Louis M. Martini Winery

What it's like

Louis M. Martini Winery was built in 1933 and restored in 2019 by architect Howard Backen. The tasting room looks onto the oak barrel cellars, and the working winery around you is part of the experience. Menus change with the seasons and are curated by Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli, which gives the flights more of a food focus than at many peers.

Who it's best for

People who like to see food and wine together, couples, and anyone who appreciates a historic building done well. It is an easy winery for first-timers because you can start at a modest price and scale up. Wine club members get additional benefits.

What to book

The winery is open Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Taste of Martini Flight is $55 per person. The Crown Collection Pairing is $80, and the Tour and Tasting is $100. Reservations are recommended for the standard tastings, and the Tour and Tasting requires one. Book via Tock. Groups of seven or more should contact the winery directly at 707-968-3362 or reservations@louismartini.com for pricing.

A seated flight with food is a longer sit than it looks, so plan a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour.

How it fits into a day

The winery is on Highway 29 just south of downtown St. Helena, which makes it a convenient first appointment of the day. From here you can continue to Charles Krug or Merryvale, or stop in town for lunch. Because it is closed Tuesday and Wednesday, plan around that. Allow about an hour to an hour and a half.