Napa Valley wineries for a first visit
On a first trip, it helps to mix one well-known estate with a smaller family winery, and to keep the day to three tastings with lunch in between. These wineries make a strong introduction: clear tasting options, welcoming staff, and a sense of what makes Napa Valley wine distinct. Most require reservations, and weekends book out, so plan a week or two ahead.
24 wineries, ranked by guest rating. Details checked against each winery's own site.
Photo: Smith-Madrone Vineyards · Google
Smith-Madrone Vineyards & WineryWinery in St. Helena★ 5.0 (34) · From $65 per personPhoto: Clos Pegase Winery · Google
Clos PegaseWinery in Calistoga★ 4.8 (922) · Architecture · ArtPhoto: Prager Winery & Port Works · Google
Prager Winery & Port WorksWinery in St. Helena★ 4.8 (224) · From $50 per personPhoto: Ballentine Vineyards · Google
Ballentine VineyardsWinery in St. Helena★ 4.8 (109) · From $30 per personPhoto: Quixote Winery · Google
Quixote WineryWinery in Napa★ 4.8 (84) · From $50 per personPhoto: Sherry Nguyen · Google
Salvestrin WineryWinery in St. Helena★ 4.8 (56) · From $75 per personPhoto: Ricardo Rogerio · Google
Caymus VineyardsWinery in Rutherford★ 4.7 (1,202) · From $50 per personPhoto: Silver Oak Napa Valley · Google
Silver Oak Cellars (Napa Valley)Winery in Oakville★ 4.7 (484) · Cabernet · Wine country classicPhoto: Louis M. Martini Winery · Google
Louis M. Martini WineryWinery in St. Helena★ 4.7 (257) · From $55 per personPhoto: PEJU Winery · Google
PejuWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (758) · From $40 per personPhoto: Darioush Winery · Google
DarioushWinery in Napa★ 4.6 (690) · From $80 per personPhoto: Frog's Leap Winery · Google
Frog's LeapWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (686) · From $50 per personPhoto: Grgich Hills Estate · Google
Grgich Hills EstateWinery in St. Helena★ 4.6 (503) · From $60 per personPhoto: Raymond Vineyards · Google
Raymond VineyardsWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (370) · From $50 per personPhoto: Schramsberg Vineyards · Google
Schramsberg VineyardsWinery in Calistoga★ 4.6 (326) · Sparkling · Cave tourPhoto: Inglenook · Google
InglenookWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (304) · From $85 per personPhoto: St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery · Google
St. Supery EstateWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (268) · From $46 per personPhoto: Turnbull Wine Cellars · Google
Turnbull Wine CellarsWinery in Oakville★ 4.6 (187) · From $65 per personPhoto: Merryvale Vineyards · Google
Merryvale VineyardsWinery in St. Helena★ 4.6 (158) · From $50 per personPhoto: Elizabeth Spencer Winery · Google
Elizabeth Spencer WineryWinery in Rutherford★ 4.6 (117) · Gardens · Small and personalPhoto: Jay Akhtar · Google
Mumm NapaWinery in Rutherford★ 4.5 (1,059) · From $48 per personPhoto: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars · Google
Stag's Leap Wine CellarsWinery in Napa★ 4.5 (520) · From $95 per personPhoto: Freemark Abbey Winery · Google
Freemark AbbeyWinery in St. Helena★ 4.5 (136) · From $50 per personPhoto: V. Sattui Winery · Google
V. Sattui WineryWinery in St. Helena★ 4.4 (3,207) · From $45 per personTips before you go
- Three tastings in a day is plenty; four is a stretch.
- Mix a famous estate with a small family winery.
- Group stops by area to cut driving time.
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