Must Visit Wineries in Napa Valley for People Who Actually Like Wine
I’ve spent years getting to know Napa Valley - not just as a tourist, but from the inside out. From working harvests in the thick of it, to spending weekends hopping between tasting rooms, and yes, drinking my fair share of excellent wine. I’ve come to know which spots are worth the hype and which are just good for the 'gram.
These are the wineries I actually recommend to people I like: the ones I keep going back to, the under-the-radar gems, the iconic splurges that are actually worth it, and the insider picks you hear about from folks who live and breathe wine country.
Also, I say this guide to wineries in Napa is “for people who actually like wine” because let’s be honest, some people just like Napa for the Instagrammable hype.
My recs below include wineries across the following categories:
The best wineries to visit in Napa with a view. All of my winery recs in this category have something visually spectacular about them. Some are scenic with dramatic views,
The best wineries to visit in Napa for connoisseurs who are interested in exclusive tasting experiences with (more) serious wine tastings.
The best wineries to visit in Napa for first-time visitors are ideal for newbies to wine tastings who want to have a great experience but who don’t necessarily need to get into the nitty gritty of the vineyard practices and advanced winemaking techniques behind the crafting of each bottle.
The best wineries to pop bottles at in Napa aka the spots you’ll want to hit up for a celebration.
If you’re interested in seeking out places to eat in Napa, check out my other post on the must eat places for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a drink in the area.
Or, if you’re coming in town to work a wine harvest, check out these tips, and remember that wine tastings are often comped for those in the industry!
Best Wineries in Napa with a View
CADE Estate
📍 360 Howell Mountain Rd S, Angwin
Perched high up on Howell Mountain, CADE is sleek, sustainable, and all about the view. Their contemporary tasting room has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the valley, and the wines — especially the Cabs and Sauvignon Blancs — live up to the elevation. A favorite for good reason.
Darioush
📍 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa
If ancient Persia and modern Napa had a baby, it would be Darioush. The architecture is jaw-dropping, the hospitality is top-tier, and the Cabernet is bold and brooding in the best way. Go here when you want drama, opulence, and a tasting experience that feels like a well-directed production.
Gargiulo Vineyards
📍 575 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville
Private, intimate, and insanely scenic — this Oakville gem feels like stepping into someone's very, very nice backyard. Tastings overlook their vineyards and are paired with estate-grown wines that are small-lot, elegant, and distinctly Napa.
Best Wineries in Napa for Serious Wine Tasting
Staglin Family Vineyard
📍 1570 Bella Oaks Ln, Rutherford
Small production, big pedigree. Staglin makes world-class, age-worthy wines and has a reputation for being both low-key and ultra-premium. Appointments are required, and the experience feels personal and special — like a cellar tour with a collector friend.
Paradigm
📍 8815 Conn Creek Rd, Oakville
A family-owned Oakville estate with deep roots and a cult following. The winemaker, Heidi Barrett, is a Napa legend, and the wines — particularly the Merlot and Cab — are serious but approachable. Tastings are intimate and unhurried.
Ehlers Estate
📍 3222 Ehlers Ln, St. Helena
Certified organic with a Bordeaux-style winemaking approach, Ehlers is a must for those who love complexity and structure in their glass. The property is historic, the team is knowledgeable, and the experience is refreshingly grounded — no frills, just really good wine.
Best Wineries For First-Timers in Napa
HALL Wines
📍 401 St Helena Hwy S, St. Helena
HALL balances polish and playfulness with bold Cabernets and contemporary art installations scattered throughout the property. It’s perfect for groups or Napa newbies who want big wines, beautiful grounds, and a tasting that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Merryvale Vineyards
📍 1000 Main St, St. Helena
A longtime Napa fixture known for classic Bordeaux-style blends. Their downtown St. Helena location makes it an easy drop-in, and the tasting room is welcoming without being overly flashy. Great for people easing into the world of Napa reds.
V. Sattui Winery
📍 1111 White Ln, St. Helena
Yes, it gets crowded. Yes, it’s touristy. But V. Sattui is also super fun — and the perfect gateway winery. Grab a bottle, hit the picnic lawn, and load up at their legit deli counter. It’s approachable, festive, and totally worth a stop if you want to taste without the formality.
Laird Family Estate
📍 5055 Solano Ave, Napa
A laid-back, under-the-radar spot that locals love. You’ll find sweeping views, a relaxed vibe, and a deep bench of varietals — from Pinot Grigio to Syrah to powerhouse Cabs. No pressure, just solid wine and plenty of it.
Best Wineries for Celebrations & Sparkling Wine
Schramsberg Vineyards
📍 1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga
Historic caves, méthode champenoise bubbles, and that quiet magic that comes with being 100+ years deep into your craft. Schramsberg is where you go to feel fancy and celebratory — but in a dusty, candlelit kind of way. Book ahead for the cave tour and don’t skip the Blanc de Blancs.
Domaine Carneros
📍 1240 Duhig Rd, Napa
A sparkling wine lover’s paradise with French château vibes and a front terrace made for sipping. Founded by the Taittinger family of Champagne fame, Domaine Carneros specializes in traditional méthode champenoise bubbles — with flights of Brut, Rosé, and vintage cuvées that are all pop-worthy. It’s polished but approachable, and one of the best spots in Napa to feel fancy at 11 a.m.
Odette Estate
📍 5998 Silverado Trail, Napa
Part of the same family as CADE and PlumpJack, Odette is sleek and modern with knockout wines to match. While not exclusively or even primarily sparkling, the vibe here is elevated and celebratory. Expect stylish tastings and strong energy (the name honors Odette Kahn, a famed French wine critic).
Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or putting down roots, these wineries will have you sipping like a local and wondering why you didn’t come sooner.
