us feel like royalty.

Derek then invited us downstairs where we toured Darioush's personal wine collection cellar, filled with first-growth Bordeaux wines, in the style of Haut-Brion, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux (one of my personal favorites), Chateau Lafite, and Mouton Rothschild, including a bottle of 1942 Chateau Lafite Rothschild--reportedly one of only 2 left in the world. Derek then pulled out a wine thief and proceeded to extract tastings for each of us from a cellar French oak barrel of Cabernet Sauvignon, yet to be bottled or released.

It was truly outstanding and, though a bit young, will clearly be brilliant in a few years. Overall, we tasted 7 lovely wines and were graced with an unforgettable wine-tasting experience in one of Napa's absolutely finest wineries. Without question, it's an exceptional and memorable experience, worthy of 6 Yelp stars (5 is the max)!

Appointments required. 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 257-2345

Chateau Montelena

Calistoga, Napa (www.montelena.com): Chateau Montelena thrust itself onto the world's stage in 1976 as its 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, crafted by winemaker Mike Grgich, took first place at the famed " Paris Tasting ” beating France’s best white Burgundies.

While their Chardonnay continues to be one of the most age-worthy Chardonnays produced in California, their Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon now occupies the winery's focus these days.  With its impressive old-world stone chateau, the unusual Chinese grounds with a lake, and the enchanting, if not small, greeting room, it certainly delivers a memorable wine-tasting experience. Though the picnic grounds are reserved for Wine Club members only, visitors are welcome to meander around and take in the sites.

While their Chardonnay continues to be one of the most age-worthy Chardonnays produced in California, their Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon now occupies the winery's focus these days.

Inglenook Winery

Rutherford, Napa(www.inglenook.com) : One of the original Napa wineries, the elegant, ivy-covered Inglenook was founded by a Finnish sea captain and Wine Connoisseur, Gustave Niebaum in 1879.  Gustave was passionate about making fine wines in small quantities.

In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola acquired the winery from the Niebaum family and spent considerable time, money, and energy restoring it back to its magnificent original splendor.  It has since been known by several names, ala Niebaum-Coppola, Coppola, and Rubicon until 2011, when Francis Ford Coppola acquired the Inglenook trademark, paying more, he said, than he had paid for the entire estate.

He has since, restored the historic name Inglenook to the estate so that it remains a true crown jewel of Napa Valley.  Tours are by appointment and definitely worthwhile so that you can appreciate these amazing grounds.

Domaine Carneros

Napa, CA (domainecarneros.com)  Founded by the noble French family behind Champagne Taittinger, this majestically grand château is a splendid way to enjoy the Carneros Appellation of Napa.

This stunning, fairy-tale château was modeled after an 18th-century French mansion owned by Taittinger. Carved into the hillside below the winery are exceptional sparkling wines reminiscent of those crafted by Taittinger, using estate-grown Los Carneros grapes.  The estate is located in the southern part of Napa Valley near the cooler climate of San Pablo Bay. There are 3 terraces from which you can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping extraordinary Sparkling and Pinot Noir wines.

If you elect to take a tour, you’ll experience a behind-the-scenes look at how sparkling wines are produced, from the vineyards through to the bottling process. The tour culminates with a sampling of wines paired with an array of artisan cheeses, gourmet caviar, smoked salmon, and charcuterie while seated in the Louis XV–inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. This is one of the best Napa wineries if you love bubbles.

Reservations are required. 1240 Duhig Road. Napa, CA 94559. (707) 257-0101, email: [email protected] . Tasting Hours: 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

Miner Family Winery

Oakville, Napa Just north of Yountville, Miner Family Winery offers a wide range of varietals to sample from vineyards distributed throughout some of California’s best wine-growing regions. They began as a custom crush outfit before owner Dave Miner started his own label in 1996. Sourcing fruit from nine different vineyards allows them room to explore a spectrum of styles, and it allows you to taste a full portfolio of California wine. Saddle up at the bar for a taste of Napa Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Mendocino, or the Sierra Foothills. No reservation is required for parties of six or fewer, $25 tasting fee. The fee is waived for members of the Miner wine club and 3 guests.

Click here to learn about the Priority Wine Pass. You can save on tastings at Miner Family Winery when you purchase a Pass

Ladera Vineyards

Calistoga, Napa Situated on Howell Mountain, Ladera Vineyards offers a more historical look at Napa’s first sub-appellation. The three-story stone winery building was completed in 1886, and the Stotesbery family finished restoring it in 2005. At 1,600-1,800 feet,

Ladera’s vines are untouched by the marine layer that settles on the Napa Valley floor. This is a home of big, but fairly-priced cabernet sauvignon. Arrive hydrated and ready to turn your teeth purple. By appointment only, 

Spottswoode Winery

St Helena, Napa Spottswoode is a true family-owned historic winery on the west side of St Helena in the Napa Valley.  Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on its wine labels.  Owner Mary Novak established the winery in 1982, and it is managed by her daughters Beth Novak Milliken, its President & CEO, and Lindy Novak, who runs the winery's wholesale marketing program.

The family produces a small portfolio of 3 delicious varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a minuscule amount of Syrah.  Their hospitality and tasting rooms are in a quaint Victorian farmhouse nestled amongst the vines. Tastings are available on Mondays through Fridays. You must request a tasting reservation on the Spottswoode website . It's a good idea to make your request 3 or more months before your visit to Napa.

Phone (707) 963-0134 or email [email protected] to make a reservation.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Oakville, Napa (www.cask23.com) : Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, this winery brought international acclaim to Napa Valley winemaking when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous 1976 "Judgment of Paris" tasting.  A bottle of 1973 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum in 1996 as a result of being awarded first in this competition and to reflect the impact that the achievement had on the US wine industry.

The winery's remodeled facilities provide floor-to-ceiling views of its vineyards as its centerpiece.  The winery's cave "is the moral center of the universe" according to founder Warren Winiarski.  He installed an amazing floor-to-ceiling Foucault pendulum at the center of the vaulted caves. It's an awesome sight to behold as it swings methodically.

The winery was sold to a joint venture by Chateau Ste Michelle and Marchesi Antinori in the summer of 2007. Reservations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 4:30 PM at [email protected] or (707) 261-6410

Turnbull Wine Cellars

Oakville, Napa ( https://www.turnbullwines.com/visit-us/ ) Turnbull feels like the very essence of modern-day Napa. From the perfectly executed design of the tasting facilities to the dedication to sustainability in both farming and winemaking, Turnbull feels like the best of Napa.

You can select a few different tasting options here. The Private Estate Tasting is an amazing experience. You can taste through reserve wines in the comfort of the Turnbull "living room" with a wine educator. Or you can opt for the more traditional Gallery Tasting. Taste the current Turnbull releases at an elegant bar with beautiful views of the valley around you.

Castello di Amorosa

Calistoga, Napa (www.castellodiamorosa.com)  Castello di Amorosa knows how to make a huge first impression.  Set on a Calistoga knoll, this authentically styled, 13th Century Tuscan castle winery is unlike any other you'll visit.  It took some 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V.Sattui Winery) to construct it and has all the elements you'd expect from an authentic Italian castle, such as a moat with a drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church, and fully equipped torture chamber.  The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian

It took some 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V.Sattui Winery) to construct it and has all the elements you'd expect from an authentic Italian castle, such as a moat with a drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church, and fully equipped torture chamber.  The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines including Cabernet, Merlot, Primitivo, and Sangiovese.  A number of guided tours and tastings are available. The castle hits all the marks: delicious wines that you can only get from here, unforgettably gorgeous grounds, delectable foods and cheeses, and friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Save money at the Castello with the Priority Wine Pass :

Top Napa Wineries (Honorable Mentions)

Beringer vineyards.

St Helena, Napa (www.beringer.com):

Another historic Napa winery that was featured at number three on our 2016 list dates back to 1875 when brothers Jacob and Frederick,  German immigrants, established this winery.  Once there, they planted the beautiful "Tunnel of Trees" (1885) that still adores Highway 29 in front of their winery.  They built the elegant Rhine House where they once lived as well as the grand stone winery building, and hand-dug the wine caves.  The lush landscaping surrounding the ornate Rhine House gives you a sense of what Napa used to be like in those days.  Last year, Mark Beringer,

Last year, Mark Beringer, great-great-grandson of founder Jacob Beringer joined the winery as its Chief Winemaker.  Beringer offers a 30-minute tour that guides one through the Old Winery and historic tunnels, winding up in the iconic Rhine House mansion with a wine tasting that includes a selection of three wines.  Absolutely magical.

Click Here | Reserve Your Tasting

Peju Province

Rutherford, Napa (www.peju.com): This Napa winery was number 7 on our list last year. Peju offers more than 30 sustainably-farmed wines (some of which are exclusive to wine club members)  in their landmark tasting room tower.  They offer an amazing art collection gallery upstairs, pristine gardens, unique culinary events, reserve, and barrel tastings.  Their culinary wine experiences include hands-on cooking classes, chef's table lunches, as well as wine and food pairing education classes.  As you enter their grounds, you'll note a collection of carefully placed sculptures while roaming the manicured gardens.  This is a wonderful family deserving of their great yelp reviews.

[Editor's Note: We've received some feedback recently about the service at Opus One. We are keeping this on our list of Best Napa Wineries because of the history and wine quality. Please be aware the service is uneven at this point]

Oakville, Napa (www.opusonewinery.com)  This winery originated as the joint venture between  Robert Mondavi  and Baron Philippe Rothschild who teamed up to create this magnificent winery focused on producing a Bordeaux styled blend based on Napa Valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon. Opus One Winery delivers a luxurious wine experience. The estate is impressive, especially when driving down the center driveway to the winery entrance.  Looking out across Opus One's vineyards from the upstairs terrace, you immediately sense the beauty of Napa Valley.  This is a winery to just sit back, relax and absorb a wonderful glass of wine with the company of good friends.  It doesn’t get any more luxuriously sophisticated than this, so take plenty of pictures while there.  Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi winery in 2004 and entered into a management agreement with Baron Rothschild to manage Opus One.  The

Opus One Winery delivers a luxurious wine experience. The estate is impressive, especially when driving down the center driveway to the winery entrance.  Looking out across Opus One's vineyards from the upstairs terrace, you immediately sense the beauty of Napa Valley.  This is a winery to just sit back, relax, and absorb a wonderful glass of wine with the company of good friends.  It doesn’t get any more luxuriously sophisticated than this, so take plenty of pictures while there.  Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi winery in 2004 and entered into a management agreement with Baron Rothschild to manage Opus One.  The Winery tours are by appointment only, so be sure to call in advance to secure your reservation.

Andretti Winery

Oak Knoll, Napa (www.andrettiwinery.com) Andretti Winery is the perfect way to transport yourself to the "old world" without leaving the comfortable confines of Napa Valley. The winery was established in 1996 by one of the greatest race car drivers ever, Mario Andretti, and his good friend Joe Antonini, the ex-CEO of K Mart. They shared a passion for great wine and the joys of Italy's laid-back lifestyle. So they decided to make wine and entertain guests in Napa Valley.

We know...you are thinking that celebrity wineries can't deliver great wine. That is simply not the case here.

The winery they created is a reflection of their twin passions. On a visit to Andretti Winery, you will be treated to some best Italian varietal wine this side of Tuscany, along with wonderful French varietals. Combine that with the laid-back hospitality of the Andretti staff and you have one of the best wineries for first-time visitors to Napa Valley.

The winery offers an incredible array of wine-tasting experiences. Make sure you make a reservation in advance. We recommend you enjoy a tasting with a food pairing, but any of their experiences is sure to please.

Napa Valley Winery resources:

Prefer boutique style wineries when you visit Napa Valley? Check out our list of Wineries for Napa Insiders

Looking for great Napa wine tasting at more affordable prices? Check out our Napa Budget Tour .

For a complete listing of Napa Valley wineries, visit our Napa regional page. We have links to the wineries, lodging, and tours.

Here are the best Napa resorts and hotels to book for your trip

Need a little more affordable place to stay in Napa ? Or maybe try a Napa Airbnb ?

The author Igor Sill farms a terraced cabernet sauvignon vineyard in St Helena, Napa, California.  He's a passionate wine lover; writer; certified Court of Master Sommeliers; attended UC Davis' winemaking program; Member, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group; Judge, International Wine Challenge, London UK and holds his Masters from Oxford University.

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The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley

• by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
• on NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Photo courtesy of Hess Persson Estates

Every winery has its own unique charm, but some rise above the rest… especially in Napa Valley , where stunning wineries seem to emerge from every vantage point. Here, among rows of carefully nurtured vines, architectural marvels blend tradition and innovation, and house some of the world’s most delectable wines. And, while it goes without saying that each winery has its own story to tell, some are, quite frankly, a little more captivating to the eye than others.

Dive with us into the vine-drenched beauty of Napa Valley as we introduce you to ten wineries that don’t just stand out—they soar. Here are the most beautiful wineries in Napa Valley.

Classic Elegance Reimagined

Louis M. Martini Winery

With sleek lines and masculine tones, the recently restored Louis M. Martini Winery —redesigned by famed Wine Country architects Backen, Gillam & Kroeger—offers a stunning contemporary space from which to sip. Along with a refreshed look that blends modern details with timeless elements, the winery offers a variety of curated food and wine experiences , available both in the stylish Heritage Lounge and the Underground Cellar. Outside, the grassy open space known as Martini Park provides tasters with a pristine setting in which to enjoy lawn games and al fresco wine service.

Insider Tip: If an outdoor tasting experience is what you’re after, the Martini Park Tasting is a relaxed way to enjoy the wines of this long-standing winery. But if you’re with a group, opt to reserve your own private cabana in Martini Park. Cabanas are available for up to two hours, seat up to 10 guests, and include four wines paired with a selection of Italian inspired culinary delights.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $55 Visit : 254 St. Helena Highway S, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3362

Spring Mountain Luxury

Napa is known for its stunning landscapes, world-class wines, and exclusive experiences, and you’ll all get this and much more when visiting Fantesca Estate & Winery . This beautiful estate vineyard and winery is owned by Susan and Duane Hoff, who purchased the 53-acre Spring Mountain estate in 2004. Reservations for private tastings may be limited—there are only six tastings offered per day—and bookings require a short questionnaire in advance in order to customize the experience to each group, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with views of the stunning estate vines, a walking tour inside the impressive in-mountain cave system, and a guided tasting of the exquisite wines , made by world-renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett .

Insider Tip: Fantesca is all about celebrating wine and the good life, so it’s no surprise that events are such a big part of their experience. Fantesca’s member events span the nation over, from their annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans to their Kentucky Derby party in Louisville, and are events you won’t ever forget.

Tasting Fee: $200 Visit: 2920 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-9229

Stunning Art, Views & Wines

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Founded in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards is a picturesque winery in the heart of the Stags Leap District, where intimate tastings and tours feature stunning views of their sustainable vineyards and the surrounding hills. Sample the winery’s elegant Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the relaxed setting of the shaded patio or picnic grounds, making time to explore the demonstration vineyard to get a closer look at the vines, or opt for one of the cave tasting experiences which will find you touring the winery’s vast European-inspired caves.

Insider Tip: For a deep dive into all things Pine Ridge, book the new Explorer’s Tasting. During this immersive experience, you’ll journey through the vineyard by foot before venturing into the winery’s caves and winemaking facilities. This two-hour educational experience commences with a seated tasting of some of Pine Ridge’s most exclusive wines.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $55 Visit : 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 575-9777

Most Regal Chateau

Domaine Carneros

There’s a reason why this stunning estate is so popular amongst visitors— Domaine Carneros is home to the most majestic château in Napa Valley. Inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, guests are invited to enjoy their sparkling and still wines in the Louis XV-inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vines while contemplating what it must feel like to be born into French royalty.

Insider Tip: Try the winery’s curated food & wine pairing, Bubbles & Bites , which showcases the versatility of sparkling wine paired with food. The current offering, A Journey Through Southeast Asia, showcases sparkling wines versatility as it pairs perfectly with cuisine from Vietnam, Thailand, and India. Four savory and one sweet bite, including dishes like banh mi and custard cake, are perfectly paired with various Domaine Carneros’ methode traditionelle sparkling varietals.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $40 Visit : 1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, (800) 716-2788

Most Serene Terrace

Round Pond Estate

The moment you arrive to the palm-lined driveway of this beautiful Rutherford estate, you know you’re in for a treat. Inspired by Old World Italian hospitality, most of Round Pond ‘s tasting experiences take place outside on the inviting covered terrace overlooking the vines, where estate-grown wines are accompanied by artisanal bites prepared with ingredients grown on-site, including their estate-made olive oil .

Insider Tip: There are few places in Northern California where you can taste wine and estate olive oil in one place, but at Round Pond you can do just that. One of two working olive mills in Napa Valley, Round Pond offers tours of the mill , which include guided tastings of their estate olive oils and vinegars. It’s the perfect interlude between wine tastings.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $60 Visit : 875 Rutherford Road, Napa, CA 94573, (707) 302-2575

Historic Grandeur

Stags’ Leap Winery

Situated along the Silverado Trail in the heart of the famed Stags Leap District is the historic Stags’ Leap Winery . With roots tracing back to 1893, the picturesque 19th century stone winery is worthy of a visit in its own right, featuring buildings with castle-like details, coffered ceilings, and stained glass windows, but add in an impressive portfolio of Cabernets and it’s no wonder why this storied property has remained a top destination in Wine Country for years and years.

Insider Tip: If it’s a nice day (which is most of the time in Napa Valley!), you may want to book the Porch Tasting . Offered daily starting at 11:00 AM, this seated tasting experience on the porch of the Manor House is sure to transport you back in time to the elegant early days of Wine Country.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $85 Visit : 6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-5790

A Rutherford Icon

This historic Napa Valley winery , founded in 1879, is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and family, who purchased part of the winery in 1975 and the remainder in 1995, and have since restored the stately Château and grounds to grandeur. Surrounded by vine-covered pergolas, lush trees, fountains, and 1,700 acres of vines, it’s a beautiful place to taste their iconic Rutherford wines.

Insider tip: Those interested in exploring the rich legacy of Inglenook will want to reserve the Private Library Experience , a guided walking tour of the estate culminating in a seated library wine and cheese tasting in the winery’s historic cellar.

Tasting Fee : Starting at $75 Visit : 1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 968-1179

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24 Top-Rated Napa Valley Wineries To Visit

Napa Valley immediately comes to mind for many at the mention of vineyards and wineries. Undoubtedly, Northern California's wine capital is iconic for its wine production and can go head-to-head against France's famed wine regions. Often the destination for momentous occasions like proposals, bridal showers, weddings, and birthdays, Napa Valley is nothing short of ordinary. It's home to over 400 wineries, with some that have tasting rooms open to the public — one of their biggest draws. 

