Napa Valley and Sonoma County are home to some of the world’s most famous names in wine, but sometimes it’s fun to go off-the-beaten track to discover the less mainstream, smaller production wineries. Often family-owned and operated, these wineries tend to offer welcoming hospitality, intimate tasting experiences (sometimes held with the winemaker and/or owners themselves), and limited-release bottlings not easily found outside the winery.
So, the next time you’re looking to visit a small producer you may not have heard of, or simply want to add a bottle of something delicious you can’t find anywhere else, be sure to check out these 15 under-the-radar wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. They may produce less wine than the bigger names, but rest assured these wineries don’t disappoint when it comes to offering memorable experiences.
15 Under-the-Radar Small-Production Wineries to Visit Now
Explore single-vineyard estate wines from Howell Mountain while enjoying the impeccable setting of the tasting room. Location: St. Helena
Visit this beautiful Diamond Mountain hideaway to taste through their estate wines with the winemaker. Location: Calistoga
Amulet Estate is a family-owned boutique winery nestled in the hills of St. Helena, where single vineyard wines express the elegance of Napa Valley terroir. Location: St. Helena
Explore single-vineyard chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon wines at this Napa gem. Location: Napa
Enjoy hand-crafted, single-vineyard estate wines at the historic 25-acre property. Location: Calistoga
Indulge in estate grown Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling wines from this storied Spring Mountain winery. Location: St. Helena
Stunning views, wine caves, and limited-release wines await at this pristine Spring Mountain winery. Location: St. Helena
Take a private tour and tasting at this secluded, picturesque property, located high on the eastern hills of Napa Valley. Location: St. Helena
This downtown Calistoga tasting room and mercantile welcomes visitors daily for indoor and outdoor tastings of Picayune’s small-lot wines. Location: Calistoga
Nestled in the Russian River, Freeman Winery enchants with its subterranean cave and cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Location: Sebastopol
Relaxed tasting experiences and Burgundian varietals take center stage at this estate winery in the Russian River Valley. Location: Healdsburg
Creekside tastings led by the Schermeisters themselves make for a memorable experience. Location: Glen Ellen
Italian roots inspire all aspects of this family-operated winery, from the wine and food to the hospitality and atmosphere. Location: Kenwood
This woman-owned winery offers wine tastings and hikes at its historic Warnecke Ranch & Vineyard in the Alexander Valley. Location: Healdsburg
Wine and food go hand-in-hand at this picturesque winery focused on sustainable viticulture. Location: Windsor
