Phone icon

Napa Valley Wine Tours

Embark on our truly unique napa valley wine tours, book a napa valley wine tour for as low as $112.50. inquire with a tour planner today also now offering our napa valley join in wine tour, smaller and larger group packages, individual couples and custom private planning is also available with one of our knowledgeable tour planners..

Take a stroll in the lush vineyards and discover the excellent boutique wineries in Napa Valley through California Wine Tours and Transportations. We offer the perfect, most romantics, and thrilling Napa tours for couples, social groups, professionals, or people looking to meet like-minded wine aficionados. Get the best wine tour and transportation services in Napa Valley and experience a Napa Valley wine tasting adventure of a lifetime! Prepare yourself to embark on a journey to the most famous vineyards and wineries in Wine Country with the experts who know Napa Valley and get a wine tour from an insider’s perspective. At California Wine Tours and Transportation, we take the hassle out of wine touring so that you can experience the magic of Napa Valleys in its purest form.

Quote Tool – WINE TOUR DIVISION

Quote Tool – TRANSPORTATION ONLY

Napa Valley Join-In Open Air Tour

The Most Charming Napa Valley Wine Tours

Imagine the most perfect wine touring adventure. The experts at California Wine Tours and Transportation offer customized Napa Valley wine tours for a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy a range of endless wine tasting options and create a tour that you have always dreamed of. Although many of our clients love a glass of fine wine, they may be stunned by the rustic beauty and fairytale-like charm of the Napa Valley vineyards.

We offer much more than a vehicle and a driver. We offer a complete experience that includes personalized visits, comfortable transportation for the whole of your visit, and the pleasant company of our charming and witty drivers who are extremely knowledgeable about Napa Valley tours.

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or are visiting the Napa Valley as an outing with friends and family, our Napa Valley wine tours will satisfy your needs. Choose any of our Napa Valley tours and experience ultimate style, comfort, and sophistication.

Reserve Your Dynamic Napa Wine Tour Experience With Us

Napa Valley Wine Tour

A wine tour and transportation journey is so much more than just traveling from one place to another. At California Wine Tours and Transportation, we provide you with unforgettable Napa Valley Wine Tour experience. Whether you choose elegant limousines or fun limousine style buses, be ready for a personalized experience with the charming Napa Valley landscape as your backdrop. We bring to you a rustic-chic experience in a luxury vintage setting. Whether you choose to visit multiple vineyards in exclusive private tours or want to enjoy a day of wine tasting in California’s Wine Country in a join-in style, we have you covered. Get ready for an intimate, light-hearted, and truly enjoyable journey through the world-famous Napa Valley and discover the hidden gems through our well-informed tour guides. Along the way, you will experience:

  • Pick up location of your choice and all of Wine Country
  • Discover multiple charming vineyards and wineries in a day
  • Take in the gorgeous and awe-inspiring views of the rolling Napa Valley vineyards
  • Taste some of the world’s most aromatic and delicious wines along the way
  • Learn the culture and history of Wine Country local winemaking
  • Dine on a delightful picnic lunch served at a winery
  • Share the experience with wine lovers
  • Enjoy the company of an informed and amicable tour guide
  • Experience the real Napa Valley with our unique Napa Valley Tours.
  • We have the #1 Rated Napa Valley wine tours!
  • #1 Favorited Napa Valley wine tours!
  • #1 Requested Napa Valley wine tours!
  • Most fun Napa Valley wine tours!

Bring your guests with you to this wonderful wine tasting and transportation adventure. We can plan your entire day from start to finish and offer you transportation from the airport to the hotel to the winery.

Come Join Us On One Of Our Curated Napa Valley Wine Tours

Holding wine glass on a Napa Valley Wine Tour

California Wine Tours and Transportation offers you a one-of-a-kind experience that is not offered by any other Napa Valley concierge service. We have a phenomenal ability to make Napa Valley truly accessible and enjoyable for all our clients. Whether you are looking for an intimate romantic getaway, an exclusive celebratory trip with family, or a corporate retreat, California Wine Tours and Transportation can make a highly personalized itinerary for you to ensure a memorable trip. Just sit back and let us take care of your planning and traveling.

We offer a wide range of options from riding in a luxury convertible to wine touring in private limousines , town cars, or party buses. Enjoy the stunning scenery, mouthwatering aromas, and divine tastes of Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards and wineries. Each Napa Valley tour includes:

  • Experience the real Napa Valley tourism

Get acquainted with the world of wine and Napa Valley! This beautiful spot of bountiful nature is perfect for Napa Valley couples, locals, visitors, friends, families, and wine connoisseurs.

Book One Of Our Napa Valley Wine Tours Today!

When you book a Napa Valley wine and transportation, you will experience Napa Valley like a local. Do not be worried about getting lost, missing out on hidden gems, or risk driving when drinking. Do not waste your day finding the perfect place for lunch or a spot for a scenic picnic. Our Napa Valley Tours will offer you everything from comfortable, luxurious, hassle-free travel straight from your doorstep.

Plan your itinerary exactly according to your desires. We offer you:

  • Exceptional airport to hotel to winery transportation with professional chauffeurs
  • Tour planning from the beginning to the end
  • Excellent recommendations and freedom to reserve wineries directly

Reserve your Napa Valley tour today and choose the wineries that you would like to visit. We will create a custom itinerary based on your preference and tastes that are guaranteed to please all the guests!

Our Napa Valley tour can begin once we pick you up from a hotel. Some vehicles will be provided complimentary champagne as they relax in the plush seats and see the breathtaking view of Napa Valley. Get to know your fellow wine lovers, explore the gorgeous Napa Valley landscapes, experience world-class wines, and five-star dining with us.

Make the most of your summer by exploring the gorgeous world-famous are on one of our Napa Valley tours today!

More Information on Napa Valley tours and towns

A napa wine tour through the carneros region.

Napa Valley Wine Tour at Artesa Winery in Carneros region of Napa Valley

The Carneros appellation is considered the crossroads of both Napa and Sonoma Valley where the two major wine regions collide. Along with this, it is known to produce some of the finest Sonoma Valley chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines. Also it should be noted that the climate with the bay breeze and foggy mornings make for the perfect growing region of these Sonoma varietals. In addition it is the perfect halfway area for a Napa or Sonoma wine tour if you are coming from San Francisco or anywhere in the bay area. Finally It is also home to the oldest winery in all of California. What winery is that you ask? None other than the Historic Buena Vista Winery. Founded by Agoston Haraszthy in 1857.

Wineries and convenient spots for lunch or dinner

Our Partners in the Carneros Region: Artesa Vineyards & Winery , Calmere Estate , Etude Winery , Domaine Carneros , Dominus Estate Winery , Buhman Estate Vineyards, Madonna Estate Winery and Cuvaison Estate Wines

Savory Eats close by: Farm at Carneros , Boon Fly Café and Stanly Lane Smokehouse

Hotels on Hwy 121: Carneros Resort and Spa

Artesa Winery

Located in the steep foothills of Mt. Veeder overlooking Los Carneros, the rocky soils and maritime climate of our Estate Vineyard produce world-class pinot noir and chardonnay. Learn More and visit Artesa winery

Staying in downtown Napa and want to take a Napa Valley Wine Tour?

Napa Valley Vineyards

Napa is the largest of Napa Valley’s six towns. Apart from this it is conveniently located just about an hour north of the San Francisco Bay Area and an hour South of Sacramento. It undoubtedly offers an array of hotel options, art galleries, boutique shops, tasting rooms and exquisite restaurants it caters to all generations.

Note-worthy Napa Wine Tours: Darioush , Domaine Carneros , Calmere , Jarvis , Silverado and Chimney Rock

Savory Eats: Morimoto , Angele , Celadon , Cole’s , Bistro Don Giovanni , Ristorante Allegria and Torc

Accommodations: The Westin Verasa Napa , The Archer Hotel Napa , The Andaz , The Embassy Suites , The Napa Valley Marriott , Hilton Garden Inn

If you’re touring Napa Valley, you will more then likely drive through Yountville

Without a doubt the town of Yountville is among the most charming little Napa Valley regions you will come across. Known for its Michelin starred restaurants, award winning Napa Valley tasting rooms and luxurious accommodations. Talk about being transported right into your very own hallmark movie.

