12 Amazing Places to Go For a Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Of course, Napa Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in the world. It’s also home to incredible restaurants, incredible shopping, and recreation. But, let’s get right to the point. People come here to experience the wine. However, with more than 43,000 acres of vineyards and hundreds of wineries and tasting rooms from which to choose, where do you begin your Napa Valley wine tasting experience? Let us give you a few pointers.

Begin with downloading a copy of our free Vacation Guide. It’s filled with our top picks for Napa Valley wine tastings, restaurants, shops, galleries and much more. Then, go ahead and book your stay in one of our elegant rooms.

Where to Begin Your Napa Valley Wine Tasting Journey

Now it’s time to start exploring some of the best Napa Valley wine tasting experiences. Napa Valley has over 450 vineyards in 14 different regions (appellations), along with almost two dozen local tasting rooms (within walking distance, no less!). Where should you go?

Well, that’s where we come in. We’ve compiled a list of ten amazing tasting sites (5 vineyards, 5 tasting rooms) for your consideration. There are so many incredible locations from which to choose, but the following list is a great place to start!

Vineyards:

1. Robert Mondavi Winery: The Robert Mondavi Winery offers a fine example of “vine to wine.” Enjoy wide-ranging varietals, from Cabernet and Chardonnay to Rose and Sauvignon Blanc. There are several options for wine tastings, including one where you can learn the basics of tasting. Learn how and why to swirl, how to read labels and more. The fireside tasting with artisan cheese is another favorite.
2. Beringer Vineyards: Established in 1876, Beringer is California’s oldest continually-operating winery. Its chief winemaker, Mark Beringer, is the grandson of the vineyard’s founders, Jacob and Frederick Beringer. Take a tour of this beautiful vineyard and learn all about the winemaking process, as well as the history of the Beringer family. Afterward, settle down to a delicious tasting, such as a Reserve Tasting in the Rhine House, a Winter Cave Seated Tasting, or a Private Reserve Vertical Tasting.
3. Castello di Amorosa: The Stone Castle (English translation) is a 13th-century Tuscan-style castle located right here in Napa Valley. In addition to its variety of delicious wines and tastings, Castello di Amorosa also hosts several large parties each year that are open to the public. Be sure to check their event calendar..
4. Sterling Vineyards: Like so many others, Sterling Vineyards offers an array of delicious wines. Unlike them, however, Sterling Vineyards offers one-of-a-kind solar-powered aerial gondola rides to its hilltop location. The winery itself is modeled after the architecture on the Greek island of Mykonos and contains multiple art galleries, along with motion-activated flatscreen televisions leading you through self-guided tours. Learn more about Sterling Vineyards.
5. Chandon Winery: We’ll end on something different – champagne. Visit the Chandon Winery and learn about the champagne-making process. What puts the bubbles in your bubbly? Take a tour of the Chandon Winery.

Tasting Rooms: (COVID-19 UPDATE: Tasting rooms have not yet reopened due to COVID restrictions, but you can enjoy tastings at wineries where they have outdoor seating. See above and check individual websites for additional information.)

1. Alpha Omega Collective: This is a wonderful place within walking distance of Churchill Manor. It’s located in a historic building at the corner of First and Randolph. 
2. Cornerstone Cellars: This is a great spot that offers wine tasting experiences. Be sure to sample the Cabernet Sauvignon. 
3. Cadet Wine Bar: Drop into this fun place downtown to enjoy a wine flight (or beer sampling) along with perfectly paired provisions.
4. Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ: Offers a fine selection of barbeque, along with more than 40 local wines.
5. St. Clair Brown Winery: This urban winery also offers micro-brewed beer and food utilizing ingredients grown in their on-site garden.
6. Carpe Diem Wine Bar: Seize the chardonnay at this award-winning wine bar, featuring family share-plate style dishes.
7. Churchill Manor: Enjoy a sampling of incredible wines during our own wine reception held nightly. (Please check at the front desk to see if this is available per COVID-19 restrictions.)

The Best Place to Stay for Your Napa Valley Wine Tasting Experience

The best place to stay is Churchill Manor, of course! Not only are we passionate about wine, we’re also passionate about offering incredible hospitality, elegant accommodations, and amenities to provide you with a relaxing and pampered experience.

Discover the old-world craftsmanship and elegance of an 1890 mansion. You’ll enter your room through beautiful hand-painted doors. Each room is named after a Napa Valley wine growing regions, called “Appellations,” which have been painted on each door by a local Napa artist. Check our availability and book your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you to Napa Valley.