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8 Incredibly Cool Wine Caves to Tour in Napa Valley

Wine country’s best caves include some pulled straight out of Game of Thrones and others set like a sci-fi novel

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Wine likes a dark, cool, and quiet space to chill out while it makes its transformation to greatness. Fortunately, if you dig deep enough into the earth, the environment gets moist with a steady cool temperature right around 60 degrees — no air conditioning or heating needed. An underground cave makes a pretty smart place to make and store your wine while it ages in a barrel.

But what a difference some imagination, an interior designer, and an ample construction budget can make. Some Napa Valley wineries have caves that feature thrilling histories, jaw-dropping natural features, and stellar wines. If you’re looking for a luxurious and cozy place to enjoy a glass of wine, look no further.

Hourglass Winery

If the wine cave at Hourglass feels like a den for Denaerys you wouldn’t be far off: they’ve hosted Game of Thrones -themed charity wine dinners there since show writer Bryan Cogman is a big fan of the winery’s boldly balanced Cabs. Aside from the antler throne chair, the Tord Boontje crystal sculpture, and the big blue marble table, the cave owes its extra dramatic vibe to stage lighting designed by owner Jeff Smith, a rock guitarist in a previous life. Architect Olle Lundberg’s round cave door rimmed with green bottle glass makes a great selfie spot. 

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Davis Estates

The posh porch tasting paired with food at Davis Estates is only exceeded by the cave tasting experience reserved for Founders’ Club members. Besides receiving allocations of rare Phase V wines made by Philippe Melka, Founders’ Club members can scan their hands for admittance to the Cellarium, a glass tasting space with a stunning monkey pod wood table and a waterfall chandelier made of fine metal chains. The club is fully committed right now, but lucky visitors usually can get a peek. 

Schramsberg Vineyards

When Jack and Jamie Davies founded their French-inspired sparkling wine house in 1965, they also inherited some of the oldest wine caves in the region. The sparkling wine house boasts 35,000 square feet of caves, including 12,000 square feet hand dug by Chinese laborers in 1862. As you’re touring and learning the painstaking process of making fine sparkling wines, you might notice what looks like cobwebs around the caves; but it’s actually lichen. 

Brasswood Cellars

If you like peeking at lots of different styles of luxury French wine barrels, you’ve come to the right place. As a custom crush winery, Brasswood’s 14,000 square feet of caves are aging barrels from brands including Moone Tsai, Bevan, and Dalecio. The cave tasting room is also where the winery stores ita library of all the wines made since Brasswood’s first vintage in 2013. You’ll sit down at a massive live-edge table and sip a vertical of four Cabernet Sauvignons paired with cheeses including Beemster, Midnight Moon, and P’tit Basque.

Just in time for the 2022 harvest, Inglenook unveiled 22,000 feet of state-of-the-art wine caves filled with gleaming stainless steel tanks. Word has it, Inglenook’s proprietor director Francis Ford Coppola lit up like a kid on Christmas morning as he drove the Komatsu excavator that punched through a wall to join the new cave with the old ones dating back to 1872. Get cozy with a Salon Tasting Flight hosted entirely in the cave, and be sure to order a side of the chef’s mushroom pate, which pairs perfectly with older reds. 

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Pine Ridge’s Cellar 47 cave tasting room was once reserved for wine club members, but the winery recently opened the Stags Leap District cave to the public. New features in the 37,000 square feet of caves include better ventilation and lighting, and plush leather and velvet seating chosen by interior designer Kristin Martin. The business won’t name names, but the Pine Ridge caves were visited recently by both NBA and NFL members who love a good glass of red wine. 

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Jarvis Estate Winery

William and Leticia Jarvis were ahead of the curve when they built their Atlas Mountain estate winery entirely underground back in the 1980s. Winery President Will Jarvis says his parents hired the same machines that dug the Chunnel, the undersea tunnel connecting England and France, to create their caves, which feature parabolic arches that evoke an underground cathedral. Besides the exquisite long-aged Cabs and Burgundian Chardonnay, the coolest feature at Jarvis may be the waterfall and creek that keep the caves feeling fresh.

Palmaz Vineyards

The story goes that Amalia and Julio Palmaz wanted a gravity-flow winery, so their red wines stayed silky smooth, but they couldn’t get a permit to build a winery of the needed height. So instead they bored deep into Mount George to create a massive system of high-tech caves that feel like something out of a sci-fi novel, or perhaps a Bond film. Coming back to the tasting room on the surface, you’ll be transported by the supple wines paired with eclectic savory and sweet bites. 

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9 Underground Wine Caves Open for Tastings in Napa + Sonoma

In wine country, a cave is more than a cave: it's a magical place where wine quietly chills out to age gracefully..

Despite the ubiquity of world-class wine producers in Napa and Sonoma, wine caves—especially those that can be visited by the tasting public—are relatively few and far between. Head underground for a unique look at behind-the-scenes wine production and a taste from a classically aged barrel at these wineries (one of them even has a waterfall!).

Pine Ridge Vineyards

The centerpiece of Pine Ridge Vineyards' network of hillside caves is Cellar 47, an elegant tasting venue decorated with soft lighting and inviting furnishings. In their 90-minute experience, wine educators take guests underground for a tasting of five estate cabernet sauvignons—including the Pine Ridge Vineyards flagship wine, Fortis—in one of Napa Valley's best cave tours ($95/person or $76/members, reservations required). // 5901 Silverado Trail (Napa), pineridgevineyards.com

Schramsberg Vineyards

If you're considering popping the question to your S.O., a candlelit sparkling wine tasting in the historic, 125-year-old caves at Schramsberg, in the rolling hills above Calistoga, would be a golden opportunity. Here you'll learn the winery's Old World ways of producing bubbly in the methode champenoise, and may even be invited to try your hand at riddling the aging bottles. Tours are limited to just four guests, guaranteeing that each tasting is a perfectly intimate experience—go for the all sparkling experience ($60/person) or team three sparklers with three red wines from Davies Vineyards wines ($70/person). Don't miss out on the lesser known, toastier (and more expensive) J. Schram sparklers. Reservations are a must. // 1400 Schramsberg Rd. (Calistoga), schramsberg.com

Jarvis Estate

If there were an award for most spectacular wine cave, Jarvis Estate would be hard to beat. The 45,000 square foot cave, dug in a curved parabola shape, is accented with cast bronze doors and wall sconces, arched alcoves, and fiber optic chandeliers. In the center, a natural underground water source has been harnessed into a cascading waterfall and stream. Following a tour of the underground operation, guests are seated in the tasting chamber to sample six of Jarvis' estate and reserve wines. Reservations ($150/person and $175/person for groups of 12+) are required. // 2970 Monticello Rd (Napa), jarviswines.com

Vine Cliff Winery

Vine Cliff has more than one tasting room in Napa County, but it's only at their historic estate on Silverado Trail where you'll get to travel underground to taste wines like the 2018 Oakville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a combination of plum and vanilla with scents of black cherry, licorice, violets, and crushed lavender. In Vine Cliff's 90-minute Legacy Estate Wasting Experience, guests tour the 100-acre property where winemaking began in the 1870 and the 15,000 square foot wine caves before tasting what's on offer along with a pairing of artisan cheeses ($85/person, reservations required). // 7400 Silverado Trail (Napa), vinecliff.com

Thomas George Estates

A little over a decade ago, Russian River Valley wine pioneer Davis Bynum converted a hop kiln from the 1920s into a state-of-the-art wine making facility. In 2010, an 8,000 square foot wine cave was added as a barrel-aging and tasting/event space. In their luxurious Single Vineyard Tasting, guests get a taste of six wines such as the savory and classic 2016 Pinot Noir Baker Ridge Estate. The experience ends at the tasting table for an intimate underground pizza pairing ($60/person, reservations required. // 8075 Westside Rd (Healdsburg), thomasgeorgeestates.com

Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Gundlach Bundschu was making wine for a century before they added their French-inspired wine caves in the 1990s. Guests may choose between the Vineyard & Cave walking tour ($75/person) or the Pinzgauer excursion ($105/person) in a cool Swiss Army transport vehicle that will take you through the historic vineyards. You'll sample five to seven estate wines on the Rhinefarm Experience, including the Vintage Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon along with seasonal snacks ($50/person). If the process of winemaking interests you as much as its taste, opt for the walking tour that runs 11am to 2pm daily ($65/person, plus 18 percent gratuity). // Reservations are required; 2000 Denmark St (Sonoma), gunbun.com

Enter the 7,000 square foot cave beneath Bella's historic Lily Hill vineyards for a tasting of wines like the crisp and refreshing 2020 Ru's Farm Sauvignon Blanc Growler, Fridays through Sundays ($30/person). Go a little more in depth with a private lawn tasting ($30), which guides guests through both the vineyards and caves and offers tastings among the aging barrels. // 9711 W Dry Creek Rd (Healdsburg), bellawinery.com

Benziger Family Winery

Benziger is a two-time winner of Wine Enthusiast 's people's choice award for the best winery tour—and the people were not wrong. In the Tribute Estate Tour and Tasting ($75/person), guests get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the estate's biodynamically farmed vineyards, winery and wine caves. The tour ends with a seated tasting of wines in a semi-private underground room. Walk-ins are welcome in the tasting room (10am to 5pm Monday through Thursday) and dogs can join too (just make sure to bring a leash) // 1883 London Ranch Rd (Glen Ellen), benziger.com

Del Dotto Winery

Del Dotto has not one but three wine caves where you can experience the family's wide range of vintages grown in regions including Rutherford, Oakville, St. Helena, Howell Mountain, and Fort Ross-Seaview on the Sonoma Coast. The newest of the three locations is Piazza Del Dotto in Napa, which sits on eight-and-a-half acres of cabernet sauvignon vines as well as vegetable gardens and the opportunity to spot turkeys, peacocks, pheasants and doves. The Piazza is your exclusive chance to team Del Dotto's signature Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting ($120/person with reservation) with a pairing of foodie delicacies ($225/person, Thursday through Saturday). Meanwhile at the St. Helena estate, which opened in 2007, the caves are far more opulent with chandeliers that would be at home in a Medieval castle. History buffs, though, may prefer to visit Del Dotto's historic property dating back to 1885 on Napa's Atlas Peak Road. Restored in the 1990s to house red wines for aging, this cave is celebrating its post-pandemic reopening on August 5th for members and on August 12th to the public. // 1055 Atlas Peak Rd (Napa), 1445 St. Helena Hwy (St. Helena), and 7466 St. Helena Hwy (Napa); deldottovineyards.com

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Napa Valley Cave Tour and Tasting

Take in our breathtaking views of the Napa Valley and be greeted by your wine educator with a splash of white wine as you walk through our scenic gardens down into our winemaking caves. From there, your host will guide you through our caves and educate you on how our team crafts our wines from grape to glass while you are surrounded by the very barrels we use to craft them. Learn about our winemaking techniques and hear stories about the history of the Rombauer Family and its wines. After the cave tour walk, sit down for a portfolio tasting of our beloved flagship wines, exclusive small-production wines, and single vineyard gems. Finish with a personal grazing board pairing.

$125 per person; Club members receive 15% savings on this experience. This tour includes several stairs. Please inform us of mobility requests after booking so we may accommodate.

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10 am.

Please let us know any dietary restrictions at least 48 hours in advance so we may accommodate. We also kindly ask that you cancel 48hrs in advance if your plans change.

Rombauer Napa Valley

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16 Years at Del Dotto Venetian Estate

We’re celebrating a decade of memories at our Venetian Estate Winery & Caves! Taste and see why this property is one of Napa Valley’s most beautiful wineries. Our cave tours and barrel tastings are offered daily.

Delicacies by Del Dotto

At Piazza Del Dotto, we believe wine and food should be experienced together, so we have paired our wines alongside the finest ingredients from our gardens and world-renowned purveyors. Come and taste the best of Napa Valley.

-WEATHER NOTICE-  

We are currently watching weather for the following states:  AZ, FL, KS, LA, OK and TX.  We recommend upgrading to 2 nd day Air or Next Day Air.  If you do not wish to upgrade and select ground, we will schedule your shipment and send you an email letting you know if we are shipping now or have held your wine in our temperature controlled warehouse until the Fall .  Please feel free to add a note to your order if you prefer to have your wine held for cooler weather.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service at 707-963-2134.  Thank you!  Click here for more Shipping Information .

-WINERY HOURS-

SAME DAY RESERVATION REQUESTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE. Plesae call us for availability at 707-963-2134.

We are open for barrel tasting at our Piazza Del Dotto & Del Dotto Estate wineries by appointment. Reservations are limited. Please click on the full winery hours link for the schedule and links to book reservations for future dates. Full winery hours.

Currently accepting reservations at the Del Dotto Estate and Piazza Del Dotto wineries.

**Please note our site does not support Internet Explorer.  Please login to your account before placing order to receive any available promotions.  Thank you.

You could save up to 20% by joining our Wine Club >>

Tasting Room Update

Experience napa valley wine tasting & tours.

Located in the heart of the iconic Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards offers intimate cave tastings and stunning views. Discover the elegance and diversity of our highly acclaimed estate wines, sourced from 160 acres of vineyards in Napa Valley’s most renowned growing regions.

Pine Ridge Vineyards will have modified hours on April 17th. We will be open from 12:15pm-4:00pm.

Learn More Please read more about our safety requirements and our promise to you.-->

Estate Tasting

60 minute experience | Reservations Required $60 per person

Join us in our tasting room for a seated tasting led by one of our educated hosts. Discover current releases and limited production wines and take a self-guided tour through our Exploration Vineyard, a small vineyard block that represents all the varieties planted across our estate vineyards. Come see why our winery was named one of the 75 Best Wineries to Visit in California by Food & Wine Magazine .

Wine Club Estate Tasting at Hillside Lounge

Wine Club Member Exclusive 60-minute experience | Reservations Required Complimentary for Club Members

As a loyal club member, enjoy our newly designed special lounge carved into our hillside and tucked inside the entrance of our caves. Be welcomed with a thoughtfully prepared flight that includes access to club allocated wines.

Cellar 47 Cave Tour & Tasting

90 minute experience | Reservations Required $125 per person | $100 Club Members Please note, we are unable to accommodate guests under 21, and pets in our caves.

Journey into the heart of our wine caves to our Cellar 47 lounge for a one-of-a-kind experience led by one of our educated hosts. The experience begins with a guided tour of our European-inspired cave system followed by a tasting of our highly limited estate cabernets.

Morning Hike and Tasting at the Ridge

Saturday May 18, 25 | Saturday June 1, 15, 22, 29 | Saturday July 6, 13, 27 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM $150 per person | $120 per club member (limit 2 per membership) Availability 16 guests Restrictions No pets, infants, or guests under 21

As featured in San Francisco Chronicle list of “10 wine tastings in Napa and Sonoma with ‘wellness’ activities like hiking, biking and yoga”.

Your host will talk about how our sustainable farming techniques build to deliver supremely high-quality grapes. As they lead you through the vineyard, you’ll learn about our diverse ecosystems, why our Stags Leap District locations matter, and why our vineyards are so distinct. Taste our Stags Leap District wines alongside wines from our other appellations and revel in the variation at play.

Note: This is a moderate hike, and the inclines of our terraced hillside can be moderately challenging; appropriate footwear is necessary. No open toed shoes.

Explorer’s Tasting: A Vineyard to Cave Experience

2-Hour experience | Reservations Required $150 per person | $120 Club Members

Experience an immersive tour and tasting that showcases our craft that begins in the vineyard and ends with a seated tasting in our wine caves. A seasoned wine guide will walk you through our iconic vineyard archway and offer an overview of our estate and the Stags Leap District. After enjoying stunning views, you will explore our vast wine cave system to witness our daily winemaking activities followed by a seated tasting of our most exclusive bottlings.

Garden Seating, Bottle Service

90 minute experience | Reservations Recommended | Weather Permitting

Guests looking to enjoy a bottle service experience on our estate can reserve their own seating area. Sip our highly acclaimed wines with expansive views of our terraced estate vineyards and its iconic ridgeline. Please note: no outside beverages are permitted, and no host provided. Outside food is allowed.

• When booking, please include all members of your party so ample seating is provided.
• Seating area is yours to enjoy for 90 minutes
• Two bottle minimum purchase upon arrival. We will supply the glasses if you’d like to enjoy your wines onsite, or you can take home and enjoy!
• Please note we do not allow outside beverages in the garden area.
• This is a no host experience.
• In case of inclement weather, reservation will require rescheduling or cancellation.

Virtual Tasting

Pine Ridge’s virtual tasting experience is the perfect way to connect from the comfort of your own home.

Wine Club Express Pickup

Reservations Recommended

Wine Club Members – Don’t have time to taste but would like to pickup your club shipment? Let us know you’re coming by and we will have your wine ready for a quick pick up in our tasting room. Please check in with the concierge upon your arrival.

Tasting Room Hours & Location

PINE RIDGE VINEYARDS

5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, California 94558

800.575.9777

TASTING ROOM HOURS

10:00 am until 4:00 pm Daily April 17th: 12:15pm until 4:00pm

WE ARE CLOSED ON THESE HOLIDAYS

New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day

Tasting Room

• Adhere to the most current governmental requirements required of our employees and our business
• Make hand sanitizer available to guests
• Practice routine cleaning protocols of public spaces throughout the day

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Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves

Review Highlights

“ Came for a bar tasting, got a peek at the caves, and promptly came back for the cave tour with barrel tasting! ” in 86 reviews

“ The barrel tasting was delicious and we tasted several wines, probably 6-8 after already sampling a Rosé upon signing in. ” in 40 reviews

“ . The wine was the same, but one was in a barrel made of American Oak and the other in one made of French Oa k ” in 13 reviews

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Location & Hours

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1055 Atlas Peak Rd

Napa, CA 94558

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Can I make reservations for the St. Helena Estate Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting? On their 'visit-us' page it says temporarily closed but when I make reservations, it comes up as a choice.

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Overall rating

612 reviews

Exclusive, ambient, personal, and overall excellent experience!!! Of all the vineyards we've been to, this has now taken the top spot! Such a private and intimate setting, amazing guides/hosts, and the wine- oh sooooo elevated and fine! Our guide Kyle was amazing, super knowledgeable, and there's just something great about being able to taste wine straight from the barrel- raw and exquisite at the same time! Definitely book in advance and enjoy this wonderful experience!!! We will definitely be back and also visit the other locations!

See all photos from Noshin J. for Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves

Del Dotto was wonderful. Wine and cave tours then at the end you get pastrami sandwiches and pizza. The ambiance is dim and romantic in the caves but really lit up in the lobby and main area. The service was great they give you so much history and knowledge while on the tour. It was a fun time.

Our experience

Great place to add to your Napa Wine Tasting Trip. The cave tasting is an amazing experience. It was so cool to walk through the caves and see the barrels full of delicious wine. My favorite is their Cabernet Sauvignon. Absolute perfection. Our group of six was treated very well and we all really enjoyed our time here. I definitely recommend this winery and make sure to book in advance. You won't regret it.

Girls' first trip to Napa to celebrate my 70th birthday. Del Dotto was our first winery and it was the best! We were greeted by friendly staff and given a glass of rose. We were introduced to our host Jeff and the tour began. Jeff was amazing. He was friendly, knowledgeable, patient and fun! The tour through the cave was interesting and we learned quite a bit of history. Who knew there was a difference between French white oak and American white oak? The wines are taken right out of the barrel and they are very good. We enjoyed each glass. At the end of the tour you are treated with homemade sourdough pizzas and panini sandwiches which were delicious. So glad that Del Dotto was our first introduction to Napa wineries and we couldn't have had a better host than Jeff. We are looking forward to visiting again.

Very average experience. The tour was super short. This is just a tasting experience with a short cave tour. There aren't any vineyards here. For the best cave tour we've had, go to Schramsberg. If you want to stick with Del Dotto, I hear that the Piazza location is much better Everyone is very friendly, but for $120 per person, there are better options out there.

A great unique tasting experience! As a Bay Area native, I make frequent trips to Napa to try wineries and this was one of my top 3 tasting experiences I've had! I will admit that I made the mistake of avoiding this winery and not taking it seriously due to the publicity the Kardashians kept giving it. I will admit when I'm wrong, this place is great! We messed up and went to the wrong property (Piazza just 5 minutes up the road) and they kindly called the other property and informed them we made a mistake and were on our way. The staff was very kind and accommodating catching us up when we were 10 minutes late due to our mistake. You step inside the winery and instantly feel like you're in a Venetian palace with all of the beautiful Italian design and decor. I loved getting to wander through the caves lined with barrels and beautiful chandeliers! They ask that you don't take photos during the tour, but let you take photos at the end before you exit the cave. We got to taste wines straight out of the barrel. I loved getting to experience both the American and French oak barrels! I wish I remembered her name, but our guide was very knowledgeable and fun! After we exited the caves, we were given a few more wines and snacks! I was in a hurry that morning and didn't have time to eat breakfast before the tasting, so the pizza and scrumptious tater tots were a very nice treat to pair with the wines. I went to a few wineries after Del Dotto that day and everything seemed underwhelming after our experience of high quality wines, lively guide, friendly staff, and stunning architecture!

See all photos from Morgan D. for Del Dotto Historic Winery & Caves

My wonderful niece took me here today just for fun. Seem she appreciated this spot from a prior experience. Our group was 4 persons @ 2:00 on a boring Tuesday. We really enjoyed having Carson take us on this adventure. He was fun, down to earth, as well as knowledgeable. We will be back !

UNLESS YOUR A WINE ENTHUSIAST, the $120 dollar tour is not worth it . The whole tour was just inside the cave and at the end they give you 711 type pizza and tater tots . It was actually pretty funny being served such cheap food after hearing how well off the owner is & being in such a beautiful, high class feeling place. The wines were all red, great good sized pours.

We had an amazing experience with our cave tour. Our tour guide was full of info and very enthusiastic about our experience and knowledgeable about the wine and the industry overall. Wines were delicious - too bad the wine club had a wait list! And even the panini and pizza at the end were delicious. We visited many wineries in Napa, and Del Dotto was a Top Fave.

Our experience here was fantastic! Doug was very knowledgeable and personable. He made the experience unforgettable. The wine is exquisite and the food is delectable!