Now is as good a time as any to visit Napa Valley and finally understand why America's most popular wine region has rightfully earned that title. If you're able to take a trip to Napa, here are 24 must-visit vineyards. And if you can't visit, many of them can ship wine across the country. I've gathered this list based on what the winery's grounds have to offer, including the tasting experiences and wines available. More on the methodology is at the end of the article. 

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559

No longer is sparkling wine relegated to just special occasions, and as a producer of traditional method sparkling wine — as well as  pinot noir — no one knows that better than Domaine Carneros.

The winery grounds are quite breathtaking, with a majestic château providing a striking backdrop to enjoy a glass of wine. Founding winemaker Eileen Crane practiced great care with each step of the process, and although she stepped down in 2020, after 42 years in the wine industry, Domaine's reputation had been set. The grapes are harvested in the middle of the night to ensure they don't take on any bitterness, and there are 18 clones of pinot noir to achieve the perfect complexity and balance throughout their wines. And Domaine Carneros is committed to sustainability, having achieved a Napa Green certification.(via Domaine Carneros ).

Master of Wine Dr. Liz Thach  described the 2013 Estate Pinot Noir as "a delightful pinot noir with classic Carneros raspberry and red cherry, complemented with subtle spicy oak and a touch of earthy mushroom. Medium-bodied, well-balanced with silky tannins."

Visitors will enjoy a variety of tasting options, including flights starting at $40 and food options including cheese, charcuterie, caviar , and even a vegan cheese board. All visitors must make a reservation , which can be done online or by calling the vineyard.

Tasting fee: Starts at $40 for non-members

1350 Acacia Dr, Oakville, CA 94562

Nestled among sprawling gardens, manicured vineyards, and wine caves is Far Niente. The estate is known for its cabernet sauvignons and has been vinifying them since 1982. The brand also grows Chardonnay.

The roots of the vineyard date back to 1885, when it was founded by John Benson, who came to California during the gold rush. Closed during prohibition, the winery was revived 60 years later.

The winery, a proud net-zero user of electricity, began using solar power in 2008. They produce more energy than they consume and organic farming is practiced across the vineyards. In describing the tasting experience,  American Winery Guide  wrote, "Tastings are intimate at Far Niente, a winery that sees so few people on a daily basis that our names and those of other guests appeared upon a chalkboard sentry that greets visitors inside the front doors. In a quaint, elegantly decorated side room, our tasting was conducted. There, we tasted through a couple different vintages of creamy, delicate Chardonnay, a couple more of rich, bold cabernet sauvignon, and finally, dolce, each paired with exquisite cheeses that truly helped to bring about the best in every wine."

The winery even offers personalized virtual wine experiences so you can enjoy the Far Niente experience anywhere in the country. Though, it's better to visit in person to witness the majestic ginkgo trees that line the drive to the estate.

Tasting fee: Starts at $120 for non-members

Brown Estate

1005 Coombs St, Napa, CA 94559

As Napa Valley's only Black-owned wine grower, producer, and bottler, Brown Estate has high expectations. Thankfully, the pressure is nothing for the family. They have built up a loyal following with delicious wine and unmatched hospitality.

The land was purchased in 1980 by Southern California doctors Bassett and Marcela Brown, who were looking for a summer home. After buying the old walnut orchard, they fixed the structures, planted the vines, and for a decade were merchants, selling their grapes to local négociants or winemakers who bottled the grapes under their own name (via MBE). Fifteen years later, their children, Deneen, Coral, and David, took over the vineyard and decided to try their hand at winemaking.

"Mom and Dad did not intend for us to break into the wine business," Deneed Brown told MBE. "They were continuing to run their medical business in Southern California and expected all of us to get our MDs and join their practice ... After we'd been growing and selling grapes for about five years, we understood that our fruit was something special based on how it was being handled by the producers who were buying it. We literally had a, 'We should bottle it and sell it ourselves!' moment." 

The Brown Estate tasting room in downtown Napa is a welcoming environment and the wines, particularly the zinfandel, are worth a try. Make the required reservation before you head out.

Tasting fee: Starts at $50

Inglenook Estate

1991 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573

Inglenook has existed in some form since 1879, when ship's captain Gustave Niebaum purchased the estate. Niebaum made the purchase fully intending for it to be a vineyard and winery. When the château was completed in 1887, it featured a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, California's first grape-sorting table, and also the state's first bottling line.

Director Francis Ford Coppola and his wife, Eleanor, purchased a segment of the property in 1975, and in 1995 they purchased the rest so that the château could once again return to its former glory. Inglenook isn't the oldest estate in Napa, but it has an unmatched glamour.  Napa Wine Project put it best when they said, "It is what a wine estate should look and feel like — visually stunning while containing layers of history and depth of stories collected over its 140+ years."

A few tasting options are offered at various price points, but if you'd like the full experience, the Private Library tasting and tour is $150 per person and comes with a cheese and charcuterie board. Tastings are by appointment only.

Tasting fee: Starts at $75

Beaulieu Vineyard

1960 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573

As a wedding backdrop, Beaulieu Vineyards is stunning. That means it's also an equally beautiful setting to enjoy a glass of wine. Beaulieu, after all, translates to a beautiful place, and it's what Fernande Latour, the wife of the vineyard's founder, exclaimed when she first visited the site. The vineyard is one of the longest continually operated wineries in Napa Valley and has been in operation for more than 100 years.

The vineyard currently offers indoor and outdoor tastings, some of which are cabernet-centric. Visitors can choose more in-depth tastings based on preference and budget. Beaulieu specializes in wines made from cabernet sauvignon, but you'll be able to taste their other wines like Chardonnay , sauvignon blanc, and pinot noir.

In addition to crafting high-quality wines, Beaulieu Vineyards also works with some cloned grapes. If you want to geek out and learn the more scientific side of wine, this is a great vineyard to visit.

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery

816 Vallejo St, Napa, CA 94559

If you're interested in checking out a woman-led winery in Napa, don't miss St. Clair Brown. The winery — which is also a brewery — is located in the Rail Arts District of Napa and the tasting room is just across the street. Because the wines are made in such limited quantities, they are not available in stores. You're definitely in for a treat by stopping by.

Co-founder Elaine St. Clair is a 30-year Napa Valley veteran and a UC Davis graduate, so she has more than enough winemaking chops to craft a beautiful wine. But as the only woman in the country to hold a commercial title of winemaker and brewmaster, she takes the term "trailblazer" to another level.

President and co-owner Laina Brown, formerly director of marketing at Domaine Carneros Winery, joined forces with St. Clair to create a place where their passions could be expressed.

The wines of St. Clair Brown run the gamut from bold reds like the Estate Syrah, which is bursting with dark fruit and smooth tannins, to a bright, crisp sauvignon blanc. Pay the pet-friendly winery and brewery a visit to partake in a wine tasting or a beer tasting. Reservations are required.

Tasting fee: Starts at $30 (beer) and $60 (wine) for non-members

901B Enterprise Way, Napa, CA 94558

The J. Moss tasting room in Napa is available by appointment only. But a visit to this family-owned and operated winery is more than worth it.

Husband-and-wife duo James and Janet Moss, both seasoned wine industry professionals, bought some plots of land in 1998 and began to make small batches of cabernet sauvignon (via Skurnik ). James is the winemaker and proprietor, and Janet, who worked for a decade at Domaine Carneros, is the managing director. As James tells Skurnik, "As far as the day-to-day business, it all starts with Janet."

Their winery offers a pleasant alternative to the corporate-run vineyards and wineries that are all over the region. While there's space for both in Napa Valley, the smaller, family-run operations offer a level of hospitality that just can't be duplicated. James himself often hosts the tastings.

While J. Moss has a true passion for cabernet sauvignon, the brand also produces Chardonnay and merlot.

Tasting fee: Starts at $45

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

5766 Silverado Trl, Napa CA 94558

A vineyard visit to Stag's Leap Wine Cellars will result in a thorough tour with great stories. That's because this is the winery that won the 1976 Judgement of Paris competition with its cabernet sauvignon. The competition pitted French and Californian wines against one another in the ultimate showdown. Stag's Leap's bottle of 1973 S.L.V. cabernet ranked higher than several other well-respected Bordeaux wines, proving once and for all that California was a wine region to start taking seriously.

Considering its history, it's no surprise that Stag's Leap will be a bit more traditional in the tasting experience. If you opt to request a tour through the grounds, you'll be able to get even more insight into how the wines are made. Tastings need to be booked in advance, and some include a cave tour.

Tasting Fee: Starts at $95

Heitz Cellar

500 Taplin Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

Heitz Cellar dates back to 1961 when it was founded by Joseph Heitz. The winery has been organically farming since 1984 and biodynamically farming since 2019. While the property is not the grandest in Napa, it captures a charming slice of history and makes for a lovely visit.

In 2018, the winery changed hands, with the Lawrence family taking over the Heitz legacy and making some minor but impactful changes. As Eric Asimov of the New York Times wrote, "The changes have been small tweaks, aimed at improving the texture of the wine and working in a less formulaic way, depending on the needs of a particular wine." It's an exciting time to taste Heitz Cellar's wine.

There are four tasting options available, but reservations are required and may be booked on the Heitz Cellar website.

4240 Silverado Trl, Napa, CA 94558

You should walk into Darioush Winery with high expectations — and those expectations are warranted. Darioush produces wines in many different styles across many different lines. Its Signature Series comprises its flagship wines, such as merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and shiraz, while the Duel line blends unexpected grapes such as cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

Not only are the wines unique, but the entire experience is as well. Every detail of the winery is decked out in elegant Persian décor, and guests can expect to have a more immersive experience at Darioush. With its stately pillars and lush landscaping, it's evident that the Darioush team values aesthetics. As for the experiences, there are several options, ranging from signature wines along with light fare to a full-on dinner with wine pairing . All reservations can be booked directly on the Darioush website.

Tasting fee: Starts at $90

Stony Hill Vineyard

3331 St Helena Hwy N, St Helena, CA 94574

Stony Hill is yet another vineyard that reminds you that Napa doesn't have to be a congested experience. There are some places that are magical and serene — and offer remarkable wine to boot. 

This vineyard actually dates back to 1943, when husband-and-wife duo Fred and Eleanor McCrea established a place to explore their love of French white wines. So it's no surprise that the vineyard currently specializes in white wines and vinify a riesling, Gewurztraminer, Chardonnay, and cabernet sauvignon.

The hospitality is charming, and the grounds are a relaxing place to sip on a glass of wine. A visit to Stony Hill feels like you are visiting a distant relative ... one who just so happens to make really good wine. The vineyard offers two types of tastings, which can be booked via email or phone.

Tasting fee: Starts at $75 for non-Napa Valley residents

Castello di Amorosa

4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515

Can't make it to Tuscany? Pay a visit to Castello di Amorosa instead. It's owned by the same family as V. Sattui, but it has a completely different atmosphere. If you want grand, sprawling, and ornate, Castello di Amorosa will not let you down. 

Construction for the castle began in 1994 and took 15 years to complete. According to the owner's wishes, it was built in true Medieval style — there's a moat, a chapel, a courtyard, a drawbridge, and even a torture chamber. 

There's no shortage of choice for wine lovers, but Catello di Amorosa has a special fondness for Italian grapes. Look out for several wines made from barbera, sangiovese, and vermentino, along with California favorites pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, and Chardonnay.

We love that they also produce and sell non-alcoholic grape juice so that if there are those who don't drink in your group, they can still partake in the tour and not feel left out. Reservations are required to enter the property. You can add a cheese board or a tour to the tasting for an additional cost. 

Tasting fee: Starts at $60 for non-members

Duckhorn Vineyards

1000 Lodi Ln, St Helena, CA 94574

Duckhorn Vineyards is the ideal place to visit to break up the Napa routine a bit. It's neither monstrous in size nor is it boutique, so you'll find yourself right at home if you're seeking something in the middle. They were founded in 1976 and were the first American winery to tout merlot as a luxury wine. Today, you'll find a relaxed environment with fantastic wine.

In a review for  The Infatuation , Will Kamensy notes, "For wine tastings, they pour Duckhorn, instead of the cheaper bottles of Decoy [a Duckhorn brand] you see everywhere. If you can convince them to let you try their red blend called the Discussion, do it — it's incredible."

In addition to Duckhorn Vineyard's merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and their famous red blends, it also produces Chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

Tastings can be booked via phone or email.

Tasting fee: Starts at $65

401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

Art is at the forefront of everything Hall Wines does. This is evident by the wines' labels. Jack's Masterpiece, for example, features a white square with colorful primary-colored paint splatters. The Hall Coeur label features overlapping mandalas of various colors. And that love of art trickles over to their winery grounds as well. They are perhaps best known for their large stainless-steel rabbit sculpture, Bunny Foo, but there are also mandalas and blown-glass sculptures hanging around nearly every corner.

This makes for a lively tasting experience and definitely not one that you've experienced before. Because the engaging setting is backed up by the wine, it makes for an all-around feast for the senses. The winery specializes in cabernet sauvignon, but the assortment also includes some sauvignon blanc and merlot for good measure.

Hall Wines' experiences range in price point, and some welcome walk-ins while others require reservations.

Tasting fee: Starts at $40

Joseph Phelps

200 Taplin Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

The Joseph Phelps winery was founded by its namesake in 1973. As one of the first California estates to experiment with grapes from France's famed Rhône Valley, it's known for helping to increase the popularity of grenache, syrah, and Mourvèdre in the United States.

It's still family-run and operated today, and its St. Helena estate offers tastings, including a chef's tasting menu, culinary experiences, and tours of spaces like the vineyard. Visit Joseph Phelps if you're into superb wine in a lovely setting. And for fans of architecture that leans on restoration, the Joseph Phelps site is a mix of old and new. Wooden beams alongside floor-to-ceiling glass windows are a nod to this. The winery has been renovated several times since it was originally built in the early 1970s and still holds onto some vintage charm. 

Tasting fee: Starts at $115 

Tres Sabores

1620 S Whitehall Ln, St Helena, CA 94574

Julie Johnson was one of the first Napa grape growers to get organic certification (via Travel Curious Often ). She was a trendsetter then, and today, she's still making her own path as Tres Sabores' owner and winemaker. It's one of the few Napa wineries that allow children and dogs, which gives the whole area a lighter, more casual feel. That's definitely not a bad thing. The whole team is warm and welcoming.  

At Tres Sabores, guests will likely have a more intimate experience and may even be able to taste pomegranate from the property's trees and the grapes used for winemaking. 

Come for the zinfandel, petite sirah, and petit verdot, and stay for the experience! Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic affair to pair with the winetasting, though it would be an additional charge per person, dependent on the size of the group. A cheese and charcuterie platter or a lunch arrangement on the property are also available at an extra cost.

Tasting fee: Starts at $60

Quintessa Winery

‍1601 Silverado Trl, St Helena, CA 94574

Quintessa is a vineyard on 280 acres of beautiful Saint Helena land. They grow cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and carménère ... all of which are farmed biodynamically. It's one of only a handful of Napa Valley wineries to make the claim. 

The grounds are dotted with modern buildings and furnishings. Less is clearly more with both winemaking and décor here. To be immersed in beautiful scenery and winemaking passion, Quintessa does not disappoint. In the "more-is-more" world of Napa, Quintessa's understated design and vibe is a welcome change of pace. 

There are a few different wine-tasting experiences to choose from, but whichever you choose, be ready to put on your walking shoes, as touring the expansive space is included. Appointments are required, and to make a reservation to visit this wondrous place, you can call or email Quintessa.

Tasting fee: Starts at $125

V. Sattui Winery

1111 White Ln, St Helena, CA 94574

If you had to visit one place to give you a feel for what Napa is all about, it would be V. Sattui. That's not to say it's the best or that other wineries are somehow a worse experience, but V. Sattui has a lively environment that is quintessentially Napa. It's also great for parties and large groups. 

The winery's namesake, Vittorio Sattui, started the winery in 1885. He had to shut down during Prohibition, and the winery was not operational again until 1976, when his great-grandson, Dario, brought it back to life.

Today, V. Sattui produces a range of red, white, sparkling, and dessert wines. They can be enjoyed with the food at the on-site artisan deli and marketplace for quick bites that aren't too fussy. Picnic tables and a picnic area on more than two acres of shaded grounds are available for visitors to use.

It's laid back and a welcoming place to have a glass of wine while taking in the surroundings. V. Sattui shows that good wine is nothing without some good friends with which to share it. Reservations are required for all wine tastings.

Tasting fee: Starts at $45

7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562

Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild partnered up in 1978 to create Opus One, an unprecedented wine brand that aimed to combine knowledge from two renowned winemaking families.

Visiting Opus One is for those looking for a more serious, formal tasting, and as Know Wines notes, there are a few things to consider before booking. If you're a fan of bolder Bordeaux-style blends, you'll fall head over heels for these wines. And if you're into architecture and art, you'll also fall in love with Opus One. It's not nearly as casual and fast-paced as some of Napa's other wineries, and while it's definitely not your lighthearted tasting, the experience and the beautiful grounds make for a remarkable experience.

All experiences are by appointment only and may be enjoyed as a flight in the courtyard or in a private room at different price points.

Tasting fee: Starts at $125

Sterling Vineyards

1111 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515

After Sterling Vineyards underwent renovations to repair the damages that the Glass Fire of 2020 caused, it's back better than ever. 

Though Sterling Vineyards' iconic aerial tram — the world's first and only one at a winery — was damaged during the fire, it was replaced during the renovations and now offers full, unobstructed (and unmatched) views of the Napa Valley. 

Unlike some other vineyards on this list, Sterling is not a small family-owned or operated business. It's owned by Treasury Wine Estates, the company behind some other major wine brands like 19 Crimes, Penfolds, and Beringer Bros. 

If you're a fan of heavier reds, you'll appreciate Sterling Vineyards' assortment, which includes wines like zinfandel, cabernet franc, malbec, and cabernet sauvignon. You can buy the wines online or, better yet, book a wine tasting experience. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcomed.

Tasting fee: Starts at $55 for non-members

Spottswoode

1902 Madrona Ave, St Helena, CA 94574

Spottswoode is Napa Valley's first B Corp-certified winery, a fact that really speaks to its dedication to environmental efforts. The multi-generational business has committed to a sustainable and transparent approach, which involves meeting baseline requirements and passing rigorous assessments.

This makes visiting its St. Helena vineyard that much more of an enchanting experience. The estates' grounds are well manicured with pathways and landscaping that feels more like 1920s France than 2020s California. The visit is more intimate, so you'll feel as though you're part of the family.

All visits and tastings must be scheduled, which you can do by phone, email, or on its website. The tasting fee is a small price to pay to walk the grounds and sip on wines like Spottswoode's cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, and syrah, which is exclusively offered to Spottswood wine club members.

