We receive a ton of questions from readers looking for Napa Valley suggestions. We decided to create a little series of all my Napa Valley suggestions, from Wineries to Restaurants to Hotels. So I thought we could start with my favorite wineries. I’ve separated out my suggestions into three areas of Napa. While the major wine-os out there will argue that the areas I’ve mentioned are their own distinct AVAs, I’ve combined them together so that people have a rough estimate of proximity to each other. That way, when making plans for wine tasting you can spend your day doing just that, rather than driving up and down the valley. It’s worth mentioning that a large percentage of wineries in Napa are by reservation only so once you narrow down your list reach out to them and make sure they have availability.

Please take our recommendations with a grain of salt. We are not expert tasters by any means but we can appreciate good wine and beautiful wineries. When we seek out new wineries we are often looking for the overall most relaxing and beautiful experience. There are tons of wineries that we still haven’t visited, if you’ve had the opportunity to visit Napa, let us know which places you loved.

Carneros Area

If you are on your way to Napa Valley from San Francisco, stopping in Carneros first thing or on your way back is always a good idea. Due to it’s proximity to the Bay the cooler weather is great for growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sparkling Wine varieties. We consider Carneros one of the more beautiful parts of Napa as it’s lush greenery and rolling hills always make for beautiful landscapes.

Favorite Wineries

Artesa– We had been recommended this hilltop winery by the Carneros Inn, so while staying there we rode bicycles to the top and enjoyed a glass of white wine. The views are gorgeous and on a clear day you can see San Francisco.

Domaine Carneros– This is one of our favorite spots to stop and sit outside during the summer. Their sparkling wines are very refreshing.

Domaine Chandon– My personal favorite spot for rosé!

Yountville/Oakville/Rutherford Area

This is the heart of the Napa Valley. Situated in an ideal spot in the valley where it’s not too North and not too South so it receives plenty of sun during the day and cooling fog later in the day. These characteristics make for some of the most amazing wines in all of Napa Valley.

Favorite Wineries

Frog’s Leap– This is our go to winery to visit when we have friends in town. There’s a beautiful farmhouse setting that you can wander throughout sipping on a glass of wine. Or you can get a reservation on their patio area.

Round Pond– We’ve visited Round Pond a few times, we’ve had great experiences sampling both their wines and their olive oils.

Nickel and Nickel– This winery gets our vote for cutest winery that we’ve been to so far. In an area that prides it’s self on unique and often funky architecture Nickel Nickel is a simple design.

Napa Cellar– We really like Napa Cellars for their picnic area. As seen in this post.

St. Helena/Calistoga Area

Chances are, if we are headed up to Napa from San Francisco our final destination is somewhere in St. Helena or Calistoga whether it be one of our favorite restaurants for lunch, hotels or wineries. This area is further North and during the summer months it receives a lot of sun. Like the rest of Napa, the most popular wine here is Cabernet Sauvignon. This northern area of the Valley becomes narrower as the surrounding hills and mountains constrict the valley floor. This makes for some of the most beautiful scenery in Napa Valley.

Favorite Wineries

Beringer– This Winery has one of the longest histories in all of Napa Valley as it was established in 1875.

V. Sattui– Another one of our favorite spots for a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables to sit at throughout the property.

Newton Vineyard– Situated high up in the hills, Newton has one of the most impressive landscapes of any winery in Napa Valley. We visited last November and the views were incredible.

Joseph Phelps– A more secluded winery surrounded by Sequoia trees, it makes for a relaxing afternoon to sip on their reds.