For those of you who know a little bit about wine, we’re talking about Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. For those of us who don’t know anything about wine, I’m talking about: Napa Valley!
Napa Valley, with over 400 wineries, is the most sought-after wine-producing region in the United States. Surrounded by California’s rugged mountain ranges, Napa Valley is the piece of land that stretches between both the Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains. Soil types, weather patterns, and terroir vary greatly among the many microclimates in these mountains, which in turn produce an abundant range of wines with broad characteristics that permeate throughout the valley.
Napa Valley takes its name from the biggest city in the area, Napa, and the town of Napa was named after the Napa River which runs through it.
So, when most people say “Napa,” they’re typically referring to ALL of those regions and towns throughout the Napa Valley – not just Napa, the city.
For better or worse, Napa Valley has come to embody the California wine region of varietals and tourist-friendly vineyard experiences. Diverse offerings, from boutique hotels to fine dining to home-grown wineries, seem to be the new face of tourism to the area.
Key Points about Wine Tastings
Napa Valley wineries are stepping up their offerings beyond the typical tastings with luxe experiences that range from sensory garden tours to private dining with Michelin-star chefs.
The best wineries combine delicious, balanced wine with spectacular views. Each individual producer will have their own spin, but as a rule, valley fruit tends to be richer, broader, and juicier; and mountain fruit tends to be more savory and elegant.
As far as what to try, Cabernet Sauvignon is the best-known grape from Napa, but you can also find killer examples of Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and Merlot.
There is a variety of different tastings available based on your price point. Yes, there are a lot of free tastings as well. But $30 per person is about the average cost for a tasting. You can usually get this fee waived by buying a bottle or two of wine. You can also sometimes find two-for-one tasting deal coupons by stopping by the Napa Valley Visitor’s Center.
If you are new to wine tastings, you should limit yourself to two to three tastings a day. Any more than three will put you in “Palette Fatigue.“ Essentially, palette fatigue happens after tasting many different wines and they all start to taste the same due to both the physical and mental exhaustion of concentrating on how wine tastes. All in all, one should pace themselves.
Lastly, make sure to eat plenty of carbs, healthy fats, nutrients, and drink lots of water. A good day pack would be nuts, fruit, baguette, and plenty of water in a reusable water bottle.
Top 5 Wineries to Visit
These wineries were chosen, in no particular order, based on location & scenery, eclectic offerings, and tasting experiences.
Darioush
Imagine arriving at a majestic winery estate, nestled among gardens and olive groves on a scenic hillside. You’re greeted by the scent of lavender in the air, rows of magnificent vines on either side of the driveway, and even horses roaming around.
This is what you see as you reach Darioush Winery. Darioush offers seven different tasting experiences on property that range from a Signature Mezze tasting of the flagship Cabernet Sauvignon alongside a few small plates to the Culture of Wine Experience, which artfully blends lessons on wine history alongside tastings paired with chef-prepared dishes. The estate's architecture and interiors reflect Khaledi's upbringing and wine's early beginnings in ancient Persia and have become a true "destination winery" for visitors from around the world.
Stony Hill Vineyard
Stony Hill Vineyard is among the most respected white wine producers in Napa Valley and the first post-Prohibition estate. The 168-acre vineyard on Spring Mountain is dedicated to French-inspired Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, and Riesling with an “ethereal” winemaking style: textural, elegant, and with a long, mineral finish.
Their tours walk you through original plantings done in 1948 and share the history of these immaculate vineyards before a tasting at the family home overlooking the Napa Valley.
Mayacamas
Mayacamas is another historic producer in Napa with a property dating back to 1889, though they didn't start making wine until just after Prohibition. Every vintage of Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon spends at least two years barrel-aging inside the 19th-century winery.
A truly historic estate in the heart of Napa located at the top of Mount Veeder. At 1800-2400ft above sea level in the crater of a long-extinct volcano, this combination of altitude, complex volcanic soils, and dry farming yields concentrated berries that give wonderfully structured and complex wines.
Castello di Amoroso
In the foothills of California’s Temescal Mountains, about 20 minutes north of Napa lies a romantic Tuscan Castle where you and your loved ones can begin your journey back in time.
Fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui opened Castello di Amoroso in an authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle. Completion of the 121,000 sq ft structure, which contains 107 rooms and four levels above and four levels below ground, required more than 8,000 tons of hand-chiseled local stone, nearly one million antique bricks imported from Europe, and more than 200 containers of antique furnishings shipped from overseas.
The Castle, Castello di Amoroso, is located on 171 acres of vineyards and valleys. The Castello offers upscale, luxury accommodations, fine dining, and an authentic European experience.
Domaine Carneros
The château is set in a gorgeous valley, with sweeping views of rolling hills covered with vineyards. The place is home to a grand garden, with manicured hedges, fountains, and a marble-floored fireside salon. It was inspired by the 18th-century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France. The château features a tasting room, an excellent way to learn about the winery's wines, and an extensive collection of art from the 18th till the 21st century. The grounds are open year-round for tours and tastings by reservation.
Founded by the family behind Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros winery is best known for its methode traditionnelle sparkling wine, its Pinot Noir, and its château, which has become a landmark in California wine country.
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