Yes, visiting Napa Valley without a car is possible—but only with careful planning and realistic expectations. For a short stay concentrated in one or two towns, you can explore comfortably on foot, by rideshare, or through guided tours. For travelers hoping to roam freely among wineries scattered across rural hillsides, however, a car still offers unmatched flexibility.

With more and more people choosing not to rent a car, the real question isn’t whether Napa Valley is accessible without a car, it’s how to do it right. The key is to center your stay in an area with clustered tasting rooms, easy access to dining, and reliable transportation services. Travelers who approach Napa as a walkable wine town experience, rather than a sprawling road trip, can absolutely enjoy it car-free.

Getting to Napa Valley Without a Car

The most common entry point is San Francisco, about 60 miles south. Without a car, you have several options:

• Ferry and shuttle: Take the San Francisco Bay Ferry to Vallejo, then connect to the Vine Transit Route 11 bus into downtown Napa. It’s scenic and budget-friendly, though the total trip can take two to three hours.
• Airport transfer or rideshare: From SFO or OAK, private shuttles and rideshares are available but costly (often $150-$250 one-way). For small groups, this can still beat the hassle of driving yourself.
• Private car service: Best for visitors arriving with luggage. Companies like Pure Luxury Transportation and Beau Wine Tours & Limos offer direct shared or private transfers from Bay Area airports to hotels in Napa Valley.

Once in the valley, deciding how to move between towns becomes the main challenge.

Getting Around Napa Valley Without Driving

Napa Valley stretches roughly 30 miles from Napa to Calistoga, with wineries dotted along Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, which run parallel to each other. Each mode of local transport works best for a specific style of trip.

Rideshares

Uber and Lyft operate here, but coverage is inconsistent, especially north of St. Helena or after dark. Wait times of 15-25 minutes are common, and return rides from remote wineries aren’t guaranteed. In downtown Napa and Yountville, though, service is relatively dependable for short hops between tastings or dinner reservations.

Use rideshare apps primarily within a single town or area—for example, staying in Yountville and visiting nearby tasting rooms or restaurants—and avoid counting on them for cross-valley travel.

Organized Wine Tours and Drivers

If you want to visit wineries scattered across different towns without driving, join a small-group or private wine tour with companies like California Wine Tours or West Wine Tours. These range from half-day circuits to curated itineraries with tastings, lunch stops, and local guides.

Private drivers are another flexible option for couples or groups. Many are independent locals with deep winery connections, making reservations easier. Expect rates from $60-$90 per hour with minimum booking times. This approach eliminates transport stress while keeping your schedule flexible.

The Napa Valley Wine Train

For a unique, car-free day, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers a restaurant-style rail journey from downtown Napa through Rutherford and St. Helena. It’s not a hop-on, hop-off service but a fixed route with tasting and dining options aboard. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see the scenery without driving, not a transportation method between stops. You can learn more about the Wine Train experience here.

Biking and Walking

Biking works well in Napa Valley’s flatter stretches, especially Napa to Yountville along the paved Napa Valley Vine Trail. Choose hotels offering bikes or guided bicycle tours for casual days. Here are more tips for biking in Napa Valley.

Walking is realistic only within compact downtowns like Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Each of these towns have concentrated tasting rooms and restaurants within a mile radius. Between towns, however, distances quickly stretch, and road shoulders can be narrow or unsafe for pedestrians.

Public Transit Reality Check

Napa County’s Vine Transit bus network connects certain towns along Highway 29. It’s clean, safe, and affordable, but service is limited to hourly daytime routes and doesn’t reach rural wineries. Use it for essential travel, such as moving between Napa, Yountville, or St. Helena—not for winery hopping. Schedule awareness is critical, as late-evening service is minimal.

Where to Stay Without a Car

Choose your base based on walkability and access to dining. These towns make car-free trips far easier:

Downtown Napa

Best public transit hub and has the most action day and night. You can walk to dozens of tasting rooms, shops, and top restaurants, walk along the river, and explore free public artworks in town. Our Top Hotel Picks: Andaz Napa, Milliken Creek Inn.

Yountville

Compact luxury village with attractive buildings, Michelin-rated dining, and cute tasting rooms all within a few blocks. It’s also the closest town to Napa, connected by the Vine Trail. Stay Here: Lavender, A Four Sisters Inn.

St. Helena

Expect small-town charm with a number of shops, galleries, restaurants, and a handful of centrally located wineries nearby. Our Top Hotel Choice: Meadowood Napa Valley.

Calistoga

Ease into a slower pace, where a quaint downtown, mineral spas, inns and luxury lodging, and several wineries round out the experience. Our Go-To Lodging: Dr. Wilkinson’s, The Bergson.

Staying in remote areas without transportation can quickly limit what you’re able to do. You’ll most likely need a car or private driver in this scenario.

When a Car-Free Trip Works Best

A car-free Napa itinerary works beautifully when you limit your footprint. Stay two or three nights in one town, book wine experiences within walking or cycling distance, and dedicate a day to a guided tour or the Napa Valley Wine Train. Couples focused on relaxation, wine tastings, and dining will likely find the slower pace ideal.

By contrast, travelers who want to explore multiple appellations will likely find the logistics cumbersome without their own vehicle. Winery appointments may only be 15-20 minutes apart by car, but transportation options thin out quickly as you move north. In these cases, booking a wine tour with transportation or renting a car for a single day often strikes the best balance between freedom and convenience.

Ah, Napa Valley in harvest season—it’s like the world’s most delightful conveyor belt from grape to glass! Between August and October, there’s something in the air as Napa transforms with the buzz of vineyard workers, the scent of fresh grapes, and, oh, those grapes? They’re on a one-way journey to becoming some fantastic wine.

But there’s more to Napa’s harvest than just winemaking. Want to dine with a winemaker? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted a behind-the-scenes peek at the winemaking process? Well, this is your season! From unique festivities to vibrant vineyard views, Napa Valley during harvest is an experience you won’t forget. Here’s your guide to visiting during harvest season.

Wine Tasting During Harvest Season

Before you lock in tasting reservations, do a quick check to see if the winery offers any special tours of their property, vineyards, or wine making facilities during harvest, because it’s always a treat to see winemakers and winery teams working their magic.

You can never go wrong with a picnic amidst the vines at Pine Ridge Vineyards (it’s the quintessential Napa activity, right?), but if you happen to be traveling with a larger group, don’t miss Merryvale’s Blind Tasting Experience. You’ll discover how to analyze wine through taste and smell rather than sight alongside an expert guide in the historic Cask Room.

Up for a stroll through vineyards? Bell Wine Cellars’ Grape to Glass Tour & Tasting starts with a stroll through their Yountville vineyard, exploring the site’s unique terroir. You’ll then take a look at the tank and barrel rooms before finishing with a tasting of five wines.

While not exclusive to harvest season, Hess Persson Estates’ ATV Vineyard Tour & Tasting is a more adventurous way to venture beyond the tasting room into the vineyards. You’ll hop into an ATV to explore the historic estate, traversing its picturesque grounds before ending with a wine and culinary pairing.

Of course, if you’d rather kick back and let someone else do the planning, book a tour with Beau Wine Tours. They offer several Napa Valley wine tours to choose from, whether you’re a Napa newbie, a Howell Mountain wine fanatic, or simply fancy an afternoon exploring Spring Mountain’s gems.  

