Robert Craig Winery

What it's like

Robert Craig is known for mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and its tasting salon sits right in downtown Napa on 2nd Street, which makes it one of the easier ways to taste mountain wines without leaving town. For the full estate view, there is a separate Howell Mountain visit led by an Estate Ambassador.

The salon format is seated and appointment-based, with a few themed tastings built around the vineyards.

Who it's best for

Cabernet drinkers who want to understand how mountain sites differ, and visitors based in downtown Napa who want a tasting without a long drive. Guests must be 21 or older.

What to book

All tastings require advance booking. Downtown Salon tastings are booked through CellarPass; the Howell Mountain estate experience is arranged by emailing info@robertcraigwine.com or calling (707) 252-2250 x1.

• Salon Select Experience, $45 per person: the standard downtown tasting.
• Urban Howell Mountain Intensive, $85 per person: a deeper look at Howell Mountain wines.
• Mountain Mornings (Monday and Thursday): complimentary.
• Mah Jong Monday, $15 per person, and a Sunday-to-Thursday happy hour from 2 to 4pm.
• Summit Experience, $125 per person (Howell Mountain estate): by appointment only, and refundable with a case purchase.

Members receive complimentary tastings on select experiences, and tasting fees are refundable with qualifying purchases. The salon is open daily from 10am to 4pm.

How it fits into a day

Downtown Napa makes this easy to combine with lunch, a walk along the river, or other tasting rooms nearby. It also works as an evening or late-afternoon stop if you picked up the happy hour. If you want the mountain experience, set aside a half day and plan the drive up Howell Mountain.

With either location, arrange a designated driver, a rideshare or a driver-guided tour before you taste.