When people think of California wine country, Napa is where their mind usually wanders to. Napa Valley is one of the best wine regions in the world and offers tons of critically acclaimed wines. Located north of San Francisco, wine tasting in Napa is a must for any wine lover.
The first vineyard in Napa was established in 1858. However, Napa became world-renowned in 1976 after people realized the wines from this region held up to the part of Old World wine regions such as France. I recommend watching the movie “Bottle Shock” to learn more about this. Present-day, there are over 500 wineries in Napa, and is a popular place to visit for wine tasting in the United States.
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How to Get to Napa
The closest major airports to Napa are Oakland International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. There are frequent flights here from all over the world. Other nearby airports also include Sacramento, San Jose, and Sonoma County. From the Oakland airport, take the 880 north to the 80 east. Then, hop on the 37 west to the 29 north. It will take about an hour to get from the airport to Napa proper.
When to Visit Napa
There is no wrong time to go wine tasting in Napa, it just depends on the experience you want. To avoid the crowds, do not visit during summertime. However, summertime offers the fullest and greenest vineyards. Fall brings about harvest season and gorgeous fall colors.
During wintertime, Napa will be less busy and colder but the vines will be bare. Spring is always a gorgeous time to visit and will be a bit cooler than in the summertime.
Where to Stay in Napa
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Napa hotels here!
Staying in Napa proper can be quite pricey but also convenient to many of the wineries. There are plenty of nice hotels scattered around the region. If wanting to save some money, opt to stay in American Canyon or Fairfield. Both of these places are still close to Napa but are significantly cheaper.
American Canyon was only a 15-minute drive to several wineries on the list below. Make sure always to check out Priceline Express Deals, as these can save you tons of money. Have a larger group? Check out Airbnb for some other housing options! New to Airbnb? Sign up here to get $55 off your first stay.
Transportation around Napa
The easiest way to get around for wine tasting in Napa is to rent a car. However, if you are planning on visiting multiple wineries, make sure to have a designated driver. There are also plenty of cars with drivers for hire to take you around. Another option is to explore by taking the wine train, which takes you to several wineries by train.
Best Wineries to Go Wine Tasting in Napa
These are some of the best wineries in the Napa area.
Artesa Estate Vineyards and Winery
Cost: $35-$45
Hours: 10am-5pm
Best Wine(s): Block 92 Chardonnay
Artesa was originally founded by a Spanish company in 1991. It was later renamed Artesa in 1998 and they started to focus on Spanish wines. Located in the Los Carneros region of Napa, Artesa is known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs.
You might recognize this winery from the “Wine Country” film with Amy Pohler. A tasting here starts at $35 for 5 wines. However, they did offer a few extra tastes so it ended up being about 7-8 different wines you get to try. If tasting with two people, I recommend trying both flights and splitting them to get a good sample of their wines.
Beringer
Cost: $30 for 3 wines
Hours: Thurs-Mon: 10am-5pm
Best Wine(s): Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon
Beringer is one of the older wineries in Napa and a staple for wine tasting in Napa. Located in the St. Helena area, visitors will be awed with the amazing complex of Beringer. In 1934, Berginer was the first winery in the region to offer wine tastings and tours.
Not only is it the oldest continuously operating winery in Napa, but it is also part of the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors have the option to go on a tasting, a tour, or opt to do a food and wine pairing. A wine tasting will cost $30 for 3 wines, but they almost always pour you a couple of extras.
Chateau Montelena
Cost: $40 and Up
Hours: 9:30am-4pm
Best Wine(s): Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Chateau Montelena is THE original Napa winery that put the Napa region on the map and can compete against the French wine regions. While it is a trek to get there, it is so worth it to taste these amazing wines. Alternatively, there is a tasting room in the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco (this is where we tasted), that is much more convenient.
After producing wine for over 14 decades, you will not be sorry with any of the wines you try here. A basic tasting comes with 4 wines, and you will get a good description and information about each wine. If you can only choose one winery for wine tasting in Napa, it should be Chateau Montelena.
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Cost: $40 5 wines
Hours: Thurs-Mon: 10am-4pm
Best Wine(s): POV
Robert Sinskey Vineyards quickly became one of my favorite wineries. Despite the fact we were wine tasting outside in 100-degree heat, I enjoyed all of the wines that I tried. Operating since 1991, Robert Sinskey prides itself on being a biodynamic and organic winery.
This tasting comes with 5 wines to try and a couple of small snacks for $40. Sinskey also offers a food and wine pairing tasting that I would love to do next time. The food is also produced on the estate and much of it is organic as well.
Saintsbury
Cost: $35
Hours: 10am-4pm
Best Wine(s): Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
In 1981, Saintsbury was founded, focusing on Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Throughout the years, the winery has grown and expanded, as well as partnered with other Vineyards. Today, the tasting room has gorgeous views and tons of cute outdoor tables to sit at. The classic tasting for $35 consists of 5 tastings and lasts about an hour. I thought all of their wines were enjoyable, and I loved sitting in the garden area.
Silverado Vineyards
Cost: $60
Hours: Thursday-Monday, by appointment only
Best Wine(s): Cabernet Sauvignon and Fantasia
Silverado is the winery for Disney lovers and one of the best wineries to go wine tasting in Napa. This winery was established in 1981 by the Disney family. Lillian Disney (Walt Disney’s wife) and Diane and Ron Miller (Walt Disney’s daughter and husband) decided to open this winery to begin making wine.
Originally Silverado sold fruits to neighboring wineries. Present-day, the winery offers spectacular views of the Stags Leap District. All tastings are by appointment only, so make sure to plan accordingly. I enjoyed every single one of the wines I tasted, and it is worth the $60 price tag for the gorgeous views and the delicious wines.
