If your personal wheel of fortune has landed on “a grand Wine Country estate with soul-soothing views,” Ryan Seacrest may have the answer: his St. Helena property is on the market. The five-bedroom, seven-bathroom compound spans 40 acres and is listed for $19.8 million, down from its original $22 million.

Mansion Global first reported that the home, previously listed in 2024, has returned to the market with an adjusted price. The Tuscan-modern style home, built in 2004, underwent a remodel from 2023 to 2024.

Seacrest, host of “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune,” told Maison Global he purchased the home for the “absolutely stunning views” — vistas of mountains, vineyards and the verdant valley floor.

A main home, a pool house and a guest cottage make up the compound, which, in total, offers 10,750 square feet of living space. The home’s rustic grandness epitomizes the Napa Valley design ethos.

The main home has chiseled limestone walls, a repeat of substantial, reclaimed-wood beams, and seven fireplaces. A checkerboard floor gives the kitchen — complete with views and a pizza oven — a classic playfulness. Richly toned wood offers handsome warmth in the cabinetry, millwork and on the steeply vaulted ceiling of the living room. Pocketing doors deliver spectacularly in connecting the indoors to the lush setting.

The grounds include an infinity pool and spa, a bocce ball court and — to double-down on the tranquility — an olive grove with 220 trees.

For more information on this listing at 232 N. Fork Crystal Springs Road in St. Helena, contact listing agent Cyd Greer, 707-322-6825. Coldwell Banker Brokers of the Valley, 1200 Main St., St. Helena, cbnapavalley.com/properties/326018600

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Chardonnay remains Napa Valley’s top-selling white wine, but in recent years, Sauvignon Blanc has stepped out of the shadows to steal the spotlight. While many wineries have added Sauvignon Blanc to their lineups to capitalize on its growing popularity, St. Supéry had a decades-long head start. The Rutherford winery still shows the bandwagoners how it’s done with its complex and juicy wines.

The story

Third-generation French vintner Robert Skalli dreamed of creating a prestigious Napa Valley wine estate, so in 1982, he bought a 1,500-acre cattle ranch in the region’s northeastern mountains and planted a vineyard. He named it Dollarhide Ranch after the previous owner and dedicated the property to growing Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc.

Soon after, Skalli purchased a winery estate in Rutherford and, in 1989, opened St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery. The producer entered a new chapter in 2015, when Skalli sold it to Chanel, Inc. — yes, that Chanel, of fashion house fame — which also owns winery estates in Bordeaux.

Today, the winery farms nearly 600 acres of estate vineyards, including 200 acres of Sauvignon Blanc at Dollarhide Ranch and another 42 acres on a newly acquired Rutherford property. Certified Napa Green for its winery and vineyards, St. Supéry is a gold-level member of the International Wineries for Climate Action.

The vibe

You might expect a winery owned by a legendary Paris fashion house to look like a fancy-pants chateau, but St. Supéry is not ostentatious. The boxy, concrete-hued building is mostly embellishment-free, aside from black-and-white striped awnings and a few bistro tables out front.

Inside, the atmosphere is decidedly more stylish. There’s a tasting bar on the main floor, but most experiences take place on the second level. The modern, sunlit space features various seating options, from a tasting bar to contemporary lounge setups, plus an art gallery with rotating exhibits. Through a large window, visitors can glimpse the winery’s production area below.

On the palate

The consistent quality of St. Supéry’s wines owes much to the longevity of its winemaking team. Vice president of winemaking Michael Scholz joined in 1996, and winemaker Brooke Shenk came on a decade later, in 2006.

Tasting Sauvignon Blanc is a must at St. Supéry, and the winery makes four versions to explore. The 2023 Dollarhide Estate Cold Concrete Fermented Sauvignon Blanc ($42) is bright and citrusy, with juicy pink grapefruit notes that linger. The 2023 Dollarhide Estate Sauvignon Blanc ($42), fermented in stainless steel and French oak, has a creamier texture, with a whiff of toasted marshmallow and fresh grapefruit on the palate.

Red wine fans won’t be disappointed, either. During a recent visit, I gravitated to the 2019 Dollarhide Estate Malbec ($70). With a dark, inky color and black-plum flavors, the wine walks the line between power and elegance.

Along with food-pairing experiences like the four-course Taste of the Estate ($148) and Mustard Season Tasting Flight ($92), the winery hosts two appealing options at $46 each: the Winemaker’s Selection and White Wine Discovery.

Beyond the bottle

Dollarhide Ranch isn’t just home to hundreds of acres of grape vines. It’s also a peach farm, with 70 varieties and 1,200 trees. The fruit is used to make varietally labeled jams — I like to swirl them into plain Greek yogurt — which are available for sale in the tasting room while they last. The ranch also grows apple trees for the winery’s tasting-room-only hard cider.

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; reservations recommended on weekends. 8440 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford. 707-302-3488, stsupery.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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For fans of California Cabernet Sauvignon, Pritchard Hill is a sacred spot. Perched in the Vaca Mountains on the eastern side of Napa Valley, the rugged site produces wines with a rare combination of power and refinement. While settler Charles Pritchard planted the first vines there in 1882, it was Chappellet Winery that truly established Pritchard Hill as one of Napa’s most revered winegrowing addresses.

The story

Originally the founder of a successful coffee vending machine company, Donn Chappellet spent more than a decade in the corporate grind — so to speak — before setting his sights on an entirely different beverage. Both he and his wife, Molly, were avid wine fans, so they sold their company shares and headed to Napa Valley in search of a hillside vineyard site.

The couple founded Chappellet Winery on the rocky slopes of Pritchard Hill in 1967 and built the winery the following year. The structure’s shape, designed by abstract artist Ed Moses, was inspired by the pyramids of Egypt. The winery released its first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1969.