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Best Wine Caves in the Napa Valley

So, you’re looking for a wine cave experience in Napa Valley? I’ve visited my fair share of wine caves in Napa and have finally rounded up the best ones. Wine caves are practical, as they act as a naturally cool environment to store, age and make wine, but also look pretty dang coo and make for a great wine tasting experience. Keep reading to see the best wine caves in the Napa Valley. 

Best Wine Caves in Napa

Set in the Stags Leap District off of the Silverado Trail, Pine Ridge is a gem of a winery – and you would never suspect they have a massive wine cave attached to their tasting room! The cave is around 32,000 square feet and holds over 3,000 barrels. In the very back of the cave they have a secret tasting room with an exposed cave wall and plush couches – basically the ideal place to be sipping on your wine.  (pictured above!)

Pride Mountain Vineyards

Pride is one of my absolutely favorite stops – it encompasses everything you could ask for. Great wine, top of the line hospitality, delicious wine and one epic wine cave. The entire tasting experience leads you through the 23,000 square foot cave, giving you the opportunity to do some barrel tasting, and leads you out to the most stunning vineyard view at the end.

Quintessa 

Quintessa has one of the most gorgeous caves in the valley, and rightfully so, they needed something to equally match the beauty of their wine and the rest of their property. You could get lost in their 17,000 square feet on wine caves – honestly my dream. 😉 However, my favorite part is wine tasting in their glass tasting rooms set into the natural wooded land on the back of the property facing a vineyard view.

Caves at Soda Canyon 

Tucked back off Soda Canyon Road, the Caves at Soda Canyon is one of Napa’s best kept secrets. They work like a collective and have several different high end wine producers pouring their wines there. The view from the back doors of their 20,000 square foot cave is epic, and they recently started hosting tastings there!

Schramsberg

Home to the oldest hand dug hill-side caves in Napa. This wine cave is the real deal – it was hand picked by Chinese laborers back in 1870 (some of the pick marks can still be seen), and added on a second set of tunnels 10 years later. Can you even imagine? This is one of the coolest caves I’ve been in and love the unfinished inside, with moss growing on the roof and all. Oh! And you can’t forget the walls of this 34,000 square feet cave being lined with thousands of sparkling wine bottles. Can I move in?

Inglenook 

Talk about iconic! Inglenook has so much history behind it, with its first harvest being in 1882.. Did you know that Inglenook was one of the first gravity flow wineries of its kind in the Napa Valley? Their caves span 16,000 square feet and house hundreds of barrels of the ever delicious Rubicon Cabernet. 

One of my favorite intimate wine cave tastings is at Failla Wines. It’s a smaller, cozy cave at 12,000 square feet, but is used for winemaking, storing, aging and hosting tastings. Love Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? This is your place! 

One of the coolest wine caves I’ve ever been in. This one is three vertical levels and five avenues and is deep underground up in the hills of the Spring Mountain AVA. To get down to the very bottom, I walked down an original metal spiral staircase, which I’ve never seen before in Napa. Truly a work of art! They’re still rebuilding from the fires but highly suggest adding to the list for a future visit!

Davis Estates

Davis has a very fancy 11,000 square foot wine cave set below it’s winery. It’s immaculate and tech forward, as the VIP room opens by scanning your palm. Looking for a boujee wine cave to check out? This is it. P.S. Davis has one of my favorite Cab Francs! 

Joseph Cellars

Right before Calistogra lies a cute little stop, Joseph Cellars. You’d never know it from the road, but they have a 12,000 square foot wine cave built into the hills backing up to their winery. Some of their tasting experiences are hosted at the back of their cave, and it really adds to the full wine country experience. Highly suggest! 

Jarvis Estate

Have you ever seen a natural creek run through a wine cave? Me neither, until I visited Jarvis. There’s so much going on in this huge 45,000 square foot wine cave built into the side of the Vaca Mountains. It’s expansive and includes a working winery, different event rooms, a waterfall and a tasting room. Incredible caves and incredible wine!

Honorary Mentions: Palmaz – I’ve never been, so I can’t speak to it. But supposedly is the largest wine cave in the Napa Valley at 110,000 square feet! Far Niente , Porter Family Vineyards and Fantesca are all supposed to be equally as impressive. I’ll have to go and report back! 

I hope you found this blog on the best wine caves in Napa Valley helpful for the next time you are planning a wine tasting trip to Napa. Let me know if I missed any of your favorites!

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Jarvis Winery

Off the beaten path, Jarvis winery is worth the jaunt into the Vaca Mountains to visit this underground winery. Explore sustainable vineyards, winding caves and taste extraordinary Jarvis wines.

Monticello Road takes you up into the hills, where you'll come upon a big electronic gate. Once inside, stay to the right-hand side and follow the signs. All you'll see is the cave door entrance. That's Jarvis.

Jarvis Winery Tours and Tastings

Jarvis claims to be the first winery in the country built completely underground. Its unique winemaking facility is contained within 45,000 square feet of caves tunneled into the Vaca Mountains.

A natural spring flows through the meandering caves, ensuring steady temperatures and humidity that are essential to Jarvis's signature style wines. You'll see the waterfall at the end of the tour.

Visitor Tip: You may have already guessed, it's a bit cool in underground caves. You'll spend close to two hours for the tour and tasting, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or sweater. And wear sensible shoes. Cave floors may be damp and you might have to step over hoses along the way.

Tours are kept to small groups, allowing visitors to get an intimate look into how Jarvis wines are crafted, then aged in new French Oak barrels.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of Jarvis tours is the staff. This family-owned winery includes some of the friendliest, most knowledgeable, and personable guides anywhere.

You'll finish up with a seated tasting in the Tasting Chamber, where you'll sample six wines from the Jarvis Estate and Reserve Collection.

Jarvis Wines

Jarvis winery harvests grapes from its estate vineyards in the gently sloping hills, high above the valley floor. 

Jarvis is best known for its highly acclaimed Chardonnays and Reserve Cabs. This winery produces a wealth of wines, including noteworthy Petit Verdot, as well as Cabernet Franc, Merlot and a few others.

Here are just a couple stellar reviews:

96 Points, Beverage Testing Institute PLATINUM: 2007 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon "Bright, fruity, toasty aromas and flavors...tannic, tangy, dry full body and a peppery, charming medium-length finish with chewy tannins..."

92 Points, Wine Enthusiast : 2014 Estate Chardonnay "The graceful kiss of toasty, smoky, butterscotch-inflected oak adds a pleasant dimension, extending the woody elements beyond the core of pear, white peach and citrus flavors."

When and Where

2970 Monticello Road, Napa, California * 707-255-5280 * JarvisWines.com

Open daily 10am - 5pm by appointment. Make a reservation for a tasting and tour weeks in advance, if possible. Tours are kept to small groups. Plan on spending two hours here and keep in mind there is a strict cancellation policy.

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The site is incredibly unique as it is one of very few fully underground wineries within Napa Valley and California. The Cave construction is stunning and astonishing surprises are to be found around every corner and the philosophy of the wineries featured at The Caves at Soda Canyon sets The Caves apart from all other wineries in Napa Valley.

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Napa Valley Wineries

Our deep roots produce world-class wine and unforgettable experiences, enjoy intimate wine tastings, expansive outdoor spaces, and behind-the-scenes private tours of wine cellars and caves. plus, 95% of our wineries are family-owned and operated, which means nearly every spot will feel like home..

When you’re ready for a taste of Napa Valley, our wineries are ready to provide you with an unforgettable experience.

With hundreds of wineries to explore, each with its own unique style, setting and history, planning your Napa Valley wine tasting excursion may seem overwhelming. But whether you are visiting just for fun or to delve into that library collection and stock the cellar, there is an experience and price point for everyone.

