Napa Valley, located in Northern California, is a wine region famous for producing some of the finest wines in the world. Picturesque vineyards, excellent climate, and the area’s proximity to San Francisco make it a very popular destination with tourists all year round.
Napa Valley welcomes around 3.85 million visitors per year.
Visit Napa Valley® – the official destination management organization for Napa County
After visiting a number of times over the years, we have come up with our list of top Napa Valley wineries. We hope that our selection will help you experience some of the best this region has to offer, while also minimizing the crowds.
Our criteria for selecting the wineries listed below includes:
- quality of the wines
- special experience requiring a reservation
- unique winery
- availability of a private or a small group guided tour
We hope you enjoy our selections as much as we do!
Getting to Napa Valley
The easiest way to get to Napa Valley is from San Francisco. Our preference is to rent a car and explore the region. However, a number of additional transportation options are available. These include:
- Public transport: You can take the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) train from San Francisco to the Napa Valley Wine Train station in downtown Napa. From there, you can explore the region using local buses or taxis.
- Private Tours: Many private tour operators offer guided day trips to Napa Valley from San Francisco.
- Shuttle Services: A number of shuttle services and tour companies offer transportation from San Francisco to Napa Valley. These often include roundtrip service.
Styled Traveler’s Napa Valley Top Wineries
Opus One Winery
Considered one of the best wineries in the United States, Opus One is an iconic winery situated in Napa Valley. Founded in 1979, this winery is a collaboration between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The estate is renowned for crafting exceptional Bordeaux-style blends. With its striking architecture and picturesque surroundings, Opus One offers a captivating setting for wine enthusiasts to indulge in its acclaimed wines. A visit to Opus One is an unforgettable experience.
You need a reservation that you can get here up to three months ahead of your visit. Reservations are made available on the first of each month. Budget around 90 minutes for this visit. Take your time and enjoy this beautiful setting and exceptional wines. ❤️
Jarvis Estate Winery Napa Valley
A trully hidden gem, Jarvis Estate Winery is known for its unique approach to winemaking. The winery stands out for its underground facility, where wines are produced and aged in a natural cave system carved into the Vaca Mountains. The winery is the first in the USA built entirely underground. All Jarvis Estate wines are produced from locally grown grapes with a focus on small-lot, handcrafted wines.
You must make a reservation and can request a tour here. You will be in for a special treat as you get to explore the caves and see the fountain, which keeps the underground environment moist and perfect for winemaking. The tour finishes with a sit down tasting of six estate wines accompanied by a board of locally produced cheeses. A very special visit which we highly recommend! ❤️
Kenzo Estate Napa Valley
A captivating fusion of Japanese artistry and California winemaking, Kenzo Estate Winery is another special place to visit. Founded by Kenzo Tsujimoto, the estate is so elegant and the attention to detail is evident everywhere you look. You will be able to marvel at the serene Japanese-inspired garden and a stunning contemporary winery building designed by renowned architect Howard Backen.
Visits to this winery are also by appointment only and you can make a reservation here. You can expect to be seated at a private table with exceptional views of the surrounding vines. This wine tasting is super refined and almost meditative – you get to see and hear the natural surroundings as you sample some very high-quality wines. We absolutely loved it! Allow about 45 minutes for the wine tasting. ❤️
And if you are looking for an exceptional place for dinner, be sure to check out the Kenzo Napa restaurant. The menu is so special and includes dishes created from fresh ingredients flown from Japan daily. Kenzo Estate wines, as well as a variety of sakes, can be paired with your dinner selection.
Hess Persson Estates Napa Valley
A bit out of the way, the Hess Persson Estates Napa Valley is an esteemed winery with a rich history dating back several decades. It was established on the site of one of the region’s oldest wineries on Mount Veeder. The winery prides itself on its dedication to sustainable and organic practices. The grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a unique look into high elevation wine making.
You can try one of many experiences, including wine tasting, food pairing, ATV vineyard tours and more. However, we highly recommend the Blending Experience which will allow you to learn how wines are blended. It is fantastic and you can book it here! ❤️Allow about two hours to fully enjoy this activity.
Finally, and not to be missed, is a visit to the onsite Hess Collection Contemporary Art Museum. The collection has included works by prominent artists like Francis Bacon, Anselm Kiefer, Frank Stella, Robert Motherwell, and Gerhard Richter.
