One could visit Napa Valley and never leave the town of St. Helena. Known for world-class wineries, an exciting culinary scene, independent shops and galleries, intimate hotels, and gorgeous vistas, St. Helena is at once modern and charming, offering a small-town vibe with big city hospitality and amenities.

In addition to its rich history and reputation as “Napa Valley’s Main Street,” St. Helena is home to some of California’s best wineries. From small-production facilities to state-of-the-art, iconic properties, we’ve rounded up 12 of our favorite must-visit spots when wine tasting in St. Helena.

Merryvale Winery

As the first winery built in Napa Valley after the repeal of Prohibition, Merryvale Vineyards produces exceptional wines from Bordeaux varieties uniquely expressed through classic Napa Valley terroir. Select from several unique wine experiences at Merryvale: the Profile Estate Vertical Tasting and Vineyard Lunch that kicks off 800 feet above the valley floor, the Blind Tasting Experience where you’ll learn how to identify different varietals, and the Grand Cru Experience, which explores Merryvale’s flagship wine, Profile, paired with gourmet cheeses and meats.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $50
Visit: 1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (877) 887-7763
Reservations: Recommended, but required for some tasting experiences.

Markham Vineyards

Venture to the stately, renovated 19th-century stone cellar and tasting room at the heart of Markham Vineyards, a historic architectural landmark in the greater Napa Valley. Here, you’ll sample world-class Bordeaux varietals either indoors, in a classic seated tasting environment with midcentury furnishings, or outdoors, near the Koi ponds and under the olive trees on Markham’s garden patio. Markham Vineyards has been sustainably producing an impressive portfolio of wines for decades, but they’re perhaps best known for their single-vineyard Merlot. Notice the cannoneer illustration on every bottle? Legend has it that namesake and US Navy veteran, Bruce Markham, would mark the start of each harvest by firing his cannon in the vineyards.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $55
Visit: 2812 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-5292
Reservations: Recommended.

Beringer

No visit to St. Helena would be complete without a visit to Beringer. As Napa Valley’s oldest continuously operating winery, Beringer offers a rich blend of history and exceptional winemaking. Step back in time with the Old Winery Tour & Tasting, where you’ll explore the estate’s hand-dug wine caves and learn about the legacy of this iconic property. Or, for a seasonal culinary and wine pairing adventure, book the Taste of Beringer, which in addition to wine and food pairings includes a guided exploration of the estate and its sensory gardens.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $35
Address: 2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 257-5771
Reservations: Recommended.

Fantesca Estate Winery

Originally the dowry of Caroline Bale for her marriage to Charles Krug in the mid-1800s, Fantesca is now owned by college sweethearts Susan and Duane Hoff, who have created a place for seasoned wine connoisseurs in search of luxury wine experiences. Tasting experiences here are intimate and personalized and include samples of Fantesca’s premium, small-production, award-winning wines in a stunning setting that includes a 300-foot Spring Mountain cave and sprawling vineyard views.

Tasting Fee: $200 per person
Visit: 2920 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 968-9229
Reservations: Required.

Raymond Vineyards

Sustainably-minded sippers will love popping into St. Helena’s Raymond Vineyards, one of the largest fully solar-powered estates in Napa. You’ll find a long list of tasting experiences, but those who want a sneak peek at Raymond’s eco-friendly initiatives can look forward to the Journey of the Senses, where you’ll learn more about their biodynamic farming practices and what it takes to make great wine—then taste the goods, paired with gourmet cheeses, of course. If you opt for another of their more theatrical experiences, like the rare wine-focused Proprietor’s Lounge Tasting, you can combine it with the complimentary and self-guided The Theater of Nature tour to explore the gardens.

Tasting Fee: $50 per person
Visit: 1584 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3141
Reservations: Required.

Charles Krug Winery

A visit to St. Helena wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the iconic Charles Krug Winery, home to California’s first tasting room. But don’t let the winery’s long history fool you. Today, Charles Krug Winery is a beautifully designed, world-class center for hospitality and wine tourism. Every detail, from carefully crafted tasting experiences to the feel and functionality of the property, is timeless yet modern, setting the standard for Wine Country travel today. Guests will fall in love with the winery’s endless stories at every turn, not to mention the rich portfolio of wines that express all that Napa Valley’s diverse terroir has to offer.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $50
Visit: 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (800) 682-5784
Reservations: Required for most experiences.

