My Top 5 Napa Valley Wineries

Planning a tour of wineries in Napa Valley? Here are my Top Five Napa Valley Wineries to visit. 

We have had two different experiences in Napa Valley. On our first trip, we spent one day on a party bus vineyard hopping with 20 people. For our second trip, we spent two nights with another couple ubering around Napa Valley. In total, I visited nine vineyards. Some were fantastic, while others were great – here are my Top 5 Napa Valley Wineries to visit.

Top 5 Napa Valley Wineries

Honig

Honig is a beautiful family owned vineyard and winery, ideal for laid back tastings with a picnic lunch.

Did you know Honig started off as a “garage” winery in 1964? Since then Honig has evolved into a successful well-known vineyard producing wines you can find on wine lists around the country. We participated in the Classic Tasting for $30/person, which was done table side on the patio. The wines are light, delicious, and each bottle had a family story behind it. I loved the casual setting of the outdoor tasting area and how you can bring your own picnic lunch if desired.

Looking for somewhere to stay in Napa? Check out my review of the Andaz Napa Hotel!

Caymus Vineyards

Caymus Vineyards are like a magical secret garden – complete with a bubbling fountain, fluttering hummingbirds, and delicious, refresing wine.

The Wagner family has farmed the current Caymus property since the 1940s. Caymus is one of the most loved wine family in the country. The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best Cabernets I have ever tasted. The tasting is $50/person (make reservation here). We did not have reservations until about 30 minutes before pulling up the Vineyard! However in Napa is it best to always make a reservation in advance.

There are tasting tables set up around the property, so you can take your time around the garden. We saw some large groups with light snacks spread out on picnic tables while others grouped on patio furniture. I loved the laid back feel of the winery and gorgeous scenery.

Jarvis Estates

If you are going to splurge on one tour, Jarvis Estate is the place you must visit.

The Jarvis Estate winemaking facility is contained within 45,000 square feet of cave tunneled into the scenic Vaca Mountains in Napa. The tasting and tour of the cave was an experience to remember. I felt like we were in a scene from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but seeing where wine was made instead of candy.

The tasting portion of the tour is intimate, set in a gorgeous room within the caves. I loved every wine we tried and the story behind each bottle. Reservations are a required for tasting tours ($80) and fill up fast, so I recommend visiting the website to request a tour and tasting asap.

Cuvaison

Established in 1969, Cuvaison is a Napa Valley estate vineyard and winery that produces Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Carneros, Napa Valley.

I visited the winery during a visit to California in 2010. Our large group filled the unique tasting room and we were able to sample a variety of wines at our leisure. Reservations are required – the tasting is 45 minutes at $25/person. We loved the casual tasting room where we could socialize with one another between sips of amazing wine.

Domaine Carneros

Located in the heart of Carneros, Napa Valley is the home of the sparkling white Pinot Noir.

When we visited Domaine Carneros in 2010 for a private group tasting, I did not know such a wine existed. Our wine educator presented us with a bonus glass of the unicorn at the end of our tasting and I begged him for a second pour. To this day I am upset I didn’t buy a bottle because Domaine Carneros’ sparkling white Pinot Noir is worth a trip to the winery. Reservations are not required for groups under six, but I highly recommend making an appointment before visiting due the popularity of the vineyard.

Everyone is going to have a different list of Top Napa Valley Wineries and Vineyards at the end of the day. If you can’t make it to Napa but are in the San Francisco area, head east to visit the Livermore Wineries in Livermore Valley. Whatever kind of wine you like, make sure you have fun drinking it!