Note-worthy Yountville Wine Tours: Domaine Chandon , Bell Wines , Robert Sinskey , Stags’ Leap Winery and Cliff Lede Vineyards

Savory Eats: Bottega, Mustards Grill, The French Laundry , ad hoc + addendum , Brix , Bouchon and R+D Kitchen

Accommodations: Hotel Villagio , Bardessono , Northblock and Napa Valley Railway Inn

Popular stops on a Napa Valley Wine Tour in Oakville, Ca

Wine country grocery store in Oakville

Right off Napa Valley’s Highway 29 is the small town of Oakville. How small you may say? Well if you blink you quite possibly could miss it. Furthermore, that does not mean that its bold Napa Valley wines do not pack a punch. Whereas you will find the flagship Oakville Grocery deli known throughout the Napa Valley for its delicious picnic spreads. It acts as the perfect wine tour lunch stop for all locals and visitors alike.

Note-worthy Rutherford Wine Tours: Pestoni Family Estate Winery, Grgich Hills, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Mumm Napa, Fleury Estate winery, Alpha Omega Winery, and Frog’s Leap Winery

Savory Eats: Rutherford Grill, and Bistro at Auberge du Soliel

Accommodations: Auberge du Soliel, Maison Fleurie, and Rancho Caymus

Rutherford, Napa Valley

Refined with a touch of rustic Napa Valley, Rutherford will not disappoint. This area was once a riverbed and known for its unique soil. Producing some of the best Napa Valley Cabernet with an element of spice known at the “Rutherford Dust”. Also, home to the iconic Napa staple Rutherford Grill because what is better than comfort food paired with award winning Napa Valley Wines?

St Helena Wineries, Restaurants and Accommodations

Napa Valley Wine Tour activities in St. Helena

As you venture further north to the town of St. Helena you will be greeted with even more small-town culture. St. Helena is in the center of the worlds famous vineyards of the Napa Valley. Clearly perfect for those with a love of the outdoors and Napa Valley viticulture. Want to enjoy a breath-taking picnic with epic views? Particularly our dreamy Napa Valley Wine Tours will have you falling in love all over again. St. Helena is not only the center of historic Napa Valley Wines, but also the home to some of the best views around.

Note-worthy St Helena Wine Tours: Beringer Winery , Louis Martini Winery , Charles Krug , Pride Mountain Vineyards ., Piazza Del Dotto Winery & Caves , V. Sattui , Brasswood Cellars

Savory Eats: Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch , Press , Charter Oak Restaurant , Goose and Gander , Model Bakery and Gott’s Roadside

Accommodations: Harvest Inn , Southbridge Napa Valley , Wydown Hotel , Alila Napa Valley , Meadowood Resort

Calistoga Wineries, Restaurants and Accommodations

At the peak of the Napa Valley you will find the historic town of Calistoga. With its old western charm its easy to feel like you are transported back in time. With always something new to discover the Napa Wine Tasting experiences run far and wide. From higher end exclusive Napa Wineries to smaller family owned boutique estates there are a plethora of wineries to choose from for your Napa Valley Tour.

Note-worthy Calistoga Wine Tours: Castello di Amorosa , Tamber Bey Vineyards , Schramsberg Vineyards and Chateau Montelena Vineyards

Savory Eats: Sam’s Social Club , Solbar , Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery , and Buster’s Southern BBQ

Accommodations: Solage Auberge Resorts , Indian Springs Calistoga , and Four Seasons

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Get us in your inbox

Sign up to our newsletter for the latest and greatest from your city and beyond

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Awesome, you're subscribed!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

  • Los Angeles

Tuk-tuk tour of Napa Valley via Laces and Limos

The 10 best Napa Valley wine tours to sip and see Wine Country

There are many ways to drink wine in Napa. Try one of these Napa Valley wine tours via hot air balloon, vintage train or stylish tuk-tuk.

One of the easiest ways to experience Napa Valley is on a fun tour. If you're planning to drive through Wine Country, consider booking an informative tour and tasting at one of the best wineries in Napa . If you'd rather leave the car behind,  you can board a train, zip around on a Segway, peddle through the vineyards on a bicycle or take in the view of the valley from a hot air balloon. A standard Napa Valley wine tour will cover the history of the winery and explain how wine is made, but may also include venturing into the cellars, vineyards, and even a museum or art gallery before ending with a wine tasting. Afterwards, sit down at one of the best restaurants in Napa before you head home. 

RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Napa

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Best Napa Valley wine tours

1.  domaine carneros.

Domaine Carneros

Founded by the Tattinger Champagne house in France, the elegant and impressive Domaine Carneros chateau offers an information-packed daily tour that covers the history of the winery, as well as a quick trips to the vineyard and the winemaking, bottling, riddling/aging and disgorging areas. Along the way visitors are served four glasses of sparkling wines. The tour concludes with a glass of pinot noir and a cheese plate ($60). 

2.  The Hess Collection

The Hess Collection

The ivy-covered, former Christian Brothers winery building dates back to the early 1900s and currently houses an incredible contemporary art museum that’s free to visit. The Hess winery also offers several different tours and experiences, including a guided tour into the heart of the historic estate vineyards on an ATV. The tour makes several stops to admire the stunning views and enjoy glasses of wine. Combined with the vineyard tour is a wine tasting with cheese ($125) or a three course lunch that is paired with wine ($185).

3.  Robert Mondavi Winery

Robert Mondavi Winery

Heading through the Mission-style gateway entrance to the Robert Mondavi Winery feels grand. A leader in the industry, this legendary winery is a great place to learn about the history of the valley and winemaking. The in-depth winery tour gives visitors the chance to walk into the famous To Kalon Vineyard, see the winemaking cellars (including fermentation and barrel aging) and experience a seated educational tasting of three wines with a wine education specialist ($45).

4.  Palmaz

Palmaz

Just minutes from downtown Napa in the Coombsville AVA is an old property that employs the newest, high-tech winemaking techniques. The Palmaz family makes cabernet, chardonnay, muscat, riesling and rosé. The  comprehensive two-hour tour includes a walk through several levels of the cave, a visit to the fermentation dome where the data (including thermal imaging) from 24 large tanks is projected onto the ceiling, and a tasting of five wines paired with hors d’ oeuvres ($100). 

5.  Laces & Limos

Laces & Limos

Lace & Limos offers tuk tuk tours of Napa, allowing visitors an open air experience and the opportunity to jump on and off for tastings and exploration. Much more appealing than being stuck on a bus, the six-person vehicles take visitors to boutique winery estates, a seated cave tasting, a vineyard tour, food pairings. There are group and custom options available allowing you to choose how much time and the experiences you’d like to include. Standard tours are $99 for up to 5 hours.

6.  Napa Valley Wine Train

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours

Napa Valley Wine Train

The Wine Train is a leisurely way to experience the Napa Valley. The elegantly restored vintage train, which dates back to 1915, enables visitors to slow down and literally enjoy the ride. All the tours include a meal, and both half-day and full-day tours include stops at a winery for tastings. The round trip journey takes three hours starting in Napa and goes as far as St. Helena before turning back. Tours which include meals are $249 and up.

7.  Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours

Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours

Taking off early in the morning, hot air balloons float over Yountville and Pope Valley lettings visitors see the rural beauty of the valley in a totally unique way. Rides vary in time depending upon the weather, but typically last 40 minutes to an hour (the whole experience lasts 3-4 hours) with an optional Champagne brunch at the end. Tours start at about $200.

8.  Napa Valley Bike Tours

Napa Valley Bike Tours

Napa Valley Bike Tours offers guided bike tours, bike rentals, self-guided tours and electric bikes. Visitors can start in Napa or Yountville and choose half- or full-day excursions and even add on a hot air balloon ride. The tours have different themes so whether you want to ride through To Kalon vineyard, visit an art collection or include a lunch or dinner, there’s a package for you. Most tours start at about $125.

