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Every winery has its own unique charm, but some rise above the rest. From wineries with gorgeous grounds to those featuring elaborate architecture, this is our list of the ten most beautiful wineries in Napa Valley.
254 St. Helena Highway S, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3362
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 225 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $55
With sleek lines and masculine tones, the recently restored Louis M. Martini Winery — redesigned by famed Wine Country architects Backen, Gillam & Kroeger — offers a stunning contemporary space from which to sip. Along with a refreshed look that blends modern details with timeless elements, the winery offers a variety of curated food and wine experiences, available both in the stylish Heritage Lounge and the Underground Cellar. Outside, the grassy open space known as Martini Park provides tasters with a pristine setting in which to enjoy lawn games and al fresco wine service.
Insider tip: If an outdoor tasting experience is what you’re after, the Martini Park Tasting is a relaxed way to enjoy the wines of this long-standing winery. But if you’re with a group, opt to reserve your own private cabana in Martini Park. Cabanas are available for up to two hours, seat up to 10 guests, and include four wines paired with a selection of Italian inspired culinary delights.
2920 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-9229
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 31 reviews
Tasting price: $250
Napa is known for its stunning landscapes, world-class wines, and exclusive experiences, and you’ll all get this and much more when visiting Fantesca Estate & Winery. This beautiful estate vineyard and winery is owned by Susan and Duane Hoff, who purchased the 53-acre Spring Mountain estate in 2004. Reservations for private tastings may be limited – there are only six tastings offered per day – and bookings require a short questionnaire in advance in order to customize the experience to each group, but those who make the effort will be rewarded with views of the stunning estate vines, a walking tour inside the impressive in-mountain cave system, and a guided tasting of the exquisite wines, made by world-renowned winemaker Heidi Barrett.
Insider tip: Fantesca is all about celebrating wine and the good life, so it’s no surprise that events are such a big part of their experience. Fantesca’s member events span the nation over, from their annual Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans to their Kentucky Derby party in Louisville, and are events you won’t ever forget.
1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville, CA 94562, (707) 944-2861
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 197 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $90
This storied Oakville winery has long drawn visitors for its quality chardonnay and cabernet wines, but don’t discount the lasting impression the picturesque property has, too. Lush gardens, sprawling vineyards, and historic wine caves create a beautiful setting from which to taste, while the stone winery building, which looks like it came straight out of a storybook, adds to the serene and magical ambiance. Even more, the name “Far Niente” — which is an Italian phrase translated to “without a care” — has been carved into the front of the building since it was established in 1885.
Insider tip: In 1985, Far Niente launched Dolce, a late-harvest blend of sauvignon blanc and semillon, which has earned the nickname of “Liquid Gold.” Be sure to pick up a bottle during your visit if you’re a fan of dessert wines.
5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 575-9777
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 350 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $55
Founded in 1978, Pine Ridge Vineyards is a picturesque winery in the heart of the Stags Leap District, where intimate tastings and tours feature stunning views of their sustainable vineyards and the surrounding hills. Sample the winery’s elegant cabernet sauvignon wines from the relaxed setting of the shaded patio or picnic grounds, making time to explore the demonstration vineyard to get a closer look at the vines, or opt for one of the cave tasting experiences which will find you touring the winery’s vast European-inspired caves.
Insider tip: Pine Ridge Vineyards isn’t just dedicated to producing quality estate wine from their vineyards throughout the Stags Leap, Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros appellations, they are also fully committed to sustainability in all facets of winery operations. The Napa Green Certified Winery is proud that 89 percent of their material is recycled or diverted from landfills, while all of their estate vineyards are Napa Green Certified Land, as well — each with a fully customized conservation program to encourage and protect biodiversity.
1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-0101
Yelp: 4 stars, 2514 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $40
There’s a reason why this stunning estate is so popular amongst visitors — Domaine Carneros is home to the most majestic château in Napa Valley. Inspired by the 18th century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France, guests are invited to enjoy their sparkling and still wines in the Louis XV-inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vines while contemplating what it must feel like to be born into French royalty.