Tasting fee: Starts at $150 for non-members

Keenan Winery

3660 Spring Mountain Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

A visit to Napa Valley will have you spoiled for choice. With so many different types of wineries, it's almost impossible to make the decision on which one is worth a visit. But if you're interested in sustainable farming, consider visiting Keenan Winery. This is Napa's off-the-beaten-path. Not only is this winery solar-powered, but it's also sustainably farmed. As a green winery, Keenan is dedicated to minimizing waste and preserving water and energy. 

Visiting this winery will be a more intimate experience as you taste your way through at least six different offerings like cabernet sauvignon and merlot and have the opportunity to purchase one (or more) that you like. There is only one wine-tasting experience to choose from, which takes place in a ventilated room. Visitors are required to make reservations for the tastings. Well-behaved dogs are also welcomed onto the property. 

Robert Mondavi

930 3rd St, Napa, CA 94559

There might not be a Napa as we know it without Robert Mondavi, as he was the first major Napa winery to open post-Prohibition. Mondavi was also vocal about Napa Valley and all it had to offer, according to The Washington Post . For that reason alone, it's worth paying a visit to Robert Mondavi Winery. But when you add in the luxurious grounds and the lovely views, Robert Mondavi is a no-brainer. 

The tastings take place at its new downtown space, Arch and Tower. The winery also offers savory snacks at an extra cost and a lunch option that's prepared with locally sourced ingredients to go with the wine. Most of the tasting offerings require a reservation in advance. 

Mondavi's wine, such as cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, and Chardonnay, combined with their stately grounds make it a Napa experience to remember.

Caymus Vineyards

8700 Conn Creek Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573

While Caymus may not be the most buzzworthy name in Napa, it's got cred as a vineyard with longevity. Wine Spectator magazine has referred to it as "an icon among Napa cabernets."

And it's a Forbes ' writer's top bottle. "Along the way, I have learned that there is no such thing as a 'best' wine, and each great bottle and varietal is suited to certain foods or occasions," says Larry Olmstead. "But that does not mean I can't have a favorite. I do, and it is Caymus."

But we don't go to vineyards solely for the wine. There has to be some level of ambiance and, above all, the hospitality should be warm and welcoming. Caymus, in Rutherford, checks all of those boxes. Also, their tasting fee is more affordable than some of the other big names in Napa. If you opt for a tasting, you'll be guided through five wines and hear the history of the Caymus Vineyards. Reservations are required and can be made on the Caymus website.

Methodology

Napa Valley has no shortage of wineries, which can be overwhelming when you're trying to select one place to spend your time and money. So, I've taken the liberty to compile a list of the 24 top-rated Napa wineries based on the type of tastings offered and their price points, the wineries' features, especially its grounds, and reviews from notable wine publications.

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The 14 Best Wineries in Napa, According to Wine Experts

The top wineries in Napa to swirl and sip.

Lindsay Cohn is a writer, editor, and avid traveler who has visited 45 countries across six continents — and counting. She contributes to Travel + Leisure, Hotels Above Par, InsideHook, Well+Good, The Zoe Report, and more.

Courtesy of Palmaz Vineyards 

Oenophiles have been making the pilgrimage to Napa Valley since the 1970s. Encompassing the city of Napa, as well as quaint towns like Rutherford, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, this epicurean hot spot has gained even more notoriety in recent years as accomplished winemakers and luxury hotels continue to move in.

Despite the influx of buzzy things to see and do — including dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and riding a scenic train by Napa's verdant vineyards — the biggest draw continues to be the wine. And it’s not just about going to the store and picking up a bottle. The whole reason people visit Napa Valley is to savor red , white , and rosé at spectacular wineries , many set on massive vineyards, where the grapes go from vine to glass on the premises (or nearby). But with more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley, the options are almost dizzying. That’s why we’ve consulted with experts, including tastemakers in wine country, to narrow it down to the 14 best wineries in Napa for a tasting. (Just be sure to book in advance as most of our picks require reservations.)

Faust Wines, Coombsville

"The newly unveiled  Faust Haus , a Napa Valley tasting room in St. Helena, is a luscious, black-velvet dreamscape at 2867 St. Helena Highway," Celine Bossart, a sommelier and wine writer, reported for T+L . "The historic hilltop home is whimsical in its starkness, unabashedly Gothic and freshly coated in a shade of inky black paint that only a certain kind of house can pull off." The venue alone is worth the visit, but the wine is just as enticing. In true Napa fashion, Faust's cabernet sauvignon packs a punch, but don't let the merlot-haters in "Sideways" keep you from trying The Lure merlot, which is just as intriguing as the cab sauv and the winery's approachable syrah. Bossart says of the winery on the southern edge of Napa Valley in Coombsville, "Faust Haus is one of Napa’s warmest, most welcoming, and visually striking places to taste wine."

Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford

Emma K. Morris

Rooted in sustainable, dry-farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, Frog's Leap produces balanced, terroir-driven wine that continually earns accolades from critics and casual drinkers. Surrounded by 200 acres of vines, the Vineyard House porch is an utterly enchanting setting to enjoy a flight of classics, new releases, or rare vintages, paired with a tasty complimentary snack plate. Grab a glass of your favorite wine for a walk through the organic gardens and fruit orchards. 

Tres Sabores, St. Helena

Briana Marie Photography

Family-run, female-led, and dog-friendly Tres Sabores feels like what we’d assume Napa was all about a few decades ago: a dedication to agriculture, the craft of winemaking, and enjoying the fruits of that labor in a beautiful, natural environment. The owner and winemaker, Julie Johnson, will happily show you around the 35-acre estate that spans old vines, gardens, and olive groves and sit down for a tasting (the Burgundian-style zinfandel is particularly memorable) and seasonal lunch afterward. 

Realm Cellars, Napa

Courtesy of Realm

If you are in the mood for highly addictive wine, praised by the in-the-know Napa wine community, Realm Cellars in Napa is an obvious choice. The folks at Realm are currently releasing library wines — a rarity and a treat, because it means you get to take home an aged bottle, instead of a newly bottled vintage you have to let sit in your wine fridge for four years. Now, admittedly, these releases are in response to losing the vineyard's 2020 crop to the wildfires that tore through Napa Valley. And yet, Realm saw it as an opportunity to release wines dating back to 2009. That's the kind of innovation you can expect from this vineyard. While Realm's tasting room is still closed as a result of the 2020 wildfires, find these bottles in wine bars and restaurants around town — and let that round out your wine-tasting experience.

Jacob Brown, beverage director at Lazy Bear restaurant in San Francisco, suggests you sip Realm Cellars The Bard — the winery's best seller — at Napa's Torc restaurant. "At Torc, they have a secret menu item (shhhh) of a truffle grilled cheese — get it with a glass of Realm Cellars The Bard," Brown says. "I was fortunate to try this pairing recently, and I have not stopped dreaming about it since. The way The Bard makes the fontina val d’Aosta cheese with Perigord truffles humm is worth the trip to Napa alone."

Tamber Bey Vineyards, Calistoga

Katharina Esterline/EyeEm/Getty Images

Set in the middle of a working horse ranch in off-the-beaten-path Calistoga, family-run Tamber Bey Vineyards offers one of the most unique experiences around. The focus is on wine first, but the owners’ love for all things equestrian adds a wonderfully rustic charm that’s endearing. Guests can tour the production facility, which was originally a covered riding arena, and do a wine and savory cookie pairing in the courtyard of the stables.

Amulet Estate, St. Helena

Courtesy of Amulet Estate

" Amulet Estate  is a brand that embraces the fundamental essence of Napa Valley - a commitment to the highest quality of wines, beginning with curated relationships with some of the most reputable Napa Valley growers, capturing quality in the vineyard and expressing the unique terroir of each site," Emily Rodriguez, the program operations manager at Napa Valley Vintners , tells T+L.

The St. Helena portfolio is known for their expansive cab sauv portfolio, but you'll stay for the chardonnay, with grapes sourced from the Sonoma coast. Rodriguez recommends booking the winemaker-led, private experiences on offer, because they "allow guests to truly appreciate the care and attention that goes into every bottle of wine, while enjoying the peace and privacy of their hillside estate."

 AXR Napa Valley, St. Helena

AXR Napa Valley is a pre-Prohibition estate with a fairy circle of redwoods in the heart of St. Helena. So, from a history and scenery perspective, it’s pretty enchanting. The juxtaposition between heritage and the modern, boutique atmosphere makes for a memorable visit. Winemaker and partner Jean Hoefliger puts his heart and soul into crafting wine. Visitors can sample the flagship lineup and new releases in the main house, private veranda, or outdoor patio. 

Cliff Lede Vineyards, Yountville 

Conrad J Camit/Getty Images

A gem where winemaking, art, and music coalesce, Cliff Lede Vineyards ranks among the most entertaining estates in Napa Valley. A larger-than-life Two Hearts sculpture stands in the courtyard. Rotating exhibits adorn the walls of the tasting lounge. Vine blocks brandish the names of famous songs like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Whole Lotta Love.” Aesthetically, it’s a hit with the Instagram crowd. But the wine very much holds its own, especially the flagship Poetry cabernet sauvignon. 

Darioush, Napa

Courtesy of Darioush

Led by Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi, Darioush aims to bring Persian winemaking culture to Napa . Their cabernet franc, viognier, pinot noir, and merlot all draw travelers in — especially the oenophiles looking to go beyond cabernet sauvignon sipping. But one of the best experiences you can have at Darioush, which truly sets it apart, is the Culture Wine Lunch.

Eduardo Dingler, vice president of wine at Wine Access , says, "The welcoming hospitality, curated setting, amazing wines, and dare I say, the Michelin-star level of cuisine made the Culture Wine Lunch a highly memorable experience. I’ve been a fan of Darioush wines for years, so pairing them with chef Massey’s world-inspired dishes, with his attention to detail and high-quality ingredients, was simply delightful."

Alpha Omega, St. Helena

Suzanne Becker Bronk/Courtesy of Alpha Omega

Since opening in 2006, Alpha Omega has forged on with a sustainable and quality-over-quantity mindset. Its annual production of 15,000 cases is far less than that churned out by big-name wineries each year. The result? Super-expressive Bordeaux-style wines that taste like the true essence of the land and are best enjoyed on the sunny St. Helena tasting room terrace while gazing at the burbling fountains and Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. 

Palmaz Vineyards, Napa

Tucked away on a 600-acre estate a few miles outside of downtown Napa, Palmaz Vineyards proudly fuses tradition and technology. The rolling vineyard landscape is stunning, but the coolest part has to be the private guided tour of the massive, multilevel wine cave, which extends into the rock of Mount George. The innovative gravity-flow winemaking process results in a smooth, nuanced cabernet sauvignon that goes down almost too easily. 

Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena

Courtesy of Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards is a place steeped in firsts. It was one of the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars, and the first to give public tours back in 1934. It’s also a great first stop for newcomers to wine country . (The knowledgeable staff will teach you the ins and outs of tasting and happily answer any questions.) Of course, longtime Napa visitors will also appreciate the warm hospitality and impressive array of quality pours. 

Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford

Rocco Ceselin

Even with so many other notable grape varietals popping up, Cabernet Sauvignon remains king in Napa Valley. Located along the iconic Highway 29 wine route, Cakebread Cellars has a very notable reputation for producing this widely recognizable homegrown favorite, in addition to excellent chardonnay. The wine and tasting experience — whether you prefer to sip in the charming countrified rooms or outdoor courtyard — is consistently stellar. Guided tours of the winery and grounds are also available. 

Honig Vineyard & Winery, Rutherford

A leader in sustainability, Honig does a wonderful job of making eco-friendly winemaking palatable to a broad audience — and we mean that quite literally. This family-owned Rutherford winery employs a host of environmentally responsible practices, from managing water use to solar power to employing wooly weeders (sheep as natural lawn mowers). Tour the sustainably farmed vineyard to see how things are done before sitting down for a biodynamic flight on the shaded garden patio.

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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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These Are the Best Wineries in Napa Valley, According to Sommeliers

Plus, a few staff favorites.

And the competition for wine tourists is fierce: Today, there are more than 400 wineries to choose from in Napa and Sonoma counties alone, which is up from just 25 in Napa in the 1970s. And tourism to Napa Valley has only continued to grow as more Michelin-starred restaurants , luxurious hotels and resorts , and elevated wine experiences have become tentpoles of tourism to the area.

In the face of stiff competition and sizable opportunity, Napa Valley wineries are stepping up their offerings beyond the typical tastings with luxe experiences that range from sensory garden tours to private dining with Michelin-starred chefs. We sought out renowned sommeliers to give us their picks for the best wineries in Napa, along with a few staff recs to curate the must-see destinations for every type of visitor to California's wine country. Here, the 24 best wineries in Napa Valley, according to experts.

Stags' Leap Winery: Napa

Stags' Leap Winery is a legendary Napa landmark, with its first vintage dating back to 1883. In fact, the winery inspired the creation of the iconic namesake AVA, Napa's smallest, that produces some of the region's top wines to this day.

Architecture and history buffs will love making a visit to Stag's Leap Winery for reasons beyond tasting crowd-pleasing varietals made after the Old World style. The 240-acre estate is nearly as old as the winery's first vintage and boasts plenty of tour experiences that paint a full picture of this winery's storied past. Beyond the 85 acres of vineyards, there is an Apothecary and Sensory Garden, as well as a Kitchen Garden to explore, featuring plants that evoke the aroma's of Stags' Leap Winery's finest bottles.

Beaulieu Vineyard: St. Helena

With the release of the Georges de Latour Private Reserve cabernet sauvignon in 1940, Beaulieu Vineyard created the first "cult" cabernet sauvignon in California and continues to produce top-rated wines today. (The newly debuted 2018 GDL Private Reserve was awarded 98 points by Antonio Galloni). The winery offers a variety of experiences that pays homage to its nearly 120-year history that begins with de Latour's dedication to making Napa Valley a premier wine region.

Visitors to this storied winery can enjoy a Cabernet Collector tasting that highlights five iconic wines that are of the highest caliber in Napa Valley; the Georges de Latour Legacy Experience for an insider's look at the history of the wine and winemaking; and a Hewitt Vineyard Cabernet Tasting that features a flight from the exclusive namesake vineyard. Plus, there are plenty of lush valley views to savor.

Cakebread Cellars: Rutherford

Cakebread Cellars has been producing stellar wines since the early '70s and has been family-owned from the beginning. It's not only a quintessential California wine destination, but it's a great pick for culinary enthusiasts to visit as well. Foodies will love the opportunity to enjoy the farm-to-table cuisine the region is so famous for as part of tastings, vintner dinners, private events, and cooking classes. Guests can also stroll through the estate's culinary garden where Cakebread's chefs source from.

Visitors can enjoy their pick of seated and tour experiences at the winery. There are four types of seated tastings and two tour offerings tailored to your interests: sustainability, California cabernet, family-friendly offerings, and more.

Faust Haus: St. Helena

After a three-year renovation, the Faust team opened the doors to its 1878 Victorian estate-turned-tasting room in fall 2020, and it's only 30 minutes away from Faust's Coombsville vineyard. A visit to Faust Haus is essential for fans of California reds, as the winery is devoted to highlighting cabernet sauvignon from multiple vineyards across the valley.

Faust Haus offers two types of tastings, one indoors and one outdoors, both of which feature immersive experiences with the winery's limited-production wines. While you'll enjoy the sweeping views of Napa Valley and Hollow Mountain from both tastings, it's worth spending some time indoors to explore the artwork that fills the estate, from a charcoal mural by Roberto Ruspoli to photographs by Lindsay Ross.

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars achieved icon status after winning the famous blind tasting at the 1976 Judgment of Paris, just six years after purchasing the namesake vineyard. The winery is known for its cabernet sauvignon and produces a variety of reds and whites.

The FAY Outlook & Visitor Center opened in 2014 to provide wine enthusiasts a uniquely immersive tasting experience with stunning panoramic views. The building is designed to be enjoyed during all four seasons, and there is plenty of programming to keep visitors coming back for more.

Stag Leap Wine Cellars's flagship tasting experience is the Cellarius Kitchen Experience, which offers a tasting of four world-renowned wines alongside local dishes created by the winery's chef. There's also a Judgment of Paris 45th Anniversary S.L.V. Tasting happening this year that features a tasting of four vintages from the winery's Legacy Collection.

Darioush: Napa

Darioush is the passion project of Iranian wine collector Darioush Khaledi and is a place where the traditions and heritage of wine's rich history are energized with modern winemaking techniques. The brand's Bordeaux style of winemaking produces unique, collectible reds and whites that are worth exploring via Darioush's stunning estate.

Darioush offers seven different tasting experiences on property that range from Signature Mezze, which includes tasting of the flagship cabernet sauvignon alongside a few small plates, to the Culture of Wine Experience, which artfully blends lessons on wine history alongside tastings paired with chef-prepared dishes. The estate's architecture and interiors reflect Khaledi's upbringing and wine's early beginnings in ancient Persia and has become a true "destination winery" for visitors from around the world.

Alpha Omega: St. Helena

Alpha Omega 's founders are husband-and-wife duo Robin and Michelle Baggett, who have become world-renowned winemakers known for blending old-world traditions with modern technology and techniques. Their wines reflect this artful balance of old and new, producing bottles that can be enjoyed early but are built to last for decades. Sustainability and philanthropy are at the forefront of the business, making Alpha Omega wines worth the investment for numerous reasons.

A visit to Alpha Omega's estate is a must for those visiting Napa Valley in order to fully experience the depth and approachability of their offerings. The estate is home to a modern, farmhouse-style structure that pays homage to the Napa Valley farming community. Indoor and outdoor tasting experiences are available, from private single vineyard tastings with a cheese accompaniment to outdoor tastings for larger groups.

Heitz Cellar: St. Helena

Cameron Mahlstede, sommelier and founder of Mahlstede Wines , says Heitz Cellar is the place to go for beautiful and thoughtful cabernet sauvignon, a legacy it has been leading for nearly 60 years. He says to be sure to also check out its zinfandel and a Northwestern Italian varietal called grignolinio. "[Heitz is] one of the last high-end producers that still offers free tastings at their tasting room," he says. "I believe they are under remodel right now, but their old tasting room in St. Helena had a beautiful trellised wisteria garden that you could sit in with a glass of wine." Count us in.

Two types of tours are available at Heitz: the Historic Winery Tasting and the Estate Experience, both of which offer valuable insight into this 1870s property and historic winery.

Ehlers Estate: St. Helena

"As a sommelier, wine quality is also extremely important when thinking about wineries to visit," says Martin Sheehan-Stross, Chaine Des Rotisseurs Best Young Sommelier International 2016. "Ehlers bottles wines that are impeccably balanced. They are dense and rich, but also fragrant and spicy. The fact that the winery supports a great cause is really the cherry on the sundae.”

To make the most of your visit at Ehlers Estate , consider booking a private winemaker dinner, which offers a chef-made, three-course meal with five of the winery's best selections. Taurean Philpott, of Sommelier Bacchanalia Star Provisions, says to make sure you try their cabernet sauvignon and franc, as the latter is one of Napa's greats.

