Best Napa Wineries to Visit– Truchard Vineyards

Address: 3234 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 253-7153

The Truchard Estate Vineyard encompasses 383 contiguous acres, of which 270 acres are planted. The vineyard is a series of hills and valleys, and contains a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, volcanic rock and ash. The various combinations of terrain, geology, and marine-moderated temperatures provide unique wine growing conditions.

Currently the vineyard grows 10 different grape varieties, making it one of the most diverse estate vineyards in California. Only 20% of the grapes from the Truchard Estate Vineyard are reserved for Truchard wines. The wines are hand-crafted using traditional wine making techniques, and exemplify the high quality fruit of this unique estate.

Truchard wines have garnered much critical appreciation. Wines from the 1994, 1996, and 1997 vintages have been included in the Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of the world. The winery was selected as the “Estate Winery of the Year” by Wine & Spirits in 1997 and 1998

HdV Wines

Address: 588 Trancas St, Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 251-912

HdV Wines is located on the northern fringes of the city of Napa just west of the Silverado Trail.

Their approach to wine making is somewhat minimal in nature as much of the work that goes into making these premium wines starts and ends in the vineyards. The wine making team handles the fruit as minimally and gently as possible although once its picked they have a rigorous sorting program in place allowing only the finest fruit to be used. Gravity flow is used as much as possible rather than pumps – each of the barrel lots is carefully followed throughout its aging and only the “best” barrels are selected for their final blends.

They produce three types of wine including two Chardonnays (the HdV and the de la Guerra) – one from older vines and one from younger vines. Throw out any preconceived notions you might have about mlolactic fermentation in regards to Chardonnay when you try these. These wines undergo 100% secondary fermentation with neutral bacteria but are wines that are not characterized by the usual components when discussing malolactic fermentation (I.E. buttery, viscous etc). Their Chardonnays are rather crisp as the acidity plays a big part in this. And the reason their wines undergo full malolactic fermentation is prior to this secondary fermentation, their Chardonnay is so high in acid it has been described as “being somewhat unpleasant on the palate”. The finished Chardonnay wines are well balanced, delicious and very food-friendly.

Best Napa Wineries to Visit – Paradigm Winery

Address: 1277 Dwyer Rd, Oakville, CA 94562
Phone: (707) 944-1683

Paradigm Winery and Vineyards represents five generations of agriculture in Yountville and Oakville soils. We are a small family run business. Our premium wines are estate bottled in Oakville California. We produce Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cab Franc and Rose wines under the winemaking direction of Heidi Barrett.
We pride ourselves on offering informative tours and tastings in a casual atmosphere. The view from the tasting room across the vineyards towards the Mayacamas Mountains is spectacular.

Appointments: paradigmwinery.com

Grgich Hills Estate

Address: 1829 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 963-2784

Grgich Hills Estate is a historic fixture in Napa Valley, founded by Miljenko “Mike” Grgich in the Rutherford AVA in 1977. The winery produces an array of wines from five estate vineyards located throughout the famous valley, and has received international acclaim for its elegant and balanced wines.

Mike Grgich became world famous for crafting the 1973 vintage of Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that ranked top at the famous Judgment of Paris tasting in 1976, beating out some of Burgundy’s most famous white wines. As a result, Grgich Hills Estate’s Chardonnay is one of the more popular wines in the range, sourced from cooler vineyards in American Canyon and Carneros. With no malolactic fermentation, this is a fresher style of Chardonnay with bright acidity. Another popular white wine is the Fumé Blanc, a Sauvignon Blanc aged in large French oak casks.

Grgich Hills Estate crafts a number of reserve and special wines, the most popular being their single vineyard Yountville Cabernet, sourced from some of the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Napa Valley, planted in 1959. The Violetta Late Harvest dessert wine is named for Mike’s daughter, Violet, and is sourced from the American Canyon vineyard.

Frank Family Vineyards

Address: 1091 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: (707) 942-0859

Frank Family Vineyards in a winery located in the Calistoga sub-appellation of Napa Valley. Like many Napa wineries, it is known for its wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. It is also considered to have one of best tasting rooms in Napa Valley with their old stone edifice, a site listed as a Point of Historical Interest in the state of California.

Frank Family makes its wines in a typical Napa style, with high levels of ripeness and liberal use of new French oak. Most fruit comes from the 120-hectare (300-acre) Winston Vineyard in Rutherford, where Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese are grown. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir come from the cooler Lewis Vineyard in Carneros, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel is sourced from the S&J Vineyard in nearby Capay Valley.

