Beyond the Vines: 5 Unforgettable Napa Valley Wine Excursions
Napa Valley attracts almost 4 million wine enthusiasts a year thanks to its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards, and, of course, world-class wines—most notably its signature varietal, cabernet sauvignon. Offering a captivating blend of history, innovation, and ’grammable landscapes, the region’s 400-plus wineries beckon those whose bucket list might include an actual bucket stocked with, let’s say, a creamy Chardonnay or crisp sauvignon blanc.
Perhaps you’re craving an indulgent feast or a one-of-a-kind scenic tour. Or maybe your thirst for wine knowledge rivals your thirst for wine. You might long to immerse yourself in history or in stunning architecture, or simply want to bask in warm, lush serenity with a velvety red in hand. However you envision your perfect stay in Napa Valley, kick it off with these five can’t-miss experiences.
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Northernmost on our list is Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964—the site of arguably one of the most breathtaking views overlooking the Napa Valley. An early pioneer of crafting Bordeaux-inspired red wines in California, Sterling helped transform Napa into the prestigious wine region it is today. Every tour kicks off with a scenic ride on its state-of-the-art aerial gondola—an experience unmatched by any other winery in the world—which transports visitors to a sublime hilltop complex inspired by the Cycladic architecture of Mykonos. Offerings range from lavish food and wine pairings to local cheese and charcuterie wine tastings to idyllic, self-guided strolls.
A few miles south awaits the iconic Beringer Vineyards estate, California’s oldest continuously operating winery and a national historic property. Beringer invites guests on an immersive journey through its 148-year history, from its storied resilience during Prohibition when it pivoted to sacramental winemaking, to its rich and influential culinary tradition, to its crafting of award-winning reserve wines. Tastings at the Victorian Rhine House mansion include the Collectors’ Experience, featuring rare library vintages of the iconic Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Taste of Beringer seasonal culinary and wine pairing adventure. Guests can explore lush sensory gardens, legendary wine caves, and even the Old Winery where the Beringer brothers produced their first vintages.
Next on the route is the historic 124-year-old Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), the birthplace of Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, California’s first “cult” cabernet and still one of the most collected American wines. BV embodies the legacy of Napa Valley winemaking thanks to its longstanding philosophy of innovation and terroir expression developed by the acclaimed BV winemaker known as “the Maestro.” As guests retrace the footsteps of founder Georges de Latour, they’re invited to taste library vintages such as the esteemed Clone 6 and Madame de Latour, and discover the magic that the fabled “Rutherford Dust” brings to every bottle of BV cabernet.
A scenic 20-minute drive down Silverado Trail leads to Stags’ Leap Winery, a tucked-away pastoral estate with a riveting (and sometimes mysterious) history as a fashionable country resort, which draws fans of Gilded Age history and the supernatural alike. Guests can enjoy intimate seated tastings at the castle-like 1890s Manor House, featuring curated selections of its superlative wines and limited-release estate wines. With its meticulously restored Old Stone Cellar and artfully designed Apothecary and Sensory Garden, Stags’ Leap Winery is a tranquil escape from the everyday.
Nestled in the Carneros region a few miles south of bustling downtown Napa is Etude Wines, a producer of exceptional, award-winning Pinot Noirs. Etude has woven sustainability into all its operations, starting with the vineyards at Grace Benoist Ranch, where it employs regenerative and water-wise practices to eliminate the need for chemicals, and has cultivated a native habitat that supports wetland restoration. At the winery, visitors can immerse themselves in educational tastings such as the Study of Pinot or the Terroir Experience, or spend an afternoon playing lawn games, sipping wine, and snacking on cheese and charcuterie in the new outdoor plaza. Its proximity to San Francisco makes Etude perfect for day-trippers craving a quick wine country getaway.
One of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, Napa Valley is brimming with the passion and artistry of winemaking, set against a stunning backdrop. Come for the famed vineyards, stay for the expert-led tastings, curated pairings, ghost stories, colorful history, caves, mansions, gardens, and aerial adventure. However you decide to spend your Napa Valley getaway, prepare for a spectacular journey through time and taste.
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