Lithology

Focusing on how Napa’s unique soil compositions create exquisite wines, Lithology has harnessed the art of single-vineyard expressions. With a winemaking team that brings expertise from far corners of the globe, there’s no better way to explore these subtleties than on the Estate Experience. Held at Lithology’s St. Helena estate, tucked away in the Howell Mountain AVA, you’ll have the chance to go on a personalized journey through their wines, each produced with grapes from singular vineyards with different soil compositions, and tailored to your specific requests. If you can’t make it to the estate for any reason, note that Lithology has a tasting lounge in downtown Napa.

Tasting Fee:$150 at the estate (Starting at $100 at their downtown Napa lounge)
Visit:500 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-6015
Reservations: Required at the estate, walk-ins welcome in downtown Napa.

HALL Napa Valley

HALL Napa Valley produces Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit from nine estate vineyards, of which five are California Certified Organic Farming (CCOF). Both tasting room locations (St. Helena and Rutherford) boast a collection of modern art with pieces from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. At their St. Helena tasting room, enjoy carefully curated experiences like the signature A Walk Through Winemaking, which takes guests on a stroll around the grounds and facilities, concluding with a tasting of four wines with seasonal food pairings, or the Cabernet Collector’s Experience, in which the winery’s most experienced wine educators guide guests through the terroir and techniques that go into crafting HALL’s rare and highly allocated Cabernet Sauvignons.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $45
Visit: 401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-2626
Reservations: Recommended.

Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards is one of Napa’s original 40 wineries with roots stretching back to the 70s. Founded by the vineyard’s namesake, Margaret and Dan Duckhorn, the winery grew up around their original 10 acres in St. Helena, going on to produce renowned Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Splash out on Marlee’s Signature Tasting, named for Margaret herself, where you’ll sample single-vineyard wines and nibble on perfectly paired bites. You can also keep it simple with the Portfolio Tasting either inside the original estate or outside beneath the trees.

Tasting Fee: $65
Visit: 1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-7108
Reservations: Required.

Louis M. Martini

Louis M. Martini Winery has been crafting exceptional wines for nearly a century. Known for its rich heritage and dedication to producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, this historic winery is a must-visit for those seeking a deep dive into Napa Valley’s renowned terroir. For a truly unforgettable experience, splurge on Louis M. Martini’s Underground Cellar Experience. Set in the historic 90-year-old barrel cellar, this immersive tasting includes small-lot and library wines, perfectly paired with culinary delights crafted by Executive Chef Aaron Meneghelli. It’s the ultimate way to explore the winery’s most exclusive offerings in a truly unforgettable setting.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $45
Visit: 254 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 968-3362
Reservations: Recommended for all tastings, required for the Underground Cellar Experience.

Prager Winery

Napa Valley’s one and only port wine specialist, Prager Winery, is one of St. Helena’s hidden gems. It’s always been a family affair, starting with owners Imogene and Jim Prager and their seven children, who carry on the tradition today. They keep it simple with only one tasting option that includes four premium port wines, served by a member of the family, and a souvenir glass. You’ll taste everything from Aged Tawny and white port to Petite Sirah and late harvest Riesling, each adding up to a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Tasting Fee: $50 per person
Visit: 1281 Lewelling Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-7678
Reservations: Recommended.

Crocker & Starr

Another sustainably-minded winery in St. Helena, Crocker & Starr offers oenophiles a taste of France with a focus on Bordeaux varietals. Pay a visit to the historic Crocker estate to take part in the Vineyard Experience. Despite being the only tasting on offer, you’ll get the royal treatment: a private tour of the vineyard and winery, fueled by a glass of sparkling and Sauvignon Blanc, before settling in at the Garden Arbor to sample their seasonal red varietals.

Tasting Fee: $95 per person
Visit: 700 Dowdell Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-9111
Reservations: Required.