Robert Mondavi Winery

What it's like

Robert Mondavi's mission-style winery on Highway 29 is one of the best-known addresses in Oakville, and it recently reopened after a long transformation of the estate. The experiences here lean toward the educational: guided tours, seated tastings and pairings with food, all organized around wines from the To Kalon vineyard next door. The arched entrance and tower are as photographed as anything in the valley, and the redesigned spaces give the visit a more modern feel than the old tasting room did.

This is a place with real history, so it rewards people who like context along with the pour.

Who it's best for

First-time visitors who want a recognizable, big-name stop on Highway 29 and a structured visit with a host. It also works well for mixed groups, where some people care about the details of the wine and others mostly want a good setting.

What to book

The site invites guests to reserve an experience online, and it is worth doing before you arrive instead of counting on a walk-in. Menus, formats and prices have changed with the reopening, so look at the current list on their visit page and choose between a classic tasting, a tour, or a food pairing. Call (888) 766-6328 if you have a group or special requirements.

Plan for a stop of roughly one to two hours depending on the format.

As everywhere in the valley, plan on a designated driver, a rideshare, or a tour service, since tastings add up over a day.

How it fits into a day

Oakville is compact, so Mondavi pairs well with a second stop nearby, such as Opus One, Silver Oak or Nickel & Nickel, each within a few minutes by car. A sensible rhythm is a morning reservation here, a light lunch in Yountville or St. Helena, and one more tasting in the afternoon.