Discover America’s Premier Wine Region
Welcome to Napa Valley, America’s most prestigious and celebrated wine region. Located just an hour north of San Francisco, Napa Valley produces world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other premium wines from vineyards stretching across diverse microclimates and terroirs. This renowned 30-mile valley is home to over 400 wineries ranging from legendary estates like Robert Mondavi and Opus One to intimate family-owned producers crafting exceptional small-lot wines. Whether you’re planning your first Napa Valley wine tasting experience or returning to discover new favorites, our guide to Napa Valley wineries helps you navigate this world-famous wine destination and find tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and wine experiences worth your visit.
Top Napa Valley Wineries
Explore our list of exceptional wineries across Napa Valley’s renowned sub-regions. From Carneros in the south to Calistoga in the north, each area offers distinctive terroir and wine styles that showcase why Napa Valley remains one of the world’s premier wine destinations.
Premier Napa Valley Wineries
Oakville
- Opus One – Legendary Bordeaux-style blend from Mondavi-Rothschild partnership, iconic modernist winery
- Silver Oak Cellars (Oakville) – Renowned exclusively for premium Cabernet Sauvignon aged in American oak
- Far Niente – Historic estate producing elegant Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay since 1885
- Nickel & Nickel – Single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons from premier Napa sites
- Robert Mondavi Winery – Pioneering winery that helped establish Napa Valley’s international reputation
- PlumpJack Winery – Contemporary producer of estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
- Groth Vineyards & Winery – Family estate known for Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
- Paradigm Winery – Boutique producer of Oakville Cabernet from estate vineyards
- Dalla Valle Vineyards – Cult producer of Maya and other exceptional hillside Cabernets
- Harlan Estate – Ultra-premium, allocation-only Cabernet from Oakville hillsides
Rutherford
- Inglenook – Historic estate owned by Francis Ford Coppola, producing classic Napa Cabernet
- Frog’s Leap – Organic, dry-farmed wines with focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet
- Caymus Vineyards – Iconic producer of bold, rich Cabernet Sauvignon
- Mumm Napa – Premier sparkling wine house with vineyard views and art gallery
- Staglin Family Vineyard – Estate Cabernet from renowned Rutherford Bench
- Quintessa – Biodynamic estate producing sophisticated Bordeaux-style blend
- Round Pond Estate – Family winery with estate-grown Cabernet and olive oils
- Honig Vineyard & Winery – Sustainable family estate specializing in Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet
- Peju Province Winery – Estate winery with beautiful gardens and diverse wine portfolio
- Sequoia Grove Winery – Historic estate producing Cabernet under towering sequoia trees
Yountville
- Domaine Chandon – Moët & Chandon’s California sparkling wine estate with fine dining
- Cliff Lede Vineyards – Contemporary winery producing single-vineyard Cabernets from Stags Leap District
- Stewart Cellars – Boutique producer focusing on Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
- Goosecross Cellars – Family estate producing small-lot wines from estate vineyards
- Hill Family Estate – Premium Cabernet from hillside vineyards
- Handwritten Wines – Small production winery crafting elegant Cabernet and Chardonnay
- JCB Tasting Salon – Jean-Charles Boisset’s luxury tasting experience
- Ma(i)sonry Napa Valley – Innovative urban winery and dining destination
- RH Wine Vault – Restoration Hardware’s wine tasting lounge and restaurant
- Jessup Cellars – Small-lot artisan wines in downtown Yountville tasting room
Stags Leap District
- Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – 1976 Judgment of Paris winner, legendary Cabernet producer
- Shafer Vineyards – Acclaimed hillside Cabernet including iconic Hillside Select
- Chimney Rock Winery – Cape Dutch architecture, Bordeaux-style wines from estate vineyards
- Clos Du Val – Historic winery producing elegant, age-worthy Cabernet
- Pine Ridge Vineyards – Estate Cabernet with distinctive cave tasting experiences
- Silverado Vineyards – Family estate with stunning views and diverse wine portfolio
- Odette Estate – Modern winery focusing on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Regusci Winery – Historic vineyard producing estate-grown wines since 1932
- Steltzner Vineyards – Pioneering Stags Leap District vineyard and winery
- Malk Family Vineyards – Boutique producer of premium Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
- Beringer Vineyards – Napa’s oldest continuously operating winery (since 1876)
- Charles Krug Winery – Napa Valley’s oldest winery, established 1861
- V. Sattui Winery – Family winery with extensive picnic grounds and cheese shop
- Joseph Phelps Vineyards – Renowned for Insignia Bordeaux blend and hillside vineyards
- Duckhorn Vineyards – Premium Merlot pioneer, now producing outstanding Cabernet
- Hall Wines – Contemporary winery featuring modern art and Cabernet Sauvignon
- Spottswoode Estate – Organic, estate-grown Cabernet from historic property
- Ehlers Estate – Organic estate producing Bordeaux varietals in historic stone winery