A visit to the Hess Persson Estates will be an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend it. ❤️
HALL Wines St. Helena Napa Valley
Located in the northern part of Napa Valley, HALL Wines is near the town of St. Helena, California. It was founded by Kathryn Hall and her husband, Craig Hall, in 2003. The winery features a stunning modern design, with a sleek tasting room, art-filled galleries, and a striking 35-foot-tall stainless-steel sculpture called “The Bunny Foo Foo.”
The winery is focused on producing small-lot, single-vineyard wines and is certified Napa Green. It is best known for crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon wines, but just about any of their wines we have tried have been of great quality!
You do not need a reservation to visit, unless you sign up for a specific experience. We recommend taking your time to enjoy the wines, art, and beautiful grounds. ❤️
Artesa Vineyards & Winery Napa Valley
Another unique winery we recommend is Artesa Vineyards & Winery. It was started in 1991 by the oldest winemaking family in Spain – Raventós Codorníu. Arteza showcases its Spanish heritage through its stunning design and a dedication to crafting exceptional sparkling wines, notably the renowned Cava-style wines. In addition, you will also be able to sample elegant and complex wines like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
A reservation is highly recommended, especially if you plan to visit on a weekend. You can book it here.
Overall, a visit to Artesa Vineyards & Winery is a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, excellent wines, and artistic ambiance. We highly recommend it. ❤️
The Prisoner Wine Company Napa Valley
For a somewhat different experience, we suggest that you stop by the Prisoner Wine Company in St. Helena. This hip winery offers wine tastings by appointment only and a variety of tasting and food pairings. Of note is that The Prisoner Wine Company specializes exclusively in blends, but they are oh, so good! The label of the original wine – the Prisoner – is inspired by an etching titled Le Petit Prisonnier by the 19th century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. In addition to winemaking, the winery is focusing efforts on improvement of the prison system in the US.
You can book your experience here. We highly recommend you visit this unique winery. Their wines are exceptional. ❤️
Additional things to do in Napa Valley
Visit a California sparkling wine winery
Napa Valley does produce some outstanding sparkling wines that are worth exploring. Many wineries in Napa offer tastings of their sparkling wines, and some even have dedicated facilities or tasting rooms for their sparkling wine programs.
Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros is an elegant winery located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley. Founded by the Taittinger family of Champagne, France, in collaboration with the American wine pioneer Claude Taittinger, the winery is renowned for its exceptional sparkling wines and Pinot Noir. A visit to this winery resembles a visit to a classical French Château. This winery is always a popular stop, and you should consider making a reservation before you visit. You can view the different experiences offered at Domain Carneros here.
Mumm Napa
We highly recommend a visit to the Mumm Napa winery. It specializes in the production of high-quality sparkling wines. Inspired by the heritage of its French Champagne house parent, G.H. Mumm, Mumm Napa brings a touch of European elegance to the region. The winery’s focus on traditional methods and exceptional vineyard sources allows it to create a range of sparkling wines, including classic méthode champenoise offerings like Brut, Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs. Book and enjoy a variety of experiences here. We highly recommend the “Capture the Sparkle” Private Tour and Tasting, as it will provide you with great insights and behind the scenes experiences. ❤️
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
A great way to see Napa Valley from above is to book a hot air balloon ride. It is a unique and exciting experience. There are multiple companies offering balloon rides, but we highly recommend the Napa Valley Aloft Hot Air Balloon Rides located in Yountville, California. You can expect a very early start – between 5:30am – 6:00am, and about at 3-4 hour experience. We cannot recommend doing this enough, especially on a nice day. ❤️
Enjoy an elegant food experience
While you are sure to be busy touring wineries during the day, there is no shortage of excellent food options for the evening. We highly recommend the following:
For an elegant meal
- The French Laundry in Yountville – if you can get a reservation at this local institution, be sure to try it. It is a three Michelin star restaurant by chef Thomas Keller, and it is very much worth a visit. You must book your reservation way in advance.
- Lucy Restaurant and Bar at the Bardessono hotel in Yountville – a restaurant by chef Rick Edge that showcases fresh, organic local ingredients, excellent cocktails and an extensive wine list.
