Planning a trip to a wine country? If you narrowed it down to Napa, then you still have quite a bit more narrowing to go. California’s wine country is huge, and Napa alone has around 400 wineries, numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, and plenty of other fun activities. So how do you enjoy enough of it to make it seem like you’ve truly experienced the area?
Everyone has their own ideas for the best spots, where you should stay, and other opinions. Take a look at a bunch, and see what sparks your interest the most. To help, we’ve created a first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley wineries of our own. Check it out!
Sipping Spots You Can’t Miss
Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Rd., Napa
If you’re looking for a spot full of bubbles, then this is the place to go. Domaine Carneros was founded by the Taittinger family (famous in the Champagne world), and they produce sustainably grown sparklers in their vineyards. It’s truly the place to be if you’re vying for some French countryside views.
Drink on the patio or pay for the Sparkling Suite experience where you get a private balcony tasting. Either way, it’s a Napa experience you won’t forget.
WTSO.com wine recommendation: Domaine Carneros Brut Vintage Cuvée 2017
Beringer Vineyards
2000 Main St., St. Helena
Wine and history buffs will love the story of the Beringer Vineyards, which opened in 1879 and is the area’s oldest continuously operating winery. Visiting is like something out of a storybook, and when you reserve your tasting room, you’ll definitely feel like part of a fairytale.
Right now, the tasting room is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book sooner rather than later!
WTSO.com wine recommendation: Beringer Distinctions Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
Artesa Vineyards and Winery
1345 Henry Rd., Napa
With great views and even better wine, it’s a wonder that people don’t spend all day long at Artesa Vineyard and Winery. The hillside tasting room overlooks 350 acres of vineyards, so you can enjoy your sustainably made Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in peace. If you plan far enough in advance, you can reserve a seat on the patio—it offers 360-degree views, and on a clear day, you can see San Francisco!
They want to cook for you, too! Enjoy their parrillas (grills) for some light barbeque to pair beautifully with your wine!
WTSO.com wine recommendation: Artisan Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet 2010 By Artesa Winery
Inglenook Winery
1991 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford
Founded in 1879 (but not continuously operated like Beringer), the Inglenook winery was the go-to for American elite—think presidents and plenty of celebrities! Now, Inglenook wines are some of the most collected in the country, and the property itself looks like a movie set, with gorgeous fountains and ivy-covered walls.
Their tasting experience includes visits to the caves, tasting on the patio with artisan cheeses, a tour of the property, and so much more!
Castello di Amorosa
4045 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga
As one of the fanciest wineries in the area, the Castello di Amorosa has a medieval-style Tuscan castle to showcase its wines. Crafted by 4th generation vintner Dario Sattui, this castle has 107 rooms, 8 levels, 136,000 square feet, a drawbridge, secret passageways, and unbelievable tasting rooms. If that isn’t enough to get you to visit, we don’t know what is!
Definitely take some time to sample their Super Tuscan, their Sangiovese, and their Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hopefully, this first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley wines gives you a place to start as you begin to plan your trip. Until you can get out there and experience it yourself, up your tasting game with Wines ‘Til Sold Out! Our high-end wines come in a variety of styles so that you can get used to the different flavors and bodies of wine before you head to Napa. Have wine delivered to your door!