- Merryvale Vineyards – Historic winery offering diverse portfolio and cave tours
- Corison Winery – Elegant, balanced Cabernet from legendary winemaker Cathy Corison
- Vineyard 29 – Ultra-premium hillside Cabernet from Spring Mountain
- Raymond Vineyards – Family winery with creative tasting experiences and Cabernet focus
- Long Meadow Ranch – Organic estate producing wines, olive oil, and grass-fed beef
- Salvestrin Winery – Sixth-generation family estate with historic Dr. Crane Vineyard
- Benessere Vineyards – Italian varietals and Napa classics in intimate setting
Calistoga
- Château Montelena – 1976 Judgment of Paris winner, historic stone château
- Schramsberg Vineyards – Premium sparkling wine producer in historic caves since 1862
- Sterling Vineyards – Iconic hilltop winery accessed by aerial tram with panoramic views
- Clos Pegase – Art-focused winery with sculpture gardens and distinctive architecture
- Castello di Amorosa – 121,000 square-foot medieval Tuscan castle winery
- Frank Family Vineyards – Family estate producing Cabernet and sparkling wines
- Chateau Boswell Winery – Small family winery atop Spring Mountain
- Dutch Henry Winery – Boutique producer of estate-grown Cabernet and Syrah
- Bennett Lane Winery – Known for bold reds and blending experiences
- Envy Wines – Small production Cabernet from hillside vineyards
- Tamber Bey Vineyards – Equestrian-themed estate producing Cabernet and Bordeaux blends
- Von Strasser Winery – Diamond Mountain Cabernet specialist
- Davis Estates – Hilltop winery with caves and stunning valley views
- Larkmead Vineyards – Historic property producing single-vineyard Cabernets
- Arkenstone Estate – Howell Mountain estate with dramatic cave system
Carneros
- Domaine Carneros – Taittinger’s sparkling wine château overlooking vineyards
- Artesa Vineyards & Winery – Hilltop estate specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- Etude Wines – Cool-climate specialist producing exceptional Pinot Noir
- Bouchaine Vineyards – Historic estate focusing on Burgundian varietals
- Cuvaison Estate Wines – Carneros pioneer producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Truchard Vineyards – Family estate with diverse portfolio from estate vineyards
- Acacia Vineyard – Cool-climate specialist in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
- Saintsbury – Dedicated Burgundian-style producer since 1981
- Hyde Estate – Renowned vineyard source producing own wines
- McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery – Small family winery focusing on Pinot Noir
Napa Town & Beyond
- The Hess Collection – Mount Veeder estate with contemporary art museum and Cabernet
- Trefethen Family Vineyards – Historic oak barn, estate-grown wines since 1968
- Stags’ Leap Winery – Historic manor house, distinct from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
- Paradigm Winery – Oakville Cabernet specialist
- Mayacamas Vineyards – Historic mountain estate producing age-worthy Cabernet
- Plumpjack Winery – Contemporary Oakville estate
- Jessup Cellars – Downtown Napa tasting room featuring small-lot wines
- Ashes & Diamonds – Modern urban winery focusing on classic Napa varietals
- Fait-Main – Urban winery crafting small-production wines
- Signorello Estate – Hillside estate producing Bordeaux and Rhône varietals
Planning Your Napa Valley Winery Visit
Getting There: Napa Valley is located 1 hour north of San Francisco via Highway 101 or I-80. Main wine route is Highway 29 (St. Helena Highway) running through the valley.
Best Times to Visit: Spring (April-May) for mustard blooms and mild weather, or fall (September-October) for harvest season. Summer brings crowds and heat.
Make Reservations: Most Napa Valley wineries require advance reservations, especially on weekends. Book 2-4 weeks ahead for popular estates.
Tasting Fees: Expect $50-100+ per person for tastings at premium wineries. Many waive fees with purchase.
About Napa Valley Wine Region
History & Heritage
Napa Valley’s winemaking history dates to the 1830s, but the region gained international recognition after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when Napa wines defeated prestigious French châteaux in blind tastings. This watershed moment established Napa Valley as a world-class wine region. Today, Napa Valley represents the pinnacle of American winemaking, producing premium wines that command respect and premium prices globally.
Geography & Climate
The Napa Valley AVA spans approximately 30 miles long and 5 miles wide, encompassing 16 nested sub-AVAs. The valley benefits from:
- Mediterranean Climate: Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters ideal for premium wine grapes
- Cooling Influence: San Pablo Bay funnels cool air and fog into southern Carneros, moderating temperatures
- Temperature Gradient: Carneros (coolest) to Calistoga (warmest) creates diverse growing conditions
- Diverse Soils: Volcanic, alluvial, and sedimentary soils across valley floor and hillsides
- Mountain Terrain: Mayacamas Mountains (west) and Vaca Mountains (east) create distinct hillside appellations
Signature Wine Styles
Cabernet Sauvignon: Napa Valley’s flagship wine, producing world-class Cabernets with power, structure, and aging potential. Rutherford, Oakville, and Stags Leap District are legendary sub-regions.
Chardonnay: Carneros produces elegant, balanced Chardonnays with bright acidity and mineral notes.
Pinot Noir: Cool-climate Carneros excels with this Burgundian varietal.
