Master Sommelier David Glancy is regularly asked what wineries and wine tours are the best to visit in California. With over 3,800 wineries in the state and American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in 43 of the state’s 58 counties it can be hard to choose. Below are his picks for Napa and Sonoma with other regions to be discussed in future weeks. Just these two counties have over 900 wineries between them so it’s still a challenge to narrow it down. These are his selections based on the winery visit experience. There are many wines that he loves but did not list either because they do not allow public visits or he just hasn’t visited them yet.
Napa - Before You Go
Here's a 2-minute video overview of what to look for in Napa Valley. You could even take a Napa Valley workshop with us in South San Francisco before you head to wine country. Also check out Napa Valley Vintners maps and information.
Napa Valley - Right Down the Middle
Here are my picks for wineries that are open to the public everyday with no appointment along highway 29 South to North from Yountville to St. Helena.
-
Chandon
They are one of the first wineries you reach heading into the valley and it's always nice to start with bubbles. The tour teaches guests all about sparkling wine production and you can enjoy your favorite bottle relaxing on the lawn. -
Robert Mondavi
Robert Mondavi was one of the most important figures post-prohibition in shaping today's Napa Valley as a global wine center. The tour is educational and they pour a wide variety of wines. -
Beaulieu Vineyards
Smack in the center of the valley, the tasting ranges from value varietal wines to the always amazing George de la Tour Reserve Cabernet. -
Hall
This is a relative newcomer with a modern, splashy tasting facility and some crisp Sauvignon Blanc and big, rich Cabernet.
Napa Valley - Off the Beaten Path
All of these wineries require an appointment but are definitely worth a little advanced planning. They are also quite far apart but there are clusters of wineries near them to create a regional tour.
-
Pride Mountain
Pride Mountain straddles the county line between Spring Mountain in Napa and Fountaingrove in Sonoma. It is a breathtaking spot atop the Mayacamas Mountain Range with some great Cab and Merlot. Some of their neighbors include Barnett, Schweiger and Cain. -
Schramsberg / J. Davies
Schramsberg is one of the best sparkling wine producers in the state and have also converted most of their Diamond Mountain vineyards to Cabernet bottled as J. Davies. Some of their neighbors between St. Helena and Calistoga include Stony Hill and Von Strasser. -
Viader
This quiet tasting room is just below Howell Mountain between Deer Park and Angwin. They specialize in Cabernet Franc and Bordeaux style blends. Some of their neighbors include Arkenstone, Cade and Ladera. -
Quintessa
This is a magnificent winery cave, beautiful grounds and one of the best Bordeaux style blends in all of California. They are easy to find on the Silverado Trail just outside of Rutherford. Some of their neighbors include Mumm and Joseph Phelps.
Sonoma - Before You Go
Here's a 2-minute video overview of what to look for in Sonoma. You could even take a Sonoma workshop with us in South San Francisco before you head to wine country. Also check out Sonoma County Vintners for maps and information.
Sonoma - Dry Creek Valley
Dry Creek Valley is just northwest of Healdsburg and has many wineries.
-
A. Rafanelli
The tasting room is rustic but they consistently produce beautiful Zinfandel and Cabernet. -
Lambert Bridge
Merlot is on the decline in Sonoma but Lambert Bridge continues to make solid Merlot and Cabernet. -
Quivira
They make great Zinfandel but their benchmark is the Fig Tree Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. -
Dry Creek Vineyard
They have a simple tasting room fitting the region and a wide array of wines from Chenin Blanc to Cabernet but they make some of the more age-worthy Zinfandel around. -
Mauritson
Their most exciting wines come from their Rockpile vineyards but the tasting room and many of their other vines are in Dry Creek.
Sonoma - Russian River Valley
Russian River is just south of Healdsburg and also has a large number of premium wineries.
-
J Vineyards
J is a unique tasting experience giving food an equal role in their many tasting flight options. -
Iron Horse
Iron Horse is a pioneer in the Green Valley, the coldest portion of Russian River. Their sparkling wines are wonderful and it is delightful to sit in the gazebo in middle of the vines enjoying the serenity of their remote location,
If you are curious about California wine, consider our many workshops on the region. If you want to dive deeply into the subject, try our California Wine Appellation Specialist CWAS® program. All are available in person and online.
Check out our full schedule of programs, workshops and public events. Private, customized experiences and corporate training is also available.