- Auberge du Soleil – a one Michelin star restaurant by visionary French restaurateur Claude Rouas. This restaurant offers not only exceptional food and wines but a view of Napa Valley that is hard to beat. Reservations are a must. A truly special restaurant we highly recommend.
- Kenzo – a one Michelin star restaurant which offers the best in Japanese cooking. Be sure to grab a seat at the long counter where you can observe the chefs preparing your food and chat with them (bonus)!
For a more casual meal
- Ad Hoc – a more casual restaurant by chef Thomas Keller. Great atmosphere and elevated home style cooking. Be sure to go hungry, as there is so much to try and enjoy.
- Oxbow Public Market – a great market featuring different food vendors as well as fresh local produce. You can grab something to eat and drink and sit outside or pick items for a picnic and enjoy later. A very lively venue.
- Bouchon Bistro – a great bistro by chef Thomas Keller. Great breakfast goods and coffee. We loved everything we sampled here.
- Restoration Hardware Yountville – this restaurant is part of the multi-building Restoration Hardware complex. Seating is inside/outside amongst olive trees and under large scale chandeliers. At night the place feels magical. The menu takes full advantage of the fresh local ingredients and wines. You can make brunch reservations; however we highly recommend going for dinner.
Visit a petrified forest
Just a 40-minute drive from the city of Napa, and closer if you are staying north of Napa, is a unique park that is very much worth seeing. The Petrified Forest in Calistoga, California is full of redwood trees which have turned into rocks during the Pliocene Epoch over 3.4 million years ago. The park is open daily between 9am – 6pm.
Where to stay in Napa Valley
There are so many great places to stay in Napa Valley. When choosing your accommodations, consider your preferences for location, amenities, and overall ambiance to find the perfect fit for your wine country getaway. Some of our top choices include:
- Bardessono Hotel and Spa – our top choice hotel while visiting Napa Valley. Its location, excellent accommodations, amenities, and onsite restaurant are hard to beat. You can walk around Yountville, which has premier restaurants and shops. The starting point of our favorite balloon rides is right across the street. You can take a walk among wineries and enjoy majestic views of the area. We also love all the art around the hotel and in Yountville. This is a very special place to stay. ❤️
- Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection – a unique hotel in Callistoga that is perfect for wellness and wine lovers. This hotel is super elegant and takes full advantage of the natural beauty of the area. It has an excellent spa onsite.
- Auberge du Soleil – a beautiful upscale hotel nestled on a hillside with probably the most amazing sunset views in the Napa Valley area. Auberge du Soleil sits on 33 acres of olive groves and oak trees. An added bonus is the outstanding onsite one Michelin star restaurant which we highly recommend.
- Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley – is a beautiful country-style luxury resort inside a vineyard. It offers some of the best accommodations in Napa Valley and has an excellent restaurant and spa.
What we loved about visiting Napa Valley
- Napa Valley is a special place to enjoy nature and wine – the valley, surrounding mountains, vineyards and high-quality wines produced in the region make it a great destination for a vacation or a long weekend.
- Superior dining options and great local produce used widely by the local restaurants
- Excellent spas in the area and a focus on wellness
- You can do as little or as much as you want and enjoy time in the area
- Napa Valley is a very popular destination; however, you can curate an itinerary that feels very personal and avoids the crowds.
- The area is especially beautiful in the spring and during harvest in the fall.
- Easily accessible from San Francisco
What to bring
You can feel as casual or dressy as you like in Napa Valley. Here are some items we recommend that you bring:
- You can expect to do a lot of walking, standing, or biking so be sure to bring comfortable shoes.
- Layers of clothing, as the temperature varies and you may need a jacket in the morning and a sun dress during the day.
- A hat of your choice, as it is often very sunny in the area
- Sunglasses. Right now, we love this and this pair.
- Definitely bring sunscreen. We love this one and this one.
- A water bottle as you will need to stay hydrated.
- A small backpack to keep your hands free. We like this one or this one.
Check out our list of travel essentials on what to take and how to maximize your packing.
In closing, we love visiting Napa Valley and have returned multiple times. We find it especially beautiful during harvest time in September. We will definitely make more trips to Napa Valley in the future.
[All pictures taken by the Styled Traveler]
Additional resources and inspirations
Here are some links to additional resources you might find useful and inspirational for your trip to Napa Valley, California:
DJI Mavic Pro
Napa Valley Vinters
Travel The Top
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