Imagine your quintessential tasting room in the Napa Valley. That's JaM Cellars, a “wine and music studio” with a living room atmosphere complete with Persian rugs, tables shaped like guitar picks, cozy seating including a pair of booths, and live music on Thursdays starting at 8 p. m. And Friday and Saturday starting at 9 p.m.
When there is no band on the small stage, vinyl plays on the state-of-the-art sound system, making it a breeze to sit back and relax with a drink, a flight or a bottle of the very accessible JaM Cellars wine. JaM Cellars is open Sunday to Wednesday from 10 am to. And from Thursday to Saturday from 10 am to. Helena Winery is best known for being one of the first wineries to open in the Napa Valley after Prohibition and has earned a reputation for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.
The recently renovated historic winery has large glass walls that let in tons of natural light from outside, as well as one behind the Crown Bar in the main tasting room that gives wine tasters a view into the spacious oak barrel room. Martini offers tours, an underground winery experience, and cabin tastings, but that aforementioned bar is where guests who want to sample wine in the late afternoon will be. The winery is open from 10 in the morning. Until 6 p.m., m.
Alpha Omega Collective presents Bordeaux inspired releases of Alpha Omega in the Napa Valley, the Burgundian varieties Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays de Toulouse in the Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo and the Mediterranean reds of Perinet in the Spanish Priorat. Founded in 1991 by Spain's oldest wine family, Artesa prides itself on combining old and new techniques to create the next generation of wines grown on the estate. Located in the steep foothills of the mountain. Veeder with views of Los Carneros, the rocky soils and maritime climate of Estate Vineyard produce first-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Ashes & Diamonds Winery is a love letter to Napa Valley. The mid-century approach of Ashes & Diamonds Winery extends to. Ashes & Diamonds Winery is the ultimate convergence of modern and old-school flavors, committed to offering a wide group of wines that adhere to a spirit of light winemaking and transparency of the terroir. The Bell Wine Winery is located out of the ordinary, just south of Yountville, is an exquisite wine cellar made of pale stone, wrapped in oak, bordered to the south by Hopper Slough, surrounded by vineyards and enveloped in tranquility.
Castello di Amorosa is an authentic style 13th century Tuscan castle winery in the Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa produces classically structured Italian-style wines that reflect California's unique climate, soil and growing conditions. Caymus Vineyards Remains 100% Family Owned by Wagners. Charlie, Lorna Belle and Chuck worked together as an extraordinary team for more than 30 years building Caymus Cabernet.
Napa Valley's Oldest Winery Also Home to California's First Tasting Room. Opened for public tastings in 1882 by Charles Krug, the tasting room has been converted into a world-class hospitality center, known for its exceptional wines, impressive design and historical heritage. The Crocker Estate is one of the oldest continuously cultivated land in Napa Valley, dating back to the 1870s, when the Dowdell family established Dowdell & Sons Winery. Cliff Lede Vineyards was established in 2002 by Cliff Lede, a Canadian-born Bordeaux enthusiast, following the acquisition of a 60-acre property in the Stags Leap district of the Napa Valley.
Cliff Lede is one of the 10 most-visited wineries in Napa. With that in mind, I wanted to put together a top 10 resource for you, with incredible wineries that are open right now for outdoor tastings. If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, you've probably taken a short trip to Napa and spent the day tasting wine and living your best life. As Covid restrictions begin to loosen, Napa is the perfect day or weekend trip, where you can enjoy a relaxing outdoor wine tasting while staying safe and socially.
Between my two careers and the general love for wineries, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge of the region. If you are planning a trip to Napa, check out my other posts Visiting Napa on a Budget and Tips from a Local for Traveling to Napa. With so many wineries updating their hours due to Covid, I wanted to make visiting Napa as easy as possible for you. I'm happy to share my list of 10 favorite wineries with outside tastings and I also included some key points to help you decide where to schedule your tasting appointments.