WineCountry Experiences

One last thing before we move on: don’t overlook the WineCountry Experiences offered in Napa Valley. You can’t go wrong with any of them (they’ve been vetted by a picky crowd—ahem, we mean us), but we are seriously loving the following:

• Cabernet Pairing Experience at Sequoia Grove (yum!)
• Vineyard Experience at Crocker & Starr (an al fresco delight) 
• Seasonal Culinary Experience at Silver Oak (your stomach will thank you)
• Bottle Blending Experience at Judd’s Hill (be a winemaker for a day)
• Cookie Pairing Experience at Tamber Bey (a fun alternative to cheese pairing)

Dining During Harvest Season

Napa Valley cuisine is like a treasure trove of culinary excellence, and believe us when we say that most restaurants in Napa have mastered the art of seasonal cooking.

As the name implies, FARM Restaurant + Bar at the serene Carneros Resort and Spa features an elevated menu emphasizing locally sourced produce, including from the restaurant’s own organic gardens. Every dish here is like a love letter to Napa Valley’s seasonal ingredients. Another fabulous spot is The Charter Oak, showcasing food by acclaimed chef, Christopher Kostow. Their dishes are usually composed of just a few ingredients and celebrate the bounty of the region, but don’t mistake simplicity for boring, as everything here is a feast for the senses. Speaking of a feast for the senses, we’re seriously loving the Italian-French-inspired fare and elegant atmosphere at Violetto, Alila Napa’s fabulous on-site restaurant.

If you’re looking to meet the newest culinary talent of Napa Valley’s Wine Country, we recommend grabbing a table at the Culinary Institute at Greystone’s Gatehouse Restaurant. As the capstone experience for aspiring chefs, guests can expect an innovative menu highlighting creative cooking. Or, venture to the CIA’s downtown Napa location, CIA at Copia, a treasure trove of food, wine, and culinary events.

A quick tip: There’s a lot of excitement during harvest, but there are also a lot of travelers, so that coveted table at that picture-perfect restaurant? It’s in high demand. We suggest making reservations in advance at your favorite Napa Valley restaurants to ensure you have a seat saved at the table.

Events During Harvest Season

Many wineries have special harvest events going on during the season. We’ve spotlighted a few of the season’s happenings below, but you can visit our Events Listing page to view more harvest events this time of year.

1. On September 20, Groth Vineyards & Winery hosts the next phase of their “Summer School” series: the Groth Vineyard & Cellar Walk. This family-friendly experience is a chance to walk the vineyards, learn about what happens in the cellar during harvest, and dine with the Groth team during a picnic-style lunch on the lawn.
2. On September 21, PEJU Winery is hosting their Harvest Festival and Grape Stomp, which includes a lively grape stomping experience and a family-style lunch with wine pairings. Sounds like a blast!
3. This September 27, Reynolds Family Winery will welcome guests for their Harvest Party. Guests are invited to join for an evening of library wines and seasonal bites, incredible hospitality, and fun activities like their grape stomping competition. It’s a fun, relaxed way to toast to the 2025 harvest season!
4. On October 11, Merryvale will host a Harvest Brunch at their picturesque Profile Estate Vineyard. Join Proprietors René and Laurence Schlatter as they release their 2022 Profile and 2023 Silhouette wines, paired with an indulgent al fresco brunch crafted by Chef Nash Cognetti.

Of course, the harvest fun isn’t limited to just Napa Valley. If you’re heading to Sonoma County, check out our guide to Harvest in Sonoma, featuring tips on where to stay, what to do, and where to taste the best of the best.

Where to Stay in Napa

Oh, trust us, we know that a day of culinary adventures and wine escapades in Napa needs to end in absolute comfort. So, get ready to hit the sack in style, because the hospitality in Napa Valley is as top-notch as the Cabernets. Here are a few spots to consider:

Need more hotel inspiration? Be sure to check out all of our Lodging Perks for exclusive deals on hotel stays throughout Napa Valley, from special discounts and spa credits to complimentary bottles of wine upon check-in.

Wine tours with a private chauffeur are fantastic, yet there’s something special about an on-site winery tour in Wine Country. With over 400 wineries across Napa Valley alone, choosing the top winery tours might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve sifted through Napa’s extensive selection to compile a list of some of the best, allowing you to concentrate on the most important part—the wine. Here are the top winery tours you shouldn’t miss in Napa Valley.

Boutique Charm

Crocker & Starr

Crocker & Starr is a boutique winery at its core, offering guests a more intimate Napa experience than some of the bigger names. This shines through in their tasting options—of which there is only one. Luckily, the Vineyard Experience tour packs enough of a punch that no other options are needed. Every visit is an exclusive, private experience tailored to each guest’s preferences. You’ll start by taking a stroll through the vineyards, sparkling in hand, while learning about the winery’s sustainable farming practices. Next, you’ll discover how each wine is made before finishing out your tasting with small-production estate varietals under the Garden Arbor.

Insider Tip: Because Crocker & Starr only offer limited tasting options, you’ll typically need to snag a reservation well in advance.

Visit: 700 Dowdell Lane, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-9111

Art + Wine

Hess Persson Estates

Founded by the late Donald Hess, a respected art collector and vintner, Hess Persson Estates has earned a reputation for its character-filled wines and diverse range of wine tasting experiences. Art enthusiasts will want to make a point to book Hess’ walking tour of their on-site art museum, which includes an intimate tour of the impressive contemporary art works on display, followed by a seated tasting of current release wines.

Insider Tip: If you have a little more time to spare, upgrade your visit with the 90-minute Tour of the Palate Experience. As with the Walking Tour of the Museum, you’ll spend time exploring the collection of contemporary art, but you’ll follow it with a tasting of estate-exclusive wines paired with a seasonal, three-course menu created by Hess’ own executive chef.

Visit: 4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 255-1144

Venture Among the Vines

Groth Vineyards & Winery

For four decades, the family-owned Groth Vineyards & Winery has been making noteworthy wines from its expansive estate in Napa Valley’s Oakville AVA, as well as from other reputable vineyards in the region. Starting this July, the winery will welcome visitors to experience the estate and its vines like never before. The Among the Vines: Oakville Estate ATV Tour is a 90-minute experience (limited to four guests) that takes you on an easy-going ATV ride around and through the estate vineyards. Along the way, you’ll learn about Groth’s viticulture practices and stop for sips of wine while admiring the beautiful vines, majestic oak trees, and insectary garden.

Insider Tip: If you’re the type who loves to learn while you sip, consider attending one (or all) of Groth’s Oakville Summer School offerings. This intimate educational series, highlighting topics such as “The Art of Blending” and “Vineyard & Cellar Walk,” includes behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on experiences, and, of course, great wine.

Visit: 750 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, CA 94562
Contact: (707) 754-4254

Gardens & Vineyards Galore

Raymond Vineyards

Sustainability isn’t just a buzz word to Raymond Vineyards, which is one of Napa’s largest solar-powered wineries. To dive into some of the winery’s sustainability efforts, don’t miss the Journey of the Senses Vineyard, Garden and Winery Tour. You’ll go behind the scenes, immersing yourself in Raymond’s biodynamic farming and sustainability practices, then sip wine, surrounded by the very vineyards where the grapes were sourced, and sample cheese in their sun-dappled redwood grove.

Insider Tip: If all that sounds great but you’re more of the sit-inside-and-sip-type, book the Proprietor’s Lounge experience. While not a tour, you’ll get to sample five rare wines, each hand-selected by owner Jean-Charles Boisset himself, inside his opulently decorated hideaway.

Visit: 1584 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-3141

Breathtaking Scenery

Somerston Estate

Located about 25 minutes from downtown St. Helena, Somerston Estate may be a bit off-the-beaten-path, but it’s a gem waiting to be discovered. This idyllic haven is where artisanal winemaking meets stunning vineyard landscapes, and the best way to experience it all is through the Somerston Estate Tour & Tasting. This 90-minute tour will give you a behind the scenes look at what it takes to produce micro batch wines, as well as a glimpse at the inner workings of the estate itself. Following the tour, you’ll enjoy a seated tasting of current releases paired with gourmet small bites.