Insider tip: Try the winery’s curated food & wine pairing, Bubbles & Bites, which showcases the versatility of sparkling wine paired with food. The current offering, A Journey to Spain, features a selection of savory and sweet Spanish-inspired bites paired with some of Domaine Carneros’ top-rated sparkling wines.
875 Rutherford Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 302-2575
Yelp: 4 stars, 302 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $60
The moment you arrive to the palm-lined driveway of this beautiful Rutherford estate, you know you’re in for a treat. Inspired by Old World Italian hospitality, most of Round Pond‘s tasting experiences take place outside on the inviting covered terrace overlooking the vines, where estate-grown wines are accompanied by artisanal bites prepared with ingredients grown on-site, including their estate-made olive oil.
Insider Tip: There are few places in Northern California where you can taste wine and estate olive oil in one place, but at Round Pond you can do just that. One of two working olive mills in Napa Valley, Round Pond offers tours of the mill, which include guided tastings of their estate olive oils and vinegars. It’s the perfect interlude between wine tastings.
6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-5790
Yelp: 4 stars, 247 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $85
Situated along the Silverado Trail in the heart of the famed Stags Leap District is the historic Stags’ Leap Winery. With roots tracing back to 1893, the picturesque 19th century stone winery is worthy of a visit in its own right, featuring buildings with castle-like details, coffered ceilings, and stained glass windows, but add in an impressive portfolio of cabernets and it’s no wonder why this storied property has remained a top destination in Wine Country for years and years.
Insider tip: If it’s a nice day (which is most of the time in Napa Valley!), you may want to book the Porch Tasting. Offered daily starting at 10:30 AM, this seated tasting experience on the porch of the Manor House is sure to transport you back in time to the elegant early days of Wine Country.
7801 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 226-1395
Yelp: 4 stars, 1194 reviews
Tasting price: Starting at $65
Appreciation of art, food, and wine were a core part of Robert Mondavi‘s life philosophy and the winery he built is an homage to all three. Once you pass the seven-foot-tall Robert Mondavi sculpture that flanks the half-moon entryway of this iconic Mission-style winery, you’ll be able to experience the passion that Robert Mondavi had for the Napa Valley region.
Insider tip: Food and wine go hand-in-hand at Mondavi, so you can bet the winery does both well. Consider springing for one of the culinary tasting experiences on offer, such as the Vineyard to Table Lunch. Available daily, this leisurely lunch on the patio includes thoughtfully composed, locally-sourced dishes paired with estate wines and vineyard views.
1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 968-1161
Yelp: 4 stars, 390 reviews
Tastings: Starting at $60
This historic Napa Valley winery, founded in 1879, is owned by Francis Ford Coppola and family, who purchased part of the winery in 1975 and the remainder in 1995, and have since restored the stately Château and grounds to grandeur. Surrounded by vine-covered pergolas, lush trees, fountains, and 1,700 acres of vines, it’s a beautiful place to taste their iconic Rutherford wines.
Insider tip: Those interested in exploring the rich legacy of Inglenook will want to reserve the Private Library Experience, a guided walking tour of the estate culminating in a seated library wine and cheese tasting in the winery’s historic cellar.
1155 Lokoya Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 224-4030
Yelp: 4 stars, 18 reviews
Tasting price: $125 per person at the Estate ($30+ at the Downtown Napa location)
Founded in 1889, Mayacamas Vineyards has long been recognized as a top producer of age-worthy Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay wines, which are carefully made using traditional winemaking techniques. Situated high above the valley, a visit to their mountainside property is a special treat, where a tour of the historic grounds is followed by an al fresco tasting alongside breathtaking views you won’t forget.
Insider tip: While it won’t be quite the same experience as visiting the winery, you can sample the wines of Mayacamas at a fraction of the price by visiting their downtown Napa tasting room — a chic space in which to taste a selection of current releases and library wines.