“Ehlers Estate represents the terroir of Saint Helena in a way that is genuine; I love the signature note of creamy milk chocolate and mocha," says Hak Soo Kim, assistant head sommelier at Per Se in Manhattan . "In that sense, Ehlers is a bottle of romance. Furthermore, the tale of Jean and Sylviane tells us a beautiful story of heart.”

Corison Winery: St. Helena

"Cathy Corison has been making wine since the '80s," Mahlstede says. "She is finally, now, over the last few years, getting some well deserved accolades. But for years, her wines have been kind of an unsung hero in the region. The property is on an old 19th-century farm and really lovely."

Corison is a pioneer of the industry, as the first woman winemaker-proprietor in the valley, and produces some fabulous cabernet sauvignons and gewürztraminer. Three different tastings are offered at the eponymous winery : a Discover, Library, and Collector's Vertical, depending on the type of tasting and education you're seeking.

Nickel & Nickel: Oakville

This charming winery is a collection of classic barns, honoring its roots as a 19th-century farmstead. These days, it's focused on single-vineyard wines, offering both public and private tasting options. Don't miss the Private Terroir Tasting, which features eight single-vineyard cabernet sauvignons paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie.

" Nickel & Nickel was one of the first wineries in the Napa Valley I ever visited, and it remains one of my favorites," says Matt Montrose, CMS Advanced Sommelier. "Besides an incredibly welcoming hospitality team, going there and having a tasting flight of their different vineyard wines really brings to light how a specific site can make all the difference in the expression of a wine. They even have a collection of soils from all of the different vineyards, which you can look at and see just how varied the topography is, which is really eye-opening."

Cardinale Winery: Oakville

“Cardinale is a cabernet sauvignon sourced from Napa’s prized four mountains and tells the story of how mother nature shined in a given year," says Master Sommelier John Blazon. "Nowhere on the valley floor can one taste altitude in the glass like the experience at Cardinale. These wines are graceful, powerful and age-worthy for collectors and prestigious wine programs."

Tastings at Cardinale Winery 's estate are available by appointment only, and its private library tasting offers a rare glimpse into the estate's cellar, featuring limited-production vintages served with accoutrements.

Stony Hill Vineyard: St. Helena

" Stony Hill has some of the more beautiful, elegant, and age-worthy wines in Napa Valley," says Mahlstede. "Personally, they have my favorite chardonnay from the region. They've been making wines for more than 60 years and are definitely considered one of the landmark Napa producers. "

This iconic winery first planted grapes in 1948, and its tours walk you through those original plantings and share the history of these immaculate vineyards before a tasting at the family home overlooking the Napa Valley.

Larkmead Vineyards: Calistoga

"I love what Dan Petroski has accomplished at Larkmead," says Master Sommelier Matt Stamp. "He's turned the winery into one of the more serious cabernet producers in the valley; he's celebrated its history while becoming one of the more outspoken, opinionated winemakers in Napa Valley."

Stamp says there is truly something for everyone to enjoy and learn at Larkmead , and tastings are open to the public and private groups.

"A serious wine geek can catch a glimpse of Napa's rich history at Larkmead or get into a heated conversation about its future with Dan. But mostly, you can enjoy the winery's laid-back atmosphere and service, nestled in one of the valley's prettiest corners."

Mayacamas: Napa

Mahlstede says Mayacamas is another historic producer in Napa with a property dating back to 1889, though they didn't start making wine until just after Prohibition. One of its most famous bottles is the cabernet sauvignon Mount Veeder 2015, which secured the #2 spot on Wine Spectator's 2019 Top 100 List.

"Their unique, old-world style of oak aging their wines is refreshing for the region," he says. "These wines are incredibly food-friendly and age-worthy. "

Every vintage of Mayacamas cabernet sauvignon spends at least two years barrel-aging inside the 19th-century winery. Visits to the estate, which include tastings and a tour, are offered Tuesday through Saturday with a reservation. Tastings are available at Mayacamas's downtown Napa location Wednesday through Sunday.

Far Niente Winery: Oakville

"The winery's Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and Oakville Estate are always classic, powerful, rich, and balanced," says CMS Advanced Sommelier Jen Estevez. "A glass is best enjoyed outdoors lounging by the pond on the sweeping lawns outside the tasting room."

Estevez recommends making the trip to Far Niente in autumn, when you can admire the vivid, changing leaves on the gingko trees lining the road up to the winery. The winery offers three tasting options: a classic Estate Tasting, a Cave Collection Library Tasting, and an Extended Tasting. The latter offers a deeper insight into the wines and grounds, along with a tasting from Far Niente's sister winery, Dolce.

Matthaisson Wines: Napa

Matthaisson Wines is one of the youngest producers on this list, with production beginning in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Steve and Jill Klein Matthaisson. They produce a balanced mix of popular varieties, along with some more rare grapes, like ribolla gialla and refosco.

"Matthaisson has been making organic wines and using sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices since before it was cool," Mahlstede says. "Steve has been a force in the region, working with other farmers and winemakers to improve their farming techniques."

Being ahead of the curve has its rewards. Matthaisson has been awarded Winemaker of the Year by San Francisco Chronicle and Food & Wine, a James Beard Foundation award (plus six nominations), and countless other awards from those respected in the industry. The vineyard offers both in-person and virtual tastings.

Opus One: To Kalon

Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Napa Valley vintner Robert Mondavi joined forces in 1980 to launch a single wine that showcased the excellence of the Napa Valley. More than 40 years later, Opus One 's flagship red wine is considered one of the most famous and acclaimed in the world, and the estate's only other wine, Overture, is also highly regarded for its softer expression.

Built by architectural firm Johnson Fain, the low profile of the Opus One Winery is designed to blend into the native grasses, shrubs and wildflowers surrounding it, so the attention remains of the 100-acre vineyard. Tastings are a serious affair at the estate as each involves an in-depth lesson on the winery’s French and American heritage and the past vintages. Opus One also invites guests to experience their “Art of the Table” offering where you can learn about how to cleverly pair food and wine.

Castello di Amoroso: Calistoga

On 171 acres near one of California's oldest vineyards, fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui opened Castello di Amoroso in an authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle. Completion of the 121,000-square-foot structure, which contains 107 rooms and four levels above and four levels below ground, required more than 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled local stone, nearly one million antique bricks imported from Europe, and more than 200 containers of antique furnishings shipped from overseas.

Self-guided tours and tastings, as well as guided tours and premium tastings, are available. Reservations are required for groups larger than 14 people.

Château Montelena: Calistoga

Built into a hillside in 1888, the château at Château Montelena winery is worth a visit even without tasting a single drop of wine. Not only is the setting spectacular—it overlooks a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyard that stretches to the base of Mount St. Helena—but its stone construction and English gothic castle gatehouse style are unique for the region and atypical of the time and place in which it was built. Reservations are suggested for parties of eight or more.

Lauren Wicks is a freelance writer and editor based in Birmingham, Alabama. Before going on her own, Lauren worked for brands such as VERANDA, EatingWell, and Cooking Light , and she covers all things lifestyle from interior design and luxury travel to wine and wellness.

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Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit

Choosing the best Napa Valley wineries to visit is close to impossible: From Carneros in the south to Calistoga in the north, from valley-floor estates to properties perched high up in the mountains, America's most famous wine region is one of the most beloved wine-tourism destinations in the world for good reason. The range of experiences on offer here is practically infinite: Whether you're in the mood for something historical and rustic or leaning in the direction of all-out luxury, a straightforward tasting or one with pairings so elaborate they may fill you up before dinner, Napa Valley has it all. You can even taste in a cave if you choose! Here are ten of the best. There are countless more as well, but these represent some of our favorites. Just remember to get an appointment ahead of time. Wine-club members tend to receive preferential pricing, so explore those options beforehand. And, as always, show up thirsty.

Alpha Omega

This gorgeous winery has made its name with high-end, single-vineyard Cabernets from famous properties like Beckstoffer To Kalon and Beckstoffer Dr. Crane. Still, their white and rosé bottlings are remarkable, too. Tastings range from $75 - $150 per person. Whether you experience Alpha Omega in the tasting room or from a terrace perch, you can't go wrong.

Alpha Omega Winery , 707-963-9999

Beaulieu Vineyard

One of the oldest producers in the valley, BV offers tours of the original winery building, which dates back to 1885. The Cabernet Collector Tasting is $55 per person, the Hewitt Vineyard one is $75, and the George de Latour Legacy Experience is $130, though club members benefit from a significant discount for all three.

Beaulieu Vineyard , 707-257-5749

This is the oldest winery on Pritchard Hill, a stunning, high-elevation area known for producing some of Napa's best Cabs. Chappellet's extensive 90-minute Signature Tour and Tasting includes a walk through the estate and a seated tasting of new releases. It's $85 per person, and parties are limited to six or fewer to ensure an intimate experience.

Chappellet , 707-286-4219

• Train Yourself to be a Better Wine Taster

Chateau Montelena

The home of the Chardonnay that defeated the best of France at the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris, Chateau Montelena remains a benchmark producer. The Chardonnay is as energetic and age-worthy as ever, but there's so much more than that here, including phenomenal Cabs and Zinfandels, gorgeous grounds, and the 19th-century chateau itself.

Château Montelena , 707-942-5105

This is a must-visit winery whether you're a wine lover or a fan of rock and roll: Each of Cliff Lede's vineyard blocks is named for a rock song, the wines are consistently excellent, and the rotating art exhibits are worth checking out even if you're a teetotaler. Visits run the gamut from the Silver tasting ($150 per person, seven guest minimum) to the top-of-the-line Anthology experience, including charcuterie and cheese ($350 per person, seven guest minimum). Family-style wine lunches are on offer, too.

Cliff Lede Vineyard , 707-944-8642

Domaine Carneros

Founded by Champagne Taittinger in 1989, Domaine Carneros's impressive, largely solar-powered château was modeled on Taittinger's Château de la Marquetterie in France. Between the architecture and the bubbly, you'd be forgiven for feeling like you're in Champagne itself, but the range of tasting experiences is pure Napa. The Daily Tasting starts at $40, the Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing: Bubbles and Bites begins at $95, and The Art of Sabrage goes for $150 and includes cheese, meats, and caviar. The Ultimate Chips and Dip Tasting is $175, and may change your snacking forever.

Domaine Carneros , 800-716-BRUT (2788)

Heitz Cellar

Set in the 1961 property of Joe and Alice Heitz, guests have the opportunity to explore some of Napa's top single-vineyard Cabs in the Timeless Experience at The Salon at Heitz Cellar for $125 (and an additional $25 for charcuterie and cheese pairings). Visitors are welcome between 10am and 3:30pm by appointment only, and whether you're a fan of savoring your wines young or more mature, Heitz produces bottlings that accomplish them both in the most unforgettable way imaginable.

Heitz Cellar , 707-963-2047

Long Meadow Ranch

Book the Mountain Estate Tasting and Cave Experience in the Mayacamas mountains, a short hop south of St. Helena, for $75, or the Wine & Food Pairing, including five wines and bites featuring estate-grown ingredients for $75. For just $45, the Soil Series Tasting is a great option, as is the $55 Rutherford Estate tasting. Their Farmstead Restaurant is worth a reservation in its own right.

Long Meadow Ranch , 707-963-4555

Robert Mondavi

Visiting Napa Valley without a stop at Robert Mondavi Winery's mission-style estate in Oakville is to miss out on a significant piece of American wine history. The property is expansive, the staff is deeply knowledgeable and passionate, and the offerings are varied, educational, and delicious. The $65 Estates Collection option lasts an hour and provides a solid look at this storied producer, and the 75-minute, $125 To Kalon Reserve Tasting highlights one of the most iconic Cabs in Napa. More extensive pairing lunches and dinners are available, too.

Robert Mondavi , 888-766-6328, ext. 2

• How to Host a Wine Tasting

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has, for decades, been among the most venerated of producers in its eponymous appellation. From their S.L.V. Estate Cab to the FAY and beyond, this winery exerts a gravitational pull for Cabernet lovers. The Napa Valley Collection Tasting Flight is $50 per person, and the experiences top out with the $245 Cellarius Kitchen Experience, which pairs phenomenal wines with an impeccably curated seasonal menu. In between are a range of other options, and no matter what you choose, you're sure to leave happy and well-hydrated.

Stag's Leap , 707-944-2020

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19 Essential Wineries and Tasting Rooms to Visit in Napa Valley

Large scenic estates. intimate tasting rooms in downtown napa. there’s a tasting for every taste in this famous california wine region..

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Twomey Lazy Creek Vineyard is one of the growing areas for Silver Oak Cellars.

Courtesy of Silver Oak

The Napa Valley is an epicurean fantasy come to life. Spanning small towns like Napa, Rutherford, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, the region north of San Francisco is home to Michelin-star restaurants , luxurious resorts with private hot springs, and (of course) over 43,000 acres of vineyards growing grapes for the valley’s world-famous cabernet sauvignons (as well as other varietals).

With close to 500 wineries with tasting rooms across Napa Valley—be it an intimate downtown tasting room, airy hipster haven with ’60s-inspired decor, or large estate with a replica Tuscan castle—choosing where to taste can be daunting. Although you’re sure to discover your own favorites, start your adventure at one of our top wineries and tasting rooms for winetasting in Napa Valley.

Planning your visit: What to know before you go

In Napa Valley, reservations are strongly recommended and sometimes even required—especially on weekends. For same-day visits, you can often call the winery or tasting room to see if there’s availability. Also, tastings are a daytime affair. Tasting rooms typically open around 11 a.m. and close at 5 or 6 p.m., so schedule your day accordingly.

Tastings in Napa typically aren’t free. Most wineries and tasting rooms charge a fee for tastings ranging anywhere from $25 to $100 or more, but many (not all) will waive the fee with the purchase of a bottle of wine. For a day of tasting, plan to visit two or three wineries. If you don’t have a designated driver to shuttle your group between tastings, it is possible to use Uber or Lyft to get between wineries. Alternatively, hire a private transportation for the day from companies like Napa Valley Tours & Transportation , Pure Luxury Transportation , and Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service . Read More: What You Need to Know Before Winetasting in Napa Valley

Winetastings for beginners

Arch & Tower’s new tasting room in downtown Napa is an excellent spot to start or end your wine journey.

Arch & Tower

The wine world can be intimidating if you don’t know your stuff, but these wineries excel at making beginners feel comfortable.

V. Sattui Winery (St. Helena)

• Tasting cost: $45–$55 per person
• Reservations recommended

Sattui Winery in St. Helena has an extensive selection of varietals, including several single-vineyard cabernet sauvignons, the most dominant varietal in the region. Visitors can choose between a tasting on its outdoor patio or inside at the marketplace tasting room that doubles as a general store. (Don’t skip its stellar selection of house-made charcuterie or sandwiches.) A popular spot on Napa’s wine trail, the store and large picnic grounds are often near-full of families and groups of friends chatting over bottles of wine, making it an excellent choice for a more casual tasting experience.

Robert Mondavi Winery (Rutherford/Napa)

• Tasting cost: $65–$145 per person

Robert Mondavi Winery in Rutherford, named for its founder, originally opened in 1966. The winery was designed in mission-style architecture, complete with a bell tower and expansive archway.

The Rutherford location is temporarily closed for renovations but in August 2023, Robert Mondavi Winery opened the doors to their new downtown Napa tasting room called Arch & Tower. All told, visitors can sample more than a dozen different wines in one afternoon.

Family-owned wineries

Brown Estate has a comfortable and welcoming tasting room in downtown Napa.

Photo by Jessie Beck

Nichelini (St. Helena)

• Tasting cost: $30 per person (waived with purchase)

Off the main thoroughfare of the Valley (the south-north running St. Helena Highway), where Highway 128 veers east, is Nichelini Family Winery , the oldest continuously operated family winery in Napa. Founded in 1884 by Italian Swiss immigrants Anton and Caterina Nichelini, the winery is now run by Aimée Sunseri, the seventh generation of Nichelini to make wine here. Its small-batch wines include easy-to-drink red blends, award-winning petite sirah, and refreshing sparkling wines; the staff is approachable and friendly; and the tasting room sits on a pleasant creekside patio with a large picnic area for those who want to linger.

Brown (Napa)

• Tasting cost: $50-$75 per person
• Reservations required

Established in 1996, Brown is family run and the only Black-owned winery in Napa Valley. Cabernets may be king in this region, but Brown is mainly known for its bright zinfandels (although it has a couple of cabernets as well). The winery itself, which is just down the road from Nichelini in Chiles Valley, is closed to the public, but its comfortable and stylish tasting room is centrally located in downtown Napa, making it a great first or last stop on your wine tour.

Caymus Vineyards (Rutherford)

• Tasting cost: $50 per person

Run by the Wagner family since the 1970s, Caymus Vineyards is known for its classic Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon. Visitors can taste them at its beautiful stone-walled winery, complete with outdoor seating in a peaceful, verdant garden, in Rutherford.

If you’re willing to venture out of the valley, the winery also has a brand new tasting room in Suisun Valley, a half-hour drive east of downtown Napa. Tastings are hosted in a massive glass building designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, the architecture firm behind retail stores for Apple and Blue Bottle. The Suisun Valley location does both tastings (reservation required) and wine by the glass (walk-ins accepted).

Best wineries for a luxury experience

Fans of Silver Oak wines will recognize the water tower at its tasting room in Napa from the brand’s wine labels.

Napa has a reputation for being a bit fancy. Though that’s not always the case, these higher-end wineries embrace the valley’s more opulent side, offering oenophiles and wine nerds the chance to enjoy acclaimed bottles in style.

Silver Oak (Oakville)

• Tasting cost: $60–$175 per person

With vineyards and tasting rooms in both Sonoma County and Napa Valley, Silver Oak ’s wines showcase the variety of flavor profiles found in both regions. Founded 50 years ago with a focus on high-quality cabernets, it eventually won acclaim and a strong following for its wines—so much so that some of its earlier releases were considered “cult wines,” or rare and difficult-to-find bottles. Although some would say it is no longer small enough to qualify as a cult winery, it’s still worth a visit to the tasting room where a library of these vintages sit on display.

Opus One Winery (Oakville)

• Tasting cost: $100–$200 per person

Opus One Winery is an experience. The building itself resembles a modern fortress built into a grass-covered hillside, where founders Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi (yes, of Robert Mondavi Winery) forged one of California’s original cult wineries in 1978. Once inside, be prepared for an impressive winetasting. Opus One only makes . . . err, two wines: its cabernet-dominant flagship blend, Opus One, and Overture, a blend of grapes that didn’t quite make the cut for Opus One. Tastings generally consist of a current Opus One vintage as well as a couple from its library.

Duckhorn (St. Helena)

• Tasting cost: $60 per person

One of the most recognized producers of merlot in the Valley, Duckhorn is a welcome break from an otherwise cabernet-dominated region. It first built a name for itself as a small winery in the ’80s as a producer of luxury merlots, but has since grown and scaled its production (and even recently became a publicly traded company ). Nonetheless, it’s worth the trip for a tasting on its breezy, wraparound veranda.