Insider Tip: After your tour of Somerston, head to downtown Yountville to sample wines from sister-winery Priest Ranch. Their bacon and wine pairing experience is not-to-be-missed.

Visit: 3450 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 967-8414

Sparkle On

Mumm Napa

Mumm Napa has been a destination for traditionally-made sparkling wines since its inception in the late 1970s. During the private, two-hour-long Capturing the Sparkle Tour, you’ll visit the winery’s demonstration vineyard, tour the winemaking facility and cellar, then finish with a tasting of five vintage sparkling wines and cheese on the Oak Terrace. If you’d rather have a more leisurely experience without the tour, book a tasting on the Oak Terrace or their outdoor patio to sip bubbly outdoors overlooking the vines.

Insider Tip: Visit Mumm Napa’s fine art gallery. The gallery is home to a collection of original Ansel Adams prints (on loan from the Adams family), as well as works from local and international artists.

Visit: 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (800) 686-6272

Cabernet & Caves

Pine Ridge Vineyards

Situated in the heart of the Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards—which has been making wine for over 40 years—offers several wine tasting experiences worth exploring. For a complete vine-to-glass tour, though, check out the 90-minute Cellar 47 Cave Tour and Tasting. You’ll visit the wine cellar and impressive wine caves, where you’ll enjoy a tasting of their limited estate Cabernets.

Insider Tip: Pine Ridge Vineyards has gained a loyal following for its Cabernet-based wines, including their flagship Cabernet, FORTIS, which you can only taste and purchase at the winery.

Visit: 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (800) 575-9777

Grape to Glass Immersion

Paraduxx

Started by the people behind Duckhorn Winery, Paraduxx takes a slightly different approach by focusing exclusively on unique blends. While the winery is lovely to visit any time of year, harvest season is when Paraduxx offers its From Grape to Glass experience (available August through October). During, you’ll explore the Rector Creek estate vineyard on a driving tour, where you’ll come face-to-face with vine-ripened grapes that are ready to be picked, and end it all with a seated tasting of their exclusive Rector Creek-designated wines. It’s a fun, immersive experience that puts you right into the heart of the action.

Insider Tip: Visiting outside of harvest season and want to experience a taste of the winemaker life? Then book the Art of the Blend experience, where you’ll learn how to craft your very own wine, paired with seasonal bites.

Visit: 7257 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 945-0890

Cave Dwelling in Calistoga

Davis Estates

Davis Estates is a family-owned winery located on a century-old property along the Silverado Trail in Calistoga. During their Napa Cave Tour & Wine Tasting experience, you’ll explore the stunning estate and vineyard, including the restored 1916 barn and the impressive Howard Backen designed winery featuring 11,000 square feet of underground caves. The tour culminates in a relaxed tasting session of the winery’s current releases, paired with seasonal bites all made in house.

Insider Tip: To fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings, request a spot on the covered patio—it’s the ideal location for taking in the scenery.

Visit: 4060 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-0700

Tucked away between Oakville and St. Helena in Napa Valley, California, the Rutherford AVA is a little slice of paradise for those who love a good glass of red. This spot is a haven for Cabernet enthusiasts in particular, offering up the kind of full-bodied, luxurious Cabs that put Napa on the map. And for those who like to mix things up, there’s a delightful array of Bordeaux blends (and even sparkling wine!) to keep your taste buds entertained.

When it comes to wine, it’s all about location, location, location. Rutherford’s got a special something in its soil—a magical mix of gravel and sandy loam—that, along with a unique microclimate, gives grapes a longer time to hang and develop flavor. All this leads to wines that boast tannins softened into a smooth, dusty elegance, creating the renowned “Rutherford Dust”—a signature trait that’s become one of the most captivating qualities of Rutherford.

For an unforgettable journey through Napa Valley’s Rutherford region, we’ve put together a short list of some of the best tasting rooms to visit.

Sequoia Grove

Sequoia Grove might be best known for its stunning tasting room, but it also happens to be steeped in Napa history. Once a part of the original plot of land granted to George Yount, the first person to plant grapevines in Napa, Sequoia Grove now cultivates Bordeaux-style wines from their Rutherford vineyards. Surrounded by a towering thicket of sequoia trees—hence the name—Sequoia Grove aims to rewrite the rules on wine and food pairings, highlighting the versatility of their carefully cultivated Cabernet Sauvignon in particular.

Insider Tip: Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will love the Cambium Vertical Tasting. Sip three vintages of Sequoia Grove’s flagship wine, paired with artisan cheeses. The subtle differences in each wine become more obvious with the guidance of a wine expert. Or if you’re curious about unique Cab Sauv food pairings, be sure to reserve a spot at the A Taste for Cabernet experience.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $60
Visit: 8338 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: 707-339-5757
Reservations: Required

Beaulieu Vineyard (BV)

Since being established in 1900 by Georges des Latour, Beaulieu Vineyard (or “BV”) has been at the forefront of Napa’s winemaking scene. His dream was to produce wines that could rival those from his homeland of France. For decades, the winery was helmed by the iconic winemaker André Tchelistcheff, known affectionately as the “Maestro.” His creation, the Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, set the standard as Napa’s first cult Cabernet and continues to be revered as one of the region’s premier wines.

Insider Tip: Dive into the Discover Rutherford Dust Tasting to see what Tchelistcheff meant when he said, “You need Rutherford dust to grow good Cabernet.”

Tasting Fee: Starting at $20
Visit: 1960 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 257-5749
Reservations: Recommended

Inglenook

Since its inception in 1881, Inglenook has been a pioneer in Napa, introducing the region’s first Merlot vines and one of the first gravity flow wineries. Since filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola took the reins in 1975, the winery has continued to make a name for itself, especially with its Rubicon estate Bordeaux-style red wine.

Insider Tip: To learn more about the legacy and wines of Inglenook opt for the Private Library Tasting & Tour, a sommelier-led library tasting in the historic Inglenook Chateau.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $75
Visit: 1991 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 968-1179
Reservations: Required

Elizabeth Spencer Winery

Elizabeth Spencer Winery is known for its artisanal, small-production wines, so it only makes sense that their location is equally as unique. Tucked inside an 1872 post office, visitors can sip wine in the lush gardens or in the historic tasting room. There are plenty of fun tastings to take part in, but the Blind Tasting Experience, guided by a seasoned wine educator, will help you fine-tune your senses over four glasses.

Insider Tip: A bit of a rarity in Napa, Elizabeth Spencer Winery also offers a non-alcoholic option in their Tea Tasting. Settle in on the outdoor courtyard or Rutherford green with a pot of Oakville Grocery tea and a fresh-baked cookie.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $85
Visit: 1165 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 963-6067
Reservations: Recommended

PEJU Winery

This long-time, family-owned winery shines with its classic Bordeaux varietals, including its Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Book a Classic Seated Tasting to experience five of PEJU Winery’s most popular Napa Valley wines. You can also request a cheese plate and, on the weekends, a Chef’s Sampler to accompany your tasting. Pay a visit here and you may see the matriarch of the family, Herta Peju, digging in the dirt to ensure the roses and dahlias are at their finest.

Insider Tip: Visit the charming, 50-foot tower on property that graces all estate-bottled PEJU labels. It also happens to be one of the tallest buildings in Napa Valley.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $65
Visit: 8466 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 963-3600
Reservations: Recommended

Groth Vineyards & Winery

Pac-Man would gladly gobble up the award-winning wine at Groth Vineyards & Winery. The family-owned vineyard was founded by the former CFO of Atari, and first jumped on the international wine scene when its 1985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon became the first American wine given 100-points by Robert Parker. The winery sits on a beautiful estate bordering the Rutherford AVA, so while not technically in Rutherford, it’s a worthy spot to visit when venturing around the wineries nearby.