With wineries updating their tasting areas to create more spacious, intimate settings, capacity is limited and tastings are conducted by appointment only. Some wineries have permit restrictions that limit the number of guests that can visit each day, so it’s best to plan tasting appointments a few weeks ahead of time.

Take a look at the directory below to find the right wineries for your getaway.

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With hundreds of wineries and miles of the valley to explore, we want you to know there's no wrong way to enjoy Napa Valley  

Can I wear jeans to a winery?

Yes! Jeans are acceptable year-round – we call it wine country casual (for women — sundresses, blouses and skirts, nice jeans, wedges, sandals, etc.; for men – golf shirts, khaki pants, nice jeans, dressier shorts, stylish sneakers, boat shoes, etc.).

A more upscale winery might call for darker denim, and be sure to dress in layers as many winery experiences take place outdoors and tours often take guests through wine caves and chilled cellar areas.

How do I taste wine?

First of all: Wine should be enjoyed , so don't overthink it – have fun and drink what you like.

If you want to taste like a professional:

• LOOK at the color and clarity
• SWIRL to release the aromas
• SNIFF to prepare your palate
• SIP and enjoy the complexities
• Spit into a "dump bucket" if you don't want to get inebriated.

What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit?

There are more than 400 wineries open for tastings and 90 urban tasting rooms in Napa Valley — so which one is right for you? Let us help you decide which picturesque winery is your jam. Napa Valley has a wine experience for everyone who visits.

Are there any Napa Valley wineries that offer free tastings?

No, however, there are wine tasting options that are budget-friendly, and some wineries will waive tasting fees if you purchase wine during your visit.

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Don’t Miss to Visit

The Historical Caves Where Wine Quietly Chills Out to Age Gracefully

When you think of the Napa Valley Tours wine tours, the first thing that might come to your mind is the variety of wine tasting experiences you will get at the wineries. But what makes this wine so famous around the world isn’t located above ground at all. Yes, you heard that right. Caves are the places where the wines are stored and aged to give you that exceptional taste. Wine caves are relatively few, especially those that can be visited by the tasting public. Luckily, at Napa Valley Tours , we’ve combined our decades of experience along with our local contacts to give you a unique look at behind-the-scenes wine production and a taste from a classically aged barrel at these wineries. Your Cave Tours experience starts with a guided walk through the most scenic areas of the selected estate vineyard, followed by a tour of the cellar and barrel room. You’ll learn about the unique farming and winemaking techniques of the cave before sitting down to enjoy a tasting of limited-production current release and library wines, accompanied by a variety of seasonal dishes prepared in-house.

Some caves even allow the visitors to learn about the wine-making process with a glass of wine in hand. Isn’t that intimidating? Special events, lunch and dinner can be arranged inside the caves for larger groups. Winery Caves are not just a beautiful place to cool off in warm weather but they also serve as a unique tour and tasting location. Contact us today to book the best winery cave for you to visit in Napa Valley Tours.

Cellar 47 Tour & Tasting

Wine Cave Experience

90-minute experience | Reservations Required $75 per person | $60 Club Members

Enjoy a tasting of the most acclaimed wines in our Cellar 47 tasting lounge in the heart of our European-inspired cave system. Your host will take you on a guided tour and escort you into a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley Tours setting carved into the hillside of our Stags Leap estate. You’ll enjoy a thoughtfully curated selection of estate Cabernet Sauvignons, including our flagship wine FORTIS.

Wine Club Estate Tasting

Wine Club Members Only 60-minute experience | Reservations Required

Complimentary for Club Members The Estate Tasting features Pine Ridge Vineyard’s current release and club-allocated wines. We are temporarily conducting this experience in our caves as our member’s room is under renovation.

Cabernet Cave Tasting

60-minute experience | Reservations Required $65 per person | $52 Club Members

An hour-long immersive experience, the cave tasting paints a panoramic picture of Napa Valley Tours through the wines of Pine Ridge Vineyards. Grab a seat in the inviting Cabernet Cave and let us walk you through current releases that reflect the distinctive charm of not only our Stags Leap backyard but neighboring AVAs as well. See why Food & Wine recently named Pine Ridge one of the 75 Best Wineries to Visit in California

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Vine View Tours

Wine country tours, napa valley | sonoma, sonoma coast | healdsburg, vine view tours & transportation is a boutique, luxury transportation company located in napa, ca.  services include wine tours, dinner transportation, airport transfers and concierge services..

Concierge Services

If you don’t know where to visit but know you want to take the valley at your own pace you can get help planning your itinerary from a true Napa local, born and raised. Get help making reservations while adding in some of your own fun stops in between.

Private Transportation

Guests are transported privately to and from dinner to dine at the best restaurants in Napa and Sonoma. Guests can also reserve airport transfers to and from select airports in the bay area. This is provided as an hourly service to guests.

Visit wineries in style and luxury throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Experience vineyard views and vistas, tour wine caves and barrel cellars, experience food and wine pairings. These are just some of the options that can be arranged.

“One of the Napa Valley’s                 Best Winery Tours.”                                          –Food & Wine Magazine.

Tasting Tours

A visit to Jarvis Estate is an extraordinary journey, like no other, into the world of exceptional winemaking. Visitors to the country’s first winery built entirely underground are offered an intimate glimpse into the meticulous steps that go into producing our lush Chardonnays, rich Cabernet Sauvignons and velvety Merlots, among others. 

We offer two tours. The Vintage Tasting, open to the public, and the Founders' Reserve Experience is available exclusively to Inner Circle members and their guests. Advance reservations are required for both.

The Vintage Tasting

Touring the 45,000 square foot cave is a unique experience and reveals how the Jarvis Estate approach to crafting world-class wines differs from what is found virtually anywhere else.  The tour includes a visit to the Cuve Gallery, a collection of one dozen massive oak vessels assembled in the cave by French coopers and used to make certain the exceptional flavors developed in the estate vineyards are not compromised. The underground waterfall near the end of the tour ensures the steady cave temperatures and humidity that are vital to the Jarvis Estate signature style of extended aging in new French oak barrels.

Finally, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the rewards of these painstaking efforts. The tour concludes with an intimate, seated experience in our Tasting Chamber where visitors will sample a curated selection of Jarvis Estate and Reserve Collection wines. Please allow 90 minutes for your visit in order to fully appreciate the truly distinctive Jarvis Estate.

The Founders' Reserve Experience

The visit will last about 90 minutes and includes an abbreviated tour so there is plenty of time to enjoy the barrel tasting and our lineup of Reserve wines including the newly introduced DTR (Dimitri Tchelistcheff Reserve), Will Jarvis' Science Project, Lake William, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Unfiltered Finch Hollow Chardonnay, and others, alongside a gourmet charcuterie board.

Please be advised that all experiences at Jarvis are for guests 21 and over as we are a working production facility. We cannot legally permit anyone under 21 on the tour and tasting.  

We also recommend wearing footwear that is appropriate for walking throughout the cave facility and kindly remind our guests to exercise caution by watching their step during the tour. 

Napa Valley Wine Tours

World-class wine tours and tastings are at the heart of Napa Valley’s allure. With more than 400 wineries scattered throughout the region, the options span the gamut from boutique wineries to prominent brand name producers. Local tourism agencies offer private wine tours, group tours, and transportation, making it easy for travelers to make the most of Napa Valley’s wine routes. Search by city or view all wine tour options in Napa Valley.

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Merryvale Vineyards

Exclusive profile estate picnic & tasting.

Exclusive experience featuring lunch and world-class wines, located on a picturesque ridge 800 feet above the valley floor.

Napa Valley Wine Yacht

Winemaker cruise on the wine yacht.

Cruise around Napa on a private yacht. This cruise includes a 4-course dinner paired with AUM Cellars wine, poured by the winemaker.

Tamber Bey's Collector's Experience

Enjoy a private tasting of select library wines alongside our current releases.

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Napa Valley Wine Tasting Experiences

The outdoor terrace provides visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the northern napa valley and estate grounds. guests can enjoy incredible scenery, which includes a 50-foot “new-antique” windmill, while relaxing in one of davis estates’ welcoming porch swings. in addition to daily wine tastings and tours, a spectacular commercial kitchen and indoor pizza oven means davis estates is equipped to function as a premier event space, which also will host members-only parties and dinners., davis estates welcomes guests with advance reservations daily from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. to schedule an appointment please call us 707.942.0700 or email us [email protected] . davis estates offers several intimate tasting experiences, which are described in the following pages. *if you do not find your desired date and time, please contact us so we may attempt to work miracles., due to the nature of our tastings, we do not allow shared tastings, guests under the age of 21, this includes infants and toddlers, or animals with the exception of a trained service dog. thank you and we look forward to your visit., napa cave tour & wine tasting.

You will travel back in time on a tour of our historic Napa property, offering a glimpse of how Davis Estates developed. Your Estate Host will walk you through our Calistoga vineyard and estate, continuing into our Howard Backen designed, cutting-edge winery and 11,000 square feet of caves. Take in the sights while seated at a private table in one of our gorgeous tasting spaces. Enjoy a flight of our current release Napa Valley wines paired with a series of seasonal delicacies that have been artfully created by our Executive Chef to showcase our wines versatility.

$125 per person, *limited to 6 guests

Available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. please allow 90 minutes.

*Larger parties can be accommodated with special arrangements.

Cabernet Sauvignon AVA Exploration

Join us for a journey through Napa Valley and experience four different American Viticultural Area (AVA) wines. Tour the estate and get a first-hand view of the Calistoga Appellation. While seated at a private table, your Estate Host will then guide you through our Napa Cabernet Sauvignon tasting as they describe some of the typical characteristics of each wine and classic flavors expressed by each AVA. To explore deeper, our Executive Chef has crafted a dish with multiple components for you to enjoy with all four Cabernet wines. This tasting is the pinnacle for connoisseurs of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.

$150 per person, *limited to 6 guests

Available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Please allow 90 minutes

Collector’s Tasting

For the discerning palate, explore our flagship Napa Valley current releases alongside hand-picked library vintages and witness the development of our wines with age. Your Estate Host will teach you about our winemaking process by touring our historic Napa property and cave. Once seated at your private table, unveil the aging process of Zephyr (Bordeaux style blend) and an AVA Cabernet. To enhance this journey, enjoy a multi component dish curated by our Estate Chef and a special taste of our Napa Valley Phase V Cabernet. This experience elevates both the wine and food for a complete immersion in all that Davis Estates offers.

$200 per person, *limited to 6 guests

Available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2pm. Please allow 90 minutes.

*Larger parties can be accommodated with special arrangements. r parties can be accommodated with special arrangements.

VIP Experience

For serious Napa wine collectors and wine lovers, we offer a behind the scenes tour of our property in Napa Valley. Begin with a walk through our Calistoga vineyards and estate. Continue into our Howard Backen designed, cutting-edge winery and tour our 11,000 square foot cave system. After the tour, enjoy a privately seated tasting with your Estate Host and indulge in our most acclaimed reserve wines, featuring both Davis Estates crafted by Walter Leiva and the exclusive Phase V wines by Philippe Melka. Our Executive Chef has coursed out a beautifully paired menu that will take you on a true wine and food adventure.

$275 per person, *limited to 6 guests

Available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. Please allow 120 minutes

Estate Wine & Food Pairing

Enjoy a flight of our current release Napa Valley wines while seated at a private table in one of our gorgeous tasting spaces. Your Estate Host will guide you through a series of seasonal delicacies that have been artfully paired by our Executive Chef to showcase our wines versatility.

$100 per person, *limited to 6 guests

Available at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Please allow 60 minutes

The art of culinary hospitality is not complete without festive parties and intimate food & wine pairing events. Join us for public events and exclusive member parties at the winery highlighting our Executive Chef. View the entire events calendar below.

“The Bordeaux Affair” A River Boat Cruise 2024

Come cruise with Brandon and Erica Davis April 18 th to 25 th , 2024

We are thrilled to announce that we will be the “Wine Host” on the exclusive Scenic Diamond River Boat cruise in Bordeaux France. This luxury all-inclusive river boat cruise leaves Bordeaux on April 18th 2024 for eight days of wine, food and adventure. 

Book Your Suite Now

Contact Elizabeth and Fred Filippi, our travel planning experts, to purchase this amazing experience.  Book early and enjoy special pricing.  

They can answer all your questions and help you book it all.

[email protected] or 949-940-5849

Saturday, May 4, 2024 – Estate Dinner – SOLD OUT

Join us and be one of the first to try our newest releases! This is an intimate gathering to share stories with Brandon Davis and winemaker Walter Leiva over a four-course wine paired dinner prepared by our executive Chef, Mark Caldwell.

Ticket Price: SOLD OUT

Tickets On Sale Dates: All Members – February 22

• Dress attire: Wine Country Elegant (Gentlemen: Nice jeans and a button up. Ladies: Dress or slacks and a blouse)
• Time: 6pm to 9:30pm
• Parking: We recommend hiring a driver. Uber and Lyft are not reliable this far up valley, even when scheduled in advance.
• Food Allergies: Our Chef is amazing and is happy to make special accommodations for food allergies if given enough advance notice. 
• Cancellation Policy: 30 days prior to event full refunds will be given.  Less then 30 days prior to event full refunds will only be given if we are able to fill the seats from our waiting list.

4060 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515

Dave's Napa Valley Wine Tours

[email protected]  |  323-761-0255.

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

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

Continue Reading Schedule Tour

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

All tours are private for your party.

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

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

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

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

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

Any and all levels of wine education are perfectly fine.

Multi-day tours can be arranged..

Pricing and Details

Minimum tour is $400 for 1-2 people.

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

For 12+ people, please inquire.

Large Groups

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

Corporate Groups

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

Transportation

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

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

Schedule Tour

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

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

Comments from satisfied customers:

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

View more comments Schedule Tour

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

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Passing Thru Travel

Navigating Napa Valley: An American Traveler’s Guide to Wine Country

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

Napa Valley, a name synonymous with fine wine and culinary excellence, offers many experiences beyond the vineyard. This guide explores the heart of Napa, California, presenting a curated selection of destinations that embody the region’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and artisanal spirit. From the elegance of historic wineries to the serene beauty of natural hot springs, each destination is a chapter in the story of Napa, waiting to be explored.

1. Napa Valley Wine Train.

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Paul Thomas Curry

The Napa Valley Wine Train is an iconic journey that captures the essence of Napa Valley’s winemaking tradition. Travelers are invited aboard vintage railcars, where they are treated to a fusion of scenic beauty, gourmet cuisine, and the finest local wines. As the train weaves through the heart of Napa Valley, passengers witness the changing landscapes of vineyards and mountains, making it a unique way to experience the region’s viticultural heritage.

2. Castello Di Amorosa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Christopher Pfeifer

Castello di Amorosa highlights the enduring allure of medieval architecture brought to life in the heart of Napa Valley. This authentically-styled 13th-century castle offers a visual feast and houses some of the region’s most esteemed wines. Visitors can embark on guided tours that reveal the castle’s grandeur, from its defensive fortifications to its underground cellars, culminating in tastings of estate wines amidst the backdrop of panoramic valley views.