Molly brought her own creative vision to the endeavor, shaped by her art school education. She transformed Chappellet’s gardens into a living canvas of flowers, trees and greenery to complement the 600-acre property’s natural beauty.

Rising from 800 to 1,800 feet above sea level, Chappellet’s estate vineyard spans 104 planted acres. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates, with smaller blocks of Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chenin Blanc included. In 2012, the estate earned organic certification, and the winery expanded its production capacity with a new barrel chai.

Today, Chappellet’s second generation runs the winery.

The vibe

It’s only about a 15-minute drive to the winery from downtown St. Helena, but it feels a world away. It’s a steep drive up from the valley floor, with plenty of tight turns amid the oak woodlands and manzanitas, but the dramatic views are worth the effort. The estate vineyard sits above the fog, peppered with massive boulders.

The winery building, with its pyramid shape and soaring wooden rafters, is like no other. You won’t find a tasting bar or standard lounge areas. Instead, long tables are placed among the barrels to create different private seating areas. Each features its own barrel-mounted artwork, created by Chappellet family members or their personal contacts. Although the space is a working winery — you’ll probably hear some forklifts beeping in the background while you taste — the setting is spacious, warm and beautiful.

On the palate

Chappellet wines expertly balance muscle, elegance and purity in the hands of Phillip Corallo-Titus, who’s been leading the producer’s wine program for three decades, and winemaker Ry Richards.

The 2024 Chenin Blanc ($75) is a charmer that shows off tropical fruit and citrus notes with a nicely rounded texture. Though the grape is trending at the moment, it’s been planted at Chappellet since the 1960s. I especially enjoyed the 2023 Cabernet Franc ($115) for its beautiful aromas of cigar-box spices, silky texture, and a mix of black and red fruit. One of my favorites among the Cabernet-dominant blends, the 2023 Las Piedras ($95) is a balanced and structured wine with a darker, blackberry-and-cassis profile.

Tastings range from $125 for a behind-the-scenes tour and sampling of current releases to $250 for the Pritchard Hill Via 4×4 option, a two-hour jaunt that includes a vineyard excursion and a scenic outdoor tasting paired with California artisan cheeses.

Beyond the bottle

If, like me, you’ve made a resolution to spend less money on soulless, mass-produced things, Carter & Co. in downtown St. Helena is a great place to put that idea into action. Stop in to peruse handmade, kiln-fired ceramics and tableware crafted by local potter, sculptor and artist Richard Carter. If clean lines and functional beauty set your heart aflutter, check out the artist’s minimalist dinnerware in granite and white tones.

Appointments by reservation only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. 

Chappellet Winery, 1581 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena. 707-286-4219, chappellet.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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Lots of wineries say they source grapes from the finest vineyards in [insert famous wine region here]. But in the case of Stewart Cellars, the claim is not marketing fluff. Over the past 25 years, the winery has established a reputation for producing expressive wines that reflect their Napa Valley and Sonoma County origins.

The story

Michael Stewart founded Stewart Cellars after selling the Texas-based technology company he had led for 25 years. A longtime wine enthusiast and frequent visitor to Napa Valley, Stewart knew exactly what he wanted to do for his next act: settle in California and start a family winery. Partnering with winemaker Paul Hobbs, he released his first small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir wines in 2000.

Stewart’s retirement project evolved into a true family enterprise. His daughter, Caroline Stewart Guthrie, now oversees daily operations; his son, James Stewart, leads sales and marketing; and his son-in-law, Blair Guthrie, serves as winemaker and vineyard manager.

Stewart Cellars buys grapes from several historic Beckstoffer vineyards in Napa Valley — including the legendary To Kalon — and grows its own on the family’s spectacular Montecillo Vineyard in the Moon Mountain appellation. Set on a rocky, wind-swept property high in the Mayacamas Mountains, the dry-farmed Montecillo estate includes one of Sonoma County’s oldest Cabernet Sauvignon blocks, planted in 1964.

Along with acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery’s portfolio includes Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and more.

The vibe

The Stewart tasting room is set in a compact stone building that looks historic but isn’t. (It was built about a decade ago from local stone that matches the materials used in much of Yountville’s downtown, so it fits right in.)

Inside, the space is bright and chic, done up in creamy tones with warm wood trim and high ceilings. Along with table and counter seating, there’s a pretty patio out back that provides a mini retreat from the bustle of Washington Street.

The adjacent Nomad Room, a stand-alone space used for special tastings, has an upscale cabin-meets-library ambiance. The bookshelves lining the walls include everything from first-edition novels to iconic cookbooks — and they’re all for sale.

On the palate

Guthrie likes to take a minimalist approach in the cellar, stepping back to let the vineyards and vintages show their personalities. The aromas of the 2023 Sonoma Mountain Chardonnay ($45) had me expecting a full-bodied, oak-driven profile. Instead, the wine surprised me with its lovely freshness and minerality. The 2022 GSM from Rossi Ranch ($65) has a beautiful aroma of raspberries and spice, along with savory notes and a silky texture.

At $175, the Nomad 2023 Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon from Montecillo Vineyard is far from an everyday wine, but it’s definitely worth tasting if you get the chance. With deep aromas of oak and spice, and a solid, tannic structure, this is one to age or decant.

Tastings range from $45 for a mixed flight of current releases to $150 for the Nomad sampling of six single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons.

Beyond the bottle

Just next door to Stewart Cellars, you’ll find a different kind of tasting flight at Madeleine’s Macarons. The artisan shop offers a macaron and coffee flight ($38), which pairs four coffee drinks with four sweet treats. If you have time to linger, order a French-style crepe for lunch — I have my eye on the fig and brie version — or sign up for a macaron baking class.

Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Stewart Cellars, 6752 Washington St., Yountville. 707-963-9160, stewartcellars.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel journalist who contributes to Sonoma magazine, SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, Northern California Public Media, KQED, and more. Follow her on Bluesky at @winebroad.bsky.social, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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There was a time when kids and Wine Country was not a great pairing. But that is changing. A new breed of family-friendly wineries are welcoming wine-loving parents and their (well-behaved) offspring for some fun in the vineyard — children sipping grape juice while parents relax, wine in hand.

Here are some of the most kid-friendly wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties.

Sonoma County

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

One of Sonoma County’s most famous family-friendly destinations, Francis Ford Coppola Winery has an expansive pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Wine and food is delivered to parents poolside, while kids can play bocce and board games. A museum inside the winery features props from Coppola films like The Godfather and Dracula. Reservations required for pool access. 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, 707-857-1400, francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Preston Farm & Winery

This cat-friendly winery (leave your dog at home) has gardens, bocce and sheep, in addition to the cats that live on the property. If you’re lucky, your little one can help bottle-feed a lamb. Bring a picnic, pick up one of the winery’s famed Rhône wines, and enjoy the rustic, old-world charm of this west county spot. Don’t miss the farm shop, which sells fresh farm-grown produce. 9282 W. Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, 707-433-3372, prestonfarmandwinery.com

Larson Family Winery

The Larson family has been farming land in the Carneros region for over 120 years. After they started making wine in the 1970s, they turned their farmhouse into a family- and pet-friendly destination. Bring a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun. Larson Family Winery offers bocce, cornhole and other kid-friendly games and has an expansive lawn that makes for a great location for a game of tag. 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, 707-938-3031, larsonfamilywinery.com

Landmark Vineyards

Founded by the great-great-granddaughter of John Deere, Landmark Vineyards has created a family-friendly environment at its Kenwood and Hop Kiln estates. After rounds of bocce ball at either property, parents can relax with a picnic and wine tasting while the kids play in the grass. 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; 6050 Westside Road, Healdsburg, 707-833-0053, landmarkwine.com

Benziger Family Winery

It’s not just in the name. Benziger Family Winery is truly a family operation; generations of Benzigers have been raised on the property, known for its organic and biodynamic wines. The winery tour is a must for any first-time visitor to Wine Country. Kids and adults love riding the tram through the property while learning about agriculture, as well as biodynamic and organic winemaking practices. Sheep and cows make appearances along the route and the tram even travels into the wine caves. 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, 707-935-3000, benziger.com

Cline Family Cellars

Founded in 1982, Cline Cellars is a family-run winery that offers unpretentious tasting experiences in an updated farmhouse, outdoor cabanas and by a pond. Kids will love the property, and parents the wine. Take a guided tour through the estate to the barrel room, where guests can learn about the history of the winery. Or, pack a picnic to enjoy pondside after a self-guided walking tour of the historic ranch, where the family can meet the winery’s resident donkeys and other farm animals. 24737 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, 707-940-4044, clinecellars.com

Buena Vista Winery

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista Winery is the oldest commercial winery in California. The historic property offers wine tastings for adults and an educational and interactive experience for kids. Schedule a tour guided by period actors, who will guide your family through the winery, including the old wine caves and the historic Wine Tool Museum, which features a colorful multimedia presentation that feels like a blend between Wine Country and Disneyland. Don’t miss the hedge maze and the giant crocodile. 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma, 800-926-1266, buenavistawinery.com

Napa County

Castello di Amorosa

The closest thing to Disneyland in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is a 121,000-square-foot replica of an Italian castle from the Middle Ages. It took 15 years to build and even a bored 15-year-old will be impressed. Book a guided tour, which features everything from gargoyles and knights in shining armor to a dungeon and an opportunity to meet the winery cats. There are also peacocks, sheep, chickens and other farm animals. Kids can sip grape juice (included in their $25 general admission ticket) and color their hearts out in their own play area while parents enjoy vino. Please note: Strollers are not allowed inside the winery. 4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga, 707-967-6272, castellodiamorosa.com

Sterling Vineyards

Sterling Vineyards offers yet another family-friendly experience in northern Napa Valley. The winery is only accessible via an aerial tram, which takes visitors 300 feet from the ground to the mountaintop estate. Upon arrival, kids will receive age-appropriate backpacks filled with a drink, snack and game. After a self-guided tour of the winery, parents can enjoy wine tasting overlooking Napa Valley. Please note: Children are welcome at the “Sterling Stroll” and “Tour and Terrace” experiences, but the tasting experiences in the Hilltop areas are strictly 21 and over. 1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, 800-726-6136, sterlingvineyards.com

The River Club

Founded by two local family-owned wineries, Belong Wine Co. and Paper Planes Wine Co., the newly opened River Club welcomes children and pets (be sure to meet estate dog Peaches on your visit) to its cheery, laid-back tasting room space, nestled on the edge of the Napa River. Parents can sip Pinot Noir and Mourvèdre while taking in expansive river views, as the children play games, read books and color with provided art supplies in the kids’ corner. A kids’ snack pack is also available for purchase. Tastings are just $25 per person, and the next-door River Studio offers equally affordable riverside grub. 101 S. Coombs St., Napa, 707-234-5814, exploretock.com/riverclubnapa

Grace Yarrow and Maci Martell contributed to this article. 

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Two Napa Valley destinations earned national recognition in Travel + Leisure’s 30th annual World’s Best Awards for 2025. The annual roundup, selected by readers, highlights the top-rated hotels, spas, cities, transportation and more around the globe. The awards reflect travelers’ favorite national and international spots and, this year, two Wine Country locations won three awards.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection, Calistoga

This luxury wellness retreat in Calistoga landed the No. 9 spot in the “Readers’ 15 Favorite Resorts in the Continental U.S.” category and also earned a spot in “Readers’ 100 Favorite Hotels in the World.”

