7 Best Kept Secret Wineries to Visit in Napa, California - with map!
/7 Best Places to go Wine Tasting in Napa, California
Napa Valley is my FAVORITE place for wine, located North of San Francisco and is considered part of wine country in Northern California. I LOVE WINE which makes it very difficult to figure out where to go in Napa since there are so many great options! We’ve found a few places that not only have great wine, but are unique wineries (and instagrammable)! I've not only done my own extensive research in personal tastings, so I have made this awesome map so you can see how close the vineyards are:
Are you wondering where to stay in Napa and Sonoma? See our full reviews and how much we loved staying at the Cabernet House and ANDAZ NAPA in Downtown Napa, as well as the Hyatt Regency in Sonoma!
Please see our related posts: HOW TO SPEND A WEEKEND WINE TASTING IN NAPA and THE BEST WINERIES IN SONOMA COUNTY which also coincides with this map!
Don’t leave for Napa without these essentials (see more in our Napa Packing Checklist post):
Now, onto the best wineries in Napa!
Chappellet's vineyard on Pritchard Hill from the midst of Molly Chappellet's garden! Photo Courtesy of Chappellet
CHAPPELLET WINERY
Addresses: Pritchard Hill Location 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574 (in the mountains with breath taking views) or their Sonoma Location 27 East Napa St, Suite A, Sonoma, CA 95476 (wine tasting room)
Reservations Required?: Yes, book your wine tasting/tour here: Chappellet.com - Ask for Theo, she’s the best!
Cost?: $$ Tastings are around $30; Tours at Pritchard Hill are $40-$75, the wine is worth every penny
Food?: Cheese & Crackers
I like to look for wineries that aren’t as mainstream, that might have a nice view, and great wine. My research this year found Chappellet atop Pritchard Hill with stunning views and some of the best red wine I’ve ever had! And I love my reds! I loved the history of the land and learning about the Chappellet family, owners of this breathtaking winery. We had such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to go back!
See our full review here: Chappellet Winery Review
Mumm Napa Vineyard Views
MUMM NAPA
Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Reservations Required?: Reservations are recommended but not required for fewer than six guests. Call 866.783.5826 to make a reservation. Limited walk-in seating is available on a first-come first-served basis.
Cost?: $$ Tastings are $25 to $35 on the patio/salon; Tours are $40
Food?: Cheese/Crackers and snacks
Mumm Champagne is one of my favorites and couldn't wait to visit. I loved my visit and tasting so much, I even joined their wine club. The grounds are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. I can't wait to come back again and again!
We walked up around 11a without a reservation and were seated immediately. Since it was December and on the cooler side, we opted to sit in the salon for our tasting.
Bunny Foo Foo at Hall Wines Vineyard
HALL WINES
Address: 401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574 (St Helena Location)
Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended
Cost?: $$$ Tastings: $40, Tours starting at $40
Food?: Not really
I was excited for Hall since they specialize in Cabernet Sauvignon, winning many awards for their 100 point cabs! Also, not going to lie, I love bunny foo foo, especially when he is holding a light saber (Star Wars was released in theaters that weekend). Speaking of, they had amazing art throughout the winery, in the gardens, in the tasting room, everywhere!
This vineyard had more of a modern flair with an artistic eye, making it more unique. Their tasting bar was setup on the second floor near floor to ceiling windows with spectacular vineyard views. And we witnessed another beautiful sunset..
Larkmead Winery - patio vineyard views
Address: 1100 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Yes, call (707) 942-0167 Book in advance!
Cost?: $$$ About $40 for a tasting; Bottles start at $60
Food?: Not that I could see, just lots of wine!
Their website says it best: "Surrounded by the serenity of our beautiful vineyard, each visit to Larkmead is personal and unique. Guests enjoy a private guided tour of the winery followed by an in-depth tasting with a dedicated member of our team. Our cellar library holds over 2,000 bottles spanning two centuries." Their cabernets were smooth and rich (and perfect).
Wine is served in fancy Zalto glasses which run about $75 a pop!
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA - Wine Castle in Napa
CASTELLO Di AMOROSA
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Reservations Required?: Not required but recommended - 707-967-6272
Cost?: $$$ Starts at $30 just to get into the castle and comes with a tasting. Designated Drivers also need to pay an entrance fee, even if they aren't drinking! There are guided tours and food pairings as well.
Food?: Yes, see the Royal Pairings Menu
This 13th Century Tuscan inspired castle is picture perfect! You can visit the knight’s hall and their flagship cabernet sauvignon is a must-try. Animals from goats to chickens surround the castle, including some gorgeous peacocks! Not something you see every day in Napa.
Domaine Carneros French Chateau
DOMAINE CARNEROS
Address: 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve or call 707.257.0101 ext 150, daily 9-5 PST
Cost?: $$ Daily tastings start at $35, Tours are $60 see more info here: Visit Domaine Carneros
Food?: Snacks are available, food pairing is an option here.
The French Chateau esthetic at Domaine Carneros is utterly breathtaking! Walking up through the garden among the waterfalls feels like you galavanted across the world to a European vineyard! We made a reservation in advance and were seated right away. I love Champagne and the sparkling wine here was to die for. Since it was my birthday, the waiter was so kind to bring out a bottle of their best reserve wine, Le Reve, and give us a taste!
Del Dotto Wine Caves
Del Dotto Venetian Estate Winery
Address: 1445 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574
Reservations Required?: Yes, Reserve here or call: (707) 963-2134
Cost?: $$$ Bar Tasting – $45 or Cave Experience & Barrel Tasting (90 min) $75 per person
Food?: From house-cured salumi and slow braised meats to vegetables from their garden and Grandma Dee’s handmade ravioli, Chef Joshua and the entire culinary team collaborate on a unique menu that embodies the season and pairs perfectly with the wines.
The tasting was more expensive than other vineyards at $45 per person, but it included cheese, bread and olive oil! I highly recommend venturing into their gorgeous Venetian caves the tour with barrel tasting is $75. Check out that chandelier! The tasting room is beautiful decked out with venetian paintings, tiling, marble pillars and expensive wines.
Do you have any wineries that we need to add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!
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Need another glass? Try some more:
Malibu Wines is a wonderful place to go for an outing with friends in LA. We hiked, saw some animals, savored rosé pops, got some wine to go, had some laughs - it was a perfect way to spend the day outside and socially distant. You may remember my Malibu Wines Safari post or the Malibu Wines Tasting Room in West Hills, but this time we tried a new experience, Malibu Wine Hikes!