NAPA VALLEY BEST WINERIES
Famous for world-class wines. Napa Valley proudly boasts over 500 premium wineries. Napa Valley is full of generations of passionate winemakers that craft both small-lot wines and large production. Choosing which winery to visit can be overwhelming, so we put together our top picks of Napa Valley’s best wineries.
When you visit Napa Valley it is not just about the wine, but fully immersing yourself in the wine country lifestyle. Several wineries offer experiences along with wine tasting such as tours, food pairings, and education. World-class wine is easy to find around the valley, but the scenery, experiences and hospitality is what puts these wineries on our list.
The smaller wineries will often receive guests on an appointment only basis, so always call ahead for availability. Wineries will charge a fee for the tours and tastings, but the amount of information gained from the hospitality staff and the quality of wines poured, these visits are still an exceptional value.
Domaine Carneros – Napa
One of the Napa Valley Best wineries Perched on a hilltop overlooking Carneros and Highway 121, you’ll find an elegant château, home to Domaine Carneros. The château is a replica of the Taittinger château in Champagne, France. Carved into the hillside below the winery are cellars, complete with exceptional sparkling wine.
Formal gardens, expansive outdoor terraces, marble-floored fireside salon and a grand staircase provide a sense of elegance and romance. Enjoy breathtaking vineyard views while sipping sparkling and Pinot Noir wines on the terrace. There are three terraces that surround the château with ample tables for outdoor tastings.
Take a tour to experience a behind-the-scenes look at sparkling wines production, from harvesting the vineyards to the bottling process. The tour includes a sampling of wines paired with artisan cheeses, gourmet caviar, smoked salmon, and charcuterie. You also have your choice to be seated in the salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards.
Appointments are required to taste This grand château is a lovely way to enjoy one of the Napa Valley Best Wineries in Carneros Appellation of Napa.
NAPA VALLEY BEST WINERIES
Sterling Vineyards – Calistoga
Sterling Vineyards one of Napa Valley Best Wineries a unique location nestled on the side of a mountain about 300 feet above Calistoga. This location offers panoramic views of Napa Valley that are unforgettable. The architecture of the winery was modeled after the Greek island of Mykonos and is a standout in Napa Valley.
An aerial tram carries visitors up the hill to the winery and takes about 10 minutes. You will then be greeted by a long driveway lined with trees and vineyards leading to the Visitor’s Center. Here you will purchase your tasting package, and all packages include the tram ride.
You will be given a souvenir wine glass to enjoy your tasting and take home. Two tasting options are offered at Sterling; General Tasting and Sterling Silver Experience. General Tastings include three tastings of current release wines. The Sterling Silver Experience includes the same three tastings with an additional seated tasting of single-vineyard wines.
Tours at Sterling Vineyards are self-guided with walkways leading you to several motion-sensitive DVD screens. Go at your own and enjoy the different locations of each tasting. Through this tour you will also be able to view the winemaking facilities. There are plenty of places to stop and take in the views during their self-guided tour. Beautiful outdoor terraces and elegant tasting rooms provide the perfect atmosphere.
The Sterling Silver Experience will take you to another building with several tasting rooms. They also offer food pairings on their South View Terrace where wine is perfectly paired with incredible views. Beautiful outdoor terraces and elegant tasting rooms provide the perfect atmosphere for wine tasting.
Castello di Amorosa – Calistoga
Beautifully set on a Calistoga knoll, Castellao di Amorosa one of Napa Valley Best Wineries built is an authentically styled, 13th Century Tuscan castle winery. It took 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V. Sattui Winery) to construct the castle.
Embracing all the elements from an authentic Italian castle. Complete with a moat with drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church, and a fully equipped torture chamber. This is a one-of-a-kind wine tasting experience in Napa Valley.
The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo, and Sangiovese. A number of guided tours and tastings are available.
Castello di Amorosa offers a wide variety of tours and tastings and hosts events throughout the year. General admission will give access to explore the castle and sample 5 of their wines. You can choose to upgrade to their reserved wine tasting or add a chocolate or cheese wine pairing. Castello di Amorosa also offers guided wine tours and their Royal Food & Wine Pairing.
THE CASTLE NAPA VALLEY BEST WINERIES
Delicious wines exclusively available at the winery, and an unforgettable setting make this one of Napa Valley’s best wineries. Reservations are not required, but they are extremely busy on weekends and holidays so reservations are recommended
Alpha Omega – St. Helena
Alpha Omega another Napa Valley Best Wineries, and beyond to give you a unique experience making you feel like an elite guest. Many Feel is a Napa Valley Best Winery by Far. They have created an atmosphere that is comfortable yet swanky.
Giving a memorable experience. The tasting room is modern-cool that extends to an expansive patio. Enjoy the beautiful Napa Valley weather overlooking the Mayacamas Mountains in the background.
Alpha Omega sources grapes from several Andy Beckstoffer owned vineyards including the Dr. Crane Vineyard in St. Helena. They are among a select number of wineries that have access to the coveted fruit. The wines are well-crafted and the winery has a devoted following for their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Their Proprietary Red, based on Cab with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, gets attention too. Alpha Omega also produces two Chardonnays each year; a Chablis style unoaked and an oaked wine from this variety.
General tastings are an experience to get to know the property and wines. Start in the Tank Room to learn about stainless steel fermentation while enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. Then off to the Barrel Room for Chardonnay tasting followed by their Proprietary Red and Cabernet Sauvignon on the terrace. Private Tasting Groups of up to 10 guests can sample in one of the Private Tasting Rooms for a memorable experience with a wine educator.