9.  Segway Napa

Segway tours take place in Napa, Yountville and Calistoga and include options such as wine tasting at boutique wineries, exploration of wetlands, a historic tour, culinary tour and ghost tour. Tours range from $75–$99 and are 2–3 hours each and include a knowledgeable guide.  There are even tours for kids!

10.  The Prisoner Wine Company

The Prisoner Wine Company

Located just past Rutherford and before the town of St. Helena, The Prisoner has quickly built a loyal following for its dark and moody bottles and labels and bold and unconventional blends. Fans of the wine can book a $125 tour that takes them through the winery space, out to a small vineyard on the property and then to The Makery, a tasting space dedicated to the work of a variety of artists and craftspeople and their wares for a five-course food and wine experience.

Headed to Sonoma instead?

The 10 best sonoma wineries.

The 10 best Sonoma wineries

If Napa is Northern California’s land of wine-fueled luxury, with its chic wineries and tasting rooms, Sonoma is its laid back cousin: equally as beautiful with vineyards producing vintages just as world-class, but less crowded and somewhat more humble.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

  • Press office
  • Investor relations
  • Work for Time Out
  • Editorial guidelines
  • Privacy notice
  • Do not sell my information
  • Cookie policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Terms of use
  • Copyright agent
  • Modern slavery statement
  • Manage cookies
  • Advertising
  • Time Out Market

Napa Valley header logo

The Best Winery Tours in Napa Valley

  • by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
  • on MAY 15, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Wine tours with a private chauffeur are fantastic, yet there’s something special about an on-site winery tour in Wine Country. With over 400 wineries across Napa Valley alone, choosing the top winery tours might seem overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve sifted through Napa’s extensive selection to compile a list of some of the best, allowing you to concentrate on the most important part—the wine. Here are the top winery tours you shouldn’t miss in Napa Valley.

Breathtaking Scenery

Somerston Vineyards

The 15 Best Wineries in Calistoga

fun wine tours napa

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Napa Valley

Hess Persson Estates

The 10 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley

Shutterstock

7 Best Spas in Calistoga

Protect Your Trip »

The 18 best napa valley wineries to visit in 2024.

Set your sights on these can't-miss wineries during your next visit to California's wine country.

fun wine tours napa

John Merkl | Courtesy of Larkmead Vineyards

Whether you want to indulge in deep reds or sip crisp whites, these Napa Valley wineries will help you do it in style.

Extravagant doorway with flowers to Rutherford Hill Winery

Courtesy of Rutherford Hill Winery |

Rutherford Hill Winery: Rutherford

Ivy-covered exterior of Chateau Montelena Winery

Courtesy of Chateau Montelena Winery |

Chateau Montelena Winery: Calistoga

Tree-lined lawn of Clos Pegase in Calistoga

Courtesy of Clos Pegase |

Clos Pegase: Calistoga

Flowers in front of Chimney Rock exterior front

Courtesy of Chimney Rock |

Chimney Rock: Napa

Path to Stags' Leap Wine Cellars

Courtesy of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars |

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars: Napa

Grounds and castle-esque exterior of Castello di Amoroso in Calistoga

Jim Sullivan | Courtesy of Castello di Amorosa

Castello di Amoroso: Calistoga

Exterior front and manicured grounds of Domaine Carneros

Courtesy of Domaine Carneros |

Domaine Carneros: Napa

Aerial of Inglenook in Rutherford

Courtesy of Inglenook |

Inglenook: Rutherford

Beautiful interior, including barrels, of Del Dotto Estate in St. Helena

Courtesy of Del Dotto Family Wineries |

Del Dotto Estate: St. Helena

Aerial of HALL St. Helena at sunset

Courtesy of HALL Wines |

HALL St. Helena: St. Helena

Lounge of Opus One Winery with view of vineyard rows in the background

Courtesy of Opus One Winery |

Opus One Winery: Oakville

Interior of tasting lounge at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in St. Helena

Courtesy of Joseph Phelps Vineyards |

Joseph Phelps Vineyards: St. Helena

Aerial of Far Niente Winery including ponds

Courtesy of Far Niente Winery |

Far Niente: Oakville

View of Frog's Leap in Rutherford through vegetation

Courtesy of Frog's Leap |

Frog's Leap: Rutherford

Cliff Lede Vineyards at golden hour

Bob McClenahan | Courtesy of Cliff Lede Vineyards

Cliff Lede Vineyards: Yountville

Tasting table at V. Sattui Winery in St. Helena

Courtesy of V. Sattui Winery |

V. Sattui Winery: St. Helena

Aerial of Pine Ridge Vineyards with sun rays shining through the trees

Courtesy of Pine Ridge Vineyards |

Pine Ridge Vineyards: Napa

fun wine tours napa

Robb McDonough | Courtesy of Larkmead Vineyards

Larkmead Vineyards: Calistoga

Vineyard in Napa Valley, California

Getty Images |

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

  • The Top San Francisco Wine Tours
  • The Top Things to Do in California
  • The Best Day Trips from San Francisco
  • The Top Finger Lakes Wineries
  • The Top Texas Wineries

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top indoor water park resorts.

Holly Johnson and Amanda Norcross Sept. 11, 2024

fun wine tours napa

The Best Tower of London Tours

Laura French Sept. 11, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Romantic Getaways in Florida

Alissa Grisler and Gwen Pratesi Sept. 9, 2024

fun wine tours napa

The Best Weekend Getaways From NYC

Alissa Grisler and Jessica Colley Clarke Sept. 5, 2024

fun wine tours napa

The Best Beach Resorts in the World

Sept. 5, 2024

fun wine tours napa

The Best Rome Food Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Sept. 4, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Top Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

fun wine tours napa

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

fun wine tours napa

Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

The 8 Best Napa Wine Tours

purple grains hanging on a vine in Napa Valley

Napa Valley is easily one of the most famous wine-producing regions in the world, and last year nearly four million people headed there — it is big business for Northern California!

Of course, if you plan on spending some time in Napa Valley and nearby Sonoma, you’ll most likely want to explore some of the 600 wineries in the area. A great way to do this — both to get some local, insider knowledge and so that there’s no need to drink and drive — is to take a Napa wine tour.

There are nearly as many wine tour options as there are vineyards. I’ve listed some of my favorites here, and you can decide which fits your style and, more importantly, your budget. Just remember that you’ll usually also have to pay tasting fees on top of the tour costs — these vary between $20 and $40 — though many will waive that fee if you buy some wine. Also don’t forget, especially if you’re coming from outside the United States, that you’ll need to be 21 or over to join these tours, though some allow children to tag along.

1. Napa Valley Wine Trolley

If you’re after something a bit different, then the Napa Valley Wine Trolley is a good way to go. Instead of a regular tour bus, you’ll ride on a replica of a cable car. It’s an open-air car, of course, so make sure you pick the right weather to try this.

Tours leave from the Oxbow Market in Napa; a $99 tour includes four wineries and a casual picnic-style lunch, plus unlimited bottled water and soft drinks between tastings. You can upgrade to the full-day Castle tour ($139), which includes a two-hour stop and tasting at Castello di Amorosa.

2. Napa Valley Bike Tours

Of course, being a valley full of vineyards, Napa is a really scenic place, so exploring it by bicycle is a great option. Napa Valley Bike Tours offers either guided or self-guided rides, leaving from their store in Yountville. The popular half-day guided tour is $124 per person, with two winery visits and a great guide who’ll give you the full story of the area.

The handy part about the self-guided tours is that besides being able to visit the wineries you choose at your own pace, you still get a box lunch, and any wine you buy will be picked up for you (riding with wine in your backpack gets old really fast). Self-guided tours cost $114 per person and also include comfy bikes, helmets, and all the planning info you need.

3. Calistoga Bikeshop

Another bicycle option is Calistoga Bikeshop , a popular rental shop that also runs guided day tours for $150, including a hybrid bike, a picnic lunch, and pick-up for any wine you buy. The guides plan a unique route depending on what the group members want, starting from their shop in Calistoga.

If you have an extra day in the area and don’t need more wine, Calistoga also offers great mountain biking trips to the Palisades or along the Oat Hill Mine Trail.