3. Oxbow Public Market

Image Credit: Shutterstock / James Kirkikis

The Oxbow Public Market is the epicenter of Napa’s local food and wine scene, offering a vibrant mosaic of gourmet vendors, artisan cafes, and specialty shops. This bustling marketplace showcases the bounty of Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and wines, the market is a culinary adventure that reflects the diverse flavors of the region.

4. Downtown Napa

Image Credit: Shutterstock / randy andy

Downtown Napa is the vibrant heart of the Napa Valley, where the region’s rich history meets modern luxury and sophistication. This bustling area is a haven for foodies, art lovers, and shoppers, offering an array of boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and galleries. The Napa Riverwalk is a highlight, providing a scenic route to explore the area’s natural beauty. Downtown Napa has successfully blended its historic charm with contemporary elegance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the full spectrum of Napa’s culture.

5. Robert Mondavi Winery

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Meandering Trail Media

The Robert Mondavi Winery is at the heart of Napa Valley’s winemaking legacy, known for its commitment to producing high-quality wines that reflect the region’s terroir. The winery offers a range of educational tours and tastings designed to enhance visitors’ understanding of the winemaking process and the subtleties of wine tasting. The stunning architecture of the winery, with its iconic arch, is as much a draw as the wines themselves, set against the backdrop of picturesque vineyards.

6. The Culinary Institute of America at Copia

Image Credit: Shutterstock / David A Litman

The Culinary Institute of America at Copia is a premier destination for culinary enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into the world of food and wine. Visitors can participate in cooking classes, wine-tasting sessions, and culinary demonstrations led by expert chefs and sommeliers. The facility features state-of-the-art kitchens, a beautiful garden that supplies fresh ingredients for classes, and an on-site restaurant. This institution educates and inspires, fostering a deeper appreciation for the culinary arts.

7. Napa Valley Balloons

Image Credit: Shutterstock / cheng cheng

Napa Valley Balloons offer an unparalleled perspective of Napa Valley’s sprawling vineyards and rolling hills through the serene and majestic experience of hot air ballooning. As the sun rises, guests ascend into the sky, greeted by the breathtaking panorama of Napa’s landscape bathed in the early morning light. This tranquil journey through the skies provides spectacular views and a unique sense of peace and wonder. The experience is often concluded with a champagne breakfast, celebrating the beauty of Napa Valley from above.

8. Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Michael Warwick

The Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is a sanctuary for art lovers, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. This unique art center is set among a picturesque landscape, featuring a significant collection of contemporary artworks by Northern California artists. The center’s galleries, sculpture park, and natural environment offer a diverse exploration of artistic expression, inviting visitors to engage with art in a setting that stimulates both the mind and the senses. The Di Rosa Center is a testament to the vibrant cultural fabric of Napa Valley, showcasing the region’s commitment to artistic innovation and creativity.

9. Yountville

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Leonard Zhukovsky

Yountville epitomizes the charm and elegance of Napa Valley, known for its Michelin-starred restaurants, boutique shopping, and exquisite vineyards. This small town, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, offers a refined experience where culinary excellence and viticulture are celebrated daily. Visitors can stroll through the picturesque streets, dine at renowned establishments, and explore boutique wineries, all within the backdrop of stunning vineyard landscapes. Yountville is a destination where luxury and simplicity converge, offering a tranquil retreat into the pleasures of Napa Valley life.

10. Calistoga Hot Springs

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Victoria Ditkovsky

At the northern tip of Napa Valley, Calistoga is renowned for its natural hot springs, offering a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. These thermal waters, rich in minerals, have been a source of healing and relaxation for centuries. Visitors can indulge in various spa treatments, from mud baths to mineral soaks, in settings ranging from rustic to luxurious. Calistoga’s hot springs provide a counterpoint to the valley’s wine-centric attractions, offering a profoundly soothing experience that connects visitors to the natural beauty and tranquility of the region.

11. Skyline Wilderness Park

Image Credit: Shutterstock / AlessandraRC

Skyline Wilderness Park presents a different side of Napa Valley that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Spanning over 850 acres, this park offers a variety of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, each providing unique views of the valley and its surrounding natural beauty. The park is not only a haven for recreational activities but also a sanctuary for local wildlife, offering visitors a chance to connect with the natural environment of Napa Valley. The diverse landscapes, from dense forests to open meadows, make Skyline Wilderness Park a must-visit for those exploring the great outdoors.

12. St. Helena

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Arnieby

St. Helena is the quintessential Napa Valley town, embodying the region’s rich history, culinary excellence, and viticultural prowess. This picturesque town is home to historic buildings, gourmet dining establishments, and some of the valley’s most prestigious wineries. St. Helena offers a blend of sophistication and charm, with its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, and art galleries inviting leisurely exploration. The town serves as a gateway to exploring the more expansive Napa Valley, providing a central location to venture into the surrounding wine country.

13. Silverado Trail

The Silverado Trail runs parallel to Highway 29 on the eastern side of Napa Valley and offers a scenic alternative route through the wine country. This less-traveled road stretches over 30 miles, winding past vineyards, boutique wineries, and stunning landscapes. The Silverado Trail is favored by cyclists and motorists alike for its serene beauty and access to some of Napa Valley’s renowned wineries and hidden gems. The trail also offers numerous spots for picnicking and photography, making it a perfect way to spend a day exploring the valley at a leisurely pace.

14. Napa River Kayaking

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Corepics VOF

Kayaking on the Napa River offers a unique vantage point from which to experience the beauty and tranquility of Napa Valley. This gentle river flows through the heart of Napa, providing a peaceful escape into nature. Guided tours are available, offering insights into the local ecosystem, history, and wine culture from the perspective of the water. Kayaking the Napa River is an activity that combines adventure with relaxation, appealing to both seasoned paddlers and beginners looking for a new way to explore Napa Valley.

15. Jarvis Estate

Image Credit: Shutterstock / yhelfman

Jarvis Estate offers an extraordinary wine tasting experience, set within the heart of a cave system carved into the Vaca Mountains. This unique setting provides a constant, cool climate ideal for wine aging, and visitors are invited to explore the cave’s tunnels to discover the winemaking process from barrel to bottle. The estate specializes in estate-grown, limited-production wines, offering tastings highlighting their vineyards’ distinct terroir. Jarvis Estate combines innovation with tradition, providing a wine-tasting experience that is as educational as it is memorable.

The Bottom Line

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Rolf_52

Napa Valley is diverse, offering experiences that cater to every interest, from the serenity of nature and the thrill of adventure to the depth of cultural and culinary exploration. Each destination within this guide explores the essence of Napa Valley, inviting you to engage with the land, the people, and the stories that weave together this remarkable region. As you venture through Napa, let curiosity be your guide, and discover the myriad ways this valley can enchant, educate, and inspire. Welcome to Napa Valley, where every journey is an adventure, and every moment is a memory in the making.

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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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Sober Travelers Find Something to Savor in Wine Country

Mocktail trails, olive oil tours and elevated dining experiences are among the many ways the renowned wine-producing areas of Sonoma, Mendoza and Tuscany are appealing to sober or sober-curious travelers.

By Christine Chitnis

Amy Snook knows more about wine than your average traveler. Originally from California, she now lives in the Douro Valley of Portugal, her partner works in the wine industry, and she has visited 47 countries, many of which have celebrated viticulture. But seven years ago, on a trip to Mendoza, a winemaking region in the foothills of Argentina’s Andes Mountains, she opted to abstain from drinking alcohol, a decision she would repeat in future travels.