When planning your trip and choosing the Napa wineries you want to visit, think about the type of wine you normally like and their price range. All tastings are by appointment (seats are even more limited during this time due to social distancing) and have different prices, so be sure to research and book in advance. Napa Travel Guide Wheat Stone Wines Best Outdoor Wine Tastings at Napa Alcoa St. Supéry Winery, Napa Available by appointment Thursday through Monday, 12 - 3 p.m.
Available by appointment Thu & Sun 12 — 6pm, Fri & Sat 12 — 8pm, (closed Monday-Wednesday). Located in the center of Napa's arts district, St. Claire Brown is a pet-friendly winery and brewery conservatory located in the middle of the city of Napa. Wine and beer tastings take place in the conservatory's tasting room, which is located between raised seasonal garden beds and fruit trees.
Enjoy its beautiful greenery and combine your tasting with some of its appetizers inspired by the garden that surrounds it. Available by appointment from 10 a.m. at 3 p.m. every day.
Enjoy a relaxed and peaceful tasting among the vineyards on Robert Biale's back porch. Your wine educators will guide you through an overview of the Napa Valley, historic vineyards, family farming history, and the finer points of appreciating the unique blends of world-class Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Biale. at 6 p.m. You can recognize Ashes & Diamonds Winery for the coverage it has received in Vogue and Goop for its unique tasting experience.
Known for their modern design and non-conformist followers, Ashes & Diamonds offers a different approach than most Napa wineries. Available by appointment every day from 11 am. Stewart Cellars is known for being one of the most elegant tasting courtyards in downtown Yountville. Tucked away in its own small valley on the eastern slope of St.
Helena is located on the 26-acre Reverie II estate. Visits are limited and by appointment only. It's a little gem that most visitors don't know. Their wines aren't typical Napa Valley grapes, but the hosts are typical of Napa Valley.
They have beautiful views of the vineyards from their home on the porch, grassy lawn or at the roaring fire pit. Located on Silverado Trail, the modern Titus property features an outdoor patio surrounded by rows of vineyards. Fun bonus if you visit it in spring, there is a lot of mustard during the mustard season in February-March. Available by appointment every day from 9 am.
at 4 p.m. Nestled in the hills of Calistoga, Amici Winery is one of our favorites for many reasons. Amici is currently donating 100% of visitor tasting fees to the Napa Valley Community Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund and, as a special bonus, they are offering a 15% discount on winery or online wine purchases for medical professionals. Romantic atmosphere, historic architecture, lush landscapes and golden light.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley, California, Is Much More Than Just Tasting Wine. So when it comes to choosing which Napa Valley wineries to visit, the environment is almost as important a factor to consider as the grapes themselves. In the face of stiff competition and considerable opportunities, Napa Valley wineries are increasing their offer beyond typical tastings, with luxury experiences ranging from sensory garden tours to private dining with Michelin-starred chefs. We sought reputable sommeliers to give us their picks of the best wineries in Napa, along with some staff recommendations to select the must-see destinations for every type of visitor to the California wine region.
Visitors to this famous winery can enjoy a Cabernet Collector tasting that highlights five iconic wines of the highest caliber in the Napa Valley; the Georges de Latour Legacy Experience for an up-close look at the history of wine and winemaking; and a Cabernet tasting at Hewitt Vineyard that features a flight from the exclusive vineyard of the same name. Plus, there are plenty of lush valley views to savor. Cakebread Cellars has been producing stellar wines since the early 70s and has been family owned since the beginning. Not only is it a quintessential California wine destination, but it's also an excellent choice for culinary enthusiasts.
Foodies will love the opportunity to enjoy the farm-to-table cuisine that the region is so famous for as part of tastings, wine dinners, private events and cooking classes. Guests can also stroll through the estate's culinary garden, where Cakebread chefs get. Faust Haus offers two types of tastings, one indoors and one outdoors, offering immersive experiences with the winery's limited-production wines. While you'll enjoy panoramic views of the Napa Valley and Hollow Mountain from both tastings, it's worth spending time indoors to explore the works of art that fill the estate, from a charcoal mural by Roberto Ruspoli to photographs by Lindsay Ross.
Darioush is the passionate project of Iranian wine collector Darioush Khaledi and is a place where the traditions and heritage of the rich history of wine are energized by modern winemaking techniques. The brand's Bordeaux style of winemaking produces unique, collectible reds and whites worth exploring through the impressive Darioush winery. Darioush offers seven different tasting experiences on the property, ranging from an exclusive Mezze tasting of the iconic Cabernet Sauvignon, along with some small plates, to the Culture of Wine Experience, which artistically combines lessons in the history of wine along with tastings combined with dishes prepared by the chef. The architecture and interiors of the estate reflect the aging of Khaledi and the early beginnings of wine in ancient Persia and have become a true destination winery for visitors from all over the world.
Alpha Omega's founders are husband-wife duo Robin and Michelle Baggett, who have become world-renowned winemakers known for blending old-world traditions with modern technology and techniques. Their wines reflect this ingenious balance between old and new, producing bottles that can be enjoyed early, but are designed to last for decades. Sustainability and philanthropy are at the forefront of the business, making it worthwhile to invest in Alpha Omega wines for numerous reasons. A visit to the Alpha Omega estate is a must for those visiting the Napa Valley to fully experience the depth and accessibility of its offerings.
The farm houses a modern farmhouse-style structure that pays homage to the Napa Valley farming community. Indoor and outdoor tasting experiences are offered, from private single-vineyard tastings with cheese accompaniment to outdoor tastings for larger groups. Stag's Leap Wine Cellars achieved iconic status after winning the famous blind tasting at the 1976 Paris Trial, just six years after buying the eponymous vineyard. The winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and produces a variety of reds and whites.
The flagship tasting experience of Stag Leap Wine Cellars is the Cellarius Kitchen Experience, which offers a tasting of four world-renowned wines along with local dishes created by the winery's chef. There is also a 45th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris S, L, V. Tasting to be held this year and which includes a tasting of four vintages from the winery's Legacy collection. To make the most of your visit to Ehlers Estate, consider booking a private winemaker dinner, which offers a three-course chef-made meal with five of the winery's top picks.
Taurean Philpott, of Sommelier Bacchanalia Star Provisions, says you should make sure to try their Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc, as the latter is one of Napa's greats. This charming winery is a collection of classic barns that honor its roots as a 19th century farmhouse. Today, it focuses on wines from a single vineyard, and offers both public and private tasting options. Don't miss the private terroir tasting, which includes eight 100% varietal Cabernet Sauvignons from a single vineyard paired with artisanal cheese and charcuterie.
Tastings at the Cardinale Winery estate are available by appointment only, and your private library tasting offers a rare glimpse of the estate's winery, with limited-production vintages served with accessories. This iconic winery first planted grapes in 1948, and its tours will guide you through those original plantations and share the history of these immaculate vineyards before a tasting at the family home overlooking the Napa Valley. Stamp says there's something for everyone to enjoy and learn at Larkmead, and tastings are open to the public and private groups. Each vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon Mayacamas spends at least two years in barrels inside the 19th century winery.
Visits to the farm, including tastings and a tour, are offered from Tuesday to Saturday with reservation. Tastings are available in downtown Napa de Mayacamas Wednesday through Sunday. Matthaisson Wines is one of the youngest producers on this list, and production began in 2003 by husband and wife team Steve and Jill Klein Matthaisson. They produce a balanced mix of popular varieties, along with some rarer grapes, such as Ribolla gialla and Refosco.
Being at the forefront has its rewards. Matthaisson has been awarded Winemaker of the Year by the San Francisco Chronicle and Food & Wine, a James Beard Foundation Award (plus six nominations) and countless other awards from respected individuals in the industry. The vineyard offers in-person and virtual tastings. On 171 acres near one of California's oldest vineyards, fourth-generation winemaker Dario Sattui opened Castello di Amoroso in an authentically styled 13th-century Tuscan castle.
Completion of the 121,000 square foot structure, which contains 107 rooms and four levels above and four levels below ground, required more than 8,000 tons of local hand-chiseled stone, nearly one million antique bricks imported from Europe and more than 200 containers of antique furniture shipped from overseas. Self-guided tours and tastings are offered, as well as premium guided tours and tastings. Reservations are required for groups of more than 14 people. Built on a hillside in 1888, the castle of the Château Montelena winery is worth a visit, even without tasting a single drop of wine.
Not only is the setting spectacular, but it overlooks a Chinese garden, a lake and a vineyard that extends to the base of Mount St. Helena, but its stone construction and the English Gothic style of the castle house are unique to the region and atypical of the time and place in which it was built. Bookings suggested for groups of eight or more. Family-Owned Del Dotto Vineyards Have Three Napa Area Locations.
However, perhaps the most spectacular thing is its Venetian-style estate, which pays homage to both the owners' Italian heritage and the region's wine history. It has Italian marble walls, frescoes depicting the winemaking process, mosaic floors, crystal chandeliers and a historic cave that was excavated by hand in the 19th century. Tastings and tourist experiences are offered, including a visit to the historic cave. Founded by the family behind Champagne Taittinger, Domaine Carneros Winery is best known for its traditional method sparkling wine, Pinot Noir and castle, which has become a landmark in California's wine region.
Inspired by Taittinger's 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, the castle has large gardens, a living room with fireplace with marble floors and beautiful views of the vine-covered hill from its spacious terraces. Tours and tastings are available by reservation. Nestled at the base of the Mayacama Mountains, Hall Wine's St. Helena Winery offers a unique opportunity to experience outstanding contemporary works of art and excellent wines in one of California's most beautiful settings.
Reservations required for the wine and art exploration experience. Since 1975, when he bought part of the Inglenook estate, director Francis Ford Coppola has been restoring this historic winery and its 19th century buildings. One such building is the castle, built in 1881 by William Mooser, an architect from San Francisco, and Hamden W. McIntyre, who oversaw the design of the winery and would become one of the region's most sought-after winery designers.
Inglenook offers several tastings and tours and is a prominent stop on the Napa Valley Wine Train Estate Tour. Guests can sample six wines from their exclusive vineyard, designated Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Andy Beckstoffer's Heritage Vineyards. Cardinale is a limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley blended with renowned vineyards in Napa's most distinctive mountain appellations. A visit to Faust Haus is essential for lovers of California reds, as the winery is dedicated to highlighting Cabernet Sauvignon from several vineyards in the valley.
Their small-production PEAK wines come from the best vineyard blocks on the estate and are then made as a selection of the best barrels from the best batches. Benessere Vineyards is a small, family-owned boutique winery specializing in Italian varieties made in the heart of the Napa Valley, where the soil is ideal for growing these types of grapes. There's nothing like sitting on the castle terrace at Domaine Carneros while sipping a sparkling wine and gazing at the vineyard hills covered with Carneros AVA vines in the Napa Valley. You might think it would be easy to sample wine in the Napa Valley almost any time of the day, but while there are many bars and restaurants that offer great wines by the glass and bottle, “the last call for guided tours and wine tastings at most Napa wineries is long before the sun sets over the vineyards.
It's a bit difficult to find a place to sample wine after dinner in Wine Country, but in the tasting room at John Anthony Vineyards, in the heart of downtown Napa, you can enjoy late-night tastings. See for yourself as you enjoy a glass of wine in the late afternoon and take in panoramic views of the vineyards at the Oak picnic field. Arrow&Branch exists to showcase the best vineyards in Napa Valley and the wines that come from them. .
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