Quintessa (Rutherford)

• Tasting cost: $125-$200 per person

Each block of the vineyards at Quintessa— which mainly produces cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and carménère grapes—is farmed organically. All of its wines contain a combination of the above, which visitors can sample while gazing at the property and foothills of the nearby Vaca mountain range. Guests can also opt for a tasting experience that includes a tour of the property and winery, to learn more about the wine making process.

Best wineries for food pairings

RD’s wine and small-bite pairings make use of Asian-inspired flavors.

It’s become increasingly common to see food-and-wine pairings on tasting room menus. Here are a few of our favorites.

RD Winery (Napa)

• Tasting cost: $30–$80 for wine tasting; $65 for a food-and-wine pairing

A 15-minute drive south of the town of Napa, Vietnamese-owned RD Winery is an excellent place to start or end your wine tasting journey. Just, whatever you do, make sure you have room for its food pairing, which is a selection of small bites served alongside a flight of wine. In collaboration with chef Max Ackerman of Sushi Monkey, each emphasizes pan-Asian flavors—like ginger furikake popcorn or a pulled pork bao. RD Winery hopes to inspire guests to think beyond the steak when deciding what food to pair with their next cab. As for the wine, RD Winery has an excellent selection of whites (don’t miss the chenin blanc) and zinfandels.

B Cellars (Oakville)

• Tasting cost: $125 per person for pairing

B Cellars in Oakville offers year-round food-and-wine pairings where guests can enjoy small bites designed to complement the wines served with them, such as a strawberry and salmon tartare paired with a summery rosé, or savory pork gyoza alongside an aromatic pinot noir. After the tasting, join a guided tour around the garden, vineyards, and wine caves where you can learn more about its production.

The Prisoner Wine Company (St. Helena)

• Tasting cost: $85 for wine tasting only; $145–$175 for pairings

The Prisoner Wine Company , known for its bold red wine blends, drew inspiration for its unusual name from a sketch called Le Petit Prisonnier by 19th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Painted in protest of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808, it serves as an inspiration for the brand both literally (it appears on the label of its flagship wine) and philosophically (through its advocacy of racial justice and donations to the Equal Justice Initiative ).

At the winery, an industrial, modern space in St. Helena that opened in 2018, don’t expect your typical Napa tasting. Yes, you can choose a standard sampling of wine, or even a food-and-wine pairing with several small bites, but (depending on availability), it also offers a wine and dim sum pairing as well as a house DJ experience, where guests can taste wine while its DJ-in-residence spins.

Darioush Estate (Napa)

• Tasting cost: $90 per person for their signature mezze pairing

Expect an impressive arrival at Darioush Estate , where Persian-style columns line the entrance at its spacious Napa property—fitting for a winery whose proprietor, Darioush Khaledi, was inspired by wine culture in the ancient literary city of Shiraz. At the wine-and-food pairing, you’ll see the theme continue: Wines are served alongside mezze such as flatbread and chicken skewers.

Best wineries for scenery

Alpha Omega Winery is both picturesque and keen on sustainability: It uses the area’s largest commerical solar microgrid.

Photo by Suzanne Becker Bronk

Clos du Val (Napa)

• Tasting cost: $75–$100 per person for a tasting

Clos du Val in Napa offers panoramic views of the Rutherford area alongside pours of its fruit-forward cabernet sauvignons and Bordeaux-inspired blends. Visitors can enjoy a tasting on its sunny, outdoor patio or simply buy wine à la carte to sip in its garden and take in the views. Note that only guests over the age of 21 are allowed.

Hall (St. Helena)

• Tasting cost: $60-$75 per person

Owned by husband-and-wife duo Craig and Kathryn Hall, Hall’s tasting room in St. Helena is an impressively large, airy, and modern spot. Winetastings in the building’s partially open-air bar overlook a vineyard and garden dotted with sculptures; pair an art walk (either guided or not) with one of the winery’s cabernet sauvignons, merlots, or sauvignon blancs.

Alpha Omega Winery (Rutherford)

• Tasting cost: $75–$300 per person

Alpha Omega Winery is separated from State Highway 29 by a giant fountain that has become something of a local icon in the valley. Outdoor tastings are held on a shaded patio overlooking the fountain and surrounding vineyards, but large floor-to-ceiling windows allow those opting for an indoor tasting to enjoy the view as well. On the tasting menu, Alpha Omega pours a range of varietals using grapes from appellations throughout the Napa Valley region.

Ashes & Diamonds (Napa)

• Tasting cost : $60 per person for winetasting only, $75–$350 for food-and-wine pairings

With its 1960s design motifs, midcentury architecture, and Joshua Tree–esque rock garden, Ashes & Diamonds Winery creates a visually appealing experience at every turn. As you might expect from a winery with such a playful and colorful approach to design, its offerings (which include a standard winetasting, wine-and-cheese pairing, and prix fixe lunch and wine pairing) are far from stuffy. Kids are also welcome and on weekends, it’s not uncommon to find groups of families whiling away the afternoon here.

Best wineries for the whole family

Castello di Amorosa was built to replicate a medieval Tuscan castle.

Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

Believe it or not, some Napa Valley wineries welcome kids, too. If you’re bringing the littles along, these wineries are ideal to visit for a tasting.

Castello di Amorosa (Calistoga)

• Tasting cost: $60 per person; $25 for children

Castello di Amorosa , which has been built to replicate a Tuscan castle from medieval times (complete with bricks and stones shipped over from Italy), is a family favorite. Simply wandering around the dungeons and turrets is an adventure for guests of every age. While the winery offers dozens of wines for grownups to taste, younger visitors will receive a glass of grape juice, as well as the chance to meet the winery’s resident emus, goats, dogs, and other animals .

Honig Winery (Rutherford)

• Tasting cost: $40 per person; $10 for children and nontasters

Adults come to Honig Winery to sample the winery’s sauvigon blancs and cabernet sauvignons on its shady garden patio, but this tasting room hasn’t forgotten about its littlest visitors. Groups with kids are welcome to join before noon via their Family Terrace Tasting Experience . To keep kids (and parents) happy, all children get juice, a snack, and coloring supplies during their visit.

This story was originally published in 2022 and has been updatd to include current information. Matt Villano contributed to the reporting of this story.

THE 10 BEST Napa Valley Wineries & Vineyards

Wineries & vineyards in napa valley.

• Wineries & Vineyards
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Cooking Classes
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• Distilleries
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Good for Couples
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• Budget-friendly
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Castello di Amorosa

2. Pine Ridge Vineyards

3. V. Sattui Winery

4. Merryvale Vineyards

5. Jarvis Estate

6. Domaine Carneros

7. Hess Persson Estates

8. Robert Mondavi Arch & Tower

9. Pride Mountain Vineyards

10. O'Brien Estate Winery

11. HALL St. Helena

12. Sterling Vineyards

13. Frog's Leap Winery

14. Chateau Montelena

15. Baldacci Family Vineyards

16. Grgich Hills Estate

17. Hill Family Estate

18. Artesa Vineyards & Winery

19. Mumm Napa

20. Beringer Vineyards

21. Caymus Vineyards

22. Schramsberg Vineyards

23. Cakebread Cellars

24. Clos Pegase Winery

25. Trefethen Family Vineyards

26. VGS Chateau Potelle

27. Far Niente Winery

28. Peju Winery

29. Vincent Arroyo Winery

30. Duckhorn Vineyards

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Napa and Sonoma wineries to visit: 15 of the best

While Napa Valley , home to some of the most famous names in California, has long enjoyed a reputation for stellar wine experiences, Sonoma Valley is finally getting a share of the spotlight it deserves.

With both regions located less than two hours’ drive north of San Francisco (97km), wine lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to picturesque vineyard views, five-star dining options and unforgettable wine activities.

Generally, Napa Valley is seen as offering more of a luxurious getaway, with some spectacular, well-established wineries as well as high-end hotels (120) and restaurants (150), while Sonoma Valley is more laid back and rustic, with smaller, family-run estates and casual tastings led by younger winemakers.

Getting around:

There are two main roads that cut through the Napa Valley floor, running north to south. The less-travelled Silverado Trail is on the east side and Highway 29 is on the west side. Highway 29 is the most frequented road connecting the city of Napa and Calistoga (through Yountville and St Helena) and where the most renowned wineries are located. On either side of the highway you’ll see an array of wine-tasting venues, shops, restaurants, delicatessens and seemingly never-ending vineyards. You’ll also be flanked by rolling hills at the base of the Vaca Range, which forms the valley’s eastern boundary, shielding vines from the heat of the Central Valley. The Mayacamas Range on the valley’s western side, separates it from the cooler, marine influences experienced in neighbouring Sonoma Valley.

Napa has 16 appellations, known as American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) spread through the mountains, valley floor and outlying areas, all with a vinous voice of their own as the vineyard elevation and terroir changes.

Harvest time at Ridge Vineyards. Credit: www.ridgewine.com

Sonoma Valley is larger and more spread out than Napa Valley, and almost double the size. This can make visiting several wineries in a day a little harder but, with 18 AVAs from diverse terroirs, it’s a fascinating place for wine tourism. Whether you take the highway, or scenic back roads, the drive from San Francisco should be about an hour and a half.

A fantastic base to explore the region is the charming town of Healdsburg, situated in Russian River AVA in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country .

Tasting rooms are dotted off the main square, and it’s a short drive to the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, Russian River and Chalk Hill AVAs.

Mendocino travel guide: classy wineries and stunning places to stay

A brief history of change.

Winery visits have changed dramatically over the past two decades. Experiences have become more sophisticated in almost every major wine region around the world, with tours, tutored tastings and wine and food pairings offered almost as standard.

For a long time California was lauded as one of the standard bearers in how to host wine lovers. Cellar doors, wine clubs and tasting rooms overlooking stunning vineyards have become an enjoyable way of life and an effective way of selling wine.

Yet, following the global pandemic, both Napa and Sonoma have reopened with an increased vigour to cater for tourists. Napa Valley is more polished than ever, and Sonoma’s once casual wineries have also matured into their own distinct boutique style.

As the range of activities has grown so have prices – many more than double those quoted in a Decanter article in 2016. But that hasn’t quelled wine lovers, with the region attracting more than 3.85 million visitors in 2018 with a cumulative spend of over $2 billion. Given the interest in these wine regions, booking an appointment for a winery visit is now the rule rather than the exception, and all should be done well in advance.

More of Decanter’s top wine travel activities

Wine experiences.

Where once it was simple tastings and cellar door purchases, wineries are now creating what are broadly referred to as ‘wine experiences’, ranging from helicopter rides over vineyards, fine dining with personal chefs and wine and spa days.

This change was largely driven by the pandemic. With international travel restricted, California and interstate locals began looking at places closer to home to spend their money. And wine may not have been the primary reason for visiting these world-renowned regions – many were simply looking to experience the lifestyle these areas offered.

Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley. Credit: www.montelena.com

Napa and Sonoma Valley wineries, keen to nurture this new-found enthusiasm added ‘wine experiences’ to their booking rosters. Making their offerings more premium also helped to deter hen and stag parties and all-day winery crawls and further raise the profile of their regions.

The second big change was the widespread use of online booking systems. This was necessitated by hygiene and health reasons amid the Covid-19 pandemic and helped ensure staff levels, control the flow of visitors. Despite this more formal arrangement, many wineries were fully booked out months in advance, especially in peak season.

Similarly, there was a boom in wine clubs, where winelovers could join and order wine online from their favourite wineries and be kept abreast of news and offers, even if they were unable to visit the estate in person.

Decanter’s dream destination: Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley

Make a short list of wineries you really want to visit, budget for each experience and book in advance.

Each winery’s website should have a page linking through to a booking system. Tock was one of the more popular and useful reservation websites for seeing all your appointments in one place.

Many wineries are only open Thursday through Sunday, mainly to cater for local and interstate visitors who come up to the valley for the weekend.

Top Napa and Sonoma wineries to visit:

We’ve broken down the following visits and experiences into themes, selecting some of our favourites, with a strong bias on the quality of wines themselves.

For the wine tasters

Cathy Corison founded her eponymous Rutherford winery in 1988 and has remained true to her vision of producing balanced, ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon. The tasting takes place in a barn overlooking her lauded Kronos Vineyard. The name is a hint to the Greek roots of Corison’s husband. The wines are elegant and long lived showcasing each vintage’s character, making vertical tastings some of the most thought-provoking in the Napa Valley.

Tastings starting from: $75 Website: www.corison.com Address: 987 St. Helena Highway, Saint Helena, CA 94574

The Lytton Springs vineyard at Ridge Vineyards. Credit: www.ridgewine.com

Paul Draper, another giant in the California wine industry, produces the acclaimed Monte Bello Cabernet from a site south of San Francisco and has also built a following for making some of the best Zinfandels in Sonoma. You can find the Ridge tasting room overlooking the Lytton Springs vineyard, just 15 minutes’ drive from Healdsburg. One of the best value tastings in the area, flights will include the Estate Chardonnay, different site specific Zins, perhaps a Mataro (Mourvèdre) and even a precious drop of Monte Bello.

Tastings starting from: $25 Website: www.ridgewine.com Address: 650 Lytton Springs Road Healdsburg, California 95448

Schramsberg

Jack and Jamie Davies took this historic site near Calistoga and turned it into a winery that produces benchmark California sparkling wine using the traditional method. And after a few days of tasting Cabernet Sauvignon, an elegant fresh fizz can be a welcome relief. Their tour takes you into the cellars hand-carved into rock more than 100 years ago, explains the method of production, and ends with a tasting of both younger and older cuvees. You can also add the Davies Vineyard wines (Pinots and Cabernets) to your tasting experience.

Tastings starting from: $50 Website: www.schramsberg.com Address: 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, California 94515

Spottswoode

This picturesque, historic, family-owned estate by Spring Mountain is one of the Napa Valley’s references for classic, elegant, ageworthy Cabernets. Their Sauvignon Blanc is also one of the best in the valley and cellars well.

Tastings starting from: $75 Website: www.spottswoode.com Address: 1902 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, California 94574

For the high-enders

The project between Baron Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi started in the 1970s and is now one of the most iconic names in the Napa Valley. The regal building is a luxurious place to taste a real collector’s wine. The basic Courtyard experience starts at $100, but for truly breathtaking views, opt for the Partner’s Room tasting. With a private chef on site, expect further fine dining options in future.

Tastings starting from : $100 Website: www.opusonewinery.com Address: 7900 St Helena Highway, Oakville, California 94562

Stag’s Leap in the Napa Valley. Credit: Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Located off the Silverado Trail, this is one of the estates that put California wine on the map, its 1973 Cabernet coming top in the acclaimed Judgment of Paris red flight in 1976. The Fay visitor centre has stunning views of the vineyards and Stag’s Leap District where you can try the winery’s three top bottlings: Fay, SLV and Cask 23. But not all tastings will feature these wines, so check the descriptions. If you have deep pockets, indulge in a full culinary experience with a seasonal four-course tasting menu.

Tastings starting from: $50 Website: www.stagsleapwinecellars.com Address: 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558

Robert Mondavi Winery

A name synonymous with California, this renowned Oakville winery has a diverse offering of art, food and wine experiences to choose from. You can sample the Estate Collection for $65 while gazing over the famed To Kalon vineyard and art sculptures. (Note: if you want to try the To Kalon range, it’s $125 and rising…)

Tastings starting from: $65 Website: www.robertmondaviwinery.com Address: 7801 Saint Helena Highway Oakville, California 94562

For the experimenters

Tank Garage Winery

The experimentation going on here in this old 1930s gas station is refreshing, offering a welcome break from Cabernet. The hip restoration of the garage, the one-off bottlings, the beautiful labels – yes, the marketing is slick, but there is the same level creativity in the wines, from pét-nats to whites made using carbonic maceration from El Dorado County and natural wines. You won’t like all of them, but you’ll love some of them – and that’s part of the fun!

Tastings starting from: $30 Website: www.tankgaragewinery.com Address: 1020 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga, California 94515

Matthiasson

A proper wine-tasting experience for those who really want to focus on what’s in the bottle. There are very good, leaner versions of California Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay but this sustainable champion also makes fantastic reds from Schioppettino (a grape that many wouldn’t have even tried in its Italian guise) and white blends using Ribolla Gialla, a variety more commonly found on the Italian-Slovenian border.

Tastings starting from: $65 Website: www.matthiasson.com Address: 3175 Dry Creek Road, Napa, California 94558

A small, family-run farm in the heart of Sonoma’s Zinfandel country that is influenced by the wines of Tuscany and Campania. It has a real Italian vineyard charm, which really helps you understand what they are trying to achieve with their Mediterranean varieties. The tasting is held in a barn, where GSM blends and Zinfandels sit alongside juicy Sangioveses and Aglianco.

Tastings starting from: $25, but free with a purchase Website: www.untivineyards.com Address: 4202 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, California 95448

Idlewild Wines

A tasting room in the charming town of Healdsburg that focuses on varieties from Italy’s Piedmont and northwest. Whites made from Arneis and Cortese and reds from Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo – all from Mendocino County. Enjoy a plate of antipasto (cheese and hams) with your flight, and expect detailed commentary on the wines themselves.

Tastings starting from: $40 Website: www.idlewildwines.com Address: 132 Plaza Street, Healdsburg, California 95448

A popular recommendation from wine industry locals, Seth Cripe’s boutique tasting room is in a small, historic house in Calistoga. Expect pure-fruited and natural wines – a refreshing change from big Cabernets. And the Pinot Noirs, Chenin Blancs and even a Malvasia are at much more accessible prices than you’ll find elsewhere in the region.

Tastings starting from: $35 Website: www.lolawines.com Address: 916 Foothill Blvd., Calistoga, California 94515

For the view

Arguably the prettiest tasting room in Napa where you can see the family’s links to the plant nursery business in full bloom. The planting around the historic house is stunning, and the tasting is set next to water overlooking vineyards. Don’t miss the classic car collection either. Many Far Niente bottlings are only available to wine club members, so if you aren’t, this is a rare chance to try them. The Chardonnay is lean and serious, and in stark contrast to the more crowd-pleasing styles of other wineries in the stable, which include Bella Union, Dolce and Nickel & Nickel.

Tastings starting from: $90 Website: www.farniente.com Address: 1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, California 94562

Far Niente in the Napa Valley. Credit: www.farniente.com

Another historic name that has a fabulous tasting room in downtown Napa, but a visit to the 192ha estate and winery up on Mount Veeder has a truly breathtaking vista. A new tasting room here was completed in 2021, following the destruction of the old house by fires in 2017. Enjoy a tour, then taste the Chardonnay, Merlot and flagship Cabernet, along with a selection of library wines.