Merlot: Napa produces exceptional Merlot, often rivaling Cabernet in quality and complexity.
Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, refreshing whites perfect for warm valley days.
Bordeaux Blends: Many wineries produce sophisticated blends rivaling French originals.
Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tips
Book Ahead: Reservations are required at most Napa wineries. Weekend slots fill weeks in advance during peak season.
Limit Your Day: Visit 3-4 wineries maximum per day. Tastings often last 60-90 minutes at premium estates.
Budget Appropriately: Tasting fees range $50-150+ per person. Plus wine purchases, lunch, transportation—budget $200-400+ per person daily.
Designate a Driver: Don’t drive after tasting. Use wine tours, car services, or designated drivers.
Dress Code: Smart casual is appropriate. Avoid heavy perfumes that interfere with wine aromas.
Ask Questions: Napa winery staff are knowledgeable and passionate. Take advantage of their expertise.
Join Wine Clubs: Many wineries offer excellent club benefits including complimentary tastings, discounts, and allocation access to limited wines.
Napa Valley Sub-Regions (AVAs)
Carneros: Cool, fog-influenced region ideal for Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines
Oak Knoll District: Transitional zone between cool Carneros and warmer valley, producing balanced wines
Yountville: Mid-valley location with diverse terroir, home to world-class restaurants
Oakville: Legendary Cabernet terroir producing powerful, structured wines with “Oakville dust” character
Rutherford: Historic Cabernet region famous for “Rutherford dust” — distinctive earthy, dusty tannins
St. Helena: Warm valley floor and hillsides producing ripe, concentrated Cabernet
Calistoga: Warmest region, producing bold, fruit-forward wines
Stags Leap District: East hillside appellation producing elegant Cabernets with silky tannins
Howell Mountain: High-elevation appellation creating intense, structured mountain Cabernets
Spring Mountain District: Western hillside producing complex, age-worthy wines
Mount Veeder: Steep mountain terrain creating powerful, tannic Cabernet
Diamond Mountain District: Volcanic soils producing distinctive, minerally Cabernet
Atlas Peak: Eastern mountains creating structured, concentrated wines
Wild Horse Valley: Remote eastern hills with cool maritime influence
Chiles Valley District: Protected valley east of Howell Mountain
Coombsville: Newer AVA southeast of Napa town, cool maritime influence
Beyond Wine: What to Do in Napa Valley
- Napa Valley Wine Train: Vintage rail journey through wine country with gourmet dining
- Hot Air Ballooning: Sunrise flights over vineyards and valley
- Culinary Experiences: Michelin-starred restaurants including The French Laundry, The Restaurant at Meadowood, and more
- Oxbow Public Market: Napa’s culinary marketplace featuring local artisans and food vendors
- di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art: Art preserve with sculpture gardens in Carneros
- Spa Experiences: Luxury spa resorts throughout the valley, especially in Calistoga
- Cycling: Bike rentals for exploring Silverado Trail and vineyard backroads
- Hiking: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and other trails with valley views
Where to Stay
Yountville: Central location, walking distance to restaurants including The French Laundry. Luxury hotels and intimate inns.
St. Helena: Quintessential wine country town with charming Main Street. Mix of luxury and boutique accommodations.
Calistoga: More casual atmosphere, hot springs, and spa resorts. Family-friendly options.
Napa Town: Most affordable options, riverfront location, easy highway access. Good base for exploring valley.
Rutherford/Oakville: Limited accommodations but ultra-luxury options like Auberge du Soleil.
Carneros: Peaceful vineyard settings with rolling hills and bay views.
Expect: $300-800+ per night during peak season. Book 2-3 months ahead for weekends and harvest.
Plan Your Napa Valley Wine Tasting Trip
Ready to explore Napa Valley wineries? Our comprehensive planning guide covers everything you need to know:
See our complete Napa Valley Wine Tasting Guide →
Discover Napa Valley Wineries
Napa Valley offers the ultimate California wine country experience, combining world-class wines, stunning vineyard landscapes, exceptional dining, and luxury accommodations. From legendary estates producing allocation-only Cabernets to approachable tasting rooms in downtown Napa, this premier wine region delivers unforgettable experiences for every wine lover.
Start planning your Napa Valley wine adventure using our winery list above.
Can’t visit regularly? Explore our Napa Valley Wine Clubs guide → to find subscriptions featuring Napa wines delivered to your door.
Winery Owners: Get Listed
Own a Napa Valley winery? We’d love to feature you in our directory with detailed reviews, professional photography, and exposure to wine enthusiasts planning Napa Valley visits.
Contact us to learn about listing opportunities and our Partnership Program.
Related Resources
All Wineries Directory – Browse wineries across all wine regions
Wine Tasting Guides – Detailed guides for visiting wine regions
Napa Valley Wine Tasting Guide – Complete planning guide for visiting Napa
Napa Valley Wine Clubs – Wine subscriptions featuring Napa Valley wines
Wine Club Reviews – Find wine subscriptions featuring California wines
Wine Reviews – Individual wine tasting notes and reviews