“It’s such a long flight to Argentina, and I was only there for 10 days,” said Ms. Snook, 34, a publishing professional. “I’m aware of how alcohol affects me, and I chose to prioritize feeling amazing every day of the trip over dealing with a hangover.”

During her visit, Ms. Snook bicycled between vineyards, reveled in breathtaking scenery, relaxed with spa treatments and engaged with sommeliers and winemakers, coming away with a new appreciation for sustainable and regenerative agriculture.

“The obvious question when you tell someone that you aren’t drinking is, ‘Out of all the places you could go, why travel to wine country?’” she said. “But to me, it makes perfect sense because these regions offer all the perks of luxury travel — wellness amenities, beautiful landscapes and fine dining.”

With 41 percent of Americans seeking to reduce their alcohol intake, according to a consumer-sentiment study released in January by NCSolutions, Ms. Snook’s experience is part of a larger trend: the rise of sober-curious or mindful drinking. While sober travel is hardly a new concept, its popularity is surging to new heights — particularly among younger generations — and forcing a reckoning in the wine industry. The 2024 State of the U.S. Wine Industry report , an annual forecast of market conditions and trends written by the wine-business analyst Rob McMillan, found that 52 percent of consumers ages 21 to 34 believe that consuming alcohol, even in moderation, is bad for your health.

This trend is reshaping travel to world-class wine destinations like Sonoma County, in California, as well as Mendoza and Tuscany. Blessed with temperate climates, extended growing seasons, fertile soils, rich histories and breathtaking vistas, these renowned wine locales are expanding their offerings to attract drinkers and nondrinkers.

Here are some of the restaurants, tour groups and wineries in those regions that are reinventing the travel experience to be more inclusive of the sober-curious.

Dining in Sonoma

If wine is a true expression of the land, embodying the unique characteristics of its soil, weather and the meticulous craftsmanship of those who cultivate it, can you still forge that connection without drinking?

At Cyrus , a Michelin-starred fine dining destination in Geyserville , Calif., the answer is a resounding yes. Sonoma County, double the size of neighboring Napa, made conscious decisions to protect and diversify its land use, ensuring grapes as well as agricultural crops were grown. Douglas Keane, Cyrus’s owner and chef, highlights the local harvest by working with small farms and purveyors to source his ingredients. Crosnes — a Chinese artichoke — from Alexander Valley Vineyards gardens, yuzu and finger limes from the citrus grower David Levine, and cheesefrom Andante Dairy have all ended up on Cyrus’s menu.

Also on the menu: Kally , an alcohol-free wine alternative produced with housemade organic verjuice and sourced from Northern California. Served at more than 15 other Michelin-starred restaurants, Kally’s bottles include Early Chardonnay, which is crisp, bright and changes flavor and aroma as it moves across the palate, similar to a fine wine. A tart, vibrant Golden Sparkler has notes of jasmine and citrus, and a floral, fruity Rosé Sparkler offers hints of strawberry and hibiscus.

“Chefs and sommeliers are interested in having precise nonalcoholic pairings. Their food was created to be prepared with sophisticated drinks, not just sparkling water,” said Scott Mitic, who created the beverage along with his wife, Katie.

Customers, too, appreciate having a choice, he said, noting that many of Kally’s most loyal drinkers are wine enthusiasts. “This is not an abstinence movement; it is a moderation movement.”

Cyrus Schultz, the wine director and sommelier at Cyrus, aims to create drinks that make sober guests feel just as special, if not more, than those indulging in traditional wine pairings. His nonalcoholic creations include the Rosé Champagne, an effervescent blend of coconut, white sesame, cherry blossom and lime, and the Apple Martini, a sweet, herbaceous concoction of pink lady apple, fennel and mint olive oil.

“The intention is never to mimic alcohol products, but to construct the pairings similarly to how a chef looks at a menu — different textures, temperatures and flavor profiles,” Mr. Schultz said.

These efforts are not limited to one restaurant. Chris Vomvolakis, senior manager of consumer public relations at Sonoma County Tourism , said bars, restaurants and wineries across the region are recognizing that it’s not all about wine.

The town of Healdsburg recently created the Mocktail Trail , with eight participating restaurants, and Meadowcroft Wines in the town of Sonoma curated a flight of original zero-proof cocktails. David Messerli, Meadowcroft’s marketing and strategy director, said the winery encourages guests “to discern aromas, flavors and nuances, much like they would with wine.”

“For those opting out of alcohol, we felt there was more we could do,” he said. “People have various reasons for abstaining from alcohol, and no one should feel excluded because of it.”

Women-led luxury in Mendoza

Mendoza, renowned for its malbec wines and stunning Andean landscapes, is no stranger to luxury accouterments, but sober guests? That is a newer phenomenon. “We have definitely noticed an increase in guests seeking nonalcoholic travel options in recent years,” said Victoria Stiles, sales manager at Cavas Wine Lodge , a luxury 18-room hotel set amid a 55-acre vineyard.

At Cavas, wine may be the main attraction, but guests can book spa treatments using vine and grape-seed extracts, join yoga sessions on the private terrace overlooking the Andes and vineyards, and take full-day hiking excursions to Aconcagua Provincial Park, a rugged, mountainous destination that is home to Mount Aconcagua, South America’s highest peak.

Wild Terrains , a certified B-Corp travel company specializing in experiences for women, has planned three days of a 10-day Argentina tour to be sober-inclusive in Mendoza. Built around women-owned businesses, stops include boutique lodging at Entre Cielos , horseback riding in the Andean foothills, home-cooked asado at Estancia Los Chulengos and a private dining experience at Michelin-starred Zonda Cocina de Paisaje . The meal offers special mocktail pairings with distinct flavors like lemon verbena, beets and burro, an herb used to make digestive teas and infusions.

“In Mendoza, our trip centers on talented female winemakers who are pushing boundaries in a historically male-dominated industry,” said Lauren Bates, founder of Wild Terrains. “While these experiences include wine tastings, we want sober travelers to feel intentionally included even if they are skipping the wine tasting.”

Sofia Pescarmona, owner of the Bodega Lagarde vineyard and Zonda Cocina de Paisaje, said that while the restaurant experience aims to showcase their wine, nondrinkers will also appreciate it.

“We truly believe we can offer an elevated experience for those who don’t drink wine by highlighting other seasonal produce grown on our property,” she said.

Tasting olive oil in Tuscany

Wine tastings epitomize indulgence, especially immersed in the heart of Tuscany, when visitors can savor glass after glass of Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Salvatore Ferragamo Jr., chief executive of the Il Borro wine estate and grandson of the fashion house’s founder, encourages guests to find other ways to indulge.

“The olive harvests in the autumn produce the region’s spicy, piquant ‘green gold,’” said Mr. Ferragamo.

Il Borro, in Tuscany’s Valdarno, is a meticulously restored medieval village that includes 58 suites, three vacation villas, two restaurants, stables, working vineyards and olive groves. Olive oil production began in 1996, following the recovery of varieties like Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccino that had long been neglected. Now, after touring some 80 acres of organic groves, guests can engage in a tasting experience of two distinct oils, one full-bodied with floral, fruity and grassy aromas, the other robust, peppery and dark.

Another option, Tuscan Organic Tours , offers immersive daylong experiences that delve into wine and oil but also other rich agricultural offerings. Delicious tours with private transportation highlight tastes and flavors that include Pecorino di Pienza, one of the most renowned Italian cheeses, saffron and fresh pastas. The tours include visits to organic farms, lunches, tastings, and opportunities to participate in cheese-making and saffron harvesting.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .