20 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa
This post is an homage to my beloved Napa. It is the first region in California that I fell in love with! Regular wine tasting trips tp the Napa Valley is what prompted me to pursue wine studies and become a Certified Specialist in Wine. We had visited Napa many times over the last decade and still visit almost every quarter. Needless to say, I got a chance to visit many of the beautiful wineries and all the amazing wines that this region has to offer. This post is a tribute to my favorite region, Napa and its prettiest wineries.
Not only is Napa Vally well known as a world famous wine destination, it is also a picturesque place with beautiful views, never ending rows of vineyards, sprawling chateaus, castles and gardens. Each owner adds his/her own unique taste to the winery whether it is French, Italian, Spanish architecture or German and that makes Napa Valley an interesting blend of different styles. It is a great destination to admire beautiful architecture and gorgeous surroundings. I have listed 20 of my favorite and most beautiful wineries to visit in Napa. Whether you are a first time or a return visitor, you will surely enjoy visiting these wineries!
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Other wine destinations to explore in California and beyond –
Wine tasting in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma
Wine tasting in Anderson Valley in Mendocino
Wine tasting in the beautiful Tuscan wine country
20 most beautiful wineries in Napa Valley
Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carneros
Domaine Carenros is one of my favorite wineries to visit in Napa. As you enter Domaine Carneros, you will instantly be transported to the chateaux of France. The 18th century French style Chateau (inspired by the Chateau of Champagne Taittinger) is hard to miss and is one of the landmarks of Napa Valley. You will have a hard time deciding whether to admire the insanely beautiful chateau or their delicious sparkling wines.
Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa
Castello di Amorosa courtyard
At Castello di Amorosa, you will get a taste of Tuscany right here in Napa. Castello di Amorosa is a Tuscan style castle built with the same methods and materials used during the medieval times. It is a must visit if you love beautiful Italian architecture. It took 15 years to build the castle and you can see the effort in each meticulously placed brick and stone (all imported from Europe). A part of the winery was destroyed in the fire last year but luckily, the castle remained intact.
Artesa
View from Artesa
Artesa is a mix of modern elegance and Spanish style. Along with great tasting Spanish varieties like tempranillo, garnacha, Artesa also offers some of the best panoramic views of Napa vineyards, beautiful decor and architecture inspired by the modern architecture of Barcelona. You must visit to truly appreciate it’s elegance! I had been to Artesa several times and love going back!
Hess Collection
Hess Collection Winery
Pond at Hess Collection
Hess Collection winery is located atop Mount Veeder. It is a bit of a drive uphill but so worth it. In addition to a beautiful building covered with ivy and relaxing grounds, Hess also has an excellent art collection. If visiting museums is your thing, Hess Collection winery is a must visit.
Inglenook
Inglenook chateau
Inglenook winery
Inglenook winery is a historic winery dating back to the 1800s. This winery, owned by Francis Ford Coppola, withstood the test of time and it shows in its rich heritage and chateau’s interiors. They offer tours of the chateau, vineyards and the infinity caves along with wine tastings.
Chateau Montelena
Chateau Montelena winery
Chateau Montelena Japanese garden
Chateau Montelena is one of the most iconic and beautiful wineries of Napa. Did you know Chateau Montelena (along with Stag’s Leap) put Napa on the world wine radar back in the 1980s? “Judgement of Paris” wine competition is a fascinating story that you will surely hear when you visit the winery. Take time to explore the Japanese style garden and the chateau exterior before you step into the winery!
Peju
Peju Winery entrance, Napa
Peju Winery, Napa
Peju is probably the cutest of all the wineries in this list. While it is not huge like the others listed here, Peju is unique and very beautiful. The tower and the garden are breathtaking. The garden is full of beautifully crafted sculptures made of bronze and carrara marble. I highly recommend visiting Peju on your trip to Napa and also try their Peju Provence Rosé.
Beringer
The Rhine House at Berringer Vineyard
Yet another pioneer of Napa Valley, Beringer is the oldest running winery in California and one of the most beautiful wineries in Napa. Main attraction of Beringer is the Victorian style castle called The Rhine House. The Rhine House of Beringer was built in 1884 and still stands today. Take a tour of this incredible building and book a veranda tasting tour overlooking the gardens.
Sterling Vineyards
Sterling Vineyards
Vineyard views from Sterling Vineyards
Sitting atop a hill, the views of Napa vineyards from Sterling can’t be beat. Add an aerial tram ride to get to the winery, you have a perfect wine country afternoon. We always take visitors to Sterling on their first visit to Napa to experience the sprawling vineyard views.
Darioush
Darioush winery
Darioush is a Persian immigrant who made his American dream come true and now owns a beautiful winery. Darioush has one of the most beautiful and unique architecture in Napa inspired by Persian interiors and exteriors.
Far Niente
Far Niente, meaning “not a care”, lives true to its name. 13 acres of carefully tended gardens, exquisite wines and wine caves remind you to live life without a care. It is a great winery to visit in spring when the gardens are full of colorful blooms.
Del Dotto Wine Caves
Del Dotto wine caves
Del Dotto winery
Del Dotto Vineyards is full of Venetian influence and Italian architecture. A fun thing to do in Napa is wine tasting in the caves. The wine caves of Del Dotto are the oldest caves in Napa and they still offer wine tasting in the caves.
Opus One
Opus One winery
Opus One is another unique winery you will see in Napa Valley. It is a semi-circular building with grass exterior and is designed to blend into its natural surroundings. Combined with a 100 acres of vineyards, Opus One is a majestic winery to visit. One can witness the grandeur of the winery as you enter the gates. The tours and tastings are on the expensive side and so are their award winning Cabernet wines.
Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock Winery
If you thought that most of the wineries in Napa are inspired by European architecture, think again! The architecture of Chimney Rock is inspired by the famous Groot Constantia and Cape Dutch architecture of Stellenbosch, South Africa. For the unique architecture alone, Chimney Rock winery deserves a visit!
Round Pond Estate
Round Pond Estate
An estate is what it is! The estate consists of olive groves, palm trees, rows of vineyards and a modern tasting room that makes you forget that you are in Napa.
Beaulieu Vineyard
Beaulieu Vineyard
Just a stone’s throw away from Round Pond Estate is Beaulieu Vineyard, another beautiful winery with ivy covered building and gorgeous grounds to explore. Their patio tasting is a great way to relax and enjoy some vino on a sunny day.
Robert Mondavi
Robert Mondavi winery
Robert Mondavi winery grounds
Robert Mondavi is a pioneer and icon of winemaking in Napa Valley. He also pioneered the concept of wine tastings in his beautiful winery. The winery is pretty with a gorgeous patio, courtyards and stunning architecture.
V. Sattui
V Sattui winery
If you love picnicking and enjoying a beautiful day under the trees, V. Sattui is your winery. Like many other wineries in Napa, a beautiful stone building is also part of the winery.
Hall Winery
Modern architecture, unique bunny sculpture and a tasting room with beautiful views are the main draws of Hall Winery in St. Helena. This winery is another must visit if you love modern architecture.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Stag’s Leap wine cellars
Stag’s Leap entrance
Stag’s leap is another historic winery (along with Chateau Montelena) that put Napa on the wine map at the “Judgement of Paris” wine competition. To fully appreciate the winery, I suggest taking the 90min tour that takes you through the Manor House, Old Stone Winery and the grounds.
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If you need any motivation to visit Napa Valley after the lockdown is lifted, this is it! These are 20 of the most beautiful wineries and vineyards in Napa that you will enjoy exploring. They will make you fall in love with Napa Valley.
Did I miss something? Let me know what you think is the most beautiful winery in Napa.
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Hi there!
I am Aswani Kurra. I am an engineer, dreamer and part-time wanderlust, writer and wine lover. I always had an urge to write, create and travel. So I created this space to satisfy my creative itch and combine all my skills to help you plan your Charming Escape.
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I haven’t been to Napa in years, but I’ve been to about half of these. Look forward to hitting the rest 🙂 Cheers!
Napa is amazing! Hope you get to visit the rest of them. 🙂
It’s been years since I was in Napa, and your post made me want to go back immediately. I haven’t been to any of these gorgeous wineries in Napa — and need to fix that ASAP! My kids would be obsessed with the ones that look like castles.
Oh my goodness, these wineries are STUNNING! I’ve never visited a winery before and I’m not sure how I pictured them but it certainly wasn’t like this! Chateau Montelena looks like something straight out of a fairytale! Thanks for the great guide, I hope I’ll get an opportunity to visit the wineries in person one day!
I haven’t been to Napa yet but when I do I will definitely be hitting up some of these gorgeous wineries!
This is such a helpful review. I have not been to Napa yet, but working on planning a trip. How many of the above wineries would you recommend visiting in one day (if going to one that are close enough to each other)?
I recommend 3 or 4 max. You will be too buzzed to enjoy too many. 🙂
Hello,
I come across your post about Napa and your post really helped me out. My partner and I planning to visit soon but we don’t drink wine. Do you know if any of these places let us just come visit without tasting wine?
I don’t think they do, unfortunately. You can share a tasting or look for some wineries that do a tour or dining.
Wow what a fantastic list. I think I have only been to 4 of these , so I have lots more to try. Thanks for the article.
Thank you! Hope you get to visit all of them soon! 🙂
I thought Joseph Phelps was absolutely gorgeous and it had an amazing view.
My daughter and I are planning on going either April or May. Is there a more preferable time to visit and do you have a route of which wineries to visit or list in order? I saw where you recommended about 3 per day, about how much time should we allow to spend at each winery? Thanks for any tips you can provide!
Hi. Hope I’m not too late. I recommend 1.5hrs – 2hrs at each one. The way I plan is look up each winery on map and schedule tastings based on either closest – farthest or vice versa.