Grgich Hills Estate

What it's like

Grgich Hills sits right on St. Helena Highway, which makes it an easy stop. It is relaxed rather than formal. The winery is family owned since 1977, grows all its own grapes, and holds Regenerative Organic certification. The mood is more welcoming than precious, and the team is open about letting guests drop in.

The standard seated experience is Miljenko's Tasting at $60 per person, about 90 minutes with a host. For a more focused session, the AVA Exploration is $125 per guest, and a Private Library Tasting is $250 per guest. In harvest season there is a Harvest Grape Stomp at $150 per person.

Who it's best for

Visitors with kids or dogs who still want a real winery stop. Families are welcome, though only guests 21 and over can taste wine, and the winery is dog friendly. It also suits people who like the idea of walking in without a plan, plus those who want to compare vineyard sites in the AVA Exploration.

What to book

Walk-ins are welcome, but guided experiences depend on availability, so reserving through Tock is the safer path. The tasting room is open daily from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Miljenko's Tasting requires a reservation for parties of up to eight; call (707) 963-2784 or book online. Wine by the glass and bottle service are also available if you only want to sit and sip.

Make a driving plan first. Use a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour operator, and eat something substantial between stops.

How it fits into a day

The location puts you between Rutherford and St. Helena, so combine it with Honig, Caymus or Inglenook to the south, or head into St. Helena for lunch. Starting at 9:30 means it also works as a first stop of the day.