Frank Family Vineyards was first constructed as Larkmead Winery in 1884. It became Kornell Champagne Cellars for a time before it was bought in 1992 by Rich Frank, the former President of Walt Disney Studios.

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559
(707) 257-0101

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

Insider tip: Try the winery’s new Art of Sparkling Wine Pairing, showcasing the versatility of sparkling wine paired with food, offering a selection of delectable Asian-inspired bites. Or, to really impress your date, opt for The Sparkling Suite Tasting ($500 per couple) which includes a sampling of sparkling wine and pinot noir paired with caviar and charcuterie, enjoyed from a private balcony that overlooks the estate.

Tasting price: Starting at $35
Reservations required

Best Napa Wineries to Visit – Chateau Montelena Winery

1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
(707) 942-5105

In addition to its ivy-covered, English Gothic-style stone castle carved into the hillside, this family-owned winery just off the Silverado Trail, known for its cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, boasts towering trees, a stunning Chinese garden, and a peaceful lake. CellarMaster wine club members receive access to limited production wines and use of Jade Lake for private picnics.

Reservations not required for walk-in bar tasting, but all other tastings require a reservation

Insider tip: For a taste of Chateau Montelena’s history, book the Library Tasting, an intimate tasting of library vintages and exclusive wines not available in the marketplace.

Best Napa Wineries to Visit – Far Niente Winery

1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562
(707) 944-2861

Surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens, Napa Valley’s Far Niente Winery is a beautiful sight, but to really experience it all, book the 90-minute Tour and Tasting. This intimate tour will take you through the historic tri-level winery and wine caves, followed by a seated tasting of current releases. To cap it off, you’ll sample the celebrated late harvest wine, Dolce, produced by Far Niente’s sister winery.

Insider Tip: History buffs will especially enjoy paying a visit to Far Niente Winery, which was established in 1885 and prospered until the start of Prohibition. In 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and began a three-year restoration, resulting in the winery being placed on the National Register of Historical Places.

A visit to Far Niente is like stepping into a fairy tale. The great stone building was designed as a ‘gravity-flow winery’ by architect Hamden McIntyre in 1885 and was abandoned after prohibition for more than sixty years before being restored in the early 1980s (the winery now claims a spot on the National Register of Historic Places). The 13 acres of meticulously-maintained gardens that surround the winery are nothing short of jaw-dropping, and include the largest planting of azaleas on the west coast. More than 100 Autumn Gold gingko trees line both sides of the road leading up to the winery, and in fall months their bright gold foliage.

Quintessa Winery

1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562
(707) 944-2861

Quintessa Winery – Tucked away in the heart of Rutherford off Silverado Trail, Quintessa is a 280-acre estate focused on organic and biodynamic winemaking. A private pavilion awaits you on top of Dragon’s Hill, immersed in the landscape and surrounded by vineyard-covered hills with a jewel-like view of the estate – it’s a ‘quintessential’ vista in the Napa Valley.el-like view of the estate – it’s a ‘quintessential’ vista in the Napa Valley

Best Napa Wineries to Visit – Jarvis

Address: 2970 Monticello Rd, Napa, CA 94558
Phone: (707) 255-5280

Visitors to the country’s first winery built entirely underground are offered an intimate glimpse into the meticulous steps that go into producing its lush Chardonnays, rich Cabernet Sauvignons and velvety Merlot, among others.

The highlight of a visit to Jarvis is the tour and tasting within the 45,000 square foot cave system. All wine making facilities are located within the cave itself including their offices.

This cave is arguably one of the top 5 most interesting winery caves in all of the Napa Valley. A natural spring within the cave system was discovered while drilling the cave.

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the rewards of these painstaking efforts. The tour concludes with an intimate, seated tasting experience in our Founders or Pantheon rooms where visitors will sample six Jarvis Estate and Reserve Collection wines.

It is recommended to make a reservation well in advance of your visit especially during the summer months.

Prisoner Winery

1178 Galleron Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
(866) 255-7401

For those looking for something a bit outside the box, Prisoner Wine Company is your place. Made famous by their eponymous red blend, Prisoner Wine Company offers a reimagined wine tasting experience in Napa Valley, where a dark, moody lounge and a private tasting gallery called The Makery provide a unique and unexpected place in which to sip.

Insider Tip: The Makery is more than just a private tasting space, it’s a place that celebrates artisan makers and craftspeople who forge their own paths. Expect each visit to offer something new, since the line-up of makers changes regularly.