The resort features 100 studio-style rooms and spacious suites with private patios, outdoor showers and sleek interiors inspired by the surrounding landscape. Guests are welcome to a 130-foot heated pool and the 20,000-square-foot wellness center with geothermal soaking pools, steam rooms, saunas and various spa treatments.

Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection has two places to dine: Solbar, which offers local, seasonal fare with indoor and al fresco dining areas; and Picobar, the poolside eatery serving contemporary Mexican cuisine.

A stay at Solage includes complimentary yoga and fitness classes, cruiser bikes, pickleball courts and curated outdoor experiences. The resort is a family- and pet-friendly space with thoughtful amenities, views of the Mayacamas and plenty of Wine Country charm.

Rates start at $765 per night. 755 Silverado Trail N., Calistoga, 866-942-7442, aubergeresorts.com/solage

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Napa Valley Wine Train rolled in at No. 3 in the “Readers’ 5 Favorite Trains in the World” category.

This Wine Country leisure transit staple delivers an elegant regional journey that blends gourmet dining, vineyard views and vintage luxury aboard restored 1915 Pullman railcars.

Guests are welcomed aboard then treated to multicourse meals prepared by executive chef Rodrigo Cuadra, with optional curated wine parings from Napa Valley’s top wineries. The six-hour Legacy Experience includes three winery stops with onboard narration about the region’s history. Other trips last up to three hours and include a variety of immersive, seasonal experiences.

A trip on the Napa Valley Wine Train starts at $202, depending on the experience and date selected. 1275 McKinstry St., Napa, 707-253-2111, winetrain.com

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I vividly remember the first-ever BottleRock Napa Valley, held in May 2013. A friend flew in all the way from New York to join me for what sounded like an exciting extravaganza — but after an hour of wandering through the dusty, bare dirt lot that was the Napa Valley Expo grounds, we left.

At that point, we had already spent a good amount of money on mediocre sandwiches from what looked like shipping container booths, along with warm, grocery-store-quality wine served in plastic cups. (I recall shelling out $20 for skimpy pours.)

That first BottleRock was nearly a Fyre Festival. Today, the music, culinary, wine and nightclub-style celebration feels more like posh Pebble Beach. I’ve gone every year since the inaugural event and it just keeps getting better — especially for general admission attendees, who don’t have access to the fancy Skydeck, Suites or Platinum Lounge, where top-shelf food and drinks are served to those willing to pay up to $8,995 for a three-day pass.

It’s still pricey for us everyday folks — one-day general admission tickets are $233 and parking isn’t cheap, either. Last year, food and wine prices remained firmly in the double digits — even a warm pretzel required an extra charge for cheese sauce.

Expect to pay around $16 for two average chicken tenders and a handful of fries, $13 for a mainstream Cabernet Sauvignon, $12 for a 12-ounce can of beer and $18 for a cucumber lemonade gin cocktail.

Best bets at BottleRock

So here’s my tip: before diving into the eats and drinks, take a stroll around the sprawling property. Scope out what really appeals to you and plan your budget carefully — there’s some excellent fare to be found amid the more state fair-style offerings.

Keep your eyes peeled for sure bets like Morimoto Asia, Chispa, Loveski Deli, Ristorante Allegria, Boon Fly Café, Sarmentine Artisan Boulanger, Gerard’s Paella and Compline.

There’s also Sumo Dog, which serves up head-scratching but delicious creations — like their signature Angus beef frank topped with wasabi relish, pickled peppers, spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, furikake, minced onion and nori (they offer pork sausage or Beyond Meat dogs, too).

Don’t be shy about hovering near the picnic tables in the culinary gardens and asking guests how they liked their meal. Over the years, I’ve never had anyone be offended when I asked for advice — like whether last year’s birria grilled cheese from El Garage was worth the $20 price tag (a resounding “yes,” even at $20).

An improved wine lineup

On the wine side, the lineup has seriously improved, now reflecting the prestige of BottleRock’s location in one of the world’s finest wine regions.

This year’s festival will feature over 100 vintages and varietals, including premium brands like Duckhorn Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc at the main concession stands. Wine cabanas on the General Admission lawns will offer selections from Clif Family Winery, Schramsberg Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyards, Venge Vineyards, Mumm Sparkling, Silverado Vineyards and Bennett Lane Winery.

Be sure to swing by the wine garden to check out new additions like Bella Union by Far Niente and Cliff Lede Vineyards — labels typically reserved for the Skydeck, Suites and Platinum Lounge.

Like nearly all large-scale Wine Country events, participation is expensive for vendors — it can cost thousands just to get on BottleRock’s approved list. So it’s understandable that many smaller, boutique restaurants and wineries have been priced out in the past.

But now, at least, our hard-earned money is delivering much better bang for the buck.

2025 BottleRock Napa Valley

Where: 575 Third St., Napa (at Napa Valley Expo)

When: May 23-25

Tickets: bottlerocknapavalley.com

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Pop quiz: What’s the most expensive wine grape in Napa Valley by the ton?

Cabernet Sauvignon would be a good guess, but it would also be incorrect. The priciest grape is actually Cabernet Franc at more than $10,000 per ton, with Cabernet Sauvignon ranking second.

Once relegated to blending status, Cab Franc has seen a surge in popularity lately due to its bright acidity, earthy tones and red berry flavors.

Lang & Reed Napa Valley has been putting Cabernet Franc on a well-deserved pedestal since the ‘90s — long before the cool kids caught on.

The story

Kansas City native John Skupny first visited Napa Valley in the late ‘70s, on a wine-buying mission for a restaurant group. Quickly realizing that California was where he wanted to be, he moved to the Bay Area in 1980 to work in wine marketing.

