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Napa, CA, is home to some of the most beautiful and famous wineries in the world. Cascading countrysides, riverfront promenades, and 1800s architecture all add to the charm. Napa Valley is rolling with premier land for wine country, and with these gorgeous landscapes and luxurious vineyards come touring and tasting opportunities. Raise a glass, and we’ll tell you which wineries made our recommendation list for some incredible Napa wine tours.
The Castello di Amoroso in Napa Valley sits on over 170 acres of forest and hills. The 121,000-square-foot, 107-room castle includes four levels underground and four above, all a signature of the medieval architecture that fascinates owner Dario Sattui. The authentic castle is not only grand but functional, housing wine cellars and tasting rooms alike. Napa wine tours at Castello di Amoroso are offered in several packages, including a royal food and wine pairing tour, a cheese and wine pairing tour, a guided tour and tasting, and a Napa Valley Wine Train and tour package. (The tasting room and tours are operating. The Glass Fire in 2020 did take the Farmhouse building and scorch some of the land around the castle, but the castle itself is still in-tact and welcoming visitors.)
Cathy Corison has forged a life of wine, first winemaking for others such as Chappellet Vineyard, York Creek Vineyards, and Long Meadow Ranch. After honing her skills, she created the first vintage Corison Cabernet. Her winery went from a dream to a reality, and tours and tastings are available daily between 10 and 5. The Corison Library Experience is a specialty, featuring a guided tour of the winery as well as a formally seated tasting of older vintages and the opportunity to observe winemaking in the cellar.
Another winery that gives one of the best Napa Valley wine tours is Ehlers Estate. They have a carefree attitude about life but are serious when it comes to wine and wine making. They love taking small groups around the estate and allow them to taste the delectable wines they have made. They have two tours to choose from, the first is a morning tour that starts at 9:30am and will allow you to see another side of the winery that others don’t usually see. If you aren’t a morning person then feel free to visit them anytime until 3:30 pm and enjoy their estate tour and tasting.
Most wine enthusiasts are interested in how the wine is made and what nuances between vineyards give the wine its own unique taste. When you visit Far Niente, you will quickly discover why this winery has been touted as one of the best Napa Valley wine tours. The grounds are breathtaking and the tour itself is informative and interesting. After the tour you will get to taste three wines paired with delicious cheeses.
Tastings are offered on a walk-in basis at The Hess Collection, if you’re looking for something low-key but still high-class. The onsite Hess Collection Contemporary Art Museum is also open without charge, allowing you to stroll, sip, and ponder. After all, art and wine have been quite the pair throughout history. Tours are also available on an appointment basis and include museum gazing, wine tasting, cheese nibbling, and chocolate indulging. A 90-minute vineyard tour will explore a range of sustainable practices on the organic farm as well as a tasting of current releases. Be sure to try the Mount Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, known as two of Hess’ best in the circuit of Napa wine tours.
The owners of Judd’s Hill Winery started out as garage winemakers, eventually passing the business down to their son, Judd, and his wife, who are now in command. Judd’s Hill Winery continues to handcraft ultra-premium wines with the same signature style from 30 years ago. One modern update might be Judd’s Napa Valley Radio Show, which broadcasts every Tuesday morning and discusses drinking, eating, and gallivanting in Napa Valley wine country. Another expansion is the micro crush, an opportunity for grape growers and wine enthusiasts to have their own lots or even just a barrel. The Judd’s Hill annual springtime bonanza is another reason to explore this area of Napa Valley and experience one of the premier Napa wine tours.
100 percent of the grapes at the Madonna Estate are organically grown, with wines handcrafted by the Bartolucci family for the past 80 years. The Madonna Vineyard has over 79 acres of Chardonnay and 30 of Pinot Noir, while a Gewurztraminer and Dolcetto also make the list. For your personal experience, a tour and tasting will be friendly to your wallet as well as your palette. The duo will only cost $25 per person.
If you prefer some bubbles in your glass then you will want to head over to Schramsberg in Calistoga for one of the best Napa Valley wine tours that will feature sparkling wine. One thing to note is that their tours and tastings are by appointment only so be sure to plan ahead. They do have a cave tour available at certain times during the day as well. When you combine these two tours, as well as their 4 sparkling wines at the end, it really is a magical event.
Located in the city, the St. Clair Brown Winery includes a winery, garden eatery, micro-brewery, culinary garden, store, and wine club. Specializing in small lot, handcrafted wines, the downtown location hosts all aspects of wine production, with only 200 cases or less created of each wine. From Cabernet Sauvignon to sweet Muscat, each flavor is paired with fresh garden bites like roasted almonds and citrus-marinated olives. Tasting flights give a sample of four wines, while the cheese board or other small plates compliment.
The Wine Train is not only a perfect place to sample some wines but also see the beautiful Napa Valley countryside that grows the delicious grapes. You can choose from many packages but they are known for the best Napa Valley wine tours. Here are some of the options you can choose from when you book with The Wine Train. The first choice is a Castle Wine Tour. This is a tour where you will be able to find out more about two very special wineries that have castles on their properties. They offer several other incredible options, including a dining tour, so be sure to visit their website to explore them all.
While many prefer Napa wine tours en route from San Francisco, why not stay right in the midst of Napa itself? Churchill Manor boasts luxurious rooms and amenities fit for Napa Valley opulence. An extensive wine and cheese reception is held each evening for guests and packages include a “Stay, Sip, and Stroll” opportunity, which includes downtown Napa tasting passes and custom truffles from Anette’s Chocolate Factory.