The smaller wineries will often receive guests on an appointment-only basis, so always call ahead, or visit their website for availability. Napa has dozens of other wineries worth noting, such as Beaulieu, Cakebread, Clos Pegase, Ehlers, Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Shrader, Silver Oak to name a few. Of course, this list only scratches the surface. And so, with the help of reviews, here are 10 of my favorite wineries with tastings and tours that are open to the public. Life is way too short for lousy wine and a mediocre time. Wineries achieve a first-class status when their staff enjoys greeting people, are extraordinary experts in their fields, and capable of conveying their knowledge in a friendly, fun, and understandable fashion. My recommendations, supported by researching 3,000+ reviews, for the best, as well as the hidden gems, are from my own first-hand experience of their hospitality, exceptional wines, the facility's ambiance, history & beauty, the wine tasting experience, and the memories that linger long after the visit is over.Įxcellent wines are certainly appreciated, however, the entire experience that a winery and its staff provide leaves its guests wanting to return. Since acquiring my own Napa Valley vineyard some 28 years ago, I've taken the opportunity to get acquainted with and tour most of the popular wineries, with numerous repeat visits amongst my favorites. The other optimal time is early Spring (late February to March) when the Valley's mustard plants are all in full, brilliant yellow bloom. If you want to experience a winery in action, come in the Fall. Early fall is our "crush" period when wineries are harvesting their grapes. The best times to visit Napa are during the Spring and Fall seasons, meaning April to early June and then September to October time frames. If you are a first-time visitor, you may wish to consider picking the right time of year to visit. A knowledgeable wine tender can erase those fears while guiding your pallet to an enjoyable and memorable experience on your very first visit. Wine is not to be feared, though at first, it can seem daunting. In this article, I've focused on wineries that offer excellent wines, rich history, an informative and entertaining adventure. While enticing, the sheer number of winery options can be overwhelming. Napa Valley contains well over 400 wineries, with most welcoming guests with tours, wine education, and tasting rooms. Napa's soil, gentle climate, and growing conditions (terroir) make for ideal grapes, coveted by wine enthusiasts everywhere. Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley awards one with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, and world-renowned wines.įor many San Francisco Bay Area tourists, the opportunity of tasting exceptional quality wines is an absolute must. It's visited by some five million people every year, making it the second most visited tourist destination in California (Disneyland is # 1). No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention or visitors as Napa Valley. Please don't stop exploring as you may find your own list of the best Napa Valley wineries differs from ours. Our list is meant as a starting point for your exploration of this globally revered wine region. Some people prefer the small boutique or "micro" wineries, some are looking for a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal, while others want a lively venue with many amenities like restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Readers often ask us, "What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit?" This isn't an easy question to answer because there are so many amazing wineries.
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