Calling all wine lovers! I don’t know what it is about vineyards, but they always seem to bring me calmness. That is before the wine tasting starts! haha.
I thought what a better way to share one of my most visited places in California than to share the most charming wineries in Napa. Napa Valley is a great way to spend the day relaxing, taking in the California scenery & sipping on wine. There are over 420 wineries in Napa and it can become overwhelming to pick just a couple to see each day on your trip! Whether you are going for a weekend, a week or a day, here are 10 Charming Wineries in Napa.
In this blog post, I will talk about 10 wineries I’ve been to in Napa that you shouldn’t miss!
Oh, I will also talk about what the specific winery specializes in!
01. Frank Family Vineyards
Location: Calistoga Type of wine: Red, white & bubbles. This winery is perfect for someone who wants to taste a range of wines. Tasting cost: Starting at $50 Food: No.
When I walked up to the big red barn saying “Travelers Welcome,” I knew I belong here! I found this gem as I was driving to Napa for the day and needed somewhere that had tasting after 5:00pm. Most wineries in Napa stop wine tasting around 4:00pm. I booked the sunset tasting and we sat on the back porch and drank a range of wines. Most of the wines at Frank Family are exclusive to them, so you won’t find them in the store. The tasting room is made out of a home, so it was like having an old friend invite you over to have some wine. Frank Family Vineyards has a back porch along with the front lawn for tasting. This winery is located in Calistoga which is about 35 minutes from Downtown Napa. Reservations Required.
02. Domaine Carneros
Location: Carneros Region Type of wine: Traditional Sparkling & Pinot Noir Tasting cost: Starting at $40 Food: Snacks are served. Cheese, charcuterie, caviar and smoked salmon.
03. Domaine Chandon
Step into the beautiful french inspired Chateau and sip wine on the patio while enjoying the rolling hills of Carneros. It’s even more gorgeous in person, but the stairs are quite the climb. ahah. This winery is the epitome of Napa Vally. Champagne lovers, this is a must for you! Domaine Carneros is known for it’s traditional sparkling wine, which does not disappoint. The views are incredible and the service is even better!
Location: Yountville Type of wine: Sparkling wine Tasting cost: Starting at $50 Food: No.
If you are not a champagne lover, I promise there will be other options! Can we talk about this picturesque entrance?! You’ll walk past a beautiful bridge with fish in a pond before you get here. I remember when the first time I experience Chandon. I was on a spontaneous girls trip, combining friendship groups. We sipped the most delicious sparkling wines and became closer. We headed to the lawn! The lawn has chairs that you can relax and enjoy the scenery. If you are celebrating something special, Chandon has cabanas available.
04. Schramsberg
Location: Calistoga Type of wine: Red & Sparkling Tasting cost: Starting at $50 Food: Cheese pairing available.
Schramsberg winery started in 1862 has played a huge role in history; Blanc de Blancs was used for President Nixon’s 1972 “Toast to Peace.” The cave tour is a MUST and where are the winemaking happens! The cave is filled with bottles of sparkling wine. Schramsberg’s uses traditional winemaking practices which are carried out by hand. The sparkling wine is created by turning the bottles in the wine holder in the picture above.
05. Chateau Montelena
Location: Calistoga Type of wine: Cabernet sauvignon and Chardonnay Tasting cost: Starting at $45 Food: No.
Chateau Montelena is known as one of the oldest (1882) and prettiest wineries in Napa Valley. I mean can you blame them. The stone, the vines, and the whole feel looks like you’ve step out of California and directly into France. If you do the library tasting, you will get to taste wines that are exclusive to the vineyard and not sold anywhere else.
06. Robert Mondavi
Location: Oakville Type of wine: Sweet, Red, White & Dessert wine Tasting Cost: Starting at $50 Food: Charcuterie
After going to Napa over a dozen times, I finally made it to Robert Mondavi winery! The patio has the most beautiful views. The winery also offers culinary experiences and the 50+ Summer concert traditions are on their way back.
07. Sterling Vineyards
Location: Calistoga Type of wine: Red, White, Sparkling, & Rosé Tasting Cost: Starting at $49 Food: Cheese & Charcuterie
The views from the Sterling Vineyards gondola are just the beginning of an amazing tasting experience. This is a unique tasting because with each stage of the tasting, you get to see a new part of the Sterling Vineyards. Other than the obvious views from the gondola, my next favorite view is from the the sterling deck. The wine tasting ends at a beautiful deck where you can order wine by the glass.
08. RH Wine Vault
Location: Yountville Type of wine: Red, White, & Sparkling Tasting Cost: Starting at $50 Food: Cheese & Charcuterie Pairing
Of course, Restoration Hardware created a picturesque place to sip wine with luxury home furnishings. The RH Vault is located in a gorgeous historic mansion. If you want to taste wines from different regions RH Vault is the perfect place. The Vault is also open until 8pm, so you can have pre-dinner drinks. If you get hungry, you can stop by the RH restaurant.
09. Mumm Napa
Location: Rutherford Type of wine: Sparkling Tasting Cost: Starting at $40 Food: Petite Pairings & Chocolate
Sparkling wineries definitely have a charming aspect, right? Mumm Napa has an impressive view and even better sparkling wine. Tasting sparkling wine on the outdoor patio while watching the sunset was a dream. I would recommend starting the day or going mid-day.
10. Castello di Amorosa
Location: Calistoga Type of wine: Red, White, & Sparkling Tasting Cost: Starting at $45 Food: Chocolate Pairing
Every time I’ve had visitors, I take them to Castillo di Amorosa because who doesn’t want to taste wine in a castle. Although this castle looks like it was build in the 1800s, it was actually built in 1994. You can walk through the castle after your wine tasting in the cellar while standing. If you want to sit and relax, you can get a seated reserve tasting.
Wife, Daughter, Sister, Friend and the best HYPE girl. In 2016, I went to Thailand and met my husband. Literally, in Koh Phagan, I not only fell in love with this wonderful man, but with all things TRAVEL! February 2020, I started telling my story! I am so HAPPY you are here! LET’S GO ON ADVENTURE!
