Ballentine Vineyards

What it's like

Ballentine is a family-owned estate on the north side of St. Helena, right off Highway 29. The experiences are seated and well laid out, and the range is wide: from a quick three-wine flight to a longer Cabernet-focused session. That flexibility is the main draw. You can keep it short if you have a packed day or settle in if you do not.

Who it's best for

Visitors who want to choose how much time to spend. The 30-minute option is useful for squeezing in a stop between appointments. The larger-party tastings make it one of the easier places to book if your group is nine or more.

What to book

Reservations are recommended, through Tock or by calling 707-963-7919.

• Sip & Stay, $30 per person: three rotating estate wines, about 30 to 45 minutes, groups of 1 to 8.
• Napa Estate Tasting, $60 per person: five wines, 60 to 90 minutes, groups of 1 to 8. Members taste for free.
• Napa Valley Cabernet Experience, $90 per person: six Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines from the estate, 60 to 90 minutes, groups up to 8.
• Large Party Tastings, $85 per person: five estate wines, 90 to 120 minutes, for groups of 9 to 15.

They are open Thursday through Monday, 10 am to 4 pm, and closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

As elsewhere in the valley, plan your driving. A designated driver, rideshare or tour is the safe way to do several tastings.

How it fits into a day

The short Sip & Stay can be an opening stop before lunch in St. Helena. The Cabernet Experience is better as the anchor of an afternoon. From here it is a quick drive in either direction on Highway 29, toward Calistoga or toward Rutherford.