Tastings starting from: $125 Website: www.mayacamas.com Address: 1155 Lokoya Road, Napa, California 94558

Chateau Montelena

Montelana’s 19th-century stone castle, winery and cool cellars are among the Napa Valley’s architectural icons. Tastings start at $45 with a Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel and Cabernet, but to try the Estate and Library wines you’ll need to fork out a little more. Unfortunately, you’ll be hard pressed to find a bottle of the 1973 Chardonnay that triumphed at the 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting.

Tastings starting from: $45 Website: www.montelena.com Address: 1429 Tubbs Lane Calistoga, California 94515

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Things are changing rapidly - please double check what's open before your trip. And be sure to follow all local guidelines to keep yourself and others safe! Finally, ads are how we pay our bills and keep our blog free for you to enjoy.

Sunrise mist over the vines in Napa Valley, California. The contrast between Napa’s cool, foggy mornings and evenings and the heat of the sun are what make Napa’s wine so good!

I tend to default to a maxi dress for wine tasting. Just make sure to bring a warm layer – it gets COLD at night!

Grapes turning colors during veraison time in the Napa Valley. “Veraison” season is when the grapes change colors!

Welcome to Napa Valley! Napa is an hour north of San Francisco by car, but you can also take transit to get from San Francisco or Oakland to Napa.

One of the best Napa wine tours is the scenic Napa Valley Wine Train! Watch vineyards and mountains roll by out the windows while enjoying a multi-course meal – and wine, of course.

Is this a Victorian Mansion or a winery? … the answer is yes. Welcome to Sutter Home!

Wine tasting at William Hill Estate, one of the best wineries in Napa to watch the sunset!

Not only are eco-friendly vineyards better for the environment, but they tend to make better wines!

Green grapes on a vine at the Trefethen Family Vineyards in Napa, CA.

Castello di Amorosa is a Napa winery modeled after a 13th century Tuscan castle, complete with a torture chamber. For… accuracy, I guess?

The Opus One winery is owned by the Mondavi family and makes wines that are coveted by wine collectors worldwide.

The To-Kalon vineyard in Oakville is Robert Mondavi’s flagship, and arguably the most famous vineyard in Napa!

36 Amazing Napa Wineries: a Sommelier’s Guide to the Best Wineries in Napa

• practical wanderlust | Aubrey Terrazas |
• June 15, 2021

Rolling vineyards. Misty mountains. Opulent castles.  Welcome to Napa Valley, California’s most iconic wine country – and for good reason! California makes the some of the best wine in the world  (we’re biased, but it’s also true)  and Napa wineries are the glittering heart of California’s globally-celebrated wine industry.

Napa Valley is one of the world’s most iconic wine destinations, but it isn’t just the Cabernet that brings in nearly 4 million tourists every year. Ideally situated about an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley sets the standard for wine tourism and hospitality. Its classic wine country views, Michelin-starred chefs, and imaginative wine tasting experiences attract wine lovers and inspire connoisseurs. Napa Valley is a must-visit destination if you’re planning a trip to Northern California!

We are lucky to have  Aubrey Terrazas , who is an Advanced Sommelier and wine buyer for the San Francisco-based digital tasting app  Palate Club , guide us through the best wineries in Napa. Aubrey has frequented Napa Valley for the better part of a decade, and has discovered unique tasting experiences while acting as a tour guide to visiting friends and family  (um, can we. come too?) . Take it away, Aubrey!

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NAPA

Let’s start with why Napa Valley is famous: really, really good wines. Napa Valley is ideally situated to make some of the world’s best wines. The grapes get long hours of California sunshine to ripen, but the area quickly drops around 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night due to the cool Pacific Ocean’s influence. The reliably cool, foggy mornings and evenings allow the grapes to retain acidity, which leads to more balance to the wines. 

Mountains surround the valley on both sides: the Vaca Range to the East and the Mayacamas to the West. Within less than an hour’s drive, soil types and microclimates vary widely, and between these two mountain ranges, wineries and vineyards are sprinkled throughout!

It takes less than an hour to get from one end of Napa Valley to the other, but the wineries’ density could quickly fill up a week of wine tasting.

Most Napa tourists stick to  Highway 29 , which is lined by dozens of wineries ( many of which you don’t need typically a reservation to visit ). Traffic can lurch on the weekends, but driving Highway 29 and stopping wherever tickles your fancy is the easiest way to visit Napa without much planning. Just be prepared for crowded tasting rooms and potentially slower service!

NAPA VS. NAPA VALLEY

Napa Valley is a 30-mile long stretch of valley, ringed by mountains, running from  Carneros  to  Calistoga . The  Napa Valley AVA  (American Viticultural Area) includes 16 distinct sub-regions and includes the towns of  Carneros ,  Napa ,  St. Helena ,  Yountville , and  Calistoga .

Napa Valley takes its name from the biggest city in the area,  Napa , and the town of Napa was named after the  Napa River  which runs through it.

So, when most people say “Napa,” they’re typically referring to ALL of those regions and towns throughout the Napa Valley – not just Napa, the city!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO NAPA?

You don’t need to dress to the nines on a visit to Napa, but you don’t want to look like a schlub, either. Aim for “wine country casual” – kind of a cuter, frillier version of business casual. You’ll fit right in wearing a sun hat ( this is my favorite ),  cute sandals , and a dress.

Napa Valley is about 40 minutes east of Sonoma and the Pacific Ocean, and its daytime temperatures climb much higher than foggy Coastal California. Daytime – especially in the summer – can get to over 100 degrees, so wear something breathable and comfortable!

But if you’ll be staying overnight or past sunset,  bring warm layers.  It’s  much  colder during the night than it is during the day – temperatures can plummet 20 degrees within hours.

I’m from Chicago, so I thought I had thick blood for cold weather, but the Pacific breeze is natural and guaranteed after sundown! You’ll be shivering in your sundress, so pack a change of clothes and a warm sweater for the evening.

WHAT IS THE COST OF TASTINGS IN NAPA?

Wine tastings normally cost between $15-50. $30 is about an average price for a tasting, and yes, that’s per person. Napa is pricey!

That said, you can usually get this fee waived by buying a bottle or two of wine. You can also sometimes find two-for-one tasting deal coupons by stopping by the Visitor’s Center.

WHAT IS “PALATE FATIGUE” AND HOW CAN I AVOID IT?

Palate Fatigue is what happens when you’re tasting the same thing over and over again until you become unable to taste its nuances anymore – or lose all appetite for the thing you’re tasting. It’s like the wine tasting equivalent of when you repeat or stare at a word until it loses all meaning. And when you’re paying as much as you are for tastings in Napa, it also means you’re probably not getting your money’s worth.

A rule of thumb:  Two tastings in a day is relaxed. Three is efficient. Four or more tastings is  work .

You might be excited to visit all of your favorite wineries, but if you’re doing more than four, be sure to plan a nap before dinner.  When I’m looking for new wine for  Palate Club,  I taste at four or five wineries a day. I’m a wine professional with a decade of experience, and I still find that I have significant “palate fatigue” after three wineries.

WHAT’S THAT BUCKET FOR?

Most Napa tasting rooms will have buckets out on every counter  (and if you’re lucky, crackers or other neutral-tasting nibbles).  These are called Spit Buckets or Dump Buckets ( yes, even in the fanciest wineries, this is what it’s called) , and they’re there for you to toss out the rest of your glass – or even your mouthful of wine. And don’t worry, it’s not considered rude!

It may seem counterintuitive to pay for a taste of wine that you just dump out, but if you’re a serious wine connoisseur, you’ll find learn that there are some wines you just don’t really like – and you don’t need another sip of. Spitting is also a great way to taste wine without going way over your limits, and it reduces palate fatigue, too.

Here’s a sommelier secret to having your best day of wine tasting : you have to spit.  When I visit wine country to find wines for  Palate Club , I sometimes spend four hours on the road and taste 100s of wines in a day. If there is not a spit bucket, I ask for one to make sure that I get back to my hotel safely. It’s not rude, and it’s not wasting wine. Most winemakers appreciate it when you pace yourself to stay sober enough to enjoy the wines.

That said, if you have different plans for your weekend in Napa, no judgment! 

WHAT SHOULD I EAT IN NAPA?

I typically practice intermittent fasting, but I  always  eat breakfast before wine tasting. Even if you’re spitting, you’ll get worn down quickly without food. Plan time for lunch and bring snacks in the car.

You’ll want carbs, healthy fats, nutrients, and lots of water. I like to pack nuts, fruit, baguette, and plenty of water in a  reusable water bottle.  You can grab a sandwich off Highway-29 at  Oakville Grocery,  just north of the  Opus One  winery, and bring it along with you.

I also included my favorite restaurants in Napa at the end of this post because if there’s one thing Napa does amazingly well other than wine, it’s food!

HISTORY OF NAPA

Napa Valley started its viticultural journey with Spanish missionaries in the 1770s. At the time, Palomino Negro was the dominant grape, nicknamed “Mission” due to its cultivators. Commercial planting wasn’t a thing until the early 1880s when the Mexican government released control of viticulture from the church ( remember when  California belonged to Mexico ?). 

European influence rushed in after 1849 when settlers flooded the area searching for gold, bringing their preferred grapes and viticulture methods with them. In 1861,  Charles Krug  founded what is now Napa’s oldest commercial winery.  Beringer ,  Schramsberg , and  Inglenook  followed suit until the area faced devastating decline due to  phylloxera , an insect pest of grapevines, and  Prohibition .

It was decades before Napa Valley could recover from Prohibition, as only “sacrament wineries,” or wineries that made wine for church, were permitted to operate during that time.

It wouldn’t be until the 1960s when trailblazer  Robert Mondavi  galvanized winemakers and wine lovers around the world to discover Napa’s underutilized potential. Arguably, it was  Mondavi  that built Napa’s reputation for fine wine.

But it was the dramatic  Judgment of Paris  in 1976, when  Stag’s Leap  and  Chateau Montelena  shockingly defeated first-growth Bordeaux and Burgundy in a blind-tasting competition, that positioned Napa as the New World’s most famous fine wine region. At the time, even wine professionals outside of France weren’t taken seriously, so when California stole the show, it was a  huge  upset.

The movie  Bottle Shock  dives into the dramatic story, and the day that put Napa officially on the map forever!

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT NAPA

HOW TO GET TO NAPA

The easiest way to get to Napa is to fly into either  San Francisco ,  Oakland  or  Sacramento  and  rent a car . Napa Valley is about an hour north of San Francisco and Oakland, and an hour west of Sacramento. 

You can  rent a vehicle  from the airport you fly into, or directly in Napa. Note that California roads are often windy, so if you get car sick, opt for a comfy SUV rather than a sports car!

• From Downtown San Francisco:  If you are staying downtown but HAVE to see the Golden Gate Bridge, take Highway 101 on the way North to Napa but I-80 on the way back. This route will save you from the $8.35 southbound Golden Gate bridge toll. Be sure to plan your route from your hotel, as going downtown to the Golden Gate Bridge adds about 30 minutes to your course. If you’re not interested in driving over the Golden Gate bridge, you can take the Bay Bridge from downtown to get to I-80.
• From Oakland:  If you plan to go directly to Napa, you can save 20-30 minutes by flying into Oakland and bypassing the jam-packed Bay Bridge and San Francisco traffic. 
• From Sacramento:  If you fly into Sacramento, your route will likely be I-80 W. The path between Sacramento and Napa is efficient, but you’ll miss the coastal views of the Bay. 

Travel Tip:  Keep in mind that the Bay Area is rated one of the worst areas for traffic in the country, so give yourself plenty of cushion time, especially during rush hour (7-10 am or 4-7 pm). Be prepared to get stuck behind a tractor or bus without a passing lane, which can significantly pressure test your schedule. 

GETTING TO NAPA WITHOUT A CAR

If you want to skip driving, there are options to get from San Francisco to Napa Valley.

Extranomical Tours  and  Gray Line San Francisco  both have reputable wine country tours that include San Francisco pickup. Uber and Lyft will also get you there for around $120 one way. 

You can also take a bus and train combination through  Amtrak  to get from San Francisco to Napa Valley in 3-4 hours for around $40 round trip – this is definitely the cheapest option!

HOW TO GET AROUND NAPA

It’s definitely easiest to get around Napa with a car – but if you won’t have one, or you just want to focus on enjoying the wine, you do have a few options.

• Rent a Car : You can  rent a vehicle  from the airport you fly into, or directly in Napa once you arrive. It’s challenging to get around Napa without a car, so draw straws and pick a Designated Driver ( another pro tip: be sure that everyone pitches in to get the DD a nice dinner at the end of the day) .
• Ride Sharing Apps:  Lyft is available in Napa Valley and start around $15 for a 15-minute drive. Wineries could be 45 minutes away from one another, or just up the street, so I suggest planning ahead. In my experience, it takes around 10 minutes for a Lyft to show up, but expect longer for more remote locations. If you have appointments, plan with extra time, as you may need to wait for your ride to show up in more isolated locations.
• Rent a Limo:  If you’re balling out or looking to party, limo or party bus rentals are the best way to get around Napa Valley.  Napa Shuttle Limousine  provides custom packages depending on your itinerary. Limos start at $99, depending on the company.
• Hire a Driver:  Companies such as  Designated Drivers Napa Sonoma  offer local drivers. Because they drive your car, the cost tends to be lower than private shuttles or tours. Make sure your driver is licensed and insured by referencing the  California PUC’s Transportation Carrier Lookup . Their name should be listed there if they are licensed. 

Travel Tip:  most of these options require you to pre-plan your itinerary. Many wineries require reservations, and they can fill up quickly during the busy season. In general, I suggest making reservations, as you can plan your route and you won’t waste time getting turned away if the tasting room is full. 

But If you’re not particular about where you go and want more guidance from a local (and transportation as well), consider one of Napa’s many wine tours!

One of the best Napa wine tours is the scenic  Napa Valley Wine Train ! Watch vineyards and mountains roll by out the windows while enjoying a multi-course meal – and wine, of course.

NAPA WINE TOURS

Napa wine tours are a safe, relaxed way to visit Napa Valley and the easiest way to visit Napa wineries without worrying about transportation. If you have a few days in wine country,  I suggest starting with a tour to learn more about Napa, then venturing out on your own to hit up your top-choice wineries!

A few things to note: Unless you hire a private driver, you won’t have much input on which wineries you visit. And gratuity is not included, but most guides typically expect it if you enjoyed the experience – so bring some cash to tip them!  

TOURS FROM WITHIN NAPA VALLEY

• Napa Valley’s Historic Wine Train will bring you from Napa to St. Helena and back on a relaxing, scenic 3-hour train ride. While you enjoy a multi-course meal ( with wine, of course ) you’ll watch vineyards and mountains roll by out the windows. Note that this is not a party bus – the operators of the Wine Train will kick off rambunctious groups, leaving them stranded in Napa!
• This small Napa vineyards tour  run by Platypus Wine Tours visits lesser-known Napa vineyards and includes a picnic lunch at a winery! The tour guides are knowledgeable, fun, and known to introduce their guests to wineries that they wouldn’t have found independently.
• Take a Napa Bike Tour : Yes: this is a thing in Napa! There’s a 47-mile Napa Vine Trail bike path currently in the works, but until it’s finished, cyclists can enjoy the scenery on their own or with a  guided bike tour. You’ll cycle through beautiful scenery and stop at two wineries for tastings.

NAPA TOURS FROM SAN FRANCISCO

Staying in San Francisco? There are a few great options for day trips to Napa Valley that include pickup and drop off in San Francisco:

• Wine & Redwoods Tour :  If you’re staying in San Francisco, this  Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour is a full-day excursion that includes Muir Woods, the Golden Gate bridge, and winery visits in Sonoma and Napa.  If you have a short trip to San Francisco with only one day to visit wine country, this option because allows you to see the beautiful redwoods in addition to wine country! The tour includes a stop for a picnic lunch in Sonoma but does not provide meals. It’s fairly easy to grab a sandwich in Sonoma ( Sweet Pea Bake Shop  is super cute), or you can find something in San Francisco ahead of time.
• Napa Day Trip from San Francisco: This all-day wine tasting tour includes a tour of the  Castello di Amorosa’s  medieval castle, historic  Beringer Vineyards,  and panoramic views at  Sterling Vineyards  – 3 of the most iconic and beautiful estates in Napa! Meals are not included, so bring a picnic lunch.

THE BEST WINERIES IN NAPA

There are fantastic wineries spread throughout the entire Napa Valley region! Whether you are taking the classic route on  Highway 29  or heading up to hillside destination wineries along the  Silverado Trail , you can find great wineries in Napa sprinkled throughout the densely planted valley; good wine is ubiquitous in the region!

The best wineries combine delicious, balanced wine with spectacular views. Each individual producer will have their own spin, but as a rule,  valley fruit  tends to be richer, broader, and juicier; and  mountain fruit  tends to be more savory and elegant.

As far as what to try,  Cabernet Sauvignon  is the best-known grape from Napa, but you can also find killer examples of  Chardonnay ,  Zinfandel ,  Sauvignon Blanc , and  Merlot . 

Below, I’ve organized the best wineries in Napa by their best or most interesting qualities!

*Note: At the time of writing, all Napa wineries require reservation due to COVID-19 health & safety measures.

SCENIC NAPA WINERIES

When I’m looking for hidden gems for  Palate Club  or scenic views, I make a point to venture up into the mountains, or at least to the  Silverado Trail. 

You’ll need time, patience, and a designated driver to safely zig-zag up the narrow mountain roads, but the most peaceful and rewarding views are away from congested Highway 29. You also get more diversity of soil and exposure when you’re higher, leading to finer Cabernets. 

Here are the best Napa wineries with scenic views:

STONY HILL VINEYARD

Stony Hill Vineyard is among the most respected white wine producers in Napa Valley and the first post-Prohibition estate. The 168-acre vineyard on Spring Mountain is dedicated to French-inspired  Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc,  and  Riesling  with an “ethereal” winemaking style: textural, elegant, and with a long, mineral finish.

The winery, which is also  certified organic , feels hidden within the Eastern Mayacamas Mountains. Sprawling vineyards shoot out from the tasting room in all directions, with a clear view of the sunny and forested Vaca Mountains. The magic of the setting and the refreshing wines may cause you to lose track of time, so give yourself plenty of space to savor the moment.

• Stony Hill Vineyard |  Address:  3331 St Helena Hwy North St Helena CA 94574

“Napa Valley’s Finest Winery”  has a storybook-style Chateau at the end of a long, acacia-tree-lined drive. Forty-niner John Benson built the property in 1885, but it was later renovated to its current glory. Complete with a vintage car collection, a reflection pond, and lush trees that turn golden in the fall, Far Niente’s estate is the making of Napa daydreams.

The winery focuses on two varieties:  Cabernet Sauvignon  and  Chardonnay . They’re known to save back vintages, so this is also a great place to taste older Napa – but be ready to shell out some cash for it!

