{"id":1108,"date":"2017-06-06T15:10:35","date_gmt":"2017-06-06T22:10:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/?p=1108"},"modified":"2017-06-06T15:10:35","modified_gmt":"2017-06-06T22:10:35","slug":"10-favorite-napa-valley-wineries-to-visit-by-igor-sill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/?p=1108","title":{"rendered":"10 Favorite\u00a0Napa\u00a0Valley Wineries to Visit by Igor Sill"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>\n

\"icon_ig\"<\/a>\"icon_twitter\"<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\"icon_facebook\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By\u00a0Igor Sill<\/strong><\/h4>\n

What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit? This isn’t an easy question to answer because there are so many truly amazing Napa wineries. Some people prefer the small boutique “micro” wineries, some want a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal, while others want a lively venue with many amenities like restaurants, shops and art galleries.\u00a0 This list is meant as a starting point on your exploration of this globally revered wine region.<\/p>\n

No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention as\u00a0Napa\u00a0Valley. \u00a0It\u2019s incomparable beauty pairs seamlessly with generations of winemaker passion to craft some of the world\u2019s truly exquisite wines, as a result, it\u2019s visited by well over three million people every year; making it one of\u00a0California\u2019s top tourist destinations (Disneyland\u00a0ranks #1).\u00a0 Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley awards one with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, world-renowned wines and, of course, an unforgettably memorable experience.<\/p>\n

Napa\u00a0Valley\u00a0contains well over 400 wineries, with most welcoming guests with winery tours, wine education and tasting rooms.\u00a0 While enticing, the sheer number of winery options can be overwhelming.\u00a0 This article was originally published back in February of 2016 based on reviews from visitors compiled via yelp.com. \u00a0In this updated version, I researched both yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com to uncover those wineries that recent visitors felt offered excellent wines, a substantial, service-oriented winery experience, rich history, as well as an informative and entertaining adventure.\u00a0 Seems a lot has changed since then, both from visitor reviews and the winery programs themselves.<\/p>\n

Both of these websites are free and\u00a0provide consumers an open platform to voice their experiences about the quality of products, services and experiences so that anyone can instantly acquire information from countless other consumers about their personal experiences ranging from restaurants to movies to physicians and, wineries! \u00a0After compiling the most positive ratings, I visited these top 10 wineries unannounced to confirm the reviews.<\/p>\n

The recommendations listed are supported by analyzing well over 3,000 yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, for the best, a few hidden gems, as well as my own first-hand experience of their hospitality, quality of wines, ambiance, history, the overall wine tasting experience and the memories that linger long after the visit is over. Yelp has always been a dependable community review site with full user profiles helping others determine if they might agree with a particular reviewer\u2019s taste.\u00a0 Yelp encourages users to post real photos and their real first name and last initial. I believe both Yelp and TripAdvisor reviews are reliable, trustworthy and fairly representative by visitors.<\/p>\n

Excellent wines are certainly treasured; however, the experience a winery and its staff provide determines its guest\u2019s assessment and the desire to return.\u00a0 Wineries achieve first class status when their staff enjoys greeting people, are extraordinary experts in their fields and capable of conveying their knowledge in a friendly, fun and understandable fashion.\u00a0 Life is way too short for lousy wine and a mediocre time.\u00a0 And so, with the help of yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, here are 10 of my favorite wineries with tastings and tours that are open to the public.<\/p>\n

Of course, this list only scratches the surface.\u00a0Napa\u00a0has dozens of other wineries worth noting, such as Beaulieu, Beringer, Cakebread, Chateau Montelena, Ehlers, Far Niente, Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Shafer, Silver Oak and many more.<\/p>\n

The smaller wineries will often receive guests on an appointment only basis, so always call ahead, or visit their website for availability.\u00a0 Also, note that\u00a0Napa\u00a0zoning restrictions preclude picnic eating at all but a couple of\u00a0Napa\u00a0estates, so hold off on that picnic basket.<\/p>\n

