With more than 400 wineries and tasting rooms in Napa Valley, deciding where to sip and swirl can be overwhelming. It’s hard to go wrong, but we’ve pulled together a list of some of our favorite spots, organized by locations to make planning even easier. So, get a date on the calendar and enjoy!
Featured Photo Courtesy of Far Niente
Napa
Ashes & Diamonds
Long before you take that first sip, it’ll be pretty obvious you’re in for a fun and laid back wine tasting experience at Ashes & Diamonds. Sit on the patio to soak in some sun or in the tasting room to soak in the mid-century modern vibe — just be sure you’re within earshot of the music while you sip. Proprietor Kashy Khaledi personally curates all of the playlists. ashesdiamonds.com
Hess Persson Estates
Donald Hess collected art for more than 50 years; today some of his renowned collection is on display in Napa at Hess Persson Estates. Enjoy a private tour of The Hess Art Collection on Mount Veeder —comprised of nearly 100 works by artists from around the world including Magdalena Abakanowicz, Georg Baselitz, Franz Gertsch — then enjoy a guided wine tasting. hessperssonestates.com
Migration
Set in prime Carneros territory, Migration’s Pathway to Pinot Tasting & Tour includes Pinot Noir offerings from across the Duckhorn portfolio — think Migration, Goldeneye and Calera, lined up on the same table. Dog-friendly doesn’t do the winery justice. Along with wine tastings for humans, Migration offers Barkuterie Boards for its four-legged guests. The plate for pampered pooches includes: a peanut butter biscuit, duck sausages, chicken apple sausage coins, and chicken wrapped sweet potatoes. migrationwines.com
Shafer Vineyards
Rolling vineyards have graced the hillsides at Shafer since the late 1800s; even during prohibition grapes continued to thrive here. Today, the winery is 100-percent solar powered and visitors can take in sweeping vineyard views while tasting a lineup of Shafer’s current releases paired with cheese and charcuterie. shafervineyards.com
St. Helena
Spottswoode Winery
This family-owned winery in St. Helena is setting high standards for sustainable farming in Napa Valley. In 1985, it was the first Napa Valley winery to organically farm its estate; in 2020, it became the first Napa Valley winery to earn B Corp Certification. This year, Spottswoode added Regenerative Organic Certified to its list of eco-friendly accolades. Best known for its Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, you should plan ahead if a tasting here is on your next wine country getaway itinerary. Reservations are limited and take place on weekdays only. spottswoode.com
Oakville
Far Niente
Go for the wine — the Cave Collection Library Wine Tasting features Far Niente’s aged Cave Collection Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnay — but be prepared to be wowed by the gorgeous estate. It seems like something is always in bloom. In the fall, the 100 Ginko trees lining the winery’s driveway put on a spectacular show. farniente.com
Calistoga
Castello di Amorosa
Who doesn’t love a good castle? Pair it with wine and it’s hard to have a bad day. Castello di Amorosa has a whooping 107 rooms, drawbridge, and even a few secret passageways to look out for. After you’ve seen the sights, sit down for seated wine tasting. Cheese and chocolate adds on are available. castellodiamorosa.com
Theorem Vineyards
A mix of historic structures, (some dating to the mid-1800s) a state-of-the-art cellar, and a plethora of tasting experiences can all be found at Theorem Vineyards. For a one-of-a-kind splurge, inquire about the Baccarat Tasting Experience. It’s a sparkling affair and everyone goes home with a shimmering gift. theoremvineyards.com
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