4. Platypus Wine Tours

Platypus brands itself as the “anti-wine-snob wine tour,” so if you want to have a fun day learning more about wine, then this is a good choice. (The name is memorable, but you won’t actually see a platypus anywhere in Napa Valley, in case you’re wondering.)

Platypus runs small-group trips, taking in four wineries for $110 (including a picnic lunch), focusing on small and medium-sized, usually family-owned wineries. You can choose from tours centered on Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, or North Sonoma.

5. Active Wine Adventures

As the name suggests, Active Wine Adventures offers tours that include more than just wine tasting, so it’s a great way to explore Napa Valley. For example, the Hike & Wine tours start with a two-hour hike in some of the valley’s beautiful landscapes and move on to a lunch and winery tasting experience. These cost $139 plus lunch because you can choose from a high-end restaurant lunch or a vineyard picnic. They offer similar tours in the Sonoma area, too.

6. Green Dream Tours

Try some wine and help the world. Green Dream has a focus on sustainability: besides using green business practices, it also buys carbon offsets to balance its use of fuel. Their Napa Valley tours ($144, $154 on weekends) are among the few where the tasting fees at three boutique wineries are included.

Green Dream also offers a combo tour, taking in three wineries across Sonoma and Napa Valley, with lunch at the Oxbow Public Market ($139 weekdays, $149 weekends). For visitors to San Francisco, there’s a combo with a tour of Alcatraz plus two Sonoma boutique wineries, for $179.

7. Small Lot Wine Tours

If you’re coming by car to the Napa Valley region, then Small Lot can be a really budget-friendly way to enjoy a wine tour. They provide a tour guide who’ll drive your car for you for the day, and design a tour route just right for you, depending on the kind of wine you want to taste, what you want to do for lunch, and whether you’re planning on buying wine. At $50 per hour (with a four-hour minimum), if you’ve got a car full of friends, this can work out to be one of the cheapest ways to explore Napa but still have local expert advice.

8. Napa Valley Wine Country Tours

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours offer full-day trips from San Francisco, including a Golden Gate Bridge photo opportunity, to four wineries in the Napa and Sonoma regions. Tours include a picnic lunch and are usually $119 per person (sometimes there are $99 specials on the website).

For something a bit different, they also run wine tours around the Napa Valley in an open-top convertible limousine, including a castle visit, for $150.

There are so many options for touring the Napa Valley and experiencing all the wine culture the area has to offer, depending on your tastes and preferences. These suggestions should ensure that you have a great day out exploring one of the world’s most famous wine regions.

Book Your Trip to Napa Valley: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

  • Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
  • Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
  • Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

Related Posts

A glass of wine being poured on a table outside in Napa Valley, USA

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

Vine View Tours & Transportation

Vine View Tours

Wine country tours, napa valley | sonoma, sonoma coast | healdsburg, vine view tours & transportation is a boutique, luxury transportation company located in napa, ca.  services include wine tours, dinner transportation, airport transfers and concierge services..

Concierge Services

If you don’t know where to visit but know you want to take the valley at your own pace you can get help planning your itinerary from a true Napa local, born and raised. Get help making reservations while adding in some of your own fun stops in between.

Private Transportation

Guests are transported privately to and from dinner to dine at the best restaurants in Napa and Sonoma. Guests can also reserve airport transfers to and from select airports in the bay area. This is provided as an hourly service to guests.

Visit wineries in style and luxury throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Experience vineyard views and vistas, tour wine caves and barrel cellars, experience food and wine pairings. These are just some of the options that can be arranged.

fun wine tours napa

Courtesy of Palmaz Vineyards 

Oenophiles have been making the pilgrimage to Napa Valley since the 1970s. Encompassing the city of Napa, as well as quaint towns like Rutherford, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, this epicurean hot spot has gained even more notoriety in recent years as accomplished winemakers and luxury hotels continue to move in.

Despite the influx of buzzy things to see and do — including dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and riding a scenic train by Napa's verdant vineyards — the biggest draw continues to be the wine. And it’s not just about going to the store and picking up a bottle. The whole reason people visit Napa Valley is to savor red, white , and rosé at spectacular wineries , many set on massive vineyards, where the grapes go from vine to glass on the premises (or nearby). But with more than 400 wineries in Napa Valley, the options are almost dizzying. That’s why we’ve consulted with experts, including tastemakers in wine country, to narrow it down to the 14 best wineries in Napa for a tasting. (Just be sure to book in advance as most of our picks require reservations.)

Faust Wines, Coombsville

"The newly unveiled  Faust Haus , a Napa Valley tasting room in St. Helena, is a luscious, black-velvet dreamscape at 2867 St. Helena Highway," Celine Bossart, a sommelier and wine writer, reported for T+L . "The historic hilltop home is whimsical in its starkness, unabashedly Gothic and freshly coated in a shade of inky black paint that only a certain kind of house can pull off." The venue alone is worth the visit, but the wine is just as enticing. In true Napa fashion, Faust's cabernet sauvignon packs a punch, but don't let the merlot-haters in "Sideways" keep you from trying The Lure merlot, which is just as intriguing as the cab sauv and the winery's approachable syrah. Bossart says of the winery on the southern edge of Napa Valley in Coombsville, "Faust Haus is one of Napa’s warmest, most welcoming, and visually striking places to taste wine."

Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford

Emma K. Morris

Rooted in sustainable, dry-farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, Frog's Leap produces balanced, terroir-driven wine that continually earns accolades from critics and casual drinkers. Surrounded by 200 acres of vines, the Vineyard House porch is an utterly enchanting setting to enjoy a flight of classics, new releases, or rare vintages, paired with a tasty complimentary snack plate. Grab a glass of your favorite wine for a walk through the organic gardens and fruit orchards. 

Tres Sabores, St. Helena

Briana Marie Photography

Family-run, female-led, and dog-friendly Tres Sabores feels like what we’d assume Napa was all about a few decades ago: a dedication to agriculture, the craft of winemaking, and enjoying the fruits of that labor in a beautiful, natural environment. The owner and winemaker, Julie Johnson, will happily show you around the 35-acre estate that spans old vines, gardens, and olive groves and sit down for a tasting (the Burgundian-style zinfandel is particularly memorable) and seasonal lunch afterward. 

Realm Cellars, Napa

Courtesy of Realm

If you are in the mood for highly addictive wine, praised by the in-the-know Napa wine community, Realm Cellars in Napa is an obvious choice. The folks at Realm are currently releasing library wines — a rarity and a treat, because it means you get to take home an aged bottle, instead of a newly bottled vintage you have to let sit in your wine fridge for four years. Now, admittedly, these releases are in response to losing the vineyard's 2020 crop to the wildfires that tore through Napa Valley. And yet, Realm saw it as an opportunity to release wines dating back to 2009. That's the kind of innovation you can expect from this vineyard. While Realm's tasting room is still closed as a result of the 2020 wildfires, find these bottles in wine bars and restaurants around town — and let that round out your wine-tasting experience.

Jacob Brown, beverage director at Lazy Bear restaurant in San Francisco, suggests you sip Realm Cellars The Bard — the winery's best seller — at Napa's Torc restaurant. "At Torc, they have a secret menu item (shhhh) of a truffle grilled cheese — get it with a glass of Realm Cellars The Bard," Brown says. "I was fortunate to try this pairing recently, and I have not stopped dreaming about it since. The way The Bard makes the fontina val d’Aosta cheese with Perigord truffles humm is worth the trip to Napa alone."

Tamber Bey Vineyards, Calistoga

Katharina Esterline/EyeEm/Getty Images

Set in the middle of a working horse ranch in off-the-beaten-path Calistoga, family-run Tamber Bey Vineyards offers one of the most unique experiences around. The focus is on wine first, but the owners’ love for all things equestrian adds a wonderfully rustic charm that’s endearing. Guests can tour the production facility, which was originally a covered riding arena, and do a wine and savory cookie pairing in the courtyard of the stables.

Amulet Estate, St. Helena

Courtesy of Amulet Estate

" Amulet Estate  is a brand that embraces the fundamental essence of Napa Valley - a commitment to the highest quality of wines, beginning with curated relationships with some of the most reputable Napa Valley growers, capturing quality in the vineyard and expressing the unique terroir of each site," Emily Rodriguez, the program operations manager at Napa Valley Vintners , tells T+L.

