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.
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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: tours@domainecarneros.com. 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 tours@spottswoode.com 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 tours@cask23.com 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.
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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.
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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.
Opus One
[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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