Sipping through Napa: a trip into wine and beauty

Joseph Phelps
A peaceful hilltop with a French blend

Imagine a quiet road winding through the hills, surrounded by vineyards and trees. There’s nothing around, just nature, calm, and a small path leading to the top of a hill. That’s where you will find Joseph Phelps Winery.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards is best known for “Insignia,” Napa Valley’s first Bordeaux-style red blend. This iconic wine put the winery on the map and made it one of the top producers in the region. But there is more to explore.

The place is charming. Cozy sofas, soft lighting, warm wood furniture - all set in an open, elegant space with huge windows overlooking the vineyards. You can choose where to sit for a tasting: the central area, private rooms, or a patio with a stunning view. Everything invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

The family-owned winery offers curated wine tastings and culinary pairings, all by appointment. The lineup includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, and a beautiful dessert wine called Delice (which is fantastic! It's sweet, fragrant, and worth trying).

One of the wines that positively broke my heart was Vin du Mistral, a Rhône-style blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Viognier. It is full of character and not something you often find in California. It is a little unexpected, and that is what I liked about it.

So, if you are looking for French-inspired wines, beautiful views, and a peaceful escape into nature, Joseph Phelps is a place to visit.

Open to visitors with reservations only
💵 Tasting per person starts at $120 (for non-tasters - $20)
Reservation via Tock 

Robert Biale Vineyards 
A Hidden Gem with Zinfandel Soul

At first glance, Robert Biale Vineyards looks like a big wooden barn, rustic and simple at the same time. But once you arrive, the charm is in the details.

There is a cozy patio with umbrellas, wooden barrels, and flower pots. Each table has a personalized paper card with your name, a map of the area, and a thoughtful welcome (an adorable detail).

The tasting is by appointment only, which makes the experience even more intimate. The winery worker shares stories about the winery, its roots, and their philosophy, and you can feel how much they care about their work.

Robert Biale is known for its Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which are made with respect for tradition and a focus on quality. Every wine here feels honest and expressive - just great winemaking.

For over 30 years, the winery has become a benchmark for heritage vineyard Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. And yes, they have awards to show for it, but what makes the experience memorable is the connection to the place and the story behind the wines.

🐓 Don’t miss a signature bottle: Black Chicken. It is more than a catchy name; it has a great story and bold character flavor.

If you want something truly Napa, with delicious Zinfandel, Robert Biale is a beautiful stop - warm, relaxed, and rich with personality.

Open to visitors with reservations only
💵 Tasting per person starts at $50
Reservation via Tock

V.Sattui Winery
A Tuscany picnic in Saint Helena

V. Sattui is one of those places that makes it feel like you've entered a little Italy in California. The ambiance resembles Tuscany, featuring a stone fountain, brick walls, a garden, and plenty of shady tables. It is warm, welcoming, and just the right mix of casual and romantic.

The story behind it is the true American dream (you can check the website to read it fully). It was also one of the first wineries in Napa Valley to offer wine tastings and picnics. You can do a wine tasting, but a more relaxed approach feels special.

You don’t need to make a reservation. Just walk into the market-style shop, pick up some delicious food, choose a bottle of wine, and enjoy a picnic under the umbrellas on the table or the lawn. Isn’t that great?

🍷 The wine selection is impressive, too. You’ll find everything from white and red to sparkling wines, rosé, dessert wines, and even nonalcoholic options. I especially enjoyed the Riesling and red blends; they were fresh, aromatic, and easy to love during my tasting.

Whether planning a complete wine tour or just relaxing in the sunshine with a glass of something good, V. Sattui is a must-visit. Bring your curiosity and maybe a picnic blanket, just in case.

Please Note: Outside food and wine are NOT ALLOWED on the property.

Open to visitors with reservations, walk-ins welcome
💵 Tasting per person starts at $45
Reservations via website

Castello di Amorosa
A Tuscany castle in Calistoga

Do you want to drink a glass of wine in a castle? Or maybe walk through the old-style cellar and sneak into the vault where the barrels are resting? I’m sure you do.

This gorgeous place in Calistoga makes you feel like you're in Italy. The castle took 15 years to build because most of what you see around, stones, antique bricks, materials, and furnishings, were shipped from Europe to California, which is impressive.

Castello di Amorosa opened to the public in April 2007 as Dario Sattui's dream project. He also founded V. Sattui Winery, named after his great-grandfather, Vittorio Sattui, who emigrated from Italy and started his winemaking journey in San Francisco in 1885.

Walking through the castle, you will move between tasting rooms, underground cellars, and authentic architecture. It is a fully working winery built with passion and deep respect for tradition.

This winery produces expressive quality wines that are well-made and rooted in the local terroir. The tasting included everything from crisp whites to full-bodied reds, with a few Italian varieties.

After the tasting, you can explore the Castle on your own with access to the Courtyard, Truncated tower, Chapel, Great Hall, and Knights Hall Gift shop.

Castello di Amorosa is more than just a place to taste wine. It’s a reminder that if you have a bold vision and enough patience, even the most unbelievable ideas and the wildest dreams can take shape - stone by stone, glass by glass

Open to visitors with reservations only
💵 Tasting per person starts at $60
Reservations via website

Domaine Carneros
Moments in a French-style chateau

Domaine Carneros is a bit of an escape in the middle of Napa. The first thing you see is the grand staircase, which leads to a beautiful French-style Chateau on the hill, overlooking the vineyards and the rolling landscape of Napa Valley.

Once you reach the terrace, everything slows down. The view is stunning, and the atmosphere is elegant but never rushed. It’s one of the best places to sit outside and enjoy sparkling wines (and some whites and reds, as well)

Domaine Carneros was founded in 1987 by the Taittinger family. As Clovis Taittinger once said: “Champagne is the best way of saying I love you in any language.” And honestly, this place speaks that language fluently.

The sparkling tasting menu offers several styles of wine crafted using the traditional method and is full of personality. Four top-rated Carneros sparkling wines are Ultra Brut, Estate Brut Cuvée, Brut Rosé, and Verméil Demi-Sec. You can probably guess which one is my favorite.

🦪 There are also a few options for enjoying bubbles and pairing them with Charcuterie bites, Caviar, or Oysters. And if you’re in the mood for something playful, try the “Tour of the Mediterranean “ tasting, which comes with four savory and one sweet bite.

Everything here is thoughtful and well-balanced, from the wines to the views and experience. If you love bubbles, beauty, and a quiet celebration, Domaine Carneros is a place you don’t want to miss.

Open to visitors with reservations
💵 Tasting per person starts at $45
Reservation via Tock

Chandon
Where sparkling meets style in Yountville

I probably don’t need to introduce Chandon - you’ve seen the label in almost every wine shop. But you might not know how different it feels when visiting the Yountville winery.

So, what is interesting here?

First is the atmosphere: the earthy tones, wooden elements, and chic vibes. Indoors, you’ll find cozy tasting areas and a beautiful wine shop. The outdoor space has multiple zones for dining and tasting. Comfortable sofas and chairs are scattered throughout the garden and shaded by trees. It’s the perfect mix of nature and something a little bit fancy.

The wine shop is just as tempting. It's bright, stylish, and full of beautiful bottles with modern designs. It’s one of those places where you walk in to look and leave with a few favorites.

🥂 Second is the tasting. I tried a flight that included Chandon Blanc, Vintage Brut, Reserve Brut, and something unexpected: a sparkling Demi-Sec Red made from Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. It’s available only at the winery, and honestly? It blew my mind. I didn’t expect it to be rich, fresh, with just the right sweet touch, something to return for.

If you plan a visit, check the official website for upcoming events. They often host seasonal celebrations, food pairings, and special tastings that improve the experience.

So yes, you’ve heard of Chandon. But visiting the winery? That is a whole different story and worth it.

Open to visitors with reservations, walk-ins welcome
💵 Tasting per person starts at $65
Reservation via Tock

Priest Ranch
Cozy vibes in the heart of Yountville

If you’re in Yountville and looking for something interesting closer to restaurants and shops, stop by Priest Ranch. It’s a small, cozy tasting room in the middle of town. There’s nothing fancy, just warm hospitality and excellent wines.

The space feels inviting, with a relaxed atmosphere that makes it easy to settle in and enjoy. Priest Ranch offers a few standout tasting experiences.

A standard tasting selection focusing on their bold Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Grenache Blanc.

🥓 If you want something unforgettable, try a signature Bacon & Wine Pairing: bold reds paired with artisan bacon. It sounds unusual, but it works.

Priest Ranch may be smaller than some of the big names in Napa, but that makes it memorable.

Open to visitors with reservations, walk-ins welcome
💵 Tasting per person starts at $50
Reservation via Tock

Each winery in Napa has its own story, wines, and a unique atmosphere. Some feel grand and elegant, others are cozy and quiet. But they all share something in common: a passion for wine and a desire to create memorable experiences.

If you plan a trip to Napa, this list might help you decide where to go next. Alternatively, you could just follow the road and see what you find.

And if you ever need a few extra tips or recommendations, I’m happy to share them.

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