The St. Helena portfolio is known for their expansive cab sauv portfolio, but you'll stay for the chardonnay, with grapes sourced from the Sonoma coast. Rodriguez recommends booking the winemaker-led, private experiences on offer, because they "allow guests to truly appreciate the care and attention that goes into every bottle of wine, while enjoying the peace and privacy of their hillside estate."

 AXR Napa Valley, St. Helena

AXR Napa Valley is a pre-Prohibition estate with a fairy circle of redwoods in the heart of St. Helena. So, from a history and scenery perspective, it’s pretty enchanting. The juxtaposition between heritage and the modern, boutique atmosphere makes for a memorable visit. Winemaker and partner Jean Hoefliger puts his heart and soul into crafting wine. Visitors can sample the flagship lineup and new releases in the main house, private veranda, or outdoor patio. 

Cliff Lede Vineyards, Yountville 

Conrad J Camit/Getty Images

A gem where winemaking, art, and music coalesce, Cliff Lede Vineyards ranks among the most entertaining estates in Napa Valley. A larger-than-life Two Hearts sculpture stands in the courtyard. Rotating exhibits adorn the walls of the tasting lounge. Vine blocks brandish the names of famous songs like “Dark Side of the Moon” and “Whole Lotta Love.” Aesthetically, it’s a hit with the Instagram crowd. But the wine very much holds its own, especially the flagship Poetry cabernet sauvignon. 

Darioush, Napa

Courtesy of Darioush

Led by Shahpar and Darioush Khaledi, Darioush aims to bring Persian winemaking culture to Napa . Their cabernet franc, viognier, pinot noir, and merlot all draw travelers in — especially the oenophiles looking to go beyond cabernet sauvignon sipping. But one of the best experiences you can have at Darioush, which truly sets it apart, is the Culture Wine Lunch.

Eduardo Dingler, vice president of wine at Wine Access , says, "The welcoming hospitality, curated setting, amazing wines, and dare I say, the Michelin-star level of cuisine made the Culture Wine Lunch a highly memorable experience. I’ve been a fan of Darioush wines for years, so pairing them with chef Massey’s world-inspired dishes, with his attention to detail and high-quality ingredients, was simply delightful."

Alpha Omega, St. Helena

Suzanne Becker Bronk/Courtesy of Alpha Omega

Since opening in 2006, Alpha Omega has forged on with a sustainable and quality-over-quantity mindset. Its annual production of 15,000 cases is far less than that churned out by big-name wineries each year. The result? Super-expressive Bordeaux-style wines that taste like the true essence of the land and are best enjoyed on the sunny St. Helena tasting room terrace while gazing at the burbling fountains and Mayacamas Mountains in the distance. 

Palmaz Vineyards, Napa

Tucked away on a 600-acre estate a few miles outside of downtown Napa, Palmaz Vineyards proudly fuses tradition and technology. The rolling vineyard landscape is stunning, but the coolest part has to be the private guided tour of the massive, multilevel wine cave, which extends into the rock of Mount George. The innovative gravity-flow winemaking process results in a smooth, nuanced cabernet sauvignon that goes down almost too easily. 

Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena

Courtesy of Beringer Vineyards

Beringer Vineyards is a place steeped in firsts. It was one of the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars, and the first to give public tours back in 1934. It’s also a great first stop for newcomers to wine country . (The knowledgeable staff will teach you the ins and outs of tasting and happily answer any questions.) Of course, longtime Napa visitors will also appreciate the warm hospitality and impressive array of quality pours. 

Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford

Rocco Ceselin

Even with so many other notable grape varietals popping up, Cabernet Sauvignon remains king in Napa Valley. Located along the iconic Highway 29 wine route, Cakebread Cellars has a very notable reputation for producing this widely recognizable homegrown favorite, in addition to excellent chardonnay. The wine and tasting experience — whether you prefer to sip in the charming countrified rooms or outdoor courtyard — is consistently stellar. Guided tours of the winery and grounds are also available. 

Honig Vineyard & Winery, Rutherford

A leader in sustainability, Honig does a wonderful job of making eco-friendly winemaking palatable to a broad audience — and we mean that quite literally. This family-owned Rutherford winery employs a host of environmentally responsible practices, from managing water use to solar power to employing wooly weeders (sheep as natural lawn mowers). Tour the sustainably farmed vineyard to see how things are done before sitting down for a biodynamic flight on the shaded garden patio.

Related Articles

  • Destinations
  • Winery Directory

10 Most Unique Napa Wineries You Need to Visit

Most Unique Napa Wineries to Visit | Small and Boutique Napa Valley Wineries Off The Beaten Path

Editor’s Note: This guide to 10 of the best off-the-beaten-path and unique wineries to visit in Napa Valley is written by Winetraveler contributor and founder of Uncorked Adventures, Mark Aselstine . Mark has toured Napa extensively and offers his advice from the perspective of an industry professional and someone who has worked with many of the Napa Valley winemakers discussed below.

10 Lesser-Known Wineries That Let You See the Real Napa Valley

Fantesca estate & winery.

2920 Spring Mountain Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

(707) 968-9229

”Sexy, Smart, and Unpretentious,” might be some of the best ways to describe Fantesca Winery. A 53-acre piece of land was purchased in 2004 by winemaking couple Susan and Duane Hoff with a 10-acre vineyard already on the property. Since then, they have honed their style to something special.

Personal, professional, and exceptional are all words frequently used by visitors to describe their experiences on this stunning property. From the quality of the wine, to the interaction you can expect with the staff, you won’t leave this winery disappointed. 

Note that visits to Fantesca must be made by reservation-only and are considered to be unique and private. Enquire ahead of time here to book your experience!

Winetraveler Tip: Want to stay on a vineyard? Take a look at some of our favorite vineyard hotels in Napa  and get updates on flight deals into San Francisco as they arise. Separately, save yourself the hassle of planning and driving, and consider booking a privately guided wine tour experience in Napa with concierge service.

If you’re interested in experiencing Napa Valley with an expert guide or driver, you can find a number of our highly recommended tour options below.

Benessere Vineyards Napa Valley Winery | Best Small and Boutique Napa Wineries

Benessere Vineyards

1010 Big Tree Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

(707) 963-5853

One of my favorite stories in all of Napa Valley wine, I think we’re all familiar with Trader Joe’s at this point and Benessere was the original $2 Chuck property. In the 80’s, the property went into a significant state of disrepair and the bulk wine company — Bronco Wine — bought the $2 Chuck name. They then started bottling the line of wines for Trader Joe’s. More recently, the property has had better ownership and it’s older vines and history offer an interesting take on Napa Valley fruit. Good Syrah and Sangiovese is still grown here where St Helena runs into the hills that separate it from Calistoga.

RELATED: Best Napa Valley Wineries & Tours to Book This Year

People’s Wine Revolution

1311 Pine St, Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 360-5419

Matt Reid is the winemaker at Benessere by day, but he also makes wine at People’s Wine Revolution. He started the brand for a simple reason: not even winemakers in Napa Valley can afford to open the juice they’re making all the time.

PWR offers a range of $18 wines and some of the best value in all of California. Like many small labels, Matt’s as likely to meet you at his house for a tasting, as he is at Benessere. Fruit is sourced from a variety of sources in Northern California.

Emerson Brown Wines Napa Valley

Bud Break at Emerson Brown Winery in Napa Valley | Unique Napa Valley Wineries for Wine Tasting

Another winemaker personal project, Emerson Brown is the combined work of Vineyard 29 winemaker Keith Emerson and Round Pond winemaker Brian Brown. Both those properties are worth an appointment in their own right, but combining some of the best Cabernet fruit in Napa from Round Pond and perhaps the best gravity flow, geothermal powered production facility at Vineyard 29… makes the $75 price point seem low by Napa Valley standards.