Insider Tip: For a closer look at what Groth is all about, book the Estate ATV Tour. This 90-minute experience will have you venturing into the vines to learn about Groth’s wine philosophy and sustainability efforts, all while sampling varietals surrounded by the vines from which they come from.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $50
Visit: 750 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville, CA 94562
Contact: (707) 754-4254
Reservations: Required

Round Pond

Round Pond Winery is a family-owned gem known for its small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and estate-grown olive oils. The winery’s commitment to artisanal winemaking shines through in every glass, which you can sip from the serene ambiance of the covered patio. Did we mention the panoramic vineyard views? Yeah, they’re photo-worthy.

Insider Tip: Book the Artisan Tasting for an intimate exploration of Round Pond’s premium wines, complemented by a selection of house-made accompaniments. This guided tasting is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich flavors and stories of this beloved winery.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $60
Visit: 875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 302-2575
Reservations: Required

Mumm Napa

For those who fancy a bit of sparkle, or who simply need a palate cleanser between all that red, Mumm Napa is a must-visit in Rutherford. Located on the west side of the Rutherford AVA, along the Silverado Trail, Mumm Napa is famous for its méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, adding a dash of French flair to California’s Wine Country.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Oak Terrace Tasting, where you can savor a flight of exclusive sparkling wines paired with artisan cheeses while taking in the breathtaking views of the vineyards. It epitomizes the quintessential Napa Valley experience.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $45
Visit: 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (800) 686-6272
Reservations: Recommended

Sullivan Rutherford

Known for world-class Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons, Sullivan Rutherford mixes traditional-style wines with the mastery of today’s finest winemaking techniques. With private tastings available seven days a week by appointment, you’ll revel in this elegant yet comfortable atmosphere of the tasting room, which overlooks the winery’s stunning estate vineyards and gardens. Bring on the serenity.

Insider Tip: Treat yourself to the Founder’s Tasting—a private tour followed by a seated tasting with yummy bites. A wine educator will walk you through the J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Collection for a truly memorable experience.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $150
Visit: 1090 Galleron Road, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-9646
Reservations: Required

HALL Rutherford

Surrounded by the Sacrashe Vineyard, HALL Rutherford is the addition to the original St. Helena winery and tasting room, specializing in small-production and single-vineyard wines. This also happens to be the home of the HALL Wine Cave, where guests can indulge in gourmet food pairings and learn more about the aging process. You’ll also have the chance to walk through the Sacrashe Vineyard, where HALL produces many of their 100-point wines.

Insider Tip: Experiences are a bit more premium at HALL Rutherford, with two of their three tastings completely private. You’ll receive one-on-one attention from a wine educator who will guide your sips and let you in on the inner workings of HALL’s winemaking on both the Valley View and Platinum Experience.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $125
Visit: 56 Auberge Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (707) 967-2626
Reservations: Required

Frog’s Leap Winery

Through the tutelage of Napa greats, owner and winemaker John William’s fueled his love of wine to eventually form the much celebrated Frog’s Leap Winery. What started as the Adamson Winery, it stood through phylloxera and Prohibition before being reborn in 1982. With a mission to make wines of terroir using sustainable winegrowing methods like dry farming and cultivating biodiversity, this certified organic Napa winery is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon.

Insider Tip: For those who want to see behind the veil of Frog’s Leap’s sustainable winemaking practices, book the Responsibly Farmed, Sustainably Produced experience. Cozy up on the Vineyard House porch for a tasting of five current release wines and a chat about their commitment to growing wine the green way.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $45
Visit: 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: 707-963-4704
Reservations: Required

Cakebread Cellars

Family-owned Cakebread Cellars is dedicated to producing wonderful wines with sustainability in mind. With humble beginnings on a small 22-acre plot of land in Rutherford, Cakebread has since grown to 1,600 acres with 16 different vineyards. Settle in to their stunning tasting room to sample their signature Chardonnay or bold Cabernet Sauvignons. Be sure to check out The Perfect Pair: Wine & Food Tasting for a culinary adventure that celebrates the winery’s dedication to epicurean delights. You’ll stroll through the vegetable garden before indulging in wine paired with four delicious bites.

Insider Tip: Learn more about Cakebread’s history and sample rare wines in the Reserve Wine Library Tasting. Whether you’re a history buff or a wine connoisseur, you’ll love this experience, which focuses on both red and white varietals, pulled from the Cakebread library and perfectly paired with seasonal dishes made using ingredients plucked from their gardens.

Tasting Fee: Starting at $50
Visit: 8300 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573
Contact: (800) 588-0298
Reservations: Required

Thanks to its picturesque vineyards, wineries with stunning architecture, and critically-acclaimed wines, it’s not surprising that most visits to Napa Valley are centered around wine tasting. Yet, with so many quality options, deciding where to taste is no easy feat; not only that, but being the designated driver is a good way to end up with a serious case of FOMO. That’s why wine tours are a great option for tasting your way through Napa Valley.

Whether you take a traditional tour or opt for a more unique experience, these Napa Valley wine tours make it easy to take advantage of this world-renowned wine region.

For the California dreamer: California Wine Tours and Transportation

Touring Wine Country by way of a luxury limo? Not too shabby. Exploring Napa Valley and its stunning vineyards with the top down during an Open-Air Tour? Now we’re talking. California Wine Tours‘ fleet of vehicles may include limos, party buses, vans, and SUVs—in fact, they own and operate the largest and most diverse fleet of luxury vehicles in Northern California—but it’s their classic convertibles and sprinter van convertibles that will really put you into vacation mode (and let you bask in that California sun). California Wine Tours specializes in curated Napa Valley wine tours. Each experience is unique to each group, so whether you’re a large group of wine novices or a smaller group of experienced tasters looking for something off the beaten trail or new on your next Napa tour, California Wine Tours’ knowledgeable guides know how to make each experience special.

Visit: 4075 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (800) 294-6386

For the Napa newcomer: Beau Wine Tours & Limo

If you’ve never been wine tasting in Napa Valley, Beau Wine Tours & Limo offers introductory tours perfect for Napa Valley newbies. Venture along Hwy 121 or the Silverado Trail as you explore some of the iconic wineries that have helped make Napa Valley famous, like Beringer Estate and Charles Krug. The experience includes a picnic lunch at a winery as well as insights into Napa’s grape varieties and terroir to help you gain a better understanding of this beloved wine region.

Visit: 1754 Second Street, Suite B, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 257-0887

For the romantic: Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours

Founded in 1978, family-owned Napa Valley Aloft is one of the original hot air balloon companies in Napa. While they offer early morning small group flights from Napa or Yountville, if you really want to impress your significant other, spring for the private hot air balloon ride for two. It’s the perfect Napa Valley wine tour for couples, setting the tone for a romantic getaway that celebrates love, relaxation, and some of the most breathtaking views ever. Coupled up or not, Napa Valley Aloft makes for a memorable way to view the valley.

Visit: 6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599
Contact: (707) 944-4400

For the old-fashioned traveler: Napa Valley Wine Train

Originally built in 1864 to take visitors to the resort town of Calistoga, the Napa Valley Wine Train is much more than just a means of transportation. With plush interiors and sophisticated charm, it provides a glimpse of a bygone era when train travel was an elegant experience. Once aboard, you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery as you pass by some of Napa’s most famous vineyards, historic estates, and farmlands. Stay on the train and enjoy the ride, or plan for a half or full day tour with wine excursions, which includes lunch aboard the train and private tours at some of Napa Valley’s most famous wineries.

