Planning a trip to Napa Valley? I’ve rounded up my favorites from our past two trips! Today I’m sharing my Top 5 Napa Valley Wineries.
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 uber-ing through Napa. In total, I think I’ve been to around 9 vineyards. Some were fantastic, while others were just great.
Honig
Honig is a beautiful family owned vineyard and winery, ideal for laid back tastings while enjoying a picnic lunch.
Honig started off as a “garage” winery in 1964 and have 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. The Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the best Cabs I have ever tried. The tasting is $50/person and can be made here. We did not have reservations until about 30 minutes before pulling up the Vineyard, but I still think making them in advance is a great idea.
There were tasting tables set up around the property, so you are able to take your time sipping the small glass you are given at various spots in the garden. We saw some large groups with light snacks spread out on picnic tables and 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.
Note: Jarvis is one of the Top 5 Wineries in Napa Valley for so many people!
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.
This makes me want to plan a trip right now!! I’m actually visiting my first every winery this weekend — but it’s in New Jersey so I’m betting it won’t be this dreamy!!
One of the greatest areas for wine tasting!! There are many different spots to go to, I will use this list for next time I go 🙂