Virtually all wineries will charge a fee for the tour or tasting, but given the amount of information garnered and the quality of wines poured, along with the beautiful and stylish settings; these visits are an incredible bargain.<\/p>\n

My list of the best Napa Valley wineries to visit:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1)\u00a0V.Sattui Winery<\/a><\/strong>, St Helena,\u00a0Napa:\u00a0 This is the most popular and \"\"<\/a>most visited winery in all of\u00a0Napa.\u00a0 Hours are 9-5 in the winter and 9-6 in the summer months with no appointment required, 7 days a week.\u00a0 V.Sattui continues to evolve and upgrade their guest experiences, recently adding a Concierge Service designed to custom tailor visits based on guest preferences. \u00a0It’s a top favorite because they offer old world Italian charm, more than 60 different wines, champagne and ports, vast picnic grounds, personalized winery and barrel tasting tours, food pairings, a legendary deli with fresh foods, cheeses and a friendly, knowledgeable, well trained staff.\u00a0\u00a0 It’s one of the few wineries that consistently receives top awards for their wines crafted by noted Winemaker,\u00a0Brooks Painter<\/a>\u00a0who joined V.Sattui in 2005 from Robert Mondavi Winery.\u00a0 The main tasting room is as close to a party as you\u2019ll get in the often seriously elitest\u00a0Napa.\u00a0 For those who want to learn and talk about\u00a0terroir<\/em>\u00a0while indulging in aficionado conversations about serious wines should visit their Vittorio tasting room (Tower) where wine expert, Marc Golic, can be found.\u00a0 There’s always a party going on at this winery because it’s always packed with visitors, frequent summer BBQs, special events, entertainment and weddings year round.\u00a0 This winery has a full time wedding and special events Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Masanti,\u00a0insuring exceptional cuisine matches glamorous events. \u00a0Culinary Director, Joe Schneider, combines award winning wines with weekly food pairing tasting events.\u00a0 It’s also a great spot to relax with their wines while enjoying a family lunch on their picnic grounds. \u00a0The terrace grounds behind\u00a0Vittorio\u00a0Tower\u00a0is like walking through olive tree lined lavender fields in\u00a0Italy.\u00a0V. Sattui is a family, dog friendly winery where you’ll see children having a great time as well. \u00a0This is truly a wonderful and gorgeous place to spend your day.\u00a0V.Sattui believes in doing very little advertising, relying mostly on word-of-mouth from loyal Wine Club members, which seems to be working very well for them. Highly recommended for fun-loving novice wine buffs as well as the accomplished wine aficionado.<\/p>\n

1111 White Lane
\nSt Helena, CA 94574
\n(707) 963-7774<\/p>\n

2)<\/strong>\u00a0Darioush Winery<\/a><\/strong>, <\/strong>Oak Knoll, Napa, CA:<\/strong>\u00a0I made reservations for 4 at Darioush Winery for a flight of 5 wines hosted tasting on a busy Saturday afternoon @ $150 per person. We arrived a bit early and drove up that beautiful long driveway at the base of Atlas Peak off of \"\"<\/a>Silverado Trail. We were graciously greeted as we approached the entry by Mark, a very friendly concierge who checked us in with a smile and served us a wonderful Russian River Chardonnay. Mark quickly guided us inside to a waiting living room setting in front of a massive fireplace graced by Persian columns. Mark then introduced us to our host, Derek, who engaged us with a bit of history behind Darioush’s founder, Darioush Khaledi, who achieved the American dream by immigrating to the US from Iran following the Islamic revolution and started what turned out to become the largest family-owned grocery business in Los Angeles. He then founded Darioush in 1997 to bring the opulent architecture, rich culture, arts and wines of the famed royal city of Persepolis to Napa. And, that he has done. The winery is amazingly impressive, with Persepolis columns framing the entrance with a royal palace setting inside. Our 5 wines were served paired perfectly with artisan cheeses and nuts. We tasted 2 Syrahs, a Merlot, a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and lastly, the Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. All were luscious and superbly outstanding. Darioush himself walked over, introduced himself and welcomed us to his winery with a genuine and gracious hospitality, making us feel like royalty. Derek then invited us downstairs where we toured Darioush’s personal wine collection cellar, filled with first growth Bordeaux wines, in the style of Haut-Brion, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux (one of my personal favorites), Chateau Lafite and Mouton Rothschild, including a bottle of 1942 Chateau Lafite Rothschild–reportedly one of only 2 left in the world. Derek then pulled out a wine thief and proceeded to extract tastings for each of us from a cellar French oak barrel of 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, yet to be bottled or released. It was truly outstanding and, though a bit young, will clearly be brilliant in a few years. Overall, we tasted some 7 lovely wines and were graced with an unforgettable wine tasting experience in one of Napa’s absolutely finest wineries. \u00a0Without question, an exceptional and unforgettably memorable experience, worthy of 6 Yelp stars (5 is the max)! Appointments required.<\/p>\n