ALPHA OMEGA STANDS OUT AS ONE OF NAPA VALLEY BEST WINERIES DONT MISS OUT!
Exclusive Single Vineyard tasting is hosted in a private room to sample their limited production Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons. These exclusive wines are blended together from Alpha Omega’s highly rated flagship wine, ERA. Here you will enjoy a welcome tasting of Reserve Chardonnay, and a selection of single vineyard Cabernets plus ERA. Taste of To Kalon is designed for serious wine enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to taste multiple vintages from the most famous vineyard in Napa Valley.
Stunning Mayacamas Mountain views and a vineyard backdrop on the patio makes this one of Napa Valley’s best wineries. Walk-in tastings are welcome, but reservations are required for private tastings including their premier tasting and Taste of To Kalon.
Beringer – St. Helena
Piece of history, Beringer Vineyards one of the Napa Valley Best Wineries was placed on the National Register for Historic Places in 2001. One of the historic buildings at Beringer is the Rhine House which was originally a 17 room mansion that was co-founder Frederick Beringer’s home, and was renovated in 2009.
Now with restored historic architecture, and an addition of 41 original stained glass windows, the Rhine House is the center of Beringer’s Reserve and Library Tastings. The Rhine House also features a porch overlooking the well-tended lawns and lush gardens.
Beringer wines reflect quality, consistency, and balance. With a wide variety of wine, they offer something for everyone’s palate. Although they are most known for their premium Cabernet they also produce Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Merlot.
Choose from their selection of tours and variety of experiences. Taste at the Tasting Bar in the Rhine House or Old Winery Tasting Room. Reservations are required for a private, seated tasting in the Rhine House. Select one of the tours to learn more about the history and winemaking process while exploring the hand-dug caves. Beringer’s delicious wine and food pairing includes a sample of select reserve wine and seasonal culinary treats.
With so much to see, taste, and learn, you will want to allow plenty of time for your visit.
Charles Krug – St. Helena
Oldest and another Napa Valley Best Wineries to visit. Charles Krug has more than 150 years of winemaking experience. Today, Charles Krug remains family owned and operated under the direction of brothers Marc and Peter Mondavi, Jr and is the ultimate wine country destination.
Taste history here where they create elegantly balanced expressions of classic Bordeaux varietals. These wines are sure to delight almost any palate.
They also make small single-vineyard offerings made from their historic estate vineyards. These are produced in very limited quantities, and only available direct from the winery.
5 Star service and exceptional knowledge of the wines, and history of the valley from the staff adds an extra special touch. You can order delicious cheese and charcuterie platters to pair with the wines you are sure to be enjoying.
Guests are welcome to stay and picnic in the garden with bring-your-own picnic during the week. ON the weekends their old Italian-style deli, Cucina di Rosa, is open and no outside food is permitted. In addition to this, guests can enjoy incredible wood fired oven pizza on the weekends during the warmer months.
Elegance meets history here at Charles Krug. Plan a longer stay here to relax and enjoy an afternoon picnic with incredible wine. Reservations are required for tours and recommended for tastings.
Del Dotto Winery & Caves – St. Helena
Resembling a Venetician cathedral, Del Dotto Winery & Caves is a gorgeous estate in St. Helena. One of Napa Valley Best Wineries sits on the exact location of the family’s first vineyard in Napa Valley.
Historic caves at Del Dotto Winery date back to 1885 when Chinese laborers dug a 350 foot wine cave, using only picks and shovels. These caves were one of the first in Napa Valley and are a must see. Wines aged in these caves prove to be more voluptuous and opulent than those aged in modern facilities.
Cave tours and barrel tastings give visitors a first-hand experience. This immersive experience includes wine tastings while exploring the historic caves and a selection of cheese, dark chocolate, salumi and port. Bar tasting is also available and includes five separate wine tastings and a selection of cheeses and breadsticks.
Reservations are required for both tastings and cave tours. The Cave Experience and Barrel Tasting takes 90 minutes.
V. Sattui – St. Helena
Old Italian charm awaits you V. Sattui another Napa Valley Best wineries favorite. Over 60 different wines, picnic grounds, and a legendary deli. V. Sattui is one of Napa Valley’s most popular wineries and is conveniently located on Highway 29. A family-owned estate with two acres of lush grass and tables, this is the winery you plan an afternoon for.
The main tasting room in the Marketplace is full of energy and as close to a party as you will get at a Napa winery. Wine enthusiasts can gather in the Vittorio Tasting Room (The Tower) with wine expert Marc Golic for education and conversation. Taste on the terrace and enjoy incredible views of the valley.
More than 60 different highly rated wines are produced by V. Sattui with more than 20 sustainably–farmed grape varieties. These include Riesling, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Syrah, Gewurztraminer, Moscato, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir.
V. Sattui knows how to pair wine to food. They actually have a Italian Chef onsite so you can dine on gourmet food while sipping wine on their picnic benches. The marketplace, deli, and gift shop are adjacent to the tasting room. If you plan to visit on the weekend you can enjoy their delicious BBQ!
Plan to arrive early if you want to grab a picnic table. Reservations are required for the Reserve Tower tasting and their Tour & Terrace tasting. Reservations are not required for general Marketplace tastings. V. Sattui wines are sold exclusively at their winery so make sure you grab your favorite bottle to go.
