Napa Valley Wine Country Tours

Napa Wineries. Napa offers almost as many wine tours as there are varieties of wine. The Famous and Historic Napa Valley Wineries Tour takes you up Highway 29 from Yountville just past the town of St Helena. There are five wineries on this tour (two are listed below) and each one has been instrumental in giving Napa Valley wines their worldwide recognition. Since none of the wineries offer a public picnic area, it’s recommended that you stop for lunch in St. Helena or at the northern end of the valley in the town of Calistoga. For more information and a complete list of all the Napa winery tours, visit www.winecountrygetaways.com/napa.html.

Robert Mondavi Winery. Robert Mondavi is one of the most recognized wineries in the world. Since 1966, it has been utilizing innovative techniques to create wines of high quality and distinction. Because of his success and leadership, Robert Mondavi is considered to be the father of California wine. Tours are available of this classic winery, which is located one mile north of Oakdale on the west side of Highway 29.

Tasting Room: Open daily–10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
888–766–6328, ext. 2000
info@robertmondaviwinery.com

Beaulieu Vineyards. Founded in 1900, Beaulieu Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in Napa Valley and has long been famous for fine reserve wines. BV, as it is commonly called, also produces several other wines from vineyards in the Central Coast of California. In addition to a regular tasting room, the winery features the George de Latour Private Reserve Room where for $25.00 you can taste five very special wines, including at least one of their older wines (library wines). Don’t miss this wondrous winery located in the town of Rutherford on the east side of Highway 29.

Tasting Room: Open daily–10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
707–967–5200
bv.feedback@guinnessudv.com  [Top]

St. Helena Wineries. St. Helena is surrounded by world–class wineries producing world–class wines of every variety. If you yearn for great Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot or Zinfandel, this stretch of the Napa Valley is unparalleled. Wonderful ports and brandies are also available. While most St. Helena wineries are open to the public, some require reservations. Play it safe and give a call first. For more information, visit www.sthelena.com/visitor/wineries.html.

Merryvale Vineyards. Merryvale’s historic winery features highly sought–after Napa Valley wines, a choice of tasting levels, weekend seminars (tour included), monthly barrel tastings, great gifts and breathtaking “Cask Room” for private events. Don’t miss this extraordinary winery located next to Tra Vigne Restaurant at St. Helena’s southern gateway.

Tasting Cellar: Open daily–10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
800 326 6069, ext 439
info@merryvale.com

Grgich Hills. Family–owned since 1977, Grgich Hills is best known for its Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet, Merlot, and Fumé Blanc. Bio–dynamically– and organically–farmed vineyards result in hand–crafted, estate–grown wines of great balance and elegance. Enjoy an unforgettable wine experience at Grgich Hills just north of Rutherford on Highway 29.

Tasting Room: Open daily–9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Barrel Tasting: Fridays–2 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
info@grgich.com   [Top]

Sonoma Wineries. Not unlike Napa, Sonoma County offers many wine tours, including the Town of Sonoma Wine Trail. Explore several renowned wineries near the famous Sonoma town plaza. Below we’ve listed two of the oldest in California, Buena Vista and Gundlach Bundschu. For information on the rest of the spectacular Sonoma wineries, visit www.winecountrygetaways.com/sonoma–wineries.html.

Buena Vista Winery. The first premium winery in California and a registered historic landmark, Buena Vista opened its doors in 1857. The winery owns 1000 acres of vineyards in the famed Carneros region of Sonoma and Napa counties, which is known for producing fine Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines. Buena Vista owns more acres in the Carneros region than any other winery. To get to the winery from Sonoma Plaza, travel east on East Napa Road and turn left on Old Winery Road. Signs will take you there.

Tasting Room: Open daily–10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
800–926 1266
bvw_info@buenavistawinery.com

Gundlach Bundschu. The wines are all excellent at this family–owned winery, which began operation in 1857 (just three months later than nearby Buena Vista). An amazing 16 varietals are produced with all but two coming from the Gundlach Bundschu 350–acre estate. While several white varietals are produced, the reds are the most recognized–Merlot being the best seller. Enjoy beautiful grounds featuring an ideal picnic area. To get to this historic winery from Sonoma Plaza, travel east on East Napa Road, turn right on 8th Street and follow the white winery signs.

Tasting Room: Open daily–11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
707–939–3015
info@gunbun.com  [Top]