4240 Silverado Trail
\nNapa, CA 94558
\n(707) 257-2345<\/p>\n

3)\u00a0Castello di Amorosa<\/a><\/strong>, Calistoga, Napa, Ca: Castello di Amorosa knows how to make a huge first impression.\u00a0 Set on a Calistoga knoll, this authentically styled, 13th Century Tuscan castle winery is unlike any other you’ll visit.\u00a0 It took some 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V.Sattui Winery) to construct it and has all the elements you’d expect from an authentic Italian castle, such as a moat with drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church and fully equipped torture chamber.\u00a0 The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo and Sangiovese. \u00a0A number of guided tours and tastings are available. The castle hits all the marks: delicious wines that you can only get from here, unforgettably\u00a0gorgeous grounds, delectable foods and cheeses, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.\u00a0\u00a0Busy and crowded.\u00a0 $25 gets you into the castle along with 5 tastings.<\/p>\n

4045 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29)
\n(707) 967-6272<\/p>\n

4)\u00a0Spottswoode<\/a>, St Helena, Napa: Spottswoode is a true family owned historic winery on the west side of St Helena in the Napa Valley.\u00a0 Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on their wine \"\"<\/a>labels.\u00a0 Founder, Mary Novak was a vital part of the fabric of Napa Valley and its wine community since 1972. Her intelligence, sense of humor, humility, and vivacious personality continues to inspire all at Spottswoode. Today, the winery is managed by her daughters Beth Novak Milliken, its President & CEO and Lindy Novak, who runs the winery’s wholesale marketing program.\u00a0 The family produces a small portfolio of 4 delicious varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a miniscule amount of Syrah and Albarino.\u00a0 Their hospitality and tasting room is in a quaint Victorian farmhouse nestled amongst the vines. Tours are available on Monday through Fridays at 10AM with no more than 10 people allowed, so call in advance as this is a popular site. \u00a0Spottswoode is consistently rated one of the very best (5 stars) at Yelp.<\/p>\n

Phone (707) 963-0134
\nemail tours@spottswoode.com<\/a> to make a reservation.<\/p>\n

5) Inglenook Winery<\/a><\/strong>, Rutherford, Napa:\u00a0 As one of the original Napa wineries, the elegant, ivy-covered Inglenook was founded by Finnish sea captain and Wine Connoisseur,\u00a0Gustave Niebaum<\/a>\u00a0in 1879.\u00a0 Gustave was passionate about making fine wines in small quantities.\u00a0 Many Hollywood legends were drawn to this Napa treasure in the 1930\u2019s and 40\u2019s including Carole Lombard, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow to name just a few. \u00a0In 1975,\u00a0Francis Ford Coppola<\/a>\u00a0acquired the notorious winery from the Niebaum family and spent considerable time, money and energy restoring it back to its magnificent original splendor.\u00a0 It has since been known by several names, ala Niebaum-Coppola, Coppola and Rubicon until 2011, when Francis Ford Coppola acquired the Inglenook trademark, paying more, he said, than he had paid for the entire estate.\u00a0 He has since, restored the historic name Inglenook to the estate so that it remains a true crown jewel of Napa Valley.\u00a0 Tours are by appointment and definitely worthwhile so that you can appreciate these amazing grounds.<\/p>\n