Skupny made his first wine — an amateur effort he calls “dreadful” — the same year. He later made his way to St. Helena and spent the next decade working for Caymus Vineyards, Clos du Val and Niebaum-Coppola before teaming up with his wife Tracey in 1993 to create the prototype for Lang & Reed Napa Valley. They launched the winery, named for their two sons, a few years later.

Knowing they’d need to do something different to stand out among the region’s famous Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Skupny focused on Cabernet Franc and added another unsung hero, Chenin Blanc, to the lineup in 2013. The Skupnys opened their St. Helena tasting room in 2021.

The vibe

If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you live in one of those charming vintage homes in downtown St. Helena, the Lang & Reed Tasting Salon is a great place to do it.

Set just off the town’s main drag, Lang & Reed sits inside the historic Spring House. The home, built in 1902 by Swiss entrepreneur John Battista Salmina, now features multiple sipping spaces, from the charming front porch to the cozy living room to a boardroom lined with historic photos of Spring House and the surrounding neighborhood.

If you like the idea of booking two winery appointments in a single location, you’re in luck: Lang & Reed shares the space with The Debate, another boutique producer.

On the palate

When I wrote that Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc are the focus at Lang & Reed, what I meant was this: That’s all the winery makes — and I don’t mind. (OK, OK … If you absolutely must taste something else, you can also sample the Rockhound Pinot Noir, made by the Skupnys’ son Reed.)

The 2022 Napa Valley Chenin Blanc ($75) is a beautiful wine with vibrant color, a rich texture and delicious pear notes. The winery also offers a pretty 2023 Chenin from Mendocino County (the grape is increasingly scarce in Napa Valley, with less than 20 acres remaining), brimming with stone fruit flavors and lively acidity ($35).

The 2022 North Coast Cabernet Franc ($60) is structured and rich with dark cherry and berry flavors. For a real showstopper, try the 2019 Two-Fourteen Napa Valley Cabernet Franc ($90). Named for the clone from which it’s made, the wine is silky-smooth, combining savory notes with juicy raspberry fruit.

Tastings range from $75 for a flight of current releases with nibbles of dried fruits and nuts, to $175 for a pairing with Tsar Nicoulai caviar and potato chips.

Beyond the bottle

Goose & Gander is directly across the street from the Tasting Salon, so you can book a late afternoon wine tasting and then just pop over to the “neighbor’s” 1920 bungalow for an early dinner or a pre-dinner snack.

The restaurant’s pub-like atmosphere, adorned with plenty of dark wood and brick accents, is ideal for a chilly winter evening. A glass or two of Cab Franc sure would make a tasty match for G & G’s house burger (go ahead and add bone marrow, if that’s your thing) or a juicy steak.

Lang & Reed Napa Valley, 1244 Spring St., St. Helena. Tastings by appointment. langandreed.com

Tina Caputo is a wine, food, and travel writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including SevenFifty Daily, Visit California, HuffPost, and Sonoma magazine. Follow Tina on Twitter @winebroad, view her website at tinacaputo.com, and email her story ideas at tina@caputocontent.com.

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Napa Valley is widely considered one of the premier wine destinations in the world. Millions of people come here each year to sip wine, eat good food and stay in luxury resorts. But with over 400 wineries to choose from, it can be overwhelming to plan a first visit.

To help visitors create a perfect trip itinerary, we have put together this list of Napa wineries that offer a great introduction to the superlatives of the region. And, because the ambiance and setting is just as important as the wine, we have created a photo gallery above that offers a peek at each winery.

Domaine Carneros

Every visit to Napa Valley should begin with bubbles. Founded by the famed Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros produces French-style sparklers from sustainably grown estate vineyards. Take in the vineyard views from a table on the patio — you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a French countryside chateau.

Tasting to try: Domaine Carneros’s “A Journey to Southeast Asia” pairs sparkling wines with a menu inspired by the cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand and India. It includes savory and sweet bites and four sparkling wines: Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé and Verméil Demi-Sec. $99 for a 90-minute experience.

1240 Duhig Road, Napa. 800-716- 2788. domainecarneros.com

Schramsberg

Founded in 1862, Schramsberg is one of the oldest sparkling wine producers in California. The historic property was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965 and is now listed as a California Historical Landmark, complete with a Victorian mansion. Shortly after buying the winery, the Davies made their first vintage of Blanc de Blancs — the first commercial use of chardonnay in a sparkling wine made in the United States.

Tasting to try: The cave tour experience at Schramsberg is educational, starting with a tour of the historic property and caves followed by an all-sparkling wine tasting, or three Schramsberg sparkling wines and three red wines from sister winery, Davies Vineyards. Cave tastings start at $85. By appointment only.

1400 Schramsberg Road, Calistoga. 800-877-3623. schramsberg.com.

Artesa

Both locals and visitors to Wine Country tout the views and wine at Artesa, where the hillside tasting room and winery overlooks 350 acres of vineyards. Opened in 1991 by Spanish winemaking family Codorníu Raventós, the winery offers estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir crafted by winemaker Paula Borgo. (“Artesa” means “handcrafted” or “artisan” in Catalan.)

Tasting to try: After snapping selfies by the winery’s impressive entrance, enjoy the classic “Taste of Artesa” pairing of Ibérico ham and wine by the modern Mediterranean tasting bar, or on the patio, which offers 360-degree views — on a clear day you can see San Francisco. $105 per person. Reservations recommended.

1345 Henry Road, Napa. 707-224-1668. artesawinery.com

Ashes & Diamonds

Midcentury-modern design and excellent wines make this one of the hottest destinations in Wine Country. The winery has been featured in a variety of lifestyle publications, including Architectural Digest, Vogue and Goop, but tastings here remain relaxed and casual, and come with great music playlists curated by winery owner Kashy Khaledi.

