The Best Wineries in Napa Valley, Reviewed by a Repeat Visitor
Last Updated on February 23, 2026 by Lauren Belzer Sanford
There are so many amazing wineries in Napa Valley, from properties owned by large conglomerates to wineries that are still family-owned and operated.
It’s so much fun to learn about wine, the vineyards, the winemakers, and the history of each winery.
Since Max’s parents moved to Napa in early 2020, we’ve had the opportunity to visit a good number of wineries in the valley, and this post is meant to serve as our running list of both visited and favorite spots, so check back as we continue to check more off our list! And if you’re looking for a place to stay that pairs perfectly with a glass of Cabernet (wink, wink), check out my list of the best hotels in Napa Valley or search available dates on Booking.com. It will really round out the palette, I promise!
Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for another visit, these are the best wineries in Napa Valley worth adding to your list. To make it easy to find what you might be looking for, I have them listed in alphabetical order.
The Best Wineries in Napa Valley: Quick Picks by Category
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick cheat sheet before diving into the full list:
- Best for Romance: Clos du Val — terrace tastings, stunning vineyard views, and an atmosphere that feels made for a special occasion. This is where Max and I got engaged at the end of 2023!
- Best for First-Timers: Cakebread Cellars — approachable, educational, and genuinely welcoming no matter your wine knowledge.
- Best for the Full Experience: Far Niente — the tour, the history, the wine, and the setting all come together perfectly.
- Best for Something Different: Bella Union — fun blends, modern energy, and a vibe that’s elevated without being stuffy.
- Best for Old-School Napa Charm: Inglenook — historic estate, French château architecture, and a unique story worth knowing.
Keep reading for the full breakdown of each winery, including what to expect.
Bella Union Winery
Max’s mom and I visited Bella Union for a girls’ day, just the two of us! It is one of those Napa wineries that surprises you in the best way. Tucked along Highway 29, it’s part of the Far Niente family, but it brings its own fresh, playful energy to the valley. The tasting spaces are stunning—think luxe elegance meets modern California cool—with velvet seating inside, golden accents, and panoramic vineyard views from their glass-walled Jewel Box room. The vibe is warm and welcoming and not stuffy!
They’re a bit more of the fun, modern sister to their more established family of brands. They do some fun blends that you don’t typically get at some more “cult wineries.” Don’t think of them as the winery that makes wine from Far Niente or Nickel and Nickel’s “leftovers”, but rather the “experimental” one who is having fun and making things that are different from the typical Napa Cab!
If you’re looking for a tasting that’s both elevated and approachable, Bella Union nails that balance beautifully!
Cakebread Cellars
Cakebread Cellars is a winery that does more than just pour incredible wine—it offers some of the best tasting and tour experiences in Napa.
We did the Cakebread Classic Tasting, and it was both in-depth and informative. Great for those who love to learn about the wine and each specific winery’s story. You’re not just learning about the wine; you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at everything that goes into making it and the story of how Cakebread came to be one of Napa’s most loved spots. Whether you’re a newbie or a wine-tasting aficionado, the tour guides make sure everyone feels welcome and included.
If you’re looking for a winery that combines learning with amazing wine and a gorgeous setting, Cakebread should be on your list.
Clos du Val
Clos du Val will forever hold a special place in our hearts as it is the winery where we got engaged on December 29, 2023. The property is simply stunning, no matter the season, and the wines, especially the reds, are great!
Their Cabernet Sauvignon is what they’re known for, and it’s just as good as you’d hope—smooth, bold, and exactly what you come to Napa for. But honestly, don’t sleep on their Sauvignon Blanc either—it’s just as amazing.
If you can, grab a spot on the terrace for a tasting. It’s the best way to soak up the views while sipping your way through their lineup. Plus, the team there is super friendly and happy to answer all your wine- and estate-related questions.
Photos by Willow and Ben.
What I love most about Clos du Val is how easy it is to enjoy. They’ve been around since the 70s, so they know what they’re doing, but the vibe is anything but stuffy. It’s where you can relax, take your time, and enjoy the experience. This is one spot you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Far Niente
Far Niente is pure magic. Some would even consider it among the best of the best wineries in Napa Valley (I am some). This place is like stepping into a fairytale, or being transported to Italy—picture a stunning stone winery surrounded by dreamy scenery and rolling vineyards. It’s one of those spots that’s just as much about the atmosphere as it is about the wine, and trust me, the wine is spectacular. From the moment you drive through their gates, it feels like you’ve stumbled onto a secret slice of Napa that’s elegant and laid-back.
Their wines are next-level, especially if you’re into Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chardonnay is buttery and smooth in all the right ways, which is saying a lot because I’m not typically a Chardonnay lover. And the Cab? Big, bold, and everything you want from a Napa red. Plus, their tastings include a little tour, so you can learn about the winery’s history while soaking up the gorgeous views.
Fun fact: Far Niente has been around since the late 1800s, which adds to the charm!
What makes Far Niente stand out is how special the whole experience feels. It’s fancy enough to feel like a treat but not over the top. It was a very special stop for my 27th birthday in November 2023!
Inglenook
Inglenook is pure old-school Napa charm with a side of luxury. This historic estate in Rutherford has been around since the late 1800s and feels like stepping into another era. From the French chateau-style architecture to the sprawling vineyards, every corner of Inglenook is stunning.
What makes Inglenook stand out is how much history you get alongside the wine. You’ll learn stories about its early days, its famous owner (yes, Francis Ford Coppola), and how it helped shape Napa Valley into what it is today.
Whether you’re doing a full tasting experience or grabbing a glass to enjoy outside or in the “bistro”, you really can’t go wrong here.
Nickel & Nickel
Nickel & Nickel is one of my favorite spots in all of Napa Valley—it’s the winery where we got to celebrate our engagement with our families the day after the proposal!
The whole place feels like a postcard, with a beautifully restored farmhouse, stunning grounds, and vineyards as far as the eye can see. It’s small enough to feel intimate but still has that wow factor that makes you feel like you’ve found something special.
The wine at Nickel & Nickel is all about showcasing the uniqueness of Napa’s vineyards, especially when it comes to Cabernet Sauvignon. Each bottle is like a mini Napa tour—you get to taste the differences between vineyards and regions in the valley, which is super cool. Their tastings are laid-back but still give you all the nerdy wine details, so you walk away feeling a little smarter! Plus, the setup is gorgeous, whether you’re tasting in their farmhouse or outside.
What I love most about Nickel & Nickel is how personal the whole experience feels. The team is super friendly and genuinely excited to share their wines with you, which makes it way more fun. If you’re looking for a winery that feels both polished and approachable, Nickel & Nickel is a total gem.
St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery
St. Supéry Estate is one of those wineries that feels like it has something for everyone—stunning views, amazing wine, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to stay all afternoon. Tucked in the heart of Rutherford, it’s super inviting with a modern yet laid-back style.
Now, let’s talk about their Sauvignon Blanc because, in my opinion, it’s the star of the show here. Crisp, refreshing, and full of bright citrus and tropical notes, it’s the kind of wine that’s perfect for a sunny Napa Valley afternoon—or honestly, any time, if you’re a Sauvy B lover like me! Of course, their reds are great too, but trust me, the Sauvignon Blanc is what you’ll remember.
Whether you’re lounging in their outdoor spaces or diving into a full tasting flight, St. Supéry is one of those wineries that checks all the boxes. Don’t leave Napa without stopping here!
Tamber Bey Vineyards
Tamber Bey Vineyards in Calistoga is such a fun and unique winery—it’s got great wine, a chill vibe, and horses! Yes, actual horses. The winery is located on a working equestrian estate, which makes it stand out even in a place like Napa Valley.
As soon as you pull up, there are gorgeous horses in the pasture. It sets the tone for a tasting experience that feels super relaxed (and a little bit magical). Tamber Bey is known for their reds, especially their Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux blends, but they also have Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé for those who like something lighter. What makes it even better is that you’re sipping your wine just steps away from the horses, either on their patio or in the cozy barn-like tasting room.
What I love most about Tamber Bey is how different it feels compared to other Napa wineries. The combination of great wine and the equestrian setting makes it such a memorable stop, and I can’t wait for the chance to come back!
Top Napa Valley Wine Experiences
Looking for a unique Napa Valley wine experience beyond a traditional tasting? From hot air balloon rides over the vineyards to private Land Rover tours through wine country, these are some of the most memorable ways to experience Napa — a little beyond the usual. See more on Viator!
Whether looking for a “boujee” wine experience or something more low-key, Napa Valley has wineries for every taste and budget. I hope to one day say that I have been to every winery in Napa Valley, but for now, I’ll keep adding to this list as I discover some favorites!
Plan Your Napa Valley Wine Country Trip
- Book Wine Tours & Tastings: Book directly or browse Napa Valley wine tours and tasting experiences on Viator.
- Where to Stay: Take a peek at my guide to the best hotels in Napa Valley or search available dates on Booking.com.
- Getting There: Fly into San Francisco (SFO), Oakland (OAK), or even Santa Rosa (STS) — search flights on Expedia.
- What to Pack: Take a peek at my vacation outfit recommendations and travel essentials on ShopMy!