6)\u00a0Artesa Vineyards<\/a> and Winery – Out of all these wineries, Artesa offers the very best overall Napa views. \u00a0The family-owned winery is set into the highest hill of its 350-acre estate. A terrace offers beautifully expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, a view of the San Francisco skyline.<\/p>\n

Artesa\u2019s architecture reflects a series of Spanish Mediterranean themes. Originally named Codorniu Napa, the name was changed to \"\"<\/a>Artesa in 1997, which translates to \u201chandcrafted\u201d in catalan. Today Artesa wines are crafted from the varietals for which Carneros and Napa Valley are best known: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.\u00a0 Tastings are $35, $45 and $55 per person dependent on exclusivity of the wines served.\u00a0 There are some truly amazing picturesque views to absorb as you enjoy some truly great wines.<\/p>\n

1345 Henry Road
\nNapa, CA
\n(707) 224 1668<\/p>\n

7) Domaine Carneros<\/a>, Napa, CA: Founded by the noble French family behind Champagne Taittinger, this majestically grand ch\u00e2teau is a splendid way to enjoy the Carneros Appellation of Napa. This stunning, fairy-tale ch\u00e2teau was modeled after an 18th-century French mansion owned by Taittinger. Carved into the hillside below the winery are exceptional sparkling wines reminiscent of those crafted by Taittinger, using estate grown Los Carneros grapes. \u00a0The estate is located in the southern part of Napa Valley near the cooler climate of San Pablo Bay. \u00a0There are 3 terraces from which you can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping extraordinary Sparkling and Pinot Noir wines. If you elect to take a tour, you\u2019ll experience behind-the-scenes look at how sparkling wines are produced, from the vineyards through to the bottling process and culminates with a sampling of wines paired with an array of artisan cheeses, gourmet caviar, smoked salmon and charcuterie while seated in the Louis XV\u2013inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Reservations are required. 1240 Duhig Road. Napa, CA 94559. (707) 257-0101, email:<\/p>\n

1240 Duhig Road
\nNapa, CA 94559
\n(707) 257-0101
\nemail:\u00a0tours@domainecarneros.com
\n<\/a>Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-5:30PM<\/p>\n

8) Luna Vineyards<\/a><\/strong>, Napa, CA: Co-founders Michael Moone and George Vare launched Luna Vineyards in 1995.\u00a0 Wonderful, magically modern and an absolutely amazing small estate vineyard close by to downtown Napa and a short distance from Silverado Resort.\u00a0 You can leave your car parked at your Napa B&B and easily get there via bike.\u00a0 Luna, located on Silverado Trail is the largest producer of\u00a0Pinot Grigio\u00a0<\/a>in Napa. They offer a sunny patio area with ample comfy chairs to relax in while tasting their wines.\u00a0 Luna is more like a wine bar than a working winery, with music playing and a relaxed comfortable setting.\u00a0 You can also catch the beautiful scenic views of the historic Silverado Trail overlooking the vineyards from their rooftop tower.\u00a0 They specialize in Atlas Peak mountain varietals which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese.\u00a0 Reservations are recommended.<\/p>\n

