14 of the Best Wineries in Napa Valley to Tour on Your Next Weekend Getaway
There's no shortage of grape-centric splendors in the Napa Valley. But where do you even begin? Picking the best wineries in Napa is like trying to decide between a 2004 Napa cabernet vintage and a 2006 vintage—impossible! While the "best" is truly subjective (are you after a particular wine varietal? A great view? Something unique?), we've rounded up 14 spots that aren't to be missed, taking into account vino offerings, ambience, activities and vineyard merits. In short? There's a spot here your group will enjoy, whether you're a wine snob or a grape-loving newbie.
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1. Domaine Carneros
- Why We Recommend It: Stunning grounds, sustainable practices, Champagne masters
- Tasting Prices: From $40 per person
- Where to Stay: Meritage Resort & Spa, from $482 per night
707-257-0101, 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa, California, 94559, domainecarneros.com
2. Chateau Montelena Winery
- Why We Recommend It: Award-winning white varietals, castle vibes
- Tasting Prices: From $45 per person
- Where to Stay: Foothill House, from $315
707-942-5105, 1429 Tubbs Ln., Calistoga, CA, 94515, montelena.com
3. Raymond Vineyards
- Why We Recommend It: Unique winemaker’s experience, high-quality blends, biodynamic farming
- Tasting Prices: From $35 per person
- Where to Stay: Archer Hotel Napa, from $428 per night
707-963-3141, 1584 S. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, CA, 94574, raymondvineyards.com
4. Darioush Winery
- Why We Recommend It: Cultural feel, olive oil pairing experience, dedication to hospitality
- Tasting Prices: From $85
- Where to Stay: Silverado Resort and Spa, from $623
707-257-235; 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA, 94558; darioush.com
5. Robert Mondavi Winery
- Why We Recommend It: Historical grounds, classic experience
- Tasting Prices: From $60 per person
- Where to Stay: Napa Valley Lodge, from $563 per night
888-766-6328 x 2, 7801 St. Helena Hwy., Napa, CA, 94558, robertmondaviwinery.com
6. Inglenook Winery
- Why We Recommend It: More private tasting experience, glamorous estate
- Tasting Prices: From $60 per person
- Where to Stay: Rancho Caymus Inn, from $535 per night
707-968-1100, 1991 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA, 94573; inglenook.com
7. Del Dotto Estate Winery and Caves
- Why We Recommend It: Wine tasting caves, celeb watching, fine dining
- Tasting Price: $125 per person
- Where to stay: Napa Farmhouse Inn, $450
707-963-2134, 1445 St. Helena Hwy., St. Helena, CA, 94574; deldottovineyards.com
8. V. Sattui
- Why We Recommend It: Award-winning wines, laid-back atmosphere
- Tasting Prices: From $45 per person
- Where to stay: Vineyard Country Inn, from $240 per night
707-963-7774, 1111 White Ln. St. Helena, CA, 94574; vsattui.com
9. Covert Estates
- Why We Recommend It: Ultra-private, cave tasting, limited-edition wines
- Tasting Prices: From $35
- Where to Stay: Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Napa Valley, from $144 per night
707-337-5943, 15 Chateau Ln., Napa, CA, 94558; covertestate.com
10. Spottswoode
- Why We Recommend It: Organic wines, first B Corp-certified winery, biodynamic farming
- Where to Stay: Inn St. Helena, from $299 per person
- Tasting Prices: $75 per person
707-963-0134, 1902 Madrona Ave., St. Helena, CA, 94574; spottswoode.com
11. Beaulieu Vineyard
- Why We Recommend It: World-famous reserves, historical site
- Tasting Prices: From $55
- Where to Stay: Hilton Garden Inn Napa, From $325 per night
707-257-5749, 1960 S. Helena Hwy., Rutherford, CA, 94573; bvwines.com
12. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Why We Recommend It: Award-winning cab, private cave diningWhere to Stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley, from $388
Tasting Prices: From $50 per person
You’ll find lots of cabernet sauvignon in Napa—it is considered the king of Napa Valley grapes, after all—but only Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars took home the bacon in the Judgment of Paris competition that took place in 1976 for the best cabernet sauvignon. You’ll also find a whopping 34,000 square-feet of wine caves here, the entrance of which features exposed rock arches crafted by Barcelona architect Javier Barba. Step inside this structure (better known as the Arcade), and you’ll be greeted by the Great Room, which you can book for private dinners to keep the tasting party going after you’ve explored the grounds.
707-261-6410, 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA, 94558; stagsleapwinecellars.com
13. Hall Wines
- Why We Recommend It: Expansive art exhibits,
- Tasting Prices: From $50
- Where to Stay: El Bonita Motel, from $170 per night
707-967-2626, 401 St. Helena Hwy. S., St. Helena, CA, 94574; hallwines.com
14. Castello di Amorosa
- Why We Recommend It: 13th century Tuscan-style castle, accolade-worthy blends
- Tasting Prices: From $50
- Where to Stay: Calistoga Wine Way Inn, from $233
707-967-6272, 4045 St. Helena Hwy. Calistoga, CA, 94515; castellodiamorosa.com
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