There are more than 400 wineries that have tasting rooms in Napa Valley, with many more that produce wine but aren’t necessarily open to the public. Choosing a few wineries to visit can be difficult, which is why we’re sharing a guide of the best Napa Wineries to visit in 2018.
V. Sattui Winery, St. Helena
V. Sattui is a wonderful winery to come and spend an entire afternoon. There’s an artisan deli that carries everything you need to make a gourmet picnic lunch and enjoy outside in the grassy space with tables. This winery dates back to 1885 when Vittorio Sattui started the business that was later revived by his great-grandson.
Daily tours are offered at noon on Mondays through Thursdays, and at multiple times on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. These are 45-minute long guided tours that will teach you about the vineyard’s winemaking and conclude with a complimentary wine tasting. Food and wine pairings and blending seminars are also offered here, and events require reservations.
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Domaine Carneros, Napa
This is an especially great winery to visit if you love pinot noir and sparkling wines. All of the wines here come from the Carneros appellation and almost all from its estate vineyards.
You can enjoy tableside service on the terrace or in the salon when you visit Domaine Carneros, and tastings are offered daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Reservations are required for tastings, and you can also enjoy wine by the glass here with caviar and artisan cheese.
Rutherford Hill Winery, Rutherford
If you’ve ever been curious about what a winery cave is, then plan to visit the Rutherford Hill Winery in Napa Valley. This winery offers cave tours, wine tastings, and picnic spots with lovely vineyard views.
Rutherford Hill Winery was founded in 1972, and Merlot is the flagship wine, with about 75 per cent of production dedicated to the Merlot varietal.
Luna Vineyards, Napa
This winery is close to the town of Napa and was the first family-owned winery to plant pinot grigio on the eastern hills of the Silverado Trail. This is a bit newer winery, as the winery’s history dates back to 1995, and it is the largest estate-planted pinot grigio and Sangiovese producer in the valley.
You can visit the winery daily and do a Signature Tasting, which includes five current release wines, or a Bianca Tasting, which includes all white wines.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa
A big name to know in Napa Valley is Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, which is a historic winery with caves and that is famous for estate-grown cabernet sauvignons. You can come here to visit the FAY Outlook and visitor centre.
The Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars tours and tastings include some options as a cave tour and small bites. You can also enjoy the Cellarious Kitchen Experience with Chef Travis Westrope for a very immersive experience. The winery occasionally hosts walking tours and culinary demonstrations too.
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Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga
Castello di Amorosa is definitely one of the most impressive wineries in Napa Valley, thanks to its medieval-inspired Tuscan castle and multi-level winery that offers tastings. This winery offers Italian-style wines and is open daily. General admission includes access to roam around the two levels and either five premium wines or six reserve wines to taste.
You can also take a guided tour with premium or reserve wine tasting, a cheese and wine pairing tour, royal food and wine pairing tour, or a Napa Valley Wine Train and tour package.
Inglenook Winery, Napa
The history of Inglenook Winery dates back to 1879, and it makes everything from cabernet sauvignon to zinfandel and sauvignon blanc wines. A Heritage Tasting can be experienced and the highlight is trying the flagship Rubicon wine with artisan cheese.
You can also stop by The Bistro, which is open daily, a comfortable place to relax and enjoy wines by the glass or bottle, as well as bistro bites, cheese, charcuterie, and cigars.
Spottswoode, St. Helena
This is another very popular St. Helena winery that has been growing grapes on its estate since 1972 and making wines organically since 1985. Here you can try cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, and Syrah. Tours and seated tastings are by appointment only and last for about 90 minutes.
Chateau Montelena, Calistoga
The last winery we’ll mention here is the Chateau Montelena, which is a castle with gardens and was founded in 1882. No reservations are needed for this tasting unless you’re coming by with a group of eight or more. Library tastings, estate tours, vineyard tours, and cellarmaster tastings are also available here.
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