2921 Silverado Trail
\nNapa, CA 94558
\nOpen Daily: 10:30AM \u2013 6PM
\n(707) 255-5862<\/p>\n

9)\u00a0Opus One<\/a><\/strong>, Oakville, Napa. This winery originated as the joint venture between\u00a0Robert Mondavi<\/a>\u00a0and Baron Philippe Rothschild\u00a0who teamed up to create this magnificent winery focused on producing a single Bordeaux styled blend based on Napa Valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon. \u00a0Opus One Winery delivers a luxurious, \"\"<\/a>though somewhat formal wine experience. The estate is impressive, especially when driving down the center driveway to the winery entrance.\u00a0 Looking out across Opus One’s vineyards from the upstairs terrace, you immediately sense the beauty of Napa Valley.\u00a0 This is a winery to just sit back, relax and absorb a wonderful glass of wine with the company of good friends. \u00a0It doesn\u2019t get any more luxuriously sophisticated than this, so take plenty of pictures while there.\u00a0 Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi winery in 2004 and entered into a management agreement with Baron Rothschild to manage Opus One.\u00a0 The\u00a0Winery tours are by appointment only, so call in advance to secure your reservation, and if possible, note that their very best and most knowledgeable tour Docents are Sandy, Nancy, Vicki, Hank and Japanese-speaking, Kaede.\u00a0 Opus One produces only one wine, a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend, so be prepared for tasting one lovely red wine in a bit pretentious and pricey setting.\u00a0<\/em> Opus One is worth the visit.<\/p>\n

7900 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29)
\nOakville, CA 94562
\n(707) 944-9442
\n<\/em>Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-4:00PM<\/p>\n

10)\u00a0Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars<\/a><\/strong>: Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, this winery brought international acclaim to Napa Valley winemaking when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting.\u00a0 A bottle of 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum in 1996 as a result of being awarded first in this competition and to reflect the impact that the achievement had on Napa\u2019s wine industry.\u00a0 The winery’s newly remodeled facility provides floor-to-ceiling views of its vineyards as its centerpiece. \u00a0The winery’s cave “is the moral center of the universe” according to founder Warren Winiarski.\u00a0 He installed an amazing floor-to-ceiling Foucault pendulum at the center of the vaulted caves. It’s an awesome sight to behold as it swings methodically.\u00a0 The winery was sold to a joint venture by Chateau Ste Michelle and Marchesi Antinori in the summer of 2007. Reservations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4:30PM<\/p>\n

Email:\u00a0tours@cask23.com
\n<\/a>5766 Silverado Trail
\nNapa, CA 94558
\n(707) 261-6410<\/p>\n

After an enjoyable and fun-filled day of wine tasting, you may want to continue your romantic adventure by exploring a few of Napa Valley\u2019s finest restaurants.\u00a0 Paring those exceptional wines is a very real part of the wine country lifestyle. Chef Thomas Keller\u2019s\u00a0French Laundry<\/a><\/strong>, located in Yountville<\/strong> is a three\u00a0Michelin<\/strong>\u00a0stars, though<\/strong> getting a reservation is challenging and, if successful, costly, however, the intimacy of the dining experience make it well worth your while.\u00a0 Another favorite is Auberge du Soleil<\/a> in Rutherford, offering superb dining with a magnificent valley view.\u00a0 A bit further north in\u00a0St. Helena<\/strong>, is one of my favorites, Market,<\/a> on Main Street in downtown St Helena.\u00a0 Not far away,\u00a0is PRESS<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0Restaurant which boasts exquisite steaks and one of the valley\u2019s best all-Napa wine lists. On Silverado Trail is Chef Christopher Kostow\u2019s\u00a0The Restaurant at Meadowood<\/a>, another 3 star Michelin restaurant.\u00a0 Further north in Calistoga is another of my favorites, Solage\u2019s Solbar<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0which offers a relaxing and beautiful setting, local and seasonal ingredients as well as an extensive wine list. So, pack your bags and increase your expectations. You won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n

About the author:<\/strong><\/span>
\nThe author Igor Sill farms a 24-acre mountain vineyard in Atlas Peak and a terraced cabernet sauvignon vineyard in St Helena, Napa, California.\u00a0 He’s a passionate winemaker; vintner; wine lover; writer; Court of Master Sommeliers; attended UC Davis’ winemaking program; Member, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group; Judge, International Wine Challenge, London UK and holds his Masters from Oxford University.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u00a0Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 By\u00a0Igor Sill What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit? This isn’t an easy question to answer because there are so many truly amazing Napa wineries. Some people prefer the small boutique “micro” wineries, some want a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal, … Continue reading 10 Favorite\u00a0Napa\u00a0Valley Wineries to Visit by Igor Sill<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1108","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1108","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1108"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1108\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1124,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1108\/revisions\/1124"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1108"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1108"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deplifestylemagazine.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1108"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}