Tasting to try: It’s hard to go wrong with pizza and wine. The “A&D Wines + Shroomy Schmaltzy” tasting features pizza with locally foraged wild mushrooms, aged mozzarella and crème fraîche paired with three wines. Yum! $45 per person. Reservations required.

4130 Howard Lane, Napa. 707-666-4777. ashesdiamonds.com

Beaulieu Vineyard

“Beau lieu” means “beautiful place” in French, which was an apt name for this Rutherford property thought the de Latour family when they bought it in the early 20th century. One of the oldest wineries in California, Beaulieu Vineyard (or simply “BV”) is a must-visit for wine lovers seeking a touch of heritage with their estate Cabernet.

Tasting to try: The reservation-only “Legacy Experience” starts with a tour of the winery followed by a tasting of a selection of reserve wines in the winery’s Legacy Room. $130 per person. Reservations recommended.

1960 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford. 800-373-5896. bvwines.com

Beringer

The first winery to have both a red and a white wine named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator, Beringer has been crafting wines for nearly 150 years, making it the oldest continually operating winery in California. If that isn’t enough to convince you to visit, the gardens and the stately Victorian-era tasting rooms, housed in the Beringer family’s former home — the Rhine House — should seal the deal.

Tasting to try: The “Legacy Cave Tour” winds through the old winery and into the cave to explore the hand-carved tunnels. The tour includes a tasting of three wines. $35 per person. Reservations recommended

2000 Main St., St. Helena. 707-257-5771. beringer.com

Castello di Amorosa

It’s no surprise that some refer to Dario Sattui, a fourth generation vintner and the man behind Castello di Amorosa, as a modern-day Don Quixote. Sattui spent 15 years building this medieval-style Tuscan castle in Napa Valley as a place to showcase his wines. The result: a 107-room, eight-level, 136,000-square-foot building complete with drawbridge, secret passageways, torture chamber — and tasting rooms.

Tasting to try: The “Diamond Estate Tour” includes a guided tour of the castle and its production area, followed by a tasting of five current-release reserve and small-production wines. $75 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

4045 St. Helena Highway, Calistoga. 707-967-6272. castellodiamorosa.com

Charles Krug

Charles Krug, an immigrant from the German state of Prussia and one of the pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking, founded this winery in St. Helena in 1861. Robert Mondavi, another winemaking legend, got his start here after he convinced his parents, Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, to purchase the historic winery in 1943. The winery has remained a Mondavi property for over 75 years and four generations.

Tasting to try: Charles Krug’s “Tour and Tasting” experience offers a taste of winemaking history and five signature, current release wines paired with a gourmet cheese and charcuterie board. $90 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

2800 Main St., St. Helena. 707-967-2229. charleskrug.com

Chateau Montelena

We can thank this Calistoga winery, founded in 1882, for putting California wine on the international wine map. Yes, there once was a time when American wine was the laughingstock of France and its wine producing neighbors. But that all changed when Chateau Montelena’s 1973 Chardonnay won the famous Paris Tasting. Today, the winery continues to produce delicious and accessible wines, including their legendary Chardonnay and collectible Cabernet Sauvignon.

Tasting to try: The “Montelena Estate Collection” showcases the winery’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon by offering a comparative tasting of four vintages. Don’t worry, you will get to taste the Chardonnay, too. Don’t leave the property without exploring its beautiful Chinese garden, lake and vineyards. $125 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1429 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga. 707-942-5105. montelena.com

Duckhorn

Wine lovers flock to Napa Valley for Cabernet Sauvignon, but on a first visit it is also worth seeking out Merlot. The best place to taste the resurgence of the ruby red is at Duckhorn Vineyards in St. Helena. Duckhorn Merlots have been named “wine of the year,” “Merlot of the year” and “just plain darn delicious” by a variety of publications, including Sonoma Magazine, so you don’t want to miss a taste while in Napa Valley.

Tasting to try: The unpretentious tasting room at Duckhorn is surrounded by beautiful gardens. Make a reservation on the veranda for the “Portfolio Tasting Experience” and enjoy five current-release wines: Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Decoy, Canvasback and Calera. Splurge on a cheese plate; it is a good excuse to linger. $65 per person. Reservations required. Adults only.

1000 Lodi Lane, St. Helena. 707-963-7108. duckhorn.com

Far Niente

Another Napa Valley landmark, Far Niente was founded in 1885 by John Benson, who made his money in the California gold rush. (Another fun fact: Benson’s uncle was famous American impressionist painter Winslow Homer.) The historic winery, surrounded by 13 acres of landscaped gardens, is located next to a hillside with 40,000 square feet of caves that age the winery’s award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Tasting to try: The 90-minute “Tour and Tasting” experience boasts a sweet ending — a tasting of the winery’s lauded late-harvest wine, Dulce. Don’t miss a chance to see the oldest bottle of wine in California, an 1886 Far Niente Sweet Muscat, which the winery proudly displays. $130 per person. By appointment only.

1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville. 707-944-2861, farniente.com

Hall Napa Valley

One of the best things about Napa Valley is the diversity of wine tasting experiences available here. One minute, you’re sipping sparkling wine in a 100-year-old wine cave; the next, you’re tasting bold red blends surrounded by contemporary art. At Hall, pair eco-friendly wines with fine art — the winery is the brainchild of Kathryn Walt Hall (philanthropist and former ambassador to Austria) and her husband, Craig.

Tasting to try: The “HALLmark Tour and Tasting” includes a tour of the innovative production facilities in St. Helena, which will impress any techie, as well as the organic gardens. Then, enjoy a seated tasting where you will nibble on cheese alongside a flight of four wines. And don’t forget to snap a selfie with the Bunny Foo-Foo sculpture outdoors. $75 per person. Reservations recommended.

