With more than 400 wineries throughout the region, picking the best winery tours in Napa Valley can be, simply put, a bit daunting. For that reason, we’ve put together a list of the best of the best, so you can focus on what matters most: the wine. Here are seven great winery tours to experience in Napa Valley.
Sparkle On
Mumm Napa
8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 688-6272
Mumm Napa has been a destination for traditionally-made sparkling wines since its inception in the late 1970s. During the private, two-hour-long Capturing the Sparkle Tour, you’ll visit the winery’s demonstration vineyard, tour the winemaking facility and cellar, then finish with a tasting of five vintage sparkling wines and cheese on the Oak Terrace. If you’d rather have a more leisurely experience without the tour, book a tasting on the Oak Terrace or their Outdoor Patio to sip bubbly outdoors overlooking the vines.
Insider Tip: Visit Mumm Napa’s Fine Art Gallery. The gallery is home to a collection of original Ansel Adams prints (on loan from the Adams family), as well as works from local and international artists.
Cabernet & Caves
Pine Ridge Vineyards
5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 252-9777
Situated in the heart of the Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards—which has been making wine for over 40 years—offers several wine tasting experiences worth exploring. For a complete vine-to-glass tour, though, check out the 90-minute Cellar 47 Cave Tour and Tasting. You’ll visit the wine cellar and impressive wine caves, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of their limited estate Cabernets.
Insider Tip: Pine Ridge Vineyards has gained a loyal following for its Cabernet-based wines, including their flagship Cabernet, FORTIS, which is only available at the winery.
Art + Wine
Hess Persson Estates
4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-1144
Founded by the late Donald Hess, a respected art collector and vintner, Hess Persson Estates has earned a reputation for its character-filled wines and diverse range of wine tasting experiences. Art enthusiasts will want to make a point to book Hess’ walking tour of their on-site art museum, which includes an intimate tour of the impressive contemporary art works on display, followed by a seated tasting of current release wines.
Insider Tip: If you have a little more time to spare, upgrade your visit with the 90-minute Tour of the Palate Experience. As with the Walking Tour of the Museum, you’ll spend time exploring the collection of contemporary art, but you’ll follow it with a tasting of estate-exclusive wines paired with a seasonal, three-course menu created by Hess’ own Executive Chef, Chad Hendrickson.
Breathtaking Scenery
Somerston Estate
3450 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
Located about 25 minutes from downtown St. Helena, Somerston Estate may be a bit off-the-beaten-path but it’s a gem waiting to be discovered. This idyllic haven is where artisanal winemaking meets stunning vineyard landscapes, and the best way to experience it all is through the Somerston Tour & Tasting. This 90-minute tour will find you traversing through vineyards in an ATV, where you’ll take in the sweeping vistas from every angle. Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a seated tasting of current releases paired with different cheeses.
Insider Tip: Bring your camera, because the views from atop the hillside vineyards are photo-worthy.
Venture Among the Vines
Groth Vineyards & Winery
750 Oakville Cross Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 754-4254
For four decades, the family-owned Groth Vineyards & Winery has been making noteworthy wines from its expansive estate in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA, as well as from other reputable vineyards in the region. Starting this July, the winery will welcome visitors to experience the estate and its vines like never before. Their new Among the Vines: Oakville Estate ATV Tour is a 90-minute experience (limited to four guests) that takes you on an easy-going ATV ride around and through the estate vineyards. Along the way, you’ll learn about Groth’s viticulture practices and stop for sips of wine while admiring the beautiful vines, majestic oak trees, and insectary garden.
Insider Tip: If you’re the type who loves to learn while you sip, consider attending one (or all) of Groth’s Oakville Summer School offerings. This intimate educational series, highlighting topics such as “The Art of Blending” and “The Magic of Harvest,” includes behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on experiences, and, of course, great wine.
A Dose of History
Far Niente Winery
1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562, (707) 944-2861
Surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens, Napa Valley’s Far Niente Winery is a beautiful sight, but to really experience it all, book the 90-minute Tour and Tasting. This intimate tour will take you through the historic tri-level winery and wine caves, followed by a seated tasting of current releases. To cap it off, you’ll sample the celebrated late harvest wine, Dolce, produced by Far Niente’s sister winery.
Insider Tip: History buffs will especially enjoy paying a visit to Far Niente Winery, which was established in 1885 and prospered until the start of Prohibition. In 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the winery and began a three-year restoration, resulting in the winery being placed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Hillside Sustainability
CADE Estate Winery
360 Howell Mountain Road South, Angwin, CA 94508, (707) 690-1213
Nestled high above the valley at an elevation of 1,800 feet, Howell Mountain’s CADE Estate may not be the easiest place to get to, but it’s worth the drive for a look at this modern estate winery. During the 60-minute CADE Estate Tasting Experience, you’ll learn how CADE became the first LEED Gold Certified Winery in Napa Valley and about their organic vineyard practice. Enjoy stunning views of Napa Valley during the seated tasting of current release wines in the contemporary lounge or outside in the courtyard.
Insider Tip: If looking to add some older vintages to your cellar, check out CADE at 13th Vineyard, one of the oldest and historically significant properties in Napa Valley. At the still-intact 1886 winery—the 13th bonded winery in California—you’ll sample CADE’s library vintages from within the hand-laid stone winery.
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