Bouchaine Vineyards

What it's like

Bouchaine sits in the Carneros district at the southern end of the valley, where the bay breezes keep things cool and the vineyards roll out in every direction. The winery bills itself as the oldest continuously operating winery in Carneros, and it is family-owned and farmed with a green-certified approach. The setting is the draw: a terrace looking out over the estate vines, and a separate garden space for a looser kind of visit.

The range of tastings is wider than at many small wineries, which makes it easy to match the visit to your group.

Who it's best for

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay drinkers who like cooler-climate wines. It also suits mixed groups. The garden tasting welcomes all ages and dogs, while the terrace tasting is 21 and over with no dogs, so decide which one fits before you book.

What to book

• Garden Wine Tasting, $45 per person: four limited-production wines in a casual setting, about 90 minutes. Children and dogs are fine here.
• Terrace Tasting, $75 per person: five estate Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays with 270-degree vineyard views. Ages 21+, no dogs.
• Falconry in the Garden, $95: a close encounter with the resident hawks, owls and falcons alongside a wine flight, Fridays at 10:30am.
• Vine to Vessel, $120: a vineyard walk and cellar tasting centered on wines aged in concrete eggs, French oak casks, acacia barrels and clay amphorae. Friday to Sunday at 11am, ages 21+.
• Wine & Cheese Pairing, $125: four artisanal cheeses with four Bouchaine wines, Fridays at 11am, about 75 minutes.

Reservations are recommended, and a credit card is needed to hold your time. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead (72 hours for weekend visits). The tasting room is open daily, 10am to 5pm. Club members get complimentary tastings for up to four guests.

How it fits into a day

Carneros is the easy first stop of a Napa day, close to the town of Napa and a short drive from the Highway 121 corridor. Pair it with another Carneros neighbor such as Etude or Saintsbury, then head into downtown Napa for lunch. Plan a designated driver, a rideshare or a driver-guided tour, since the roads between tastings are rural and you will be pouring through several samples.