Patel Winery

Raj Patel Winery in Napa Valley | Lesser Known Napa Valley Wineries to Visit

Raj Patel’s label that carries his name burst onto the scene a year or two ago when Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate bestowed a 94 point score on their Cabernet Sauvignon. Raj is a different kind of winery owner though, he still wasn’t exactly thrilled with the direction of the winery. So, he changed winemakers and convinced Luc Morlet to come on board and make his wine. The focus is on balance and the winery produces an outstanding Malbec, which is exceedingly rare in Napa Valley in addition to their Cabernet Sauvignon.

RELATED: 15 Tips To Plan The Perfect Wine Vacation

Morlet Family Vineyards

2825 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

(707) 967-8690

Best Small Napa Valley Wineries to Visit | Morlet Family Vineyards

Luc Morlet is the aforementioned winemaker now for Patel, the winery that bears his name is his family’s project.  A 4th generation winemaker who was born in Champagne, he married the woman of his dreams, who happened to be from Sacramento, and thus, ended up making wine in America. A decidedly old-world bent on Napa fruit, they make a few wines outside of the regular Napa rotation like a varietal Cabernet Franc as well as a late harvest (ie dessert) Semillon.

Attune Wines Napa Valley

Attune Wines in Napa Valley

Carneros is the odd region that exists in both Napa and Sonoma, Attune offers one of the absolute classic spots to stay, if you can fork over the $2k per night for their 5+ bedroom chateau in the middle of their vineyard it’s one of the most memorable stays imaginable.  For the rest of us, the winery itself makes only a few hundred of cases per year, selling much of their fruit to others, but the Pinot Noir is exemplary and priced fairly for the region at under $50.

RELATED: 5 Stunning Stops To Make Driving From Los Angeles to Napa

Larkmead Vineyards

1100 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 942-0167

Visiting Larkmeade Vineyards in Napa Valley | Boutique Napa Wineries, low key wineries in Napa Valley

Perhaps the biggest name on this list, despite numerous incredible scores from critics in vintage after vintage, Larkmead hasn’t ascended into the consciousness in the same way that larger production places like Caymus have.  That isn’t to say these wines aren’t that good, they are every bit as good as more famous Napa addresses. Stop by to taste in one of the most picturesque old farmhouses in Napa Valley.

Girard Winery

1077 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 921-2800

Girard Winery Napa Valley Yountville

Only now able to build a tasting room on their vineyard site, Girard offers a tasting room in the beautiful and restaurant-centric walkable village that is Yountville. Long one of the quality leaders for Sauvignon Blanc in the valley, well worth an hour of time as you look longingly across the street at French Laundry.

Prime Cellars Napa 

10 Off the Beaten Path Wineries Napa Valley | Prime Cellars Wine Napa Valley

Winemaker and owner (along with his wife, Lisa) Ted Henry spends his days making wine at Jarvis, but Prime is their family-owned project with a small tasting room in downtown Napa. Downtown is undergoing a renaissance that doesn’t get enough press outside of the occasional earthquake and Prime offers a nice spot to enjoy an Oakville Cabernet and Chardonnay, in the style that originally made the Valley famous, while you contemplate new development and how it might affect agriculture as time goes by.

If you enjoyed this guide, consider joining the Winetraveler Facebook Group to interact with other Winetravelers and discover travel inspiration from around the world. And be sure to follow along with us on Instagram .

Get Articles Like These Directly in Your Inbox!

Subscribe to Winetraveler and receive notifications when new articles are published. It's free!

Email Address

Sign Me Up!

Login to view more Articles

Leave a comment, ask a question or share a review cancel reply, in this article, you might also like, fantastic missouri wineries & vineyards to visit in 2024, how to go wine tasting in california’s edna valley & san luis obispo wine country, expert guide to wine tasting in lodi california (2024), 5 exciting ways to go wine tasting in croatia, how to drive sonoma’s bohemian highway in ca this year, 15 best restaurants in san francisco to wine & dine, 10 top us national parks to visit during the winter, wineries nearby, weis vineyards, dr. konstantin frank winery, pahrump valley winery, daou vineyards & winery, cheers to free membership.

Explore new paths. Travel expertise from locals and wine industry experts.

Get free access to all the goods:

  • Exclusive articles
  • In-depth itineraries
  • …and more

fun wine tours napa

Request a free copy* of the Napa Valley Visitor Magazine

search close

Wine Tours & Transportation

Winery tours from the experts who know napa valley, there is no better way to experience napa valley wineries & tasting rooms than on a tour. sit back and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving..

Your options are vast, from riding around in old classic convertibles and wine trolleys to wine tasting on a private tour in a town car, limo or party bus with your friends.

Take a look at the directory below to find the right tour for your getaway.

Get Inspired

Unique winery experiences & tours in napa valley, all-inclusive wine tours in napa valley, ditch the car: best way to tour napa valley, looking for other types of tours, unique tours & tastings, #visitnapavalley, book your stay, boutique inns.

Nestled among rolling hills, charming neighborhoods, and storied vineyards are the most charming boutique inns

From impeccable design to lavish landscapes, Napa Valley hotels have the creature comforts and amenities for you and your loved ones

A wonderland for grown-ups, Napa Valley resorts cater to outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, bon vivants and those seeking serenity

Need more travel planning tips or recommendations for your Napa Valley trip?

Be inspired year-round. Sign-up for our bi-monthly newsletter to get insider tips, travel inspiration and upcoming events

Looking for more Napa Valley inspiration? You can request a free copy* of the Napa Valley Visitor Magazine

VISIT NAPA VALLEY

  • 1001 Second Street, Suite 330
  • Napa, CA 94559
  • (707) 226-5813

NAPA VALLEY WELCOME CENTER

  • 1300 1st St #313
  • (707) 251-5895  |  (855) 847-6272

© 2024 Visit Napa Valley

Simpleview logo

Subscribe to our bi-monthly e-newsletter to get Napa Valley insider tips, travel inspiration and upcoming event information.

View our Privacy Policy for details on use and storage of your personal data

Cookies are used for measurement, ads, and optimization. By continuing to use our site you agree to our  privacy policy .

  • Work with Me
  • Start a Blog
  • Yearly Roundups
  • 101 in 1001 Goals
  • how to start a travel blog
  • tips for new bloggers
  • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

9 Vineyards to Visit on your Next Trip to Napa Valley (All My Favorites!)

last Updated: September 21, 2023 california napa

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

unique wineries in Napa - All my favorite spots!

Headed to Wine Country and looking for unique wineries in Napa? Here in the valley you’ll find ornate statues, gushing waterfalls, and even a castle. All at the wineries! Check out my favorites below!

Napa is world renowned for it’s wine selection, and for good reason.  The Valley and surrounding areas boast more than 600 wineries, each with their own tasting room.  (And even more that are not accounted for.)  It would take a lifetime to take a few sips at each, let alone in a long weekend.

Therefore, I’ve decided to compile my favorite wineries, each with their own distinctive flair and personality.  If you’re not a wine connoisseur, the tastings will all begin to blend together, especially after your first few flights. I choose my vineyards and wineries not only by wine selection, but by views, experiences, and overall distinctness.

And can I tell you, unique wineries in Napa are hard to find! There are just so many!  Here’s my personal collection of wineries in Napa with the best views and landscapes!

Read more about Napa here ↓

Reaching New Heights in Napa: Hot Air Ballooning over the Valley

Napa Valley Hotel Spotlight: Andaz Napa

A Girl’s Getaway to Napa Valley, California

My Favorite Vineyards in Napa Valley

 1. sterling vineyard.

10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com | unique wineries in Napa - All my favorite spots!

2| Castello di Amorosa

10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com

3| Domaine Carneros

10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com

5| Signorello

10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com october-61

6| Robert Mondavi

napa 10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com october-61

7| V. Sattui

10 Vineyards to Visit on Your Next Trip to Napa Valley | www.apassionandapassport.com

Suggestions on what to pack for Napa Valley:

  • chic picnic basket – it’s the perfect place for it!
  • corkscrew for when you’re on your picnic, and want to open a bottle of wine you just bought…
  • plastic wine cups
  • lightweight pashmina – the weather changes a lot up here, best to be prepared
  • comfy flats or sandals  (you’ll probably be walking a bit)
  • durable camera to capture all those scenic landscapes (and a few silly buzzy selfies…)
  • mini cooler or ice chest for any sweets or cheeses you buy
  • light jacket or wind breaker 

peju napa valley

Read more about Napa here ↓

Who’d like to join me for a bottle next time?!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You may also love...

weekend in Santa Barbara itinerary

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

California.

  • About Jessica
  • How to Plan a Trip
  • Fave Travel Companies
  • Shop My Faves

Destinations

  • World Travel
  • San Francisco
  • Northern California
  • Southern California
  • Central Coast

Platypus Wine Tours

Join-in Wine Tour of the Napa Valley

Sit back, enjoy wine country.

Join in wine tour Napa

Join the Fun ~ Napa Valley

$119 per person – $129 on fridays, $139 on saturdays, picnic lunch included – winery tasting fees are extra.

Napa Valley is the most celebrated wine region in North America. World-renowned wine, cuisine and scenic landscape make this a must-visit destination for visitors from all over the world. At Platypus Tours, we strive to accomplish an overview of the ideal Napa Valley day for our guests.

Join-in-wine-tour-sonoma-sm

Book Now (or just Check Availability)

Our daily Join-in wine tours are designed to show you a picture-perfect day in the Napa Valley or Sonoma region wine country. This is a really fun and social way to see a hand-picked selection of backroads wineries that you probably wouldn’t find on your own.

Tour price is $119 per person ($129 on Fridays, $139 on Saturdays).

  • Friendly tour guide, who provides storytelling and lots of tidbits about the wine process
  • Pick-up from your wine country lodging, in most cases between about 10-10:30am, depending on the location. Drop off around 5:00pm
  • Tour visits three smaller wineries, hand-picked by your guide
  • Picnic lunch included served at a winery
  • Lots of bottled water provided
  • Group size is 8-12 guests

Not included:

  • Winery “tasting” fees (These fees run about $20-$25 per person and are often waived with wine purchase)

For parties of more than 8, please visit our Private Tour page

More information on our FAQ page

Our small-group guided wine tours are organized Join-in style, so on this tour, you’ll share your day with a few other friendly, wine-interested travelers. This will be an intimate, yet social and light-hearted journey through the Napa Valley. We’ll show you three charming, hidden gem wineries (many of which are still family-owned), with an up-beat and well-informed tour guide. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a very tasty picnic lunch and have the opportunity to taste some wonderful wines.

  • Visit three wineries – rich in charm and history
  • Take in awesome and inspiring views
  • Taste some of the world’s most delicious wines
  • Learn tidbits of local wine making history and culture
  • Dine on a scrumptious picnic lunch – served at a winery
  • Share the experience with other fun people
  • Personable, informed tour guide
  • Feel you’ve experienced the real Napa Valley wine country!
  • Click here for more information.

PT21.Biale_

This tends to be very social, yet civilized tour. You’ll board a small-group shuttle,  usually with eight to twelve wine-interested adventurers on board visiting an ever-changing selection of smaller, intimate wineries – ideal for individual travelers, couples and small groups of friendly people. Your guide/driver will point out notable landmarks and wineries along the way. You’ll tour a winery, take in some extraordinary views of Napa Valley, maybe stroll through the vines, get a flavor of wine country history, hear stories and learn about wine making. This is not a boilerplate tour – it’s different every day, it’s informative and it’s fun!

The Napa Valley Join-In Wine Tour price is $119 per guest ($129 Fridays, $139 Saturdays), and is offered every day, subject to availability. Tasting fees at the wineries are not included and are charged extra by the wineries. These fees typically run about $20-$25 per person, per winery. All Join-In Wine Tours include a tasty picnic lunch served by your tour guide/driver on the grounds of one of the wineries.  Our tours usually last from about 10:30am to about 5:00pm. Pick-up is from local Napa-area hotels, rentals and from selected meeting spots for those driving in for the day.

Here is an example of a recent Napa Wine Tour Itinerary: Merryvale, Tedeschi, and Hans Fahden. We customize all of our tours and the wineries change each day. Itineraries do vary depending on availability.

Wine Tasting Fees

Tasting fees at the wineries are not included and are charged extra by the wineries, compensating them for the wine they pour for guests. These fees typically run about $20-$25 per person, per winery. Some tasting fees can be higher in the region, but Platypus works hard to cultivate relationships with our winery partners in order to keep the fees at an average of $20-$25 per person, per winery. Because of our partnerships, almost any of the wineries on our Join-In Tours will often waive a tasting fee with a bottle purchase or wine club membership.

If you have any additional questions about wine tasting fees, please don’t hesitate to call us at  (707) 253-2723 .

Meeting / Pickup

For our Napa Valley Tours we can usually pick you up from your hotel or inn or almost any location in the Napa Valley within the towns of American Canyon, Napa, Yountville, or St. Helena, and drop you off at that same place.

Otherwise, we’ll meet you at a pre-arranged public place that has parking. Our meeting place is in downtown Napa located at the corner of Main Street & 5th Street, Napa. There is a free parking in the 5th Street garage right across the street on levels 2 and 4. Pick-up time for the Napa Valley Tour from this location is 10:15am.  Select “Napa Valley Meeting Location” if you want to book this pick up location online.

If you are staying at some other Napa Valley location, we may still be able to pick you up. Please contact us and let us know where you’re staying and we’ll do our best to accommodate you and see if that option is available on your tour day.

Check out some of our favorite   Napa Valley Wineries .

General Questions

May we pick the wineries? On Join-In Tours, your tour driver will take responsibility for planning the best tour day possible for the entire group. Private tours can choose the wineries they wish to visit.

How much time do we spend at each winery? There is no set time. The average is about an hour at each winery.

Napa Valley Wine Tours & Sonoma Tours | Platypus Wine Tours

You can avoid all of the work and stress of planning your Napa Valley or Sonoma wine region visit by allowing us to guide you through a most compelling and memorable day in the wine country!

On our small group join-in wine tours, you’ll meet other wine adventurers on a roomy shuttle led by one of our friendly and informative tour guides. We’ll pick you up from your area lodging for a day filled with fun, flavor and adventure!

Or…make it private! We’re happy to accommodate couples or groups of any size for customized tours through the wine country.

Join-in Tours Private Tours

Tour Championship

Silverado Resort (North Course)

MY GAME | 12 PART SERIES

fun wine tours napa

Well Played

20-year-old college star expertly handles question about being in Napa wine country for PGA Tour event

2161030270

Dylan Buell

With a new title sponsor, golf fans may think they're not familiar with this week's Procore Championship . But put another way, it should job their memories: It's the one they play in Napa.

RELATED: Our expert picks to win the 2024 Procore Championship

You know Napa, right? The wine capital of the country? In fact, this tournament's trophy used to be a big wine jug. Fun!

859154338

Robert Laberge

So it makes sense that players doing a pre-tournament press conference would be asked about enjoying some vino in the region. But 20-year-old Luke Clanton, still a junior a Florida State despite some PGA Tour success already, expertly handled the question.

"Well, I'm 20, so I really can't—I really can't do much because I know this is wine country," Clanton said on Tuesday. "No, I'm more kind of stay at home, play a bunch of video games, chill out, relax, talk to the girlfriend on the phone. My caddie, Jason Wiertel, is coming down tonight so pretty happy about it."

The young man who had three top 10s in six starts last season—including a T-2 at the John Deere Classic—may still be in school, but he's already a veteran when it comes to pressers. Besides, how much trouble can you really get into in Napa? It's not like we're talking about Vegas. And, anyway, Luke has classes to worry about!

"Had to do some homework last night, but other than that it's been OK," Clanton said moments later.

Homework! Good job, Luke. Stay focused on both the course and your courses and maybe you can enjoy a little victory vino come Sunday night.

RELATED: John Smoltz recalls amazing golf club memberships offered in free agency

More from Golf Digest

Trending now.