Disclaimer: Special thanks to Silverado for hosting me on my visit. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
Best Wineries to Go Wine Tasting in Sonoma
Sonoma is located right next to Napa and is the next most known tasting area after Napa.
Cline Family Cellars
Cost: $25-$35/person
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-5pm, Sat-Sun: 10am-5:30pm
Best Wine(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Cline Family Cellars is the perfect place for a large group or a laid-back tasting. It is a very affordable option for wine tasting in Sonoma. A tasting comes with 5 different wines and will last about an hour. Cline is a very family-focused winery that began in 1989. It is also a California-certified sustainable farm.
Patz & Hall
Cost: $45/person
Hours: Thus-Mon: 10am-4:30pm, Closed Tues-Wed
Best Wine(s): Gap’s Crown Pinot Noir and Dutton Ranch Chardonnay
Patz and Hall is an adorable vineyard for wine tasting in Sonoma. It was founded in 1988 by four friends. They grow some of their own grapes and also source from multiple vineyards across the area. A tasting here will cost $45, but the fee is waived with a two-bottle purchase. The tasting comes with 4 wines, but we were also given 2 additional pours. Paz and Hall is a great winery to relax in a beautiful setting.
Rams Gate Winery
Cost: $50 5 wines
Hours: Fri-Sun: 11am-4pm
Best Wine(s): Cabernet Sauvignon
Situated between Napa and Sonoma, Rams Gate provides glorious views of its 28-acre property. Established in 2011, Rams Gate is the perfect winery to grab a glass of wine and sit on the patio. A tasting here is a bit on the pricier side at $50 for 5 wines.
One of the things I liked about this tasting was they brought you out a glass of wine right away as soon as you sat down. This way you could enjoy it while making the rest of your selections. Rams Gate is a must-visit winery for wine tasting in Sonoma.
Viansa Winery
Cost: $35/person
Hours: 10am-5pm
Best Wine(s): Chardonnay
Viansa Winery, founded in 1990, is a Tuscan-focused vineyard. The views at this winery are gorgeous, and it almost felt like I was back in Tuscany. A tasting here costs $35 for 4 wines. The tasting pours are large, and you will most likely get another bonus pour during your visit. It is located close to Cline, so you can easily pair them together when wine tasting in Sonoma.
Other Wineries for Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma
Other noteworthy wineries in the area include Robert Mondavi, Kendall-Jackson, Heitz Cellars, and Gustavo Wines.
Tips for Saving Money when Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma
Napa is one of the more expensive wine regions in the world. However, there are several ways you can save some money when wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma.
- Stay outside of Napa in places like American Canyon.
- Do your research on wineries. There are some awesome wineries out there where you do not need to pay lots of money to taste at. Some wineries even let you split tastings.
- Go to Costco to get bottles of wine. They usually have tons of Napa wines and you do not need a membership to buy wine there.
- Buy wine in bulk from the wineries to get a case discount and split with friends and family (or stock up for presents).
- Fly the wine home instead of shipping it. Alaska Airlines flies a case of wine home for free. On Southwest Airlines, you always get two checked bags for free.
What to Do Besides Wine Tasting in Napa
Besides wine tasting in Napa, make sure to check out the Oxbow Public Market for some great food choices and cute little shops. Visitors also must stop at Bouchon Bakery for breakfast or to grab a pastry. The line gets long, so make sure to get there early. Another fantastic food option is Girl and the Fig. This little cafe offers mouthwatering food and an extensive cocktail and wine list.
Sky and Wine offer light bites to eat and great views of downtown Napa. If interested in more outdoor activities, visit the Jack London State Historic Park, the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Rescue, or the Old Faithful Geyser of California.
No matter what, there are a ton of awesome things to do in Napa and many amazing wineries to visit. Interested in visiting other California wine regions? Make sure to check out Paso Robles, Healdsburg, the Sta. Rita Hills, or Temecula.
12 thoughts on “Wine Tasting in Napa and Sonoma, California: 10+ Gorgeous Wineries to Visit”
I have always wanted to visit the Napa Valley wine region. I think I would prefer to visit in the fall. Sounds like a perfect place for a girls trip or a couples getaway. As members of Marriott we would likely choose the Fairfield. Pimmed for when I make it that way!
Napa in the Fall is gorgeous!
I’ve never been to Napa Valley but have always wanted to go! All of the wineries look so beautiful, especially Beringer. Love your tip on getting the wine at Costco! That’s the first time I’ve heard you could do that…and I will most definitely be getting my wine there when I visit 🙂
It is a fun place to visit. Beringer is one of my favorites. A lot of people don’t realize how great the wine selection is at Costco.
What a fun trip! You’ve given me some good ideas for my Napa trip. Your money saving tips are helpful too!
Yay! I hope you have the best time in Napa. There are seriously so many wineries to explore.
I just recently did my first wine tasting experience on the west coast , but it was in Oregon . That experience though made us already start discussing a trip to Napa. Your post is excellent. I loved the brief history about each vineyard and the detail regarding their prices, flights and the little perks they sometimes throw in….. like a glass as soon as we sit down. Also great info about the new COVID changes in needing an appointment. Thanks for the tips!
I LOVE Oregon wine country. There are so many great wineries there. Honestly, I think I like it better than Napa! lol
Cheers to this! Excited to have this one on hand for when I make it out to Napa. Oxbow Public Market also sounds like a delight!
Yes! Napa is a super fun trip for wine lovers.
Napa is still so high on my USA bucket list. My cousin and I were planning on going last month, but due to the wildfires, we ended up doing the road trip in Montana and Wyoming. I am now hoping to go in the spring of 2021. I will definitely be keeping this guide handy. 🙂
Yes! I hope you get to go! Although make sure to check out Central California wine too.