Visit: 1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 253-2111

For the young at heart: Napa Valley Wine Trolley

Hop aboard one of the open-air, hand-built replicas of San Francisco’s famous street cable cars and feel like a kid again during this unforgettable tour through Wine Country. The classic Napa tour stops at three charming wineries and includes a family-style lunch, a knowledgeable guide, and plenty of opportunities to take in the view along the way. Since the Napa Valley Wine Trolley picks up at the Oxbow Public Market, we’d suggest going early to fuel up on delicious eats before your trolley departs. For the uninitiated, Oxbow Public Market is host to some of the best restaurants in downtown Napa.

Visit: 1754 Second Street, Suite B1, Napa Valley, CA 94559
Contact: (707) 252-6100

For the wine enthusiast: Pure Luxury Transportation

Pure Luxury Transportation offers a variety of Napa Valley wine tours for all types of wine drinkers, from newbies to enthusiasts, but curious oenophiles will appreciate the company’s Exclusive Sommelier Tour. Led by Sommelier Christopher Sawyer and completely customizable based on your wine and winery preferences, you’ll tour boutique and historic wineries specializing in limited release wines as you learn about wine, grapes, and winemaking techniques from an insider. It’s a great opportunity to consult a professional on all those wine-related questions you’ve been meaning to ask.

Visit: 4246 Petaluma Boulevard North, Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact: (800) 626-5466

For the gal’s getaway: West Wine Tours

Gather your girls for an unforgettable (and Instagrammable) afternoon with West Wine Tours. Rather than the typical shuttle or limo, they offer something much more unique: restored vintage VW buses in colorful hues. While you could reserve a seat to sip alongside other wine enthusiasts, we think it’s worth booking a private tour to explore Napa with your best buds. With plenty of room for a small or medium-sized group (up to 28 people), it’s an especially great option for bachelorette parties and birthdays.

Visit: 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen, CA 95442
Contact: (707) 787-8141

For the outdoor lover: Getaway Adventures

For those who like to stay active while sightseeing, Getaway Adventures’ Sip n’ Cycle is a great option, providing a fun way to discover the area on two wheels. This guided bicycle wine tour will take you through the scenic back roads of Napa Valley, with stops for wine tastings and a picnic lunch along the way. Since the Sip & Cycle tour covers roughly 12 miles throughout the day on mostly flat roads, it’s a more leisurely than strenuous biking experience, but nonetheless a great way to visit some of the area’s more off-the-beaten-path wineries.

Visit: 1401 N Oak Street, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (800) 499-2453

For the small group: Master Wine Tours

This small, family-owned tour service wins fans for its quality service and customer satisfaction, providing a personalized tour of Napa Valley that is completely tailored to each individual group’s tastes and preferences. In fact, prior to each trip, Master Wine Tours works with each guest to discover their interests, then puts together a tour that’s truly unique to each group. With vehicles that can accommodate up to 6 – 12 guests, Master Wine Tours is a great option if you’re traveling with a smaller group.

Visit: 25 Fairways Drive, Napa, CA 94558
Contact: (707) 266-3750

For the Corporate Outing: Wine + Dine Tours

Looking for a private wine and food tour for your corporate group? Wine + Dine is your answer. This event and tour company not only knows how to plan a fantastic event, but they also offer private, fully customized tours in Napa Wine Country. From world-famous wineries to those off the beaten path, Wine + Dine helps each group craft the ideal wine tasting experiences—whether it’s a team building day or a special outing with top performers.

Visit: 345 Lafata Street, Suite E, St. Helena, CA 94574
Contact: (707) 963-8930

Honorable Mentions

Calistoga is known for wellness and wineries, a perfect pairing if ever there was one. The quaint town in Napa Valley boasts hot springs, mud baths, and some of the best wineries in Napa. Here we explore 10 Calistoga wineries and a bike tour that rises to the top with the wine tasting and tour experiences they offer guests. From wine tours through caves to a tour on two wheels, here are the top winery tours in Calistoga to seek out.

Tamber Bey

Pony on over to Tamber Bey, a family-run winery and ranch just a few minutes from downtown Calistoga that combines great wines and spectacular horses. The name is a nod to owner Barry Waitte’s first two Arabian horses, Tamborina and Bayamo. Today the winemaking facility is a converted covered riding arena, and the ranch is home to more than 20 horses. During any visit, guests have the chance to sip great wine and mingle with the horses.

Oenophiles should opt for the Collective Experience Tour & Tasting. Available for groups of two to six people, the tasting features current releases alongside library wines, as well as a look inside Tamber Bey’s wine production and horse operations. Because you’ll be touring the working ranch, comfortable shoes are recommended.

Tasting Fee: $175 for the Collective Tour & Tasting
Visit: 1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-2100
Reservations: Required.

Sterling Vineyards

You’ll notice a distinctly Greek feel to much of the architecture at Sterling Vineyards, an homage to owners Michael Stone’s and Peter Newton’s love of the Greek Isles. While they might be inspired by Greece, the wines at Sterling are all Bordeaux in style, despite their California roots. You’ll have to see for yourself how this melting of cultures, heritage, and inspiration has molded the winery into something special in the Calistoga AVA.

European architecture aside, the true star of the show at Sterling Vineyards is the aerial gondola—the only winery gondola in the world—which you’ll use to ascend to your tastings, including the Tour and Terrace Experience. Your visit starts with a tasting of three wines, followed by panoramic views of Napa on the Southview Terrace as you enjoy two more wines and a gourmet cheese board.

Tasting Fee: $85 for the Tour and Terrace Experience
Visit: 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (800) 726-6136
Reservations: Strongly recommended.

Canard

The vineyards at Canard are a testament to Napa grapes, including some of the property’s Zinfandel vines that were planted an incredible 135 years ago. Grapes are still plucked today from these very limbs and used to make Canard’s coveted Reserve Zinfandel. The winery produces only nine wines a year, each representative of a single vineyard, using traditional and sustainable dry farming methods.

Canard’s Reserve Tasting & Tour showcases the best of the winery and includes a tour of the estate and its historic vineyards. You’ll also be indulging in some of their best wines, like the Reserve Zinfandel and Rosé Coucher de Soleil, paired with cheese, charcuterie, and the expertise of a winery principle. If you snag a reservation at Canard—consider yourself lucky! Every tasting is private, and they’re only offered Wednesday through Saturday.

Tasting Fee: $150 for the Reserve Tasting & Tour
Visit: 1016 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-1149
Reservations: Required.

Getaway Adventures Bike Tours

If you’re looking to burn calories as you sip, and take in some of Calistoga’s top wineries, join the Sip ‘n Cycle tour from Getaway Adventures. During the day-long adventure you’ll pedal 12, thankfully flat, miles through the beautiful backroads of northern Napa Valley. Along the way your guide will educate you on the area and the wines of Calistoga. You’ll pop into wineries like Bennett Lane, Envy, Summers, Lava Vine, August Briggs, Frank Family, and more to swirl and sip, and to enjoy a lavish Wine Country picnic lunch.

Tasting Fee: $250 per person
Visit: Meets in Logvy Community Park: 1401 N Oak Street, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (800) 499-2453
Reservations: Required.

Bennett Lane Winery

Despite its reputation for producing highly acclaimed wines, Bennett Lane Winery has retained a refreshingly down-to-earth atmosphere, making it one of the most welcoming wineries in Napa Valley. Known for its bold Cabernet Sauvignon and nuanced Bordeaux blends, this Calistoga gem offers an inviting and relaxed tasting room where guests feel like family.