IMAGES

  1. 18 Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

    fun wine tours napa

  2. Travel Vlog #21

    fun wine tours napa

  3. 18 Best Napa Valley Wine Tours

    fun wine tours napa

  4. 3 Most Well Guarded Secrets About our Napa Valley Wine Tour

    fun wine tours napa

  5. Napa Valley Small-Group Wine-Tasting Tour 2024

    fun wine tours napa

  6. Fun wine tour, great itinerary and good for young adults and first

    fun wine tours napa

VIDEO

  1. Cairnstone Adventure Tours

  2. Video: Beau Wine Tours pitcher Scott Donaldson strikes out another Coliseum batter before his team

  3. Dominus Napa Inside with Amicis Tours.MOV

  4. Wine TV Guide Sonoma with Jessica Altieri

  5. Napa Valley Luxury Transportation & Wine Tasting Tours: Book Private VIP Experience

  6. WEEKLY VLOG| NC WINE TOURS, PRIVATE SWIM LESSON, & MORE| LIA LAVON

COMMENTS

  1. 9 Best Napa Valley Wine Tours of 2024

    Napa Valley Bike Tours - Full-Day Napa Valley E-bike Tour. Price: From $199 per person. Duration: 5.5 hours. Cycle to two different wineries on this electric bike ride. Along the route, guides ...

  2. 35 Best Napa Wineries & Wine Tasting Tours for 2024

    6150 Silverado Trail, Napa. (707) 257-5790. Why Guests Love It: Historic Winery, Beautiful Views, Exceptional Service. Stags' Leap is another legendary Napa winery and is a must for those wanting to taste through the best the valley has to offer.

  3. Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours

    World-class wine tours and tastings are at the heart of Napa Valley's allure. With more than 400 wineries scattered throughout the region, the options span the gamut from boutique wineries to prominent brand name producers. Local tourism agencies offer private wine tours, group tours, and transportation, making it easy for travelers to make ...

  4. Napa Valley Wine Tours

    Note-worthy Rutherford Wine Tours: Pestoni Family Estate Winery, Grgich Hills, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Mumm Napa, Fleury Estate winery, Alpha Omega Winery, and Frog's Leap Winery. Savory Eats: Rutherford Grill, and Bistro at Auberge du Soliel. Accommodations: Auberge du Soliel, Maison Fleurie, and Rancho Caymus.

  5. THE 10 BEST Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours

    2. The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley "Up Valley" Castle Tour. 107. Food & Drink. 6-7 hours. This Napa Valley Wine Trolley tour provides safe transportation to three premium wineries and takes the guesswork out of…. Free cancellation. from. $125.

  6. THE 10 BEST Napa Wine Tasting Tours

    The $600 tour offered is for up a group of 6 guests (not per person) . Enjoy a Private wine tour of the Napa and Sonoma …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 98% of travelers. from. $618. per group. 11. San Francisco Shore Excursion: Napa & Sonoma Ultimate Wine Tour.

  7. Napa Valley Wine Tours & Sonoma Tours

    Join-in Wine Tours: Per person-priced $119-$139. Come along on a fun, interesting and truly memorable small-group wine tour of the Napa Valley or Sonoma wine country (About 12 guests). You'll visit three charming backroads wineries, with a picnic lunch served at one of them. Also, you will hear stories and learn tidbits of local history ...

  8. THE 10 BEST Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tours

    C$179. per adult. 3. The Original Napa Valley Wine Trolley "Up Valley" Castle Tour. 106. Food & Drink. 6-7 hours. This Napa Valley Wine Trolley tour provides safe transportation to three premium wineries and takes the guesswork out of…. Free cancellation.

  9. Unique Winery Experiences & Tours in Napa Valley

    Lunch & wine tasting onboard the Wine Train. The Napa Valley Wine Train not only offers a unique and picturesque way of traveling through Napa Valley, but offers an incredible culinary experience alongside wine tasting. The Tasting on the Rails experience features seven courses paired with seven Napa Valley wines on a three hour, round-trip ...

  10. Napa Valley Wineries

    Enjoy intimate wine tastings, expansive outdoor spaces, and behind-the-scenes private tours of wine cellars and caves. Plus, 95% of our wineries are family-owned and operated, which means nearly every spot will feel like home. With hundreds of wineries to explore, each with its own unique style, setting and history, planning your Napa Valley ...

  11. The 10 best Napa Valley wine tours to sip and see Wine Country

    Segway tours take place in Napa, Yountville and Calistoga and include options such as wine tasting at boutique wineries, exploration of wetlands, a historic tour, culinary tour and ghost tour ...

  12. The Best Winery Tours in Napa Valley

    5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 252-9777. Situated in the heart of the Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge Vineyards —which has been making wine for over 40 years—offers several wine tasting experiences worth exploring. For a complete vine-to-glass tour, though, check out the 90-minute Cellar 47 Cave Tour and Tasting.

  13. Home

    Choose from our diverse packages and make your reservation today. At Lorelei's Luxury Wine Tours goes beyond the ordinary, providing not just a wine tour but an immersive journey through the heart of Napa Valley's wine culture. With personalized attention, expert guides, and luxury transportation to elevate your wine-tasting experience to ...

  14. The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

    On-site experiences range from a signature tasting for $95 per person to a behind-the-scenes tour through some of the property's scenic wine caves starting at $125 per person. Stag's Leap does not ...

  15. 8 Best Wine Tours in Napa Valley (Updated 2024)

    1. Napa Valley Wine Trolley. If you're after something a bit different, then the Napa Valley Wine Trolley is a good way to go. Instead of a regular tour bus, you'll ride on a replica of a cable car. It's an open-air car, of course, so make sure you pick the right weather to try this. Tours leave from the Oxbow Market in Napa; a $99 tour ...

  16. Home

    Wine Tours. Visit wineries in style and luxury throughout Napa and Sonoma counties. Experience vineyard views and vistas, tour wine caves and barrel cellars, experience food and wine pairings. These are just some of the options that can be arranged. Let us show you Napa Valley with your own private Napa Wine Tasting Tours, carefully crafted by ...

  17. The 14 Best Wineries in Napa, According to Wine Experts

    Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena. Courtesy of Beringer Vineyards. Beringer Vineyards is a place steeped in firsts. It was one of the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars, and the first ...

  18. 10 Most Unique Napa Wineries You Need to Visit

    1077 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515. (707) 921-2800. The Girard Winery tasting room in Yountville, Napa Valley. Image courtesy Girard Winery. Only now able to build a tasting room on their vineyard site, Girard offers a tasting room in the beautiful and restaurant-centric walkable village that is Yountville.

  19. Napa Valley Winery Tours

    There is no better way to experience Napa Valley wineries & tasting rooms than on a tour. Sit back and let the professionals take care of the planning and the driving. Your options are vast, from riding around in old classic convertibles and wine trolleys to wine tasting on a private tour in a town car, limo or party bus with your friends. Take ...

  20. THE 10 BEST Napa Wine Tasting Tours

    per adult. 5. Half-Day Napa Valley E-Bike Tour. 44. Food & Drink. 3-4 hours. On a Half-Day Bike Tour, you'll enjoy the unique experience of biking through wine country and visiting a local winery while…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 90% of travellers.

  21. 8 Unique Wineries in Napa: Where to Visit on your Next Trip

    2| Castello di Amorosa. Dubbed the "Castle Winery" by some, this unique place was inspired by a castle in Tuscany. The views are nice and the wines are even nicer. Get the full experience by purchasing a ticket to tour the grounds and entire castle, where you'll see not only rooms full of barrels, but a torture chamber as well. (AH!)

  22. THE 10 BEST Napa Wine Tasting Tours

    The $600 tour offered is for up a group of 6 guests (not per person) . Enjoy a Private wine tour of the Napa and Sonoma …. Free cancellation. Recommended by 98% of travellers. from. £479. per group. 11. San Francisco Shore Excursion: Napa & Sonoma Ultimate Wine Tour.

  23. Napa Valley Winery Tours

    The Napa Valley Join-In Wine Tour price is $119 per guest ($129 Fridays, $139 Saturdays), and is offered every day, subject to availability. Tasting fees at the wineries are not included and are charged extra by the wineries. These fees typically run about $20-$25 per person, per winery. All Join-In Wine Tours include a tasty picnic lunch ...

  24. 20-year-old college star expertly handles question about being in Napa

    20-year-old college star expertly handles question about being in Napa wine country for PGA Tour event. By Alex Myers. ... In fact, this tournament's trophy used to be a big wine jug. Fun!