401 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena. 707-967-2626. hallwines.com

Inglenook

Founded in 1879, Inglenook was the go-to wine for the American elite — including presidents — by the turn of the 20th century. Today, Inglenook wines are among the most collected in the country. The winery was purchased by filmmakers Francis Ford and Eleanor Coppola in 1975 with profits from The Godfather films. Dress up and charge your phone for pictures — the property looks like a movie set.

Tasting to try: During the “Private Library Tour and Tasting” explore the chateau and grounds, wine in hand. Then visit the caves, the vineyards and one of the oldest winemaking facilities in the country, with huge redwood barrels. End the experience with a seated tasting of library wines paired with artisan cheese. $150 per person. By appointment only.

1991 St Helena Highway, Rutherford. 707-968-1161. inglenook.com 

Robert Mondavi Winery

One of Napa’s most well-known wineries has temporary downtown digs. Robert Mondavi Winery’s Arch & Tower has moved into the city’s historic Borreo building. (The space was formerly occupied by Stone Brewing Co.). Mondavi’s wine tasting experiences will take place at the downtown Napa location while the namesake winery property in Oakville undergoes a multi-year renovation.

Tasting to try: Robert Mondavi founded his namesake winery in 1966, planting Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. The “Napa Exploration” tasting introduces you to four Estates-tier wines. Snag a seat on the River Terrace and take in views of the Napa River while you sip and swirl. $65 per person. Reservations required.

930 Third St., Napa. 888-766-6328, robertmondaviwinery.com

Silver Oak Cellars

This Napa Valley winery was founded in 1972 by onetime Colorado oil prospector Raymond Twomey Duncan and winemaker Justin Meyer. Their goal: to make Cabernet Sauvignon aged exclusively in American white oak. Today, Silver Oak Cellars is operated by Twomey Duncan’s  sons, David and Tim Duncan, who are committed to sustainable winemaking practices and operations and continue to focus on Cabernet from Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s Alexander Valley.

Tasting to try: The “Silver Tasting and Tour” allows visitors to observe the winemaking process from a glass-enclosed cellar while sipping cab in a modern tasting room built from hand-quarried limestone. Pinot lovers will enjoy the opportunity to taste bottles from Silver Oak’s sister property, Twomey. Tastings start at $65.

915 Oakville Cross Road, Oakville. 707-942-7022. silveroak.com

Spottswoode Winery

This family-owned and operated winery is setting the standard for sustainability in Napa Valley. In 1985, Spottswoode was the first in Napa Valley to farm organically. In 2020, the estate earned biodynamic certification and became the first Napa Valley winery to earn B Corp Certification. Most recently, Spottswoode added Regenerative Organic Certification to its long list of eco-friendly accomplishments.

Tasting to try: Private “Estate Tastings” are hosted by appointment Monday through Friday. After touring the estate and learning about the winery’s farming practices, you’ll enjoy a seated tasting of current-release Spottswoode wines. $150 per person.

1902 Madrona Ave., St. Helena. 707-963-0134, spottswoode.com

Tres Sabores 

This family-owned, woman-led winery produces organically farmed wines in a postcard setting. Along with vineyards, owner and winemaker Julie Johnson tends to pomegranates, Meyer lemons, olives and more. A plus: leashed dogs are welcome with advance notice.

Tasting to try: Grab a seat on the sunny patio or at a shady picnic table and sip on five current releases while watching hummingbirds in the heirloom garden, sheep “mowing” in the vineyards, and red-tailed hawks soaring above. $60 per person. A locally-sourced cheese and charcuterie platter large enough for four can be reserved for an additional $28. Reservations required.

1620 South Whitehall Lane, St. Helena. 707-967-8027, tressabores.com

Dana Rebmann contributed to this article. 

The post The Best Napa Wineries for First-Time Visitors appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.

It wasn’t so long ago that many Wine Country tasting rooms began rolling out cheese plate pairings, and guests were thrilled. Then some wineries upped the amenities to charcuterie. Next, “small bites” became the norm at higher-end spots, offering little nibbles of varying fanciness to complement wine flights.

These days, if a winery wants to impress us with food pairings, they have to be on their game.

The snacks don’t have to be fussy, just interesting. At Silver Trident Winery in Yountville, for example, there’s a longtime favorite Potato Chip Extravaganza. That’s a guided, high-end “picnic” of five chips and wines where you’ll find that Symphony No. 9 Sauvignon Blanc goes well with Route 11 Sour Cream ‘n’ Chives chips, and Benevolent Dictator Pinot Noir matches with Zapp’s Cajun Dill ($65).

Or, for about five years now, the Priest Ranch tasting room in Yountville has found fans for its Bacon Experience ($85), tempting with four sumptuous, thick cuts of differently flavored pork belly with four red wines.

“It’s our most popular experience, selling out weekly,” said Tasting Room Manager Cory DeLoach. “It started out with the small, crispy breakfast bacon. But (Executive Chef) Dan (Solomon) has completely elevated that. Now we bring in an entire pork belly slab, sous vide cook it, then do a different glaze for each and finish them to order in the oven.”

I recently visited a slew of interesting Napa Valley wineries, to discover what’s new and most mouthwatering. Here’s what I’m loving right now.

Priest Ranch Winery & Tasting Room

The original Priest Ranch was established in 1869 by James Joshua Priest, a Gold Rush prospector. Today, the 1,682-acre estate is farmed with 242 acres of vineyards spanning the eastern hills of the Vaca Mountains above St. Helena.

I like to bring friends to take a tour and tasting starting at the Somerston Estate (somerstonestate.com). It’s an extraordinary experience for the spectacular wilderness beauty, and historical lore you’ll learn.