For a more immersive experience, book the Estate Tour Experience—a guided journey through the winery’s vineyards and production facility that gives an insider’s look at their winemaking process. Limited to just 10 guests, this intimate tour culminates in a tasting of four carefully selected wines, providing a true “grape to glass” experience. Just keep in mind, this tour and tasting is available only on Fridays and Saturdays.

Tasting Fee: $75 for the Estate Tour
Visit: 3340 Highway 128, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-6684
Reservations: Required.

Brian Arden Wines

Brian Arden is a boutique winery located along the Silverado Trail. With a small team of highly educated wine lovers, three dogs and two winemakers on hand, Brian Arden Winery runs as small family business producing less than 2,500 cases a year.

Great wine and great food are a classic pairing, and the Chef Experience Tasting at Brian Arden does it perfectly. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed with a glass to sip on your guided tour of the gardens, vineyards, and wine making facilities. The tour ends with a food-paired tasting either in the open chef’s kitchen or on the wrap-around patio. Expect to taste epic hand-crafted Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals alongside seasonal fare from their Executive Chef.

Tasting Fee: $225 for the Chef Experience Tasting
Visit: 331 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-4767
Reservations: Required.

Davis Estates

Davis Estates is the perfect midday stop during a day of wine tasting in Calistoga, particularly for their Cave Tour and Tasting. In 2011, the Davis family purchased the century-old estate and did a massive renovation, including building an 11,000-square-foot cave. The caves not only store wine, they also offer spaces for tasting and serve as an art gallery to display the large art collection owners Mike and Sandy Davis have accumulated over the years.

After a tour of the impressive caves you’ll be given a private space in the tasting room. Ask for the outdoor terrace when booking to sit on the large swinging sofas to enjoy both the food and wine and the beautiful Calistoga landscape. You’ll taste through a flight of the vineyard’s current releases, perfectly paired with seasonal bites created by their Executive Chef.

Tasting Fee: $125 for the Cave Tour and Tasting
Visit: 4060 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-0700
Reservations: Required.

Storybook Mountain Vineyards

With a property originally owned by the Brothers Grimm in the late 1800s, and a fairytale setting, it’s no surprise that Jerry and Sigrid Seps renamed the estate Storybook Mountain Vineyards when they purchased the 90-acre property in 1976. Today the family-run vineyard is known for its luscious Zinfandels as well as Cabernet Sauvignon, red Bordeaux varietals, and Viognier.

Plan to book the Vineyard, Cave, and Redwood Grove Experience where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the organically farmed vineyards, explore the three caves, and then cap it off with a tasting in the beautiful redwood grove. A delight.

Tasting Fee: $50 per person
Visit: 3835 Highway 128, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-5310
Reservations: Required.

Clos Pegase

Great wines and great design come together at Clos Pegase, with a winery designed by acclaimed architect Michael Graves. With 410 acres of vineyards and more than 20,000 sq. ft. of caves, Clos Pegase produces estate wines from 11 different varieties of grapes.

Oenophiles looking to dive deep into all things Clos Pegase will enjoy the Estate Tour and Tasting, which includes a guided tour of the heritage gardens, vineyards, winery facility, and cellar, and culminates with a tasting of estate wines in the cave theater.

Tasting Fee: $70 for the Estate Tour and Tasting
Visit: 1060 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-4981
Reservations: Required.

Schramsberg

Cheers to bubbles! And in Calistoga, no one does sparkling wine better than Schramsberg. The winery, housed in a beautiful Victorian mansion, dates to the 19th century and got its second wind in the 1960s when it was restored by the Davies family. Schramsberg wines have been served at official state functions by every president since Richard Nixon.

Choose the Cave Tour and Sparkling Wine Tasting to sample five limited varieties of Schramsberg bubbles, along with a peek into the expansive cave system—among the largest caves in Napa Valley. If you are visiting in spring or fall and want a deep dive into the world of wine consider attending Camp Schramsberg. Summer camp was never like this, with a hands-on, behind-the-scenes look at the making of sparkling wine during a three-day immersive experience.

Tasting Fee: $85 for the Cave Tour and Sparkling Tasting
Visit: 1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-4558
Reservations: Required.

Situated on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains, just west of St. Helena, is the Spring Mountain District—a serene hidden gem in Napa Valley renowned for its mountainside estates, historical wineries, exceptional wines, and breathtaking landscapes.

Established as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1993, the Spring Mountain District is defined by its unique blend of sedimentary and volcanic rocky soils, varied terrain, high elevation, and cool, wet climate. Home to approximately 1,000 acres of vineyards, this AVA is most widely planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but you’ll also find Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Zinfandel grapes. Wines from this distinct part of Napa Valley are noted for their depth and complexity, balanced tannins, and age-worthiness.

Though just a few miles from downtown St. Helena, the area’s winding roads and lush forests impart a sense of secluded serenity. Its wineries, which are tucked off the road and hidden away from view, add to the allure, making a visit here feel like a discovery of Napa’s best kept secret. Ready to explore Spring Mountain? Here are nine wineries you won’t want to miss.

Fantesca Estate & Winery

Fantesca Estate & Winery is a tranquil Spring Mountain estate known for its elegant wines, crafted by esteemed winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi. During a private tour and tasting, you’ll have the chance to experience the appeal of this family-owned estate, from its rolling hills of vineyards to the impressive estate cave, before sitting down for an intimate tasting of Fantesca’s acclaimed wines, including a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from Russian River, Napa Valley Cabernet Blend, and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. From the personalized hospitality to the stunning wines and beautiful surroundings, there is no doubt you’ll leave here wanting to return again.

2920 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707)968-9229

Stony Hill Vineyard

Since its founding in 1952, Stony Hill Vineyard has stood as one of Napa’s pioneering post-Prohibition wineries, earning a reputation for its dedication to classic winemaking. For many years, this fabled winery’s doors remained closed to the public, shrouding the estate in an air of mystery and allure. Now, under new ownership, Stony Hill welcomes guests to its serene property for tastings at the redesigned residence, which boasts a chic, mid century modern aesthetic. Outside, the relaxed setting of the stone patio will find you savoring pristine views of Napa Valley while you taste. Stony Hill continues to honor its heritage by crafting old-world style wines, from Syrah to Riesling to Cabernet, but it’s the precise, minerally Chardonnays that helped it earn praise as “America’s greatest white wine estate.”

3331 St. Helena Highway North, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-2636

Pride Mountain Vineyards

Perched atop Spring Mountain, Pride Mountain Vineyards is celebrated for its classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. The winery’s dedication to quality shines through in every bottle, making it a great spot for those seeking wines of depth and character, just without enormous price tags. Here, experiences are educational yet unpretentious, with tastings highlighting current releases and special selections. Book the Summit Room experience for a more intimate setting amidst the barrels.

4026 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-4949

Barnett Vineyards

Family-owned Barnett Vineyards is situated on the top of Spring Mountain—2,050 feet above sea level to be exact—where visitors will be rewarded with stunning views of Napa Valley below. In addition to scenic vistas from nearly every angle, expect friendly hospitality as you discover the winery’s expressive, small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc wines, each made from sustainably-grown grapes throughout Napa’s AVAs.

4070 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7075

Smith-Madrone

Tucked off Spring Mountain Road, Smith-Madrone is a long-standing winery committed to crafting 100% estate wines from its dry-farmed, mountainside vineyards. Founded in 1971 by Stuart Smith, this Spring Hill gem is set at elevations ranging between 1,300 and 2,000 feet, with vineyards predominantly positioned on steep slopes. Smith-Madrone may be renowned for producing balanced, complex wines—including a vibrant Riesling that shouldn’t be passed up—but the small winery maintains a down-to-earth and relaxed vibe, making for a welcoming experience.

