Bennett Lane Winery

What it's like

Bennett Lane bills its tasting room as the friendliest in the Napa Valley, and the setup supports that: it is small, hosted and by appointment. It sits on Highway 128 just outside Calistoga's main strip.

Who it's best for

Visitors who like a relaxed, conversational tasting and don't mind planning ahead. Wine club members get a free signature tasting for themselves and five guests on each visit, so it is also a natural home base for members.

What to book

Appointments are required and the tasting room does not take walk-ins. Hours are 10am to 5:30pm daily. Book through their CellarPass page, or call 1-877-629-6272 or email info@bennettlane.com. Tasting fees and the current menu of options are set by the winery, so check current prices on their site or when you book.

As with any tasting day, name a designated driver or book a rideshare.

How it fits into a day

Because every visit is booked, it is easy to build into a schedule: slot it between a lunch reservation and a mid-afternoon stop. Highway 128 puts it a short drive from downtown Calistoga, where Tank Garage Winery and several other tasting rooms are close together. If you are staying in town, an early afternoon appointment here leaves room for a soak or an evening dinner afterward.