Baldacci Family Vineyards

What it's like

Baldacci is a family-led estate on Silverado Trail, open daily from 10am to 4pm by prior reservation. Its pitch is Cabernet and caves. Most experiences include time in the winery's wine caves, and group sizes are kept small.

The Taste of Napa Valley, Carneros to Calistoga is a 75-minute journey across three appellations at $85 per person for groups up to eight, or $105 for groups of nine to sixteen. Two cave-based sessions run 90 minutes at $125 per person: the Private Taste of Napa Valley with Cave Tour, which includes a barrel tasting and a flight of three Cabernet Sauvignons, and the Cabernet Vintage Retrospective, a side-by-side look at older vintages from 2012, 2015 and 2018. At the top end, the Winemaker's Collection Tasting is a 90-minute privately hosted visit with proprietor and winemaker Michael Baldacci for up to six guests at $250 per person.

Who it's best for

People who want to be inside the cave and hear about the family behind the wines. The smaller group sizes and the hosted formats suit couples, small groups of friends and clients being looked after. Pets, minors and outside food or drink are not permitted, so this is not the stop for families with children.

What to book

Book through the reservation page, which links to Tock for the cave tastings; the winemaker session is requested through a separate form. Members have a complimentary tasting by request. For larger groups and private events, call the winery's events contact.

Plan a designated driver, rideshare or hired driver.

How it fits into a day

A 75 to 90 minute appointment makes this a natural morning or early-afternoon anchor. Odette, Regusci and Quixote are close along the Trail, and Yountville is a short drive for lunch or dinner.