Anyone who knows a thing or two about wine knows the importance of Napa Valley. The valley is home to more than 400 wineries, all competing to produce outstanding products. There is a high chance that you have had wine from this valley without even knowing it.
Apart from being a wine-producing area, Napa Valley wineries also allow people to visit them both for wine tasting and a breathtaking view. Some of the wineries have been around for quite some time, and they have maintained a particular ancient architectural design inspired by days of old.
That’s not all, as you still need to know why Napa Valley is a great destination, the most exclusive winery, the best time of the year to visit Napa Valley, and how many wineries you should visit in Napa, which you will learn if you read on.
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Where Is The Napa Valley And Why Is It Such A Great Destination?
Napa Valley is a small but very famous wine country in Northern California. The valley lies 400 miles from Los Angeles and a mere 50 miles from San Francisco. Founded in 1847 by Nathan Coombs after the Mexican–American War, the town has undergone tremendous changes and carved out a reputation worldwide.
Currently, Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries, with most of them having a history that stretches back to the 18th century. Just to show how famous Napa Valley is, there are approximately 150 restaurants and 130 accommodation centers for an overnight stay.
The town also receives more than 3.5 million visitors every year, with the number expected to rise in the future. Apart from wine tasting, most tourists visit Napa Valley due to its breathtaking hillside vineyards stretching across the valley. They offer a great place to spend your weekend or holidays.
What Is The Most Exclusive Winery In Napa?
Despite having hundreds of wineries that anyone can visit, some have maintained total exclusivity, and only a select few have the opportunity to visit them. Perhaps the most renowned exclusive winery in Napa is Schramsberg Vineyards. The invite-only wine tasting experience lasts a week in what has come to be known as Camp Schramsberg. During those few days, the guests are taken on a tour around the vineyard, where they get to see how the grapes are catered for, harvested, and prepared.
They also get to witness the wine-making process, which has been named ‘méthode traditionelle.’ It’s a perfect opportunity for guests to witness the making of sparkling wine. Only a handful of people get a chance to visit Schramsberg, where they pay between $70 and $125 per person for wine tasting.
Schramsberg combines wine-tasting with romance, where guests get a romantic stay in historical caves, surrounded by fine wine bottles. Nothing spells romance more than a candle-lit dinner on a red soft fabric table catered for by a private chef. You can understand why Schramsberg has managed to stay relevant and exclusive throughout the years.
Apart from wine tasting, here’s what you should expect to get:
- A tour around the vineyard and interaction with the people who oversee the grapes’ planting, cultivating, and harvesting
- Witness the wine-making experience, and interact with famous winemakers responsible for sparkling wine
- Enjoy outstanding views and sceneries on the vineyard
- Be among the first to taste premium wine
How Many Wineries Should I Visit In Napa?
On average, you can visit five wineries in a day when in Napa. Keep in mind that each visit can take a maximum of 90 minutes, and you’ll have to walk most of the time. However, it’s also possible to visit eight wineries if you keep the visits brief and have a quicker mode of transportation.
Also remember that some wineries require advance booking, and you should check in with the management in advance. People who want to visit more wineries in a day have found it beneficial to take quicker transportation methods such as Uber for far apart wineries. However, it’s always best to walk, as you’ll find that most of these wineries are within walking distance from each other.
What Is The Best Time of Year To Visit Wine Country In California?
The best time to visit Napa wineries would be from late August to October. It’s a perfect period since it coincides with the harvest season. However, expect accommodations to be costly during this period. March to June is an excellent time if you don’t want a huge crowd.
The purpose of your visit will also influence the time of the year you should travel. Such purposes include:
- Wine tasting – August to October is perfect since you’ll have a lot of wine to sample, especially if you don’t mind the crowd.
- Vacationing – Any season would be fine since Napa has incredible all-year weather. However, March to June is perfect since accommodation is affordable compared to the late summer season.
The 11 Best Vineyards To Visit In The Napa Valley
There are hundreds of vineyards in Napa that visitors and wine enthusiasts mostly flood. Among them are the world-renowned wineries that have not only built a reputation in the US but worldwide. Here are the 11 best vineyards you should visit next time you’re in the Napa Valley.
Mayacamas Vineyard & Winery
If you’re looking for a classy and sophisticated winery to visit, then Mayacamas is the place you need to go. Apart from enjoying a variety of wines, you’ll also be treated to tasty food grown on-site. Mayacamas Vineyard & Winery was established in 1889, and the winery has managed to remain relevant in the wine business.
Visitors also get to enjoy an impeccable view of the vineyard on a 50+ acre piece of land. However, you need to book your visit in advance through an appointment. Wine tasting will cost you $115 per person, with the winery opened from Wednesday to Sunday. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet some of the best winemakers at the facility.
Nichelini Family Winery
Nichelini Winery has been around since 1890 and is known as one of the best wineries around the valley. Due to its success, Nichelini has never changed hands, as it has remained a family-owned business since it was established.