• Far Niente |  Address:  1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562

STERLING VINEYARDS

“Napa Valley, Elevated.” Situated high on the Mayacamas near Calistoga, Sterling is a high-elevation winery best known for its vantage point.

Take the  Aerial Tram   at Sterling Vineyards for a 360 view of rolling Napa vineyards, the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains, and the sun-drenched valley. Napa is rather dry, so the view has a desert-meets-the-ocean view, with oak and pine trees studded along the golden, low-range Vacas. You can see birds of prey circling high above the wildlife in the forested Mayacamas below.

They produce Cabernet, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay, but I’m a fan of their  Sauvignon Blanc  for its bright fruits and refreshing acidity.. Their flagship is Sterling Vineyards Iridium.  

*2021: Sterling Vineyards is currently undergoing renovations after the 2020 Glass fire and is not open for tastings.

• Sterling Vineyards |  Address:  1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515

SOMERSTON ESTATE

This 1,682-acre estate pushes for a top-class  Cabernet  in Napa’s Eastern Vaca Mountains. They produce single-block wines from organic fruit, using the best sites from each vintage to release.  Cabernet Franc, Merlot,  and  Sauvignon Blanc  play supporting roles as mono-varietal offerings.

The founders emphasize excellence in every way, down to pH-balanced water and carbon-neutral practices at the winery. They offer tours and food pairings at their hidden Napa estate about 10 miles off the Silverado Trail. 

Give yourself time for the winding roads ( it’ll be worth the views ). For a premium, you can book a private dinner with the winemaker Craig Becker.

• Somerston Estate |  Address:  3450 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA, 94574

BUDGET-FRIENDLY WINERIES IN NAPA

Napa Valley is synonymous with a lux lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you can’t glam out on a budget ( well, “budget” by Napa standards, anyway ). In fact, many of the more commercial brands you can find at most grocery stores are big businesses, meaning they have the cash to build stunning properties with consistent quality wines.

BERINGER ESTATE

Beringer is one of the oldest wineries in Napa, and the historic Rhine-style chateau is worth a visit in and of itself. The founder moved to California from Germany in the 1870s, and the German influence on the property gives the estate a storybook feel.

The ornate chateau could be straight out of Beauty and the Beast, except that it’s landscaped by California succulents and hydrangea. Stroll the cobblestone path around the manicured gardens or explore history in the wine caves. 

Designated a Historic District on the  National Register of Historic Places , their wines are both commercially and historically. The range reaches from straight-up Beringer White ZInfandel to top-class Cabernet. There is a wide range of tasting options available: the cheapest option is just a class of wine and a stroll around the estate for $20, and the next option up is an outdoor seated tasting of 4 wines for $35 per person.

• Beringer Estate |  Address:  2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574

SUTTER HOME

There’s a very good chance that you’ll recognize Sutter Home’s labels from your local grocery store aisle: this is a big, popular brand! And that’s also what makes it a budget-friendly Napa winery.

Sutter Home’s yellow Victorian Mansion is packed with country-club style charm. After tasting, you can stroll through their rose garden. It feels a bit like visiting your rich grandmother in Georgia, rather than a wine tasting in California: perfectly organized garden paths, a wrap-around porch on a yellow American-style mansion, and smiling service staff ready to quench your parched palate.

Their wines range includes fruit infusions, traditional dry reds and whites, sweet wines, and rosés. The wines themselves are usually under $10/bottle.

• Sutter Home |  Address:  277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy. 29) South St. Helena, CA 94574

Wine tasting at William Hill Estate, one of the best wineries in Napa to watch the sunset!  Photo Credit

WILLIAM HILL ESTATE

William Hill’s stunning Atlas Peak estate rests peacefully on the Eastern side of the valley, well hidden from busy Highway 29. It’s one of the few wineries on the Eastern side is one of the best-situated spots for  watching the sunset , especially during the winter months. Their outdoor deck is well situated to catch sunlight and views of rolling vineyards. 

They offer a few tasting experiences for their  Bordeaux-influenced reds  and whites, including an estate tasting with bites, an Arbor Picnic Basket tasting with access to their magnificent views, and a Library Tasting of back vintages.

The sexier experiences are more expensive but still a good value when considering that food is included. Their wines start at $17, which is a fraction of the cost of many Napa Estates.

• William Hill Estate |  Address:  1761 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA

ECO-FRIENDLY & SUSTAINABLE WINERIES IN NAPA

“Eco-friendly” or “sustainable” wineries are  umbrella  terms to cover  organic ,  biodynamic , and  environmentally-friendly  wineries.

There are a plethora of certifications: certified organically grown grapes,  Demeter  biodynamic , and  Napa Green  are just a few. Organic means grapes were grown without pesticides, but biodynamic takes it a step further and uses moon cycles and natural remedies like chamomile to work with the environment to grow grapes. Sustainability practices such as Napa Green measure the amount of water used at the winery and carbon emissions in the vineyard.

Even better? Not only are eco-friendly vineyards better for the environment, but they tend to make better wines! Here are the best sustainable wineries in Napa.

SPOTTSWOODE

A gorgeous Victorian-style home built in 1882 is the heart of the Spottswoode winery in St. Helena. The organic estate is a family wine estate, but their accolades are anything but humble.

Spottswoode, which frequently receives 100-point scores from various wine critics, was one of California’s first wineries to adopt organics. They later adopted biodynamics, so now their estate vineyard is a “living, breathing ecosystem.” 

Spottswoode heralds the philosophy of “One Earth” and takes a holistic approach to everything they do in the winery, the vineyards, and business. Spottswoode was also the first winery to become a  Certified B-Corporation .

Tasting their coveted  Cabernet Sauvignon  is an experience in and of itself, but the sense of life and energy you feel at the estate vineyard puts the excellence into perspective. 

• Spottswoode |  Address:  1902 Madrona Ave, St Helena, CA 94574

TREFETHEN FAMILY VINEYARDS

For three generations of the winemaker, the Trefethen family made various Napa wines from estate vineyards in the  Oak Knoll District . If you’re ready to take a break from Cabernet, Trefethen will fill your void for  Cabernet Franc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Malbec , and a variety of other less-common grapes in Napa ( they, of course, also make Cabernet and Chardonnay). 

The family emphasizes  biodiversity . Instead of using pesticides, they use plants and nesting spots to attract natural predators that eat harmful vineyard pests. They also practice water conservation, waste diversion, diverse employment, and solar-powered electricity.

 According to Hailey Trefethen, “Everything we do comes from this land, so we strive to keep it healthy.” Trefethen offers several outdoor experiences where you can appreciate their work with a view of their lively estate vineyards.

• Trefethen Family Vineyards |  Address:  1160 Oak Knoll Avenue Napa, California

The 60-acre Stag’s Leap District winery became Certified Napa Green in 2015. Sustainable practices include implementing  Carbon Farming  and Regenerative procedures, reducing water waste, and  social equity and inclusion.  

Planted by Napa viticulture legend David Abreu in 2002, owner Cliff Lede named the vineyards after his favorite songs: “My Generation,” “Dark Side of the Moon,” etc.

Cliff Lede focuses on  Cabernet Sauvignon  and  Sauvignon Blanc , but the winery also produces a couple of red blends: “High Fidelity” and the Bordeaux-style “Claret.”

The Sauvignon Blanc was once a go-to of mine when I suggested white wine pairings as a sommelier. It’s a fresh, clean style that pairs well with seafood, salads, and fruit sauces.

• Cliff Lede |  Address:  1473 Yountville Cross Rd, Yountville, CA 94599

KEENAN WINERY

Robert Keenan planted Cabernet vines in the Mayacamas Mountains at 1700 feet, almost twenty years before the area officially became the  Spring Mountain District AVA . The region’s poor soils and cooler climate mean the vines struggle and produce less fruit – a good thing for wine, as the grapes will have more concentration and flavor! 

Instead of the juicy, giant blockbusters of the valley, Keenan makes a lifted,  Bordeaux-style red.

The family-owned winery is  solar-powered  and  sustainably farmed . Cabernet is the flagship, but they also make Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, and a red blend.

You can make an appointment to take with the winemaker at their tasting room off Highway 29 or their Spring Mountain estate. Their tastings are  dog-friendly , too!

• Keenan Winery |  Address:  3660 Spring Mountain Rd #9677, St Helena, CA

MINORITY-OWNED WINERIES IN NAPA

In a recent survey of wine industry professionals, 84 percent of respondents were white ( source ). The wine industry, as a whole, lacks diversity. As a wine consumer, you can help change that by driving consumer demand and insisting that  diversity in wine is the future of the industry . ( Psst: this is also part of  being a responsible tourist !)

The reason why Napa’s wine industry is so white stems from land ownership, which long ago created a divide between class and race in the wine world – watch  this YouTube video  to learn more.

In a nutshell, the best vineyard sites are extremely expensive, so historic families that passed down their land as inheritance put the rich, white class at an extreme advantage to sell the best wine in the world for a markup—and without the added cost of paying off the land.

We have a long way to go, and a great place to start to diversify the industry is by supporting minority-owned wineries in Napa. Here are a few winemakers who are making grounds:

Gospel musician James Moss took his passion for wine to a higher level when he studied winemaking under former  Opus One  winemaker Mark Jessup and former  Chateau Montelena  and Winemaker Gustavo Brambila before launching his namesake label.

J.Moss focuses on single-block  Cabernet Sauvignons  sourced from fruit throughout the valley, though they also make Petit Sirah and Chardonnay. Their tasting room is just outside of Napa and offers courtyard tasting flights by appointment. 

• Moss Wines |  Address:  901 Enterprise Way #B, Napa, CA

BROWN ESTATE

The Brown Estate claims to be the first and only (!)  Black-owned Napa estate . There are other Black-owned wineries, but incredibly, this is the only one that offers estate fruit. What that means is that while many wineries buy their fruit from vintners, an estate owns their own fruit.

The Brown Estate’s coveted  Zinfandels  are magnets for top scores year after year, and their  Cabernets  and  Chardonnay  stand well on their own. 

The family purchased and rehabbed the property in 1980, selling the estate fruit to local wineries until the kids decided to make their wine from 1995.

The Brown Estate tasting room is well regarded for its hospitality and is one of the few wine tastings available in downtown Napa. As it closes at 7 pm, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a day of driving and give your DD a break. 

• Brown Estate |  Address:  1005 Coombs St, Napa, CA

KIEU HOANG WINERY

Vietnam-born Kieu Hoang is an American entrepreneur drawn to red wine during his analysis of health benefits from food and drink products. He claims that “Kieu Hoang Wines showed the highest level of High-Density Lipoprotein among more than 100 tested items.” 

Putting health benefits aside, their  Cabernets ,  red blends , and  Pinot Noirs  are balanced and nuanced, emphasizing red fruit. They choose more cool-climate AVAs within Napa: Spring Mountain and Carneros. This selection lends for a more elegant style of red wine. 

They offer tastings just outside of Napa at their back veranda that overlooks Napa vineyards. 

• Kieu Hoang Winery |  Address:  1285 Dealy Lane, Napa, CA

Castello di Amorosa is a Napa winery modeled after a 13th century Tuscan castle, complete with a torture chamber. For… accuracy, I guess? ( Yep, accuracy .)

OTHER MUST-SEE WINERIES IN NAPA

Here are my picks for other must-see wineries in Napa Valley.

CASTELLO DI AMOROSA  (LIA’S PICK)

Some wineries you visit for the wine. Some you visit for the scenery. And some, you visit because they’re so  absolutely ridiculous  you just have see it for yourself. Morbid curiosity, perhaps?

Castello Di Amorosa is in that last category. Meant to be an authentic replica of a 13th-century Tuscan castle, the owner ( who also owns  V.Sattui  winery ) used more than 1 million antique bricks taken from Hapsburg palaces and imported handcrafted hardware from Italy. The castle is sprawling and no expense has been spared, from the lake to the terraces. and courtyards to the armory to the …er, torture chamber.

Yes. That’s right: this winery has a torture chamber.

Fortunately ( or unfortunately, depending on your personal preferences)  it’s not a functioning torture chamber – it’s just for show. And because,  according to the owner,  real  13th century Tuscan castles have torture chambers, so in order to achieve true authenticity, Castello Di Amorosa has to have one, too.

Whether you chalk that up to “people with too much money doing ridiculous things” or you have a deep appreciation of medieval replicas, you just have to go see it for yourself.  Ah, maybe that’s the true reason behind the torture chamber …

• Castello Di Amorosa | 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA

STAG’S LEAP

Napa may have never reached its prestige without a 1976 wine tasting where Stag’s Leap overwhelmingly outperformed  First Growth Bordeaux  and Burgundy in a blind tasting. The event, now dubbed “ The Judgement of Paris ,” turned the world’s attention to the quality and potential in this unknown area in Northern California. 

Built in the 1800s, the winery was originally an aristocratic home, passed through several families before Beringer  (now Treasury Wine Estates ) constructed a 28,000 ft cave into the rocky mountainside. They also planted strolling gardens to surround the historic Manor House that currently serves as the tasting room.

Stag’s Leap remains the epitome of quality  California Cabernet Sauvignon , made from estate fruit in state-of-the-art facilities. You can book a tasting and tour through the gardens at the secluded yet accessible estate off Silverado Trail.

• Stag’s Leap Winery |  Address:  6150 Silverado Trail Napa, CA

The Opus One winery is owned by the Mondavi family and makes wines that are coveted by wine collectors worldwide.  Photo Credit

Opus One is among the most coveted wines globally and in the cellar of any serious wine collector. Owned by the Mondavi family (and just across the street from the flagship winery), the project is a brainchild of current-generation Carlo Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild’s family—the family behind one of the five Bordeaux Châteaux to be awarded First Growth status.

The estate vineyards surround the modern tasting room sprawls with top-tier real estate right off Highway 29.

Every vintage of their rare Cabernet flies off to allocations (pre-arranged agreements to sell the wine to specific collectors or restaurants), but you can taste it by the glass with an appointment. Despite the prestige, the staff is relatively warm and welcoming. You’ll have space to savor your $60 tasting.

• Opus One |  Address:  7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562

The To-Kalon vineyard in Oakville is Robert Mondavi’s flagship, and arguably the most famous vineyard in Napa!  Photo Credit

ROBERT MONDAVI

Robert Mondavi is the modern-day father of Napa Valley and the man who traveled the world to champion its quality. During a time where post-prohibition tastes often favored sweet wines, he focused on planting Cabernet vines with superior quality. 

His To-Kalon vineyard in Oakville is arguably the most famous vineyard in all of Napa. Now led by female winemaker  Geneviève Janssens , the wines continue to be a standard-bearer for Napa greatness.

The sunny ranch-style estate wraps around a courtyard with hidden views of Oakville vineyards. They offer tastings in a range of styles, from Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon to oaked Sauvignon Blanc. You can book a tasting, a tour, or a dining experience. The winery even offers concerts, pending seasonality and pandemics. 

• Robert Mondavi |  Address:  7801 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA

EVEN MORE AWESOME WINERIES IN NAPA VALLEY

I’ve either been to or tasted the wines from all of these wineries. It’s a perfect mix of history, innovation, and great wine! 

• Storybook Mountain Vineyards
• Vineyard 29
• Robert Craig
• Louis M. Martini
• Joseph Phelps
• Grgich Hills Estate
• Clos du Val
• Beaulieu Vineyards
• Chateau Montelena

If you  still  can’t decide on which Napa wineries to visit, head over to  this complete directory  or take a look at  this map of all of the Napa wineries . You can also download the  Winery Finder app  and browse wineries in Napa by the best deals and what’s nearby!

WHERE TO STAY IN NAPA VALLEY

Napa Valley is actually a region that includes  several small towns , all of which typically have a little walkable area and are close to wineries. So before you pick a place to book, think about which part of Napa Valley you want to base yourself in:  Napa, Yountville, Calistoga,  or  St. Helena.

Keep in mind that it takes anywhere from 35-90 minutes from upper Napa Valley to lower Napa Valley depending on traffic, so it’s helpful to think of which wineries you want to visit before you book your hotel to keep your driving time down!

Napa , the largest city, has fabulous boutique hotels and plenty of restaurants – plus, it’s got a scenic river to go kayaking on.  St. Helena  and  Yountville  are charming and walkable towns, with phenomenal world-class restaurants. But you might also consider staying in  Calistoga , which has more of a romantic-getaway vibe and a plethora of spas thanks to its natural geothermal hot springs!

Here are my picks for where to stay in Napa:

• The beautiful  Archer Hotel  in downtown Napa is a great place to base yourself for a romantic weekend getaway, right downtown and within walking distance to wineries and shops. The rooms are  luxurious  (look at that tub!) and the hotel features a swanky rooftop bar that is frequented by locals!
• La Casita  is a charming little Spanish style bungalow located in Napa’s Old Town, walking distance from all of downtown Napa, with a hot tub and a cute backyard patio.
• If you plan on visiting wine country with a group ( hello, bachelorette party? ) this  stunning mid-century modern mansion  in Calistoga is what Napa dreams are made from. Wake up to mountain views, swim in the pool overlooking rolling hills and vineyards, and sip wine on that gorgeous terrace!

THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN NAPA

Where there is a great wine, there is excellent food. I left off the most famous destinations, as it’s notoriously difficult to get a reservation at pricey  French Laundry  or  Meadowood .

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Napa Valley:

• The Pickled Pig  in Calistoga has low-key farm to table bites, and specializes in, you guessed it, pork! Check out their award-winning smoked wings or their Piggy Deluxe Burger with black garlic mayo and homemade dill pickle chips.
• The Model Bakery  which has a location in Napa, St. Helena, and Yountville is an artisanal bakery which specializes in cookies, muffins, and breads. Try their fan favorite the Morning Glory Muffin with apples, carrots, cinnamon, raisins and coconut or their English Muffins, which were one of Oprah’s “Favorite Things” in 2016!
• The Station , which is located in an old gas station, is a great place to stop for organic coffee with grab-and-go bites. They have really good cappuccinos as well as some solid avocado toast, and a really cute outdoor patio to sit out back to enjoy your coffee and snacks!
• Oenotri  is a stylish restaurant in the heart of Napa serving souther-Italian cuisine. They build their rustic dishes from locally-sourced food, so this is a place to get a  super fresh and delicious meal. Try their Chef’s 6 to share with the table, which includes house-made salumi with marinated olives, spiced nuts, pickled onion, and house-made crackers. If pasta is more your thing, try their gigli with pork ragu, tomato, garlic, onion, and parmigiano-reggiano.
• Zuzu  is a Spanish-inspired restaurant and tapas bar in downtown Napa overlooking the Napa River. Try their Akaushi flat-iron steak with roasted jalapeno chimichurri, or the Tunisian brik pastry stuffed with Dungeness crab, organic egg, and green onions.
• Oxbow Public Market  is a 40,000 square foot market that has over 20 local vendors and a riverside deck. Check out El Porteño Empanadas, and try the carne empanada with Grass-fed beef, onions, green olives, raisins, and cage free hard-boiled eggs, or stop by Hog Island Oyster Bar and try some fresh, California-coast local Hog Island Oysters, Manila Clams, and Tomales Bay Mussels!
• Press  is a swanky, modern steak-house with a world-class Napa Valley Wine list, and the perfect place to have a fancy dinner in St. Helena. Check out their  t ruffle-glazed chicken with smoked bacon, salanova lettuce, sauce vin jaune, or their pan-seared scallops with honey tangerine, heart-grilled fennel, habanada broth. Really you can’t go wrong with anything here, and the knowledgeable staff will help you pair your meal with an excellent glass of wine. Most restaurants in Napa will have a great wine list, but if you’re ready to geek out on back vintages,  Press  is an essential visit!