4022 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-2283

Spring Mountain Vineyard

Steeped in history, Spring Mountain Vineyard traces its roots back to the late 1800s, and was the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon grapes on Spring Mountain. Though the sprawling estate was at one time three separate properties (each with their own vineyard and winery), Spring Mountain Vineyard now comprises 845 acres, with 226 acres under vine. Tastings and tours take place at the renovated Miravalle Mansion, a stately Victorian residence from the 19th century, where guests are invited to learn about the vineyard’s 150-year grape growing legacy and its efforts in sustainability through a variety of current release and library wines.

2805 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-4186

Vineyard 7 & 8

Situated on a 40-acre estate on the top of Spring Mountain, Vineyard 7 & 8 is owned by the Steffens family, who established their winery in 1999 with the aim of crafting outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. The resulting wines are genuine expressions of the estate’s unique terroir. Visitors can enjoy said wines during intimate private tastings at the estate, where tastings are enhanced by breathtaking views of the sprawling vineyards below.

4028 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9425

Behrens Family Winery

Behrens is a boutique winery known for producing wines from throughout Napa that are bold and expressive, much like the unique label art that adorns each bottle. Originally founded in 1993 as Behrens & Hitchcock Winery, the winery changed names when the Behrens family became the sole owners in 2005. While their portfolio changes each year, featuring a mix of blends and single varietal bottlings, you can always expect small lots of handcrafted wines that are as compelling as they are one-of-a-kind.

4078 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, California, 94574, (707) 963-1774

Keenan Winery

At family-owned Keenan Winery, the emphasis is on crafting premium Bordeaux-style wines that are not only pure in varietal character but also boast great aging potential. However, expect a more lithe and delicate touch compared to the typical lush style of the region. Beyond the noteworthy wines, the family is proudly dedicated to sustainability, implementing eco-friendly practices in everything from sustainable farming to powering the winery with solar energy. While the wines consistently earn high praise from top critics, tastings at Keenan remain approachable and welcoming. Guests are even welcomed to bring a picnic and savor it at the outdoor tables, surrounded by the picturesque vineyard views.

3660 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9177

As we enter the midst of the busy holiday season, a corporate retreat may be on the horizon, if not now then in the coming year. But, transforming it into a delightful experience without the usual work stress is key.

Imagine bike tours, cooking classes, tastings, and hassle-free transport. These are essentials for a remarkable business journey disguised as a Wine Country tour. Below, we’ve curated our top selections for a corporate retreat in Napa Valley, offering the ideal opportunity to activate that ‘Out of Office’ notification.

Taste the Good Life in Napa Valley

For something outside the ordinary, explore A Wine & Dine Event. They have been providing exclusive itineraries for discerning corporate clients and luxury leisure travelers since 1990. The details are alluring, the seduction is rich, and the hospitality is cultured. Their unique services include private wine tours, one-of-a-kind special events and conference planning, superb team building, winery cave dinners, luxury lodging, and transportation logistics. Celebrate, explore, and rejuvenate in the Wine Country. Join them for a crash course in the good life.

Insider Tip: Think you’ve been there, done that in Napa? Think again! When was the last time you kayaked blindfolded racing to a wine tasting?

3240 Soda Canyon Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 963-8930

Explore Wine Country by Bike or Kayak

Have a corporate group on the adventurous side? Getaway Adventures is the perfect antidote! For groups large or small, Getaway Adventures specializes in creating the perfect team-building activity, including bike rides, kayak trips, and hiking adventures, along with scavenger hunts, wine blending, and more. It’s a great way for your group to bond while exploring the best of Wine Country.

Insider Tip: Getaway Adventures has been in business since 1991 and has excellent relationships with local wineries and hotels, plus all employees and guides are local to the area. Looking for tips? Just ask.

61 Front St, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (800) 499-2453

Hitch a Ride to Fantastic Wineries

Leaving your planning in the hands of MG Concierge means your winery dinners, tours, and transportation will be planned fully without any detail overlooked. Special tastings and tours are offered exclusively to MG Concierge clients and include Frank Family Vineyards, Handwritten Wines, Jessup Cellars, and many more.

Insider Tip: Consider contacting MG Concierge before booking any accommodations. With local connections, they may be able to get an exclusive deal for you and your team.

1621 Pear Tree Lane, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 304-0721

Choose Your Own Adventure

Balloon rides, tours galore, AND transport to and from the airport make Beau Wine Tours something of a one-stop shop. For those in your group fresh to the Napa Valley scene, a two-day introductory tour that stops in your choice of Los Carneros or Oak Knoll plus Yountville, the Stags Leap District, and St Helena will appeal to visitors looking to dip their toes into the winemaking world. If your group is already well-versed in wines and wineries within this area, take the plunge with the Diamond Mountain District Wine Tours, immersing visitors in the making of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

Insider Tip: In addition to wine preferences, let your driver know of your culinary preferences—they know most of the hot spots in the area and can find the right fit for you and your team.

Sonoma Location: 21707 8th Street E, Suite A, Sonoma, CA 95476, (707) 938-8001
Napa Location: 1754 Second Street, Suite B, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-0887

A Touch of Glamour in Wine Country

Limos and wine tours are one way to wow your employees, but for something super unique, consider a ride aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Not only is the Napa Valley Wine Train a fun way to explore the region, but it’s one of the most elegant ways to savor the wine and food of Wine Country–all without leaving the comforts of the train. Depending on the size of your group, you’ll even get your own private train car.

Insider Tip: The Napa Valley Wine Train can accommodate groups of any size, from four people at a private table to full buy-outs of the train for 300 people.

1275 McKinstry Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 253-2111

Napa Valley’s year-round fair weather and stunning stretches of vineyard-dotted roads make it the ideal place to explore by bicycle. A great alternative to wine tasting by car, biking offers the chance to slow down, revel in the fresh Napa Valley air, and truly appreciate Wine Country’s gorgeous scenery. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get a little exercise in when you’re indulging in Napa’s world-class wine and food scene.

The majority of Napa’s roads are well-paved and relatively flat, with some moderate, rolling hills that even beginner bikers can handle and enjoy, while experienced riders looking for a challenge can take to the winding back roads and mountains that hug the valley. Here’s everything you need to know about cycling in Napa Valley, including where to get bike rentals or book a bike tour.

Before you go

Whether you bring your own bike or rent one, you’ll want to make sure you pack the same essentials that you would to cycle anywhere: a spare tube in case of a flat tire, water, energy food, and your photo ID and a credit card, in case you want to stop somewhere along your journey.

In California, only those aged 18 and under are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet, but it’s still highly recommended. Napa Valley roads like Hwy 29 and the Silverado Trail are heavily trafficked by cars and on the Wine Country back roads, there are many sharp turns that can cause blindspots for drivers.

Napa Valley Bike Routes

If you want to keep things leisurely, downtown Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga are all easily cruiseable and a bike will help you bop around from shops to restaurants to wine tasting rooms at your own pace.

But if you do want to work up a bit of a sweat, one of the safest and easiest bike routes is The Napa Valley Vine Trail. Clocking in at 12.5 miles point-to-point, this bike route will take you from South Napa to Yountville along a nicely-paved, car-free road. Depending on which end you start cycling from, this is the perfect route for grabbing lunch at either the Oxbow Public Market or one of Yountville’s many restaurants, like Bouchon Bistro, RH Yountville, or R+D Kitchen.

Eventually, the vine trail will be extended all the way to Calistoga, stretching a total of 47 miles. Until then, you take the bike lane along the Silverado Trail from Napa to Calistoga (we don’t necessarily recommend Hwy 29, as it’s much more heavily trafficked), but most cyclists come to Napa Valley to get off-the-beaten-path and away from the wine tasting crowds. Either way, you’ll find vineyard views abound.