Reservation: Required for all experiences

Beringer

2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 257-5771

Jacob Beringer and his brother Frederick came to Napa from Mainz, Germany, ultimately purchasing 215 acres in 1875, which would become home to what is now California’s oldest continuously operated winery. Beringer would build on this tradition of industry “firsts,” becoming the first to give public tours in 1934, and the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator. Be sure to visit the iconic Rhine House mansion for its stunning stained-glass windows and architecture while sipping reserve and single-vineyard wines.

Insider Tip: For $30, take the Legacy Tour, where you will sip a selection of wines as your guide leads you through the Old Winery and historic tunnels while sharing details of Beringer’s rich history and commitment to quality.

Reservations: Not required but recommended

Rombauer Vineyards

3522 Silverado Trail North, St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-5170

Founders Koerner and Joan Rombauer developed a passion for wine through Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer, author of the famous “Joy of Cooking” — one of the most published cookbooks in America. Founded in 1980, Rombauer quickly rose to prominence in St. Helena through their iconic chardonnay and have since maintained a reputation for award-winning cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc as well. The winery prides itself on balancing traditional with cutting-edge winemaking techniques and sustainably farmed vineyards.

Insider Tip: Grab some provisions and have a picnic in Rombauer’s scenic garden, featuring over 100 varieties of plants and flowers, as well as art collected by Koerner Rombauer.

Reservation: Required for all experiences

Spottswoode

1902 Madrona Avenue, St. Helena, California 94574
(707) 963-0134
www.spottswoode.com

Spottswoode St. Helena, Napa
Spottswoode is a true family-owned historic winery on the West side of St. Helena. Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on their wine labels. Founder Mary Novak has been a vital part of the fabric of Napa Valley and its wine community since 1972.

The family produces a small portfolio of four delicious varietals: Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, miniscule amounts of Syrah and Albariño. Their hospitality and tasting room is in a quaint Victorian farmhouse nestled among the vines.

Tours are available for $75 per person, Monday through Friday, at 10am No more than 10 people are able to tour at once, which means advance reservations are necessary.

Reservation: Required for all experiences

Nickel & Nickel

8164 St. Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
Phone: (707) 967-9600

Nickel & Nickel winery, located in Oakville, Napa Valley, is dedicated exclusively to producing 100 percent varietal, single-vineyard wines that best express the distinct personality of each vineyard.

Nickel & Nickel is a premium winery founded by Gil and Beth Nickel with their first vintage in 1997. The Nickels also founded Far Niente Winery in 1979. Gil was born and raised in Oklahoma – he worked for his family business, Greenleaf Nursery and eventually became President of the company for 8 years before he moved to the Napa Valley in 1976. He took winemaking classes at UC Davis while in his late 30s and made home wine – at one point entering a competition in Sonoma County and earning a gold medal for his Chardonnay. Incidentally, Greenleaf Nursery (founded in 1945 by Gil’s father Harold) has since become the nation’s second largest, family owned wholesale nursery employing over 1,000 employees and maintaining four major nursery sites, two in Texas, one in Oklahoma and one in North Carolina.

Reservation: Required for all experiences

Etude

Address: 1250 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 257-5782

Etude’s founding philosophy is that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before the harvest and that inspired grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in an authentic expression of the varietal. This philosophy is brought to life on the Etude Estate Vineyards, tucked away in the far northwest corner of the esteemed Carneros Appellation, close to the elegant state-of-the art winery and tasting room.

Etude’s celebrated Pinot Noirs and its small production of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Rosé of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are vinified from grapes grown on the Estate while the opulent Cabernet Sauvignon is from vineyards in the prime Cabernet zone, representing the major benchland sub-appellations of Napa Valley – Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Coombsville, and Calistoga. The consistent high quality of the grapes Etude grows and sources, combined with the skill and experience of the winemaking team, explains why Etude is recognized as one of America’s premier artisan wineries.

Reservation: Suggested

Caymus

Address: 1250 Cuttings Wharf Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Phone: (707) 257-5782

Etude’s founding philosophy is that winemaking begins in the vineyard long before the harvest and that inspired grape growing diminishes the need for intervention by the winemaker, resulting in an authentic expression of the varietal. This philosophy is brought to life on the Etude Estate Vineyards, tucked away in the far northwest corner of the esteemed Carneros Appellation, close to the elegant state-of-the art winery and tasting room.

Reservation: Suggested