Napa Valley Wine Tours
This is the best Napa Wine Tour out there…
We know you work hard – you deserve this. Our groups report consistently that we have the most enjoyable tours of any other tour company, and we welcome you to visit our TripAdvisor page
Imagine strolling through private vineyards away from the crowds, sampling hand-crafted wines made in small, personal batches that are only given to friends, family, and select buyers, and learning from winemakers everything they went though to create their art…
The Feel of Napa Valley Wine Tours and Its Wineries
Ask someone to name a U.S. wine region, and chances are that they will probably name the Napa Valley. Napa was the birthplace of the modern American fine wine movement, and bottles grace wine store shelves and fancy restaurant menus alike.
What most people don’t realize is how small Napa actually is, or that it only produces 4% of California’s wine.
The Valley in lined with both historic and modern wineries, and of all sizes. There are about 450 in all. Many are on the main drag of Highway 29 (or just 29 to the locals), and some are on the quieter Silverado Trail (The Trail). These two roads run parallel on either side of the Napa River, and one can expect traffic leaving at the end of the day, especially on the weekends and during harvest.
There are several cross streets connecting 29 and The Trail with old bridges spanning the river. It creates a grid resembling a ladder or railroad tracks. Some wineries are in the surrounding hills, neighborhoods, backroads, in town, you name it!
This might make it sound like all of Napa is built up, but it is far from the truth.
Napa was the first agricultural preserve in California and much land has been set aside and left untouched. There are ordinances against putting in new vineyards on hillsides, and constructing condos outside of city limits. The hills on both sides of the valley are natural, aside from old terraced vineyards from the last century.
The Napa Valley Wine Region
Napa Valley is a wine region, but is further broken up into 16 sub-regions, called American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and we can visit any of them on the tour. They all look different and grow different grapes, which makes for a fun day. You may have heard of some of the more famous areas.
Napa Sub-Regions
Carneros consists of grassy rolling hills with a view of San Francisco. Fog keeps summer temperatures down, and the area is most known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Rutherford is located in the center of the Valley and noted for its Cabernet Sauvignon. It is said to contain Rutherford Dust, giving Cabernets a dusty finish. It also produces excellent Sauvignon Blanc.
Stags Leap is located on rocky cliffs in the east part of the valley, and is another Cabernet Sauvignon area. Vines here take advantage of the late afternoon sun to produce round plush wines.
Oakville is the third major area for Cabernet Sauvignon and many of the most recognized wineries are located here. Cabernet from Oakville is fruitier than anywhere else in the valley.
Calistoga is located in the northern end of the Valley and also has the hottest climate. The high cliffs of the Palisades and Mount St. Helena really make you feel that you are deep in a valley. The area is most known for producing Zinfandel and Petite Syrah.
Spring Mountain is located in the Mayacamas Mountain range, separating Napa from Sonoma Valley. Soils are more clay with nice morning sun. The area is most famous for Merlot, but produces many other varietals. Thick pine tree forests cover most of the area, but there are several beautiful views into the valley as well.
Red Wines of Napa
80% of the wine produced in Napa is red and almost all is dry. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir.
White Wines of Napa
Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most seen white wines. Napa also has several old vineyards planted to less known varietals, such as Charbono, Sangiovese, Colombard or Chenin Blanc. Many of the vineyards are co-planted with up to 10 varietals growing next to one another.
Most wineries in Napa are only open by appointment, and more are becoming that way, especially after COVID. They offer seated guided tastings of their wines. This is great because you really get a chance to enjoy the wine without being interrupted, and gives the opportunity to ask all the questions you would like.
Private tours also afford extra education; you can ask to see the vines or the barrel room. These exclusive tastings are more costly but the pace is relaxed. Expect to pay up to $50 per person in tasting fees, although many will refund if some wine is purchased. You are also more than welcome to share tastings as a couple.
If a winery offers more than one tasting option, two different tastings can be done by a couple and you get to try twice the wines!
The Restaurants of Napa Valley (Here you go, foodies!)
Then there are the restaurants! People who like good wine also like good food, and there is no shortage of Michelin Star and other highly rated places to eat. Many restaurants have their own vegetable gardens right outside the window and you can see the chef picking things you are about to taste. We will take care of reservations, although we are happy to take restaurant requests.
The Wine. You’ve Tasted, You’ve Purchased. Now What?
Now what to do with all this wine that I bought? There are many options available:
If you were to buy six or more bottles per winery, have them ship it.
Sometimes you can get free shipping or at least reduced pricing. Many people pick up a bottle or three at each winery and build a case in the car. At the end of the tour, we can stop at a shipper and you have it shipped home. Another option is to purchase a shipping box to take with you on your trip back. As it is over 3oz. of liquid, wine must be checked luggage which may or may not be included in your luggage.
If you have only have one or two bottles, they can be packed in your suitcase.
Another way to enjoy your wine is to bring it along with you to a restaurant, a great perk about dining in California. Most will charge a corkage fee, usually between $10 and $30 to have them open it for you. Typically, the more expensive the restaurant, the more expensive their fee will be.
If you book this tour at the beginning of your trip, you will have wine to drink for the rest of your vacation!
As far as weather is concerned, all four seasons are beautiful. Winter rains turn the Valley green between November and May, while the summer is the dry season and the grass is a golden color. Going wine tasting is a great activity on a rainy day, so don’t let this deter you. It is much better than trying to walk around town in the rain! It very rarely snows in Napa, and if it does, it usually melts by 10am.
Winter temperatures average 60 degrees Fahrenheit for the high, perfect for drinking red wines. Summer temperatures are typically in the high 80’s. Often the warmest time of the year is September and October, ensuring that the grapes will come in ripe. Expect temperatures up to 100 degrees if there is a heat wave, although there is low humidity. Daytime summer temperatures in Napa are usually 30 degrees warmer than San Francisco, so remember to dress in layers.
Our personal record is 106 degrees in Calistoga to 52 degrees on the Golden Gate Bridge an hour and a half later!
Thirsty, You Say?
No worries! In the back of all of our SUVs are large coolers. These are stocked with chilled water for you to drink. Hydration is key while drinking alcohol, and you should drink at least as much water as wine. If it is a hot day, you should drink even more water. Just reach back and grab a bottle of water, you don’t even need to ask. The restaurant in the middle of the day is often a good break to hydrate. Or have another glass of wine! These coolers will also keep your wine and food purchases refrigerated on the tour.
Many people snooze or “rest their eyes” on the way home after a day of tasting. We call this the Napa Nap, or the Sonoma Coma!