No trip to this part of the country would be complete without visiting the many vineyards and wineries that flush out the landscape. Many vineyards offer tours, tastings, and some even have restaurants. Be sure to call ahead of time since certain places require reservations.
Lancaster Estate Vineyards
15001 Chalk Hill Road
Healdsburg
707-433-8178
Lancaster Estate Vineyards, about a 15-minute drive southeast of Healdsburg, is small in output (annual production is just 6,500 cases), but it grows some of the region's finest grapes and makes only one wine, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc. Owner Ted Simpkins prices his vintages from $65 to $100 a bottle. An appointment is required for tastings.
Seghesio Family Vineyards
14730 Grove Street
Healdsburg
707-433-7764
The century-old Seghesio Family Vineyards, a small and interesting winery, is planted to Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and especially Zinfandel grapes. Omaggio, the winery's signature label, is a blend of Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, ranging in price from about $25 to about $50. The tasting room is open daily.
Sterling Vineyards
1111 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga
707-942-3344
Sterling Vineyards take up 1,500 acres on a foothill between St. Helena and Calistoga. Take the $5 gondola ride up the side of the hill to the stunning whitewashed Mediterranean villa that marks the start of a self-guided tour.
Clos Pegase
1060 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga
707-942-4981
Clos Pegase, across from Sterling Vineyards, is an awesome and controversial complex designed by Michael Graves. More than just a winery - it is a "must see."
Robert Mondavi Winery
7801 St. Helena Highway
Oakville
707-963-9611
Robert Mondavi Winery, in a spectacular early California mission-style building, is the granddaddy of them all. Excellent tastings, tours, and seasonal classes in cooking and wine appreciation (their hour-long tour is one of the best). Musical events in summer. Morning visits are preferable.
Beringer
2000 Main St., St.
Helena
707-963-4812
Beringer was founded in 1876 and is Napa's oldest continually operating winery. Large, handsome, imposing old Tudor stone building. Special tastings of older reserve and library wines.
Domaine Chandon
1 California Dr.
Yountville
707-944-2280
Domaine Chandon, the first French champagne producer to bring methode champenoise to the Valley, is a high-tech winery with shops and restaurants. No appointment needed.
Domaine Carneros
1240 Duhig Rd.
Carneros
707-257-0101
Domaine Carneros, at the southern end of the Valley, is one of the newest on the scene. The building duplicates the Chateau de la Marquetterie, an estate owned by the Taittinger family in France.
Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Crossroad
Napa
707-944-8642
Prepare for a stunning tour through 7,000 square feet of rock cave. By appointment only.
Cakebread Cellars
8300 St. Helena Highway
Rutherford
707-963-5222
This family-owned and family-operated winery markets 45,000 high-quality cases from its 75-acre vineyard. Open daily 10am to 4pm.
Grgich Hills Cellar
P.O. Box 450, 1829 St. Helena Highway
Rutherford
707-963-2784
Head to another small winery that is popular and easily accessible. Open daily for sales and tastings from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Tours available by appointment.
Spottswood Vineyard and Winery
1902 Madrona Avenue
St. Helena
707-963-0134
Spottswoode Vineyard and Winery, a family-owned grape-growing and wine-making estate, is set in 46 acres on the western edge of St. Helena in an exclusive residential area. Because of the beautiful historic Victorian house, surrounded by tall palms and formal gardens, it is well worth calling ahead to make private arrangements to see both the house and the grounds, as well as to taste the fine wines.
Hess Collection Winery
4411 Redwood Road
Napa
707-255-1144
The Hess Collection Winery, a mix of early 19th-century and modern buildings eight miles west of Highway #29 on the slope of Mt. Veeder, also displays art from the collection of Swiss beverage magnate Donald Hess.
B.R. Cohn Winery
15140 Sonoma Highway
Glen Ellen
707-938-4064
The B.R. Cohn Winery, a small family-operated winery surrounded by the 90-acre Olive Hill Estate Vineyards, is located in the heart of Sonoma Valley. Its soil and setting provide ideal growing conditions for ultra-premium Cabernet Sauvignon.
