O'Shaughnessy Estate Winery

What it's like

O'Shaughnessy is a working mountain estate, not a drop-in tasting room. The main visit on Howell Mountain is a tour of the cave carved into volcanic rock at about 1,800 feet, followed by a seated tasting of four wines. The whole thing runs roughly 75 minutes. The family also farms vineyards on two other mountains, and some visits take you to those properties.

All visits are by appointment, with no walk-ins.

Who it's best for

Mountain Cabernet fans and people who enjoy a quiet, private-feeling visit. It is a good fit if you want to hear about vineyards and the cave rather than stand at a bar. Children are welcome with supervision, but pets are not permitted.

What to book

The winery lists several experiences on its site:

• Winery Tour & Tasting (Howell Mountain): the cave tour plus a seated tasting of four wines, bookable online.
• Cave Tour & Tasting: tasting among the barrels inside the mountain, by appointment.
• Estate Visit & Tasting (Oakville): a visit to the original property where the founder planted her first vines. By inquiry.
• Private Cave Dinner, Picnic & Tasting on Mount Veeder, and A Day Across Three Mountains: inquiry-based or still being finalized.

Prices are shown when you book, so check the experiences page for current rates. Groups of up to 12 can book online, and larger parties should contact the winery at 707-965-2898 or info@oshaughnessywinery.com. Book several weeks ahead in peak season, and note the winery asks for at least 48 hours notice for cancellations or changes.

How it fits into a day

The estate is roughly 20 minutes from St. Helena, 35 from Yountville and 45 to 50 from downtown Napa. Plan it as the anchor of a morning or afternoon, with lunch back in St. Helena afterward. The mountain roads are winding, so arrange a designated driver, a rideshare or a driver-guided tour.