Then we head to the Yountville tasting room for the new, ultra-luxurious Caviar Experience ($125).

This is pinkies-in-the-air stuff, as we sip a single vineyard, oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc sparkling, presented with classic Siberian reserve caviar dolloped atop tangy lemon-chive crème fraîche on a pillowy, warm blini. Next up is a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir rosé, partnered with a delicate wheat crisp layered in a curl of Cambridge House Royal smoked salmon, mascarpone, golden Kaluga caviar, a bit of preserved lemon and dill leaf.

Then chef Solomon shows his playful side, offering a housemade, nacho cheese chicharron curl capped in Siberian reserve caviar and diced chives. Surprise — I really like the chip’s salty, faux-cheesy crunch, especially matched with strawberry-crisp Brut rosé.

The finale: traditional blanc de blancs with brioche crisp spread in truffle honey fromage blanc, golden Kaluga caviar, a strip of sun dried tomato and chives.

6490 Washington St., Yountville, 707-944-8200, priestranchwines.com

Arch & Tower

The legendary 1966 Robert Mondavi Winery on Highway 29 in Oakville is undergoing an extensive renovation that will take several years. So the team did a natural thing — they opened a lavish new tasting room in the historic 1877 Borreo Building overlooking downtown Napa and the Napa River.

The 10,000-square-foot multi-floor structure looks like a castle from the outside, built of stone quarried from the Soda Canyon area. Inside, it’s rich with dark wood, golden-hued accents and modern, roll-up walls for open-air views.

I like to indulge in The Legend Lunch ($165), a three-course, wine-paired meal from Executive Chef Jeff Mosher. Menus change seasonally and it’s a full feast — I started with local asparagus atop baby lettuce laced with salt-cured egg yolks, sauce gribiche and Meyer lemon vinaigrette. To sip: the winery’s signature floral Fumé Blanc.

Then the chef sent out a thick slab of roast Berkshire pork loin topped in mildly spicy salsa verde and framed with French green lentils, carrots, peas, favas, spring onion and radish in a splash of red wine jus. To sip: A robust red blend of all five Bordeaux varietals.

A summery strawberry shortcake was a not-too-sweet finish, gussied with slightly tart, macerated local berries and tarragon-spiced Chantilly cream. To sip: Sauvito, a Sauvignon Blanc dessert wine kissed with notes of apricot, honey and spice.

930 Third St., Napa, 888-766-6328 ext. 2, robertmondaviwinery.com

Theorem Vineyards

Perched high on the northern slope of Diamond Mountain, the family-owned estate has just introduced a Garden and Glass Pairing Experience, bringing a five-course dive into winery chef Josh Mitchell’s seasonal favorites ($95, in addition to Theorem’s standard $200 tasting fee). Much of the produce comes from the onsite gardens, with a centerpiece of Theorem Beef, a product that vintner-owners Kisha and Jason Itkin have been cultivating at their sister property, Theorem Ranch, in Big Timber, Montana.

Plan for a hearty meal. A few highlights I enjoyed included a spicy fried chicken slider with pickled slaw and fermented spicy aioli on a housemade Hawaiian brioche bun (alongside Theorem’s Moon Mountain Sauvignon Blanc); and lacquered beef short rib with crispy shallots, carrots and Hawk’s Prey Cabernet demi-glace (alongside Theorem’s Hawk’s Prey Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon).

255 Petrified Forest Road, Calistoga, 707-942-4254, theoremvineyards.com

Calistoga Depot Distillery

Just debuted from Jean-Charles Boisset and his Boisset Collection, this over-the-top destination wows as a collection of historic rail depot and train cars transformed into fantastic shops, wine and spirit salons, tasting rooms, restaurants and beer garden.

Pick your sipping place from nearly a dozen salons and bars. That might be the Distillery Bar brimming with signature malted barley whiskeys, rye whiskeys, gin, brandies, vodka and rum, crafted in Boisset wines, port or sherry casks ($75 to $300 a bottle). Or it might be the JCB Parlor Car, beckoning with Boisset French Champagne ($13-$150).

Then choose your food. At the Distillery Bar you can dig into comfort dishes, including a grass-fed beef burger topped with cheddar and brown butter mayo ($21) with optional bacon ($4) and flavor-bomb bone marrow ($8). At the Parlor Car, the eats are elevated, for the luxuries I adore like raw or grilled oysters and clams ($27-$110), a caviar flight ($210, and an exquisite pizza, the crispy crust mantled in lemon crème fraîche, smoked salmon and caviar ($51).

1458 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, 707-963-6925, calistogadepot.com

St. Clair Brown

Winemaker/brewmaster Elaine St. Clair and President Laina Brown just celebrated their 10th anniversary, but every month, there’s something new at their winery, nanobrewery, and culinary garden in Napa’s Rail Arts District (just 4 miles from their estate vineyards in Coombsville).

Wine tastings ($60-$125), beer flights ($30) and by-the-glass pourings are held in a darling greenhouse nestled in the organic garden and fruit orchard. You can also order from a delightful garden-to-table food menu that rivals a restaurant. I really appreciate that guests can now get zero-proof garden cocktail tastings, too ($30).

Your server will suggest wine and beer pairings for nibbles like roasted almonds tossed with rosemary, lemon zest and lemon infused organic olive oil ($6). Or more filling fare like rustic pork rillette served with sel gris flatbread crackers, and crab apples pickled in a symphony of cinnamon, clove, cardamom, ginger and Rustic Bakery olive oil ($24).

816 Vallejo St., Napa, 707-255-5591, stclairbrown.com

The post 5 Napa Valley Wineries with Excellent Food appeared first on Sonoma Magazine.