The bucolic rolling hills of the Carneros wine region in south Napa offer some of the best views—not just of vineyards, but of bright green pastures and cows, too—and can be tackled by beginning and moderate riders. Serious cyclists seeking a climb can make the trek up Mt. Veeder, a favorite of Napa locals. Located on the west side of Napa town, the highest point of this ride is 1,400 ft. The way down is fast and fun, but be aware of the occasional car coming around the corner.

Another advanced option is to pedal the switch-back back roads that lead to Pope Valley. Many cyclists refer to this area as “old Napa,” for it’s seemingly untouched by tourism. Here you can clock some real mileage, but it does require quite a bit of steep climbing. One of the most popular loops starts in St. Helena and winds back around Lake Hennessey for a total of roughly 35 miles.

Bike Rentals

Many Napa Valley hotels and resorts offer bike rentals (sometimes complimentary) for guests, like Carneros Resort, Solage, and The Setting Inn. You can also walk in or get bike rentals—everything from a road bike to a cruiser to electric (E-bike)—delivered right to your accommodations from shops like Napa Valley Bike Shop, Trek Bicycle St. Helena, and Calistoga Bike Shop.

Owned by the same people behind Clif Bar, Clif Family Winery is all about vino and velo and offers a few bike packages for varying levels and interests: the Tour de St. Helena and The White Road. So if you want to practice the art of balance on your Napa Valley visit, you can pick up a bike at the winery in the morning for a self-guided tour, return it in the afternoon, and then sit down for a delicious wine and food experience.

Bike Tours

If you prefer a bike tour to rentals—sometimes it’s nice not to have to plan and you’re guaranteed not to get lost—book with Getaway Adventures, which takes you on Napa Valley’s quiet, scenic, and low-traffic country lanes, with winery stops along the way. The Sip & Cycle Experience, for example, is a full-day Wine Country adventure (five-and-a-half hours long), and the tour includes stops at a few Calistoga wineries and a boxed picnic lunch. Overall, you’ll get in about 12 miles and plenty of wine. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, book a combo bike and kayak tour.

With 500 options in Napa Valley, many wineries find creative ways to stand out and lure in visitors. Some will invite you into their wine caves, for instance, while others might offer a cheese pairing, or even a multi-course wine and food experience. Pine Ridge Vineyards does all three.

Tucked away from the Silverado Trail in Napa Valley’s famous Stags Leap District — most known for putting Napa Valley wine on the world map in the 1976 Judgment of Paris — Pine Ridge Vineyards welcomes guests on two of the most informative and memorable wine tasting experiences in all of Northern California’s Wine Country. I’ve been fortunate enough to experience both of their elevated offerings: the Wine Tasting and Cave Tour (complete with a cheese pairing) and Savor Pine Ridge, which pairs five wines with gourmet bites. Both are fantastic and priced at a great value, so read on to decide which one is right for you.

The Tours

These Pine Ridge experiences begin with a welcome splash of wine and a tour of the estate vineyard, cellar, and caves. The Wine Tasting and Cave Tour is the most extensive, roughly 90 minutes and includes a barrel sample. The Savor tour is an abridged version, as there’s a greater focus on the food and wine pairing to come.

Starting in front of the estate vineyard, we learned about the soils, how Pine Ridge Vineyards has vines planted on some of the steepest slopes in the valley, the grape growing process, and the history of the winery dating back to 1978. We weren’t empty handed either, soaking in this knowledge while sipping a delightful chardonnay; it was a perfect balance between light and crisp and elegant and rich.

One main theme that stood out to me throughout both tours was technology. Winemaker Michael Beaulac clearly cares about not just maintaining the wine quality but also improving it. He and his team are on top of the latest and greatest advancements in the industry and are even running their own experiments to benefit the region as a whole.

In the vineyard, for example, vineyard manager Gustavo Avina, who has been with Pine Ridge Vineyards since 2003, has installed innovative, vineyard climate stations. These enable him to remotely control things like irrigation right from his smartphone. In the cellar, Pine Ridge Vineyards has imported some very expensive concrete fermenters from Italy, which kind of look like Apollo spacecrafts. Beaulac mentioned he’s still experimenting with them, but that they should add an extra freshness to the wine. I could go on and on, but I don’t want to give it all away.

The tours finish 130 feet underground in the 32,000-sq. ft. cave, home to 3,000 barrels and composed of just over three-quarters of a mile of tunnels (that’s pretty big for a wine cave). I’ve personally lost count of the wine caves I’ve seen all over the world, everything from damp, hand-dug caves built centuries ago to perfectly manicured ones covered in marble. Because of this, I’m not easily moved by what a winery has underground, but Pine Ridge Vineyards’ cool cave truly stuck out for the experience offered within it.

This isn’t the standard cave walk through; we actually got to stay awhile, sit down, and taste the wines. The sound of working forklifts in the background wasn’t so much distracting, as a cool and authentic addition to the experience.

The Good Stuff

Pine Ridge Vineyards is the definition of a Napa Cab House. Yes, they produce some other wines, like chardonnay and rosé, but cabernet is undeniably their signature grape.

The winemaking team produces single-appellation cabs from the best producing regions (AVAs) around Napa Valley: Stags Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, and Howell Mountain. All of the wines provide a unique opportunity to sip your way through Napa Valley, identify the differences in the varying terroirs, and then determine which AVA you fancy the most. My favorite AVA has consistently been Rutherford, known for its unique “Rutherford Dust” soil, which was reaffirmed during my Pine Ridge Vineyards visit.

The wine and cheese pairing occurs at an intimate round table in the cave, set in front of a gorgeous Chihuly glass sculpture. At my seat, there were three wine glasses and a plate with a trio of cheeses, dried fruits, and house-made, savory biscotti. For this tasting, we tried the Rutherford, Oakville, and Stags Leap cabs, each matched with a cheese.

When I’ve done cheese pairings before, more often than not, it’s with local cheeses. I’m all for supporting the local farmers, but I also really appreciate that Pine Ridge Vineyards prioritizes quality and choosing the perfect match to showcase their wines. They’ve carefully selected dynamite cheeses (two hard, one soft) from France, Spain, and Holland, and they were so delicious that I actually wrote down their names so I could attempt to seek them out later.

The cheese pairing is truly delightful, but if you want the ultimate, VIP experience, book Savor. It takes place in a chic and cozy cave lounge called Cellar 47 — the kind of place you’d hope to hide out in during an apocalypse; think, chic, colorful furniture and rugs, with multiple nooks for lounging and sipping — and we got to sip the full gamut of wines. One-by-one, we tasted through five cabernets: the four single-appellation cabs, plus FORTIS, the winery’s flagship cabernet made with the best grapes from the best blocks (it’s big and bold like its name suggests). Priced at $225 a bottle, it’s a real treat to taste this. Each wine was paired with a substantial, gourmet bite prepared by winery chef Susan Lassalette. The menu stays consistent, only changing up when a new vintage is released.

Despite what you might expect for cabernet pairings, just one of the pairings was beef. Lassalette gets creative with unconventional pairings, proving that wine and food pairing rules are made to be broken. My favorite bite was the savory, Parmesan panna cotta, though I ultimately felt that the best pairing of the day was the Niman Ranch beef empanada with a spicy pimento dolce. As for the rest of the bites, I’ll let you find out for yourself.

Just when we thought we were finished with Savor, we were given a bonus surprise: a pair of custom made chocolates for dessert.

The Wine Tasting and Cave Tour ($75) is offered daily at 10 AM and 2 PM. Savor Pine Ridge ($125 per person) is offered daily at 11 AM and 1 PM. Both experiences last roughly 90 minutes.