As a premium winery, Nichelini has a variety of wines to keep you on your toes. They’re also known for their outstanding hospitality that includes private tours around the facility. The scenery and the view are unrivaled, with guests getting to sip delicious wine while overlooking beautiful landscapes.
However, you need to make an appointment beforehand as the tastings are private. Wine tasting prices range from $21 to $48. They also offer delivery in case you want to make an order.
Robert Mondavi Winery
It’s hard to talk about Napa vineyards without including Robert Mondavi Winery. The winery has received several recognitions over the years, including the best winery in North America. They offer several wine varieties for wine lovers and outstanding hospitality. The winery has been in operation since 1966 and has been making impressive strides with the type of products they make.
Do you fancy enjoying a glass of premium wine while overlooking an extensive piece of green land? That’s what Robert Mondavi Winery offers.
The tastings are also very exclusive, with visitors having to make appointments days before. If you’re planning to visit this winery, make sure you make your reservation earlier on, as spots tend to fill in pretty quickly. Their wine tasting price is $40 per person.
Quintessa Winery
Quintessa Winery is a synonym for beautiful landscapes. Get a chance to taste their iconic Quintessa red wine that has been receiving praise for many years. The estate is also a thing of beauty, with acres of beautiful green land stretching right before your eyes. It’s a great place to visit with a small group of wine lovers, and the hospitality is nothing short of amazing.
There are also enough restaurants and accommodation spaces near the winery for those traveling from afar. Wine tastings are private, and you need to book an appointment on their website, which is very straightforward. Their wine tasting prices range between $85 and $150 per person.
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards And Winery
If elegance had a different name, it would be St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery. The vineyard is famous in and out of Napa for reasons such as fine wine and beautiful sceneries. The expansive estate has a calming effect on your mind, helping you relax while enjoying premium wine.
Their wine has become an obsession with people since they combine Napa Valley terroir with French Chateau. Their hospitality could rival that of 5-star hotels, and they’re very exclusive, with guests having to book their appointments. Their wine tasting price is $75 per guest.
Bouchaine Vineyards
Any wine lover in Northern California has heard of Bouchaine Vineyard. It has been a game leader in wine production since 1934. They’re famed for producing some of the best wines we have around and are one of the best winemakers in North America.
They offer private wine tasting events, where you can bring a small group to the event. However, you need to book an appointment on their website. Besides the tasty wine, Bouchaine Vineyard offers beautiful scenery, with acres of beautiful vineyards stretching in front of you. They charge $75 per person for wine tasting, which is very affordable for wine lovers.
Faust Haus: St. Helena
Everything about Faust Haus oozes class, royalty, and style. The wine is tasty, and the scenery is one to die for. With many trees surrounding the main estate to give off a fantastic exclusive view, Faust Haus is a mecca for all wine lovers. The Queen Anne-style estate gives off a touch of royalty, and the expansive acres of green land offer more comfort. It’s an excellent place for anyone who wishes to unwind while sipping on tasty wine.
Although you need to make reservations beforehand, it’s relatively easy to get a wine tasting appointment. They charge between $40 and $120 per guest.
Nickel & Nickel Vineyard
Nickel & Nickel is a huge name on matters regarding wine. They have been in business for decades and are responsible for some of the tastiest wines around. They hold exclusive tasting events that are invite-only. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, you’ll get a chance to taste some of their top brands, witness how they make their wine, and meet some of their best winemakers.
The vineyard sits on 44 acres piece of land, which offers a spectacular sunset view. They charge $150 per person.
Chateau Montelena Winery
You can’t enjoy wine without a touch of French in it, and that’s precisely what Chateau Montelena Winery offers. It has its roots in French winemakers, and you should expect nothing but the best from them. They have a variety of wines to keep you busy while still offering some of the best hospitality in Napa Valley.
You don’t really have to go to Paris for tasty wine and a beautiful view of the sunset. They charge $70 per person during the weekdays and $80 per person during the weekends.
Domaine Carneros
Are you craving some sparkling wine made with méthode traditionelle? If so, then Domaine Carneros is the right place for you. They’re not as a big player as some others, but they do offer exquisite wine products. Besides their tasty and premium wine, Domaine Carneros has one of the most beautiful estates that guests can take advantage of while they’re visiting.
Their hospitality gives you a feeling like you’re vacationing in some exotic tourist destination while still on a budget. They charge $50 per person.
Darioush Winery
If you’ve ever tasted Darioush wine, then you understand exactly how good it is. If not, then Darioush Winery is offering you that opportunity. Although their wine tasting events are private, you can easily book one through their website. You can also bring a small group of people to this event. They offer remarkable hospitality to accompany their best wines.
They’re open every day from 10:30 am to 5 pm. They charge $150 for two hours of wine tasting.
Outro
Napa Valley is popular due to the famous vineyards in the area. It’s often flooded with people seeking to experience the thrill of wine tasting, mingling, and having a good time. Although every winery in the town is unique, some stand out from the rest. These wineries offer the best experience in terms of hospitality and wine. Along with winery US has lot of other tourish attractions, if anyone is much into art and monuments can read our guide on visit Best Art Museums to Visit in the US.