Madonna Estate

What it's like

Madonna Estate is one of the easygoing stops in Carneros. Reservations are appreciated, but the winery says it still accepts walk-in guests, which has become rare in the valley. You can taste at the standup bar indoors or sit outside among the vines.

The wines are estate-bottled and organically grown, and there are ten single-varietal bottlings to choose from, which gives a nice spread beyond the usual Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Who it's best for

Families, dog owners and anyone who wants an unfussy tasting without booking weeks ahead. The property is family, dog and child friendly. It is also one of the lower-priced tastings in the area, so it suits a budget-minded day.

What to book

The standard tasting is $30 per person for five of the ten wines. The fee is waived with the purchase of two or more bottles. If you want to reserve a time, book online through the winery's booking page, or call 707-255-8864. A Reserve Room is available by reservation for smaller groups wanting a more private setting, and it is complimentary for club members.

The tasting room is open daily from 10am to 5pm. The grounds also include picnic areas used for private events, and the winery ships wines within the U.S., which is handy if you want bottles sent home.

How it fits into a day

Old Sonoma Road is a pleasant drive from downtown Napa, so Madonna works as a flexible midday stop. Pair it with another Carneros winery nearby, such as Truchard, and then go on to lunch in Napa or Sonoma. Because you can walk in, it is a useful fallback when an appointment elsewhere runs late or falls through. As always, arrange a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour before tasting.