About Our Contributing Writer:  Aubrey Terrazas is a wine writer and Master Sommelier Candidate who lived in San Francisco, Chicago, and Lyon, France. She is a Co-founder and wine buyer at  Palate Club , the online wine club that features a blind tasting experience with wines matched to your taste. Aubrey also runs  Terra Vine , a wine marketing agency between the USA and Europe. Top of Form

Making the commitment to third party certification takes time and effort, but it is worth it to demonstrate our commitment to the community and to protect our watershed, our land and the air we breathe.​ - Susan Boswell, Chateau Boswell Winery

As we wrap up an amazing Earth Month, we want to thank you all for the support & for coming to see us at our events! Let’s keep the momentum going and remember that Earth Day is Every Day! 🌎

Hear from @marisataylorwines about the importance of water efficiency & savings and what we can all do to conserve this precious resource.

Join us for a not to be missed dinner experience at @opusonewinery while supporting philanthropic efforts on behalf of climate action. An intimate group of 20 guests will be in attendance on the rotunda overlooking the estate vineyards. Chef Sarah Heller will prepare a four-course, locally-sourced dinner paired with Champagne Barons de Rothschild, Opalie de Château Coutet, and three vintages of Opus One wines. You will have the chance to share transformative conversations and form deep connections with industry leaders and change makers. Please find full invitation details at the link in our profile.

Happy Earth Day Napa Valley! It’s an incredible joy to work with you all and see the forward progress being made all over this gorgeous place we call home. Thank you for caring, thank you for stepping up and thank you for making a difference!! 🌎💚

Thanks to everyone who came out to @earthdaynapa and visited us at the @napagreen wine booth! Cheers to @amici_cellars @cakebreadcellars @domainecarneros @handwrittenwines @robertmondavi and @whiterockvineyards for donating the certified sustainable wines to raise money for the Environmental Education Coalition of Napa County and helping make it a great event!

We’re pouring some stellar Napa Green wines tomorrow at @earthdaynapa to include: @cakebreadcellars, @domainecarneros, @whiterockvineyards, @handwrittenwines, @amici_cellars & @robertmondavi! Come by the booth! 🍷🌎

What you can do in the vineyard & what you can do at home! 🌼🦋 #happyearthday #earthmonth #sustainability #biodiversity #pollinators #herbicidefree #napa #napavalley #cheers

Come on by to @cliffamily! 💚🍴

Come get involved this Earth Month! 🌎🌱 🌷 Earth Day Napa - Saturday, April 20th 11am -4pm at Oxbow Commons 🌷All Things Bottle Sustainability Workshop - Friday, April 26th at @pineridgewine from 9am -12:30pm. Registration is $20 🌷 All Things Bottle Sustainability Dinner! Friday, April 26th at @neotempowines with Karen MacNeil & Chef Dave Cruz! Message us directly or head to the link in our bio for info!

Exciting news from @amici_cellars! In celebration of Earth Month, from now through May 11, use code NAPAGREEN for 10% off your wine purchase. Even better? We’ll donate 20% of each sale to @napagreen and their sustainable initiatives. We are proud to be Napa Green-certified, joining their mission for environmental stewardship. Stay tuned this week to learn more about our certification and about how Napa Green is pioneering a greener future in our valley. - - - #amicicellars #NapaGreen #Sustainability #WineLovers #napawine #makeyourdollarscount #deliciouswine #cabernet #winecollector

Economic benefits & ROI of workshops: In a time of changing consumer trends, we want you think of us as extended members of your team. We are here to help share information of ways to not only increase your sustainability but also share with you how these things bring with them ROI, decrease in cost, consumer approval & many other economic benefits. Join us at our All Things Bottle Sustainability Workshop to hear from our panel of experts. Registration is $20 and the link can be found in our profile. Cheers!

📣 Don’t miss these events! April 26th - All Things Bottle Sustainability, Pine Ridge Vineyards, 9:00am. May 23rd - The Future of Water Workshop, 9:00am. On April 26 we have 12+ speakers covering all aspects of climate smart glass and packaging. Digging in on the truly most sustainable recyclable/compostable/reusable options, with some product show and tell. On May 23 we have keynotes from two incredible speakers and internationally renowned experts: Peter Gleick, co-founder of the Pacific Institute and author of The Three Ages of Water, and Mimi Casteel, vineyard manager at Hope Well Wine and forest ecologist. Register now!

Join us for a dinner that brilliantly combines luxury and sustainability with Vintner Kia Behnia, acclaimed Chef Dave Cruz and The Wine Bible Author, Karen MacNeil! This event will help Napa Green raise much needed funding to keep our non profit thriving. For more info head to the link in our bio or email [email protected]!

Looking for great sustainable wineries to visit? Check out the great post from @visitnapavalley featuring Napa Green Certified Wineries @grgichhills @bennettlanewinery @cakebreadcellars @cliffamily @josephphelps @stsupery and @tressabores. Cheers to Keeping Napa Valley Forever Green!

We invite you join us at a very special wine dinner with @karenmacneilco, Chef Dave Cruz and @neotempowines to raise funds for climate action in the wine industry. For further details please go to the link in our profile or email [email protected]. We hope to see you there. Cheers!

This #earthmonth we are partnering with the Napa Valley Vintners all month long on #30ways30days! To kick off the month we are highlighting our 6 Pillars of Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership that encompass a whole systems approach to #sustainability in the wine industry. These pillars are the foundational, driving forces for our work with our Napa Green Certified members who are leading the way in regenerative practices and sustainability. Join in by posting about one of the pillars, then tag @napagreen and @napavintners and use #30Ways30Days along with the hashtags pictured here. Stay with us all month long to learn more about Napa Green and all of the great work being done here in Napa Valley!

Brown Estate

Review Highlights

“ However, once you get inside the winery, you'll be welcome like a long lost family member by the Brown Family ! ” in 5 reviews

“ Joined the club by purchasing four wonderful Zinfandel wines and our tasting fees were waived. ” in 7 reviews

“ We experienced an absolutely beautiful afternoon with David Brown and his wonderful warm and welcoming staff ! ” in 2 reviews

Location & Hours

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1005 Coombs St

Napa, CA 94559

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Overall rating

I loved it here! We got there a few minutes after our reservation because we got a little lost trying to find the entrance. They could use a bigger more obvious sign on the door but it's all good. Immediately, my friend and I were greeted with smiles and shown to our seats at the bar. I wish I could remember the name of our sommelier but I'm currently at a loss. He was fantastic and took his time to explain the wines featured on our tasting flights. He even customized mine a bit because I preferred a sparking rosè and he obliged. My favorite of the wines I tried was the Betelgeuse Rosè. It was everything Rosè should be. The charcuterie was yummy and perfectly complimented everything we tasted. The My friend bought a couple bottles to take home. The ambience was gorgeous! The people were all happy and the sun was shining through the windows. I loved everything about the decor and finishes in the tasting room. Such a lovely space! It was time and money well spent. The best wine I tasted while in Napa and I had a lot! I'll definitely be back again.

Wine and charcuterie

This tasting room is an absolute must! They specialize in Zinfandels but honestly all the wines were perfection. The ambiance at Brown Estate is absolutely a vibe. From decor to music selection you feel like you're experiencing fine wine tasting in the comfort of your favorite lounge. The service is absolutely 5 star! My personal favorite is the rosemary zinfandel! We bought 2 bottles, one for pleasure and one to bring to the next family holiday!

Unmatched!!! From the decor ... the crystal tasting glass ... the quality of the take away packaging ... the perfect charcuterie board ... the top notch service to the smooth and bold taste in the wine variety ... my tasting experience at Brown Estate was superb I cannot wait to return ... If nothing above moves you ... take a trip to restroom ... the wall paper will change your energy forever!!! There is a free public parking lot on 3rd Street about a 3 min walk away. Enjoy!

Came and did a tasting for my birthday! It was such an amazing experience. My boyfriend isn't big on wine, but he loved it too! The employee who lead our tasting was so knowledgeable and had answers for all of our questions. We will definitely be back!

Well worth the trip to Napa to experience the oldest Black vineyard in the region. The wine was excellent and the staff is amazing! The bathroom wallpaper was just as interesting as the decor in the main room.

See all photos from Jasper L. H. for Brown Estate

One of my favorite places to visit any time I go to the wine country. I love the general ambiance of this place, and their staff is always amazing. They're pretty well known for their Zin's, I highly recommend the Zin tasting with a cheese plate. 10/10 recommend this place to anyone looking to experience quality wine tasting!

What a treat!!! Drove up here while in San Francisco. It was definitely worth the trip. The place is stunning. The people so friendly. We did a tasting as well as a cheese plate. I enjoyed everything on the plate! We were a bit turned around as far as where to enter but we figured it out.

See all photos from Lavinna K. for Brown Estate

I visited their tasting room for my birthday. The wine tasting experience was amazing, our server was VERY knowledgeable. I love that this winery is black owned. We tasted the rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, merlot, and a special red blend. I typically favor rosés but their Sauvignon Blanc was delicious, I definitely had to buy a bottle. They also offer a tasting that consists of all reds. I plan to go back so I will try the reds next time. The atmosphere was definitely a vibe with a very modern/chic look, and nice music playing in the background. The only "con" so to speak is that their vineyard is closed to the public. I was sad to hear that, I really would've loved to visit their vineyard. The tasting room is amazing though and definitely worth a visit.

Never have I felt so at home and understood than I have at Brown. Everything from the ambiance to the bathroom wallpaper this place has depth and culture! Oh and yes the wine is also very VERY good lol. My second time here and the experience only gets better every time. Will continue to be a loyal customer!

Drink up folks

What a delightful wake-up call to Brown Winery! We had a ten o'clock am tasting which included our choice of two tasting menus. We opted for the reds as this vineyard boasts historic Zinfandel orchards. The sommelier was knowledgeable in the history of the fields, grapes and wines available at this Black-owned family winery. Cheese boards are available to complement the tasting for $20. A must do in Napa!

See all photos from Therese G. for Brown Estate

5 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Miner Family Winery

12.2 miles away from Brown Estate

Jan W. said "This is a very friendly winery to visit. Tucked away on the Silverado Trail, they welcome you into their tasting room with open arms, that has a porch with a view. I love porches. Try the Oracle, if you go ... very nice red blend." read more

Imagery Estate Winery

12.5 miles away from Brown Estate

Kirstie N. said "My husband and I stopped here before our Benziger appointment because we had heard they were the sister winery to Benziger. We took some time walking through their outside area where they talk about the different grape varietals…" read more

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A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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Napa Valley’s Famous Wineries Revolt Against Eco-Activist Bureaucrats

Meanwhile, there is a secretive FBI probe targeting Napa Valley vineyard owners, while eco- extremist taunts vintner with property burning.

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There are signs that California is slowly waking up from its zombie-like stupor of mindlessly voting in Democrats.

For example, in deep blue San Francisco, voters are going right due to rampant crime in the area.

Now, Napa Valley’s famous wineries are revolting against eco-activist bureaucrats who are strangling their vineyards with climate cultism and red tape.

The wineries have one advantage over many people who are also being hurt by pseudoscience-spewing ninnies: They are rich enough to la unch a lawfare campaign .

Wealthy vintners say they are being ‘crushed’ by ‘gross regulatory overreach’, which has included penalizing wineries for planting trees, making jam and conducting wine tastings on their own land. One vineyard was even fined $1million for making too much wine. There are fears that officials are cowing to ‘eco-mob extremists’, who view unfettered growth as a threat to their rural idyll. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1567704208086-0'); }); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-hre-Legal-Insurrection-2601"); }); But the grape growers behind Napa’s multibillion dollar industry are now fighting back, with a raft of lawsuits now pending against the county.

One example of the legal cases being brought against excessive regulatory overreach that is stopping him from developing an experimental hillside vineyard, which is due to be heard in November.

What the county officials assert and the realities on the ground appear to be 2 different things .

The case began in 2022 when Hundred Acre Jayson Woodbridge filed a lawsuit in Napa County Superior Court against Napa County alleging governmental overreach and deprivation of property rights. One issue was the removal of burned trees and stumps from the destructive 2020 Glass Fire which “utterly” destroyed 80 acres of Woodbridge’s 113 acres and the development of a dry-farmed vineyard, according to the complaint. A county official estimated 5 to 7 acres of steep land had been cleared and staked in 2022 for the vineyard, according to a court filing. The official also reported that earth moving activities had taken place within required setbacks of ephemeral streams, according to the declaration. The site at 2355 Pickett Road was red tagged in June 2022, according to court records. Napa County officials said erosion control plans are required for vineyard developments on slopes more than 5 percent and other permits are needed for development on slopes more than 30 percent or within stream setbacks, according to court filings. In its lawsuit, however, Hundred Acre alleged Napa County would force him to replant the site with the same “high-fire-risk” trees that fueled wildfires in 2017 and 2020 instead of the dry-farmed vineyard. Hundred Acre said there was no “earthmoving activity,” no living vegetation clearing, or soil grading, compaction or excavation; no permits were required, according to court filings. .

Fun fact: Jayson Woodbridge’s Hundred Acre Vineyard has produced 100-point-scoring wines over the past two decades.

Interestingly, the FBI recently subpoenaed Napa County, requesting records relating to as many as 40 high-profile vintners and their wineries. The agency also demanded the county’s Farm Bureau, a fierce champion of the local wine industry, hand over documents to the US Department of Justice.

It appears that a war between the wineries and the eco-extremists in government is heating up, and the FBI has set its sights on Woodbridge and other big names in the wine industry.

…The inventory of luminaries rolls on: Robin Baggett, a former general counsel for the Golden State Warriors, and his Alpha Omega Winery. Dave Phinney, whose “Prisoner” label changed the industry. Grant Long Jr. and his wineries Aonair and Reverie II. Jayson Woodbridge and Hundred Acre. Darioush Khaledi and his namesake winery. And on it goes — 40 people and businesses in total, including Napa’s exclusive Meritage Resort and Spa. The subpoena seeking records on the wineries and their owners, dated Dec. 14, 2023, is filed under the name of Patrick Robbins, first assistant U.S. attorney for the Northern District of California. It also references an FBI agent, Katherine Ferrato, who has experience working on complex financial crimes. …Baggett, of Alpha Omega, said his operations had “nothing pending” before the county and therefore “zero” documents that would have been turned over. He said it has been “a big waste of time daily explaining that we have done nothing wrong.” Baggett dismissed the probe as a “fishing expedition” or worse, adding: “I hope it’s not a political witch hunt.” Like several people interviewed, Baggett speculated that one person of interest could be Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza, who has generated ire among local environmental activists because he is perceived as pro-agriculture, which in Napa Valley almost always means pro-winery.

I wish the wineries much luck, as they are struggling against the cultists.

David DiCesaris spent several years and $2 million clearing a stringent environmental check, known as an erosion control plan (ECP), for their project to clear about 30 acres to build a new vineyard. The plan had initially been approved but was then denied after an appeal from the Center for Biological Diversity.

The UK Daily Mail interviewed one of the vintners, who said one of the green justice warriors wanted his property to burn .

David DiCesaris told DailyMail.com that he had been caught in the midst of a ‘political firestorm’ and that the decision marked a ‘turning of the tide’ against Napa wineries. He claimed he had been ‘personally attacked’ over the project, with threatening notes slipped under his doorstep telling him, in no uncertain terms, that he and his vineyard were not welcome. When he tried to explain the fire mitigation benefits of his proposed winery, he says a neighbor told him: ‘I would rather see your property burn than see a vineyard on it.’ Some eco-extremists even drove around his property on a dirt bike, churning up his turf, he alleged. ‘It was all kinds of nasty stuff,’ he said. ‘All I wanted to do was put a vineyard on agricultural land.

The threat being made is very troubling , given how many wildfires are started by arsonists.

The California wine industry is justifiably famous. In honor of this, I would like to share this video of one of my favorite movies with the wonderful Alan Rickman: Bottle Shock. It tells the story of the 1976 competition of California wines against the French before Napa Valley became famous.

Who knew the “good old days” would be so recent?

Donations tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

“Napa Vappy”??

Fixed. Thank you.

Wine flavored vape cartridge? You might be on to something here.

Qualified Immunity needs to be more easily pierced.

This article named two government people but none of the government “eco terrorists” working for the government.

I have family that are Law Enforcement Officers. So this isn’t hatred for ALL of them. But making up stuff, costing someone pain and financial pain and then saying oopsie or having taxpayers pick up the tab is not enough.

Gavin Newsom and The French Laundry need to file an amicus brief.

All of these winemakers should not sell anything to the French Laundry

The Left destroys everything it touches…even top shelf wineries, and for no good reason (altho the Left will always have a lot of reasons they define as good in their tortured brains). 2 million for some stupid study for 30 acres of land? Asinine beyond the pale. Cui bono?…someone does.

That portion of California needs to secede as lawless regulation will only further amp up.

Right to farm laws often protect farmers from a lot of the bullshit. For example, they allowed me to blow off most restrictions related to wetlands, which I dredged and made ponds for both fish and irrigation water. I processed muck, peat and marrow into top soil as part of a nursery for conifer’s. I did not have to put with erosion control by the state. Now the property is highly desirable for development.

And here come the FBI? The Gestapo. The national police force America never had, or wanted, or contemplated in our constitution? Time to disarm the FBI and return it to its role as a forensics consultant to lawful local law enforcement.

That was my first thought as well when I read the FBI was involved. WTF are they doing there? What national/constitutional interest is involved?

The mission of the FBI is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. – FBI Mission Statement 2023

I can find nothing in the FBI mission and priorities page that is remotely related to the issues described in this article. https://www.fbi.gov/about/mission

Grow the wine in Texas

Nice neighbor you got there

Be a shame if something happened to HIS property one day…

I live about 15 mins from Meritage. 35 minutes on Saturdays. Unfortunately, I am not seeing any sign that Californians are waking up from their stupor. There needs to be so much more shared pain before I expect to see any positive changes. I would like to move but deep family roots keep us here. Someday, maybe. Until then I just keep my politics to myself and pray I am not robbed at the ATM and my car windows are not broken when I come out of grocery store.

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