20 Most Beautiful Wineries in Napa Valley: Top Scenic Views, Castles & Unique Vineyards

Address: 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa

Stags Leap Wine Cellars is the perfect embodiment of the California desert aesthetic juxtaposed with one of the most beautiful vineyards in Napa with sweeping mountain views from every tasting room and terrace. They offer two standard wine tasting experiences ranging from $50-$75 per person, but if you’re looking to splurge a little bit on your Napa trip you should consider upgrading to the Celestial Tasting Experience, which features stunning food pairings in an exclusive tasting room.

The Library Experience is also worth the investment with all three of Stag’s Leap’s 2018 award-winners on show (and a lovely charcuterie selection): The CASK 23, S.L.V, and FAY cabernet sauvignons, which have all earned upwards of 95-97 points. Stag’s Leap also offers two different wine club options to keep the Napa experience going when you get back home- one tailored to those who want to collect a cellar full of impressive vintages, and another for wine lovers who want something special to pour for friends every Friday night. It's my favorite Silverado Trail winery to visit.

Address: 4060 Silverado Trail, Napa

If you’re looking for a peaceful and high-class vineyard visit that can last all day, you simply cannot go wrong with a trip to Davies Estate. The surrounding scenery is gorgeous with an antique windmill and telescopes for admiring the mountains in the distance amongst, of course, the acres upon acres of thriving grapevines. From the luxurious swinging couches on the porch to the elaborate “cave” system, nearly every piece of decor and furniture at Davies is handcrafted and highly inspired by nature. For a laidback tasting experience, you can sip your flight around the outdoor stone fireplaces or you can visit their full-service kitchen with an authentic woodfire pizza oven.

Address: 1111 W Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga

I ADORE their Arial tram tasting experience where you ride up the mountain to the tasting room. You’ll savor everything from reserve chardonnays to award-winning cabernet sauvignons over the vineyards that produced them. In the meantime, you can book a virtual tasting experience right from the comfort of your own home that will have you California dreaming all night long. Choose from a pre-made tasting kit or work with one of the vineyards connoisseurs to curate a tasting kit specifically for your tastes. These offerings range from portions for one to twelve people so it’s perfect for both a cozy self-care night or a dinner party with family. Come in the afternoon for hazy golden light views of the most scenic vineyards in Napa (on a clear day I swear you can see Joseph Phelps Vineyards from up there!) Sterling is one of my favorite vineyards to take out of town guests.

Note: This gorgeous Napa Valley winery was heavily impacted by the devastating California wildfires but is on track to reopen in late 2022/early 2023, and will certainly be worth a trip when it does.

Address: 1345 Henry Rd, Napa

Just 10 minutes from downtown Napa is an innovative, ultra-modern winery with geometric architecture built right into the hillside. As if its unique design is not enough, they also produce some highly regarded reds, white, rose, and sparkling wines. During your visit, you’ll have the option to take part in one of three tasting experiences. The first is a seated tasting known as “The Artisanal”, which will earn you 6 wines, starting off with a welcome glass of bubbly. Even better, the fee for this tasting is waived for every 3 bottles purchased, so if you’re looking to stock up your hotel room for the remainder of this trip, this is a great place to start. For a more elevated experience, you may choose to indulge in a Spanish tapas and wine pairing or embark on a “Wines and Vines” tour where you’ll do your tasting as you’re guided throughout the estate.

Pro-tip: come in the fall to see scenic views of vineyards covered in orange and yellow leaves!

Address: 5901 Silverado Trail, Napa

Pine Ridge Vineyward’s estate is absolutely breathtaking, flanked by- you guessed it- the edge of an expansive pine forest on all sides; perhaps even earning it the title of the most scenic vineyard in Napa. As majestic as the landscape is, their indoor tasting lounges are equally as impressive, scattered throughout their European-inspired cave system. After venturing downstairs to try their flagship FORTIS Cabernet Sauvignon and Chenin Blanc/Viognier blend, we recommend booking a picnic in the garden with bottle service.

Address: 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa

The Darioush Vineyard, the first of many along Silverado Trail, is an absolute stunner designed with tall Persian columns and sculptures with fire features. . During your visit, you can participate in a very diverse selection of onsite tasting experiences. Some of the most popular include a Mezze plate pairing, an alfresco dinner that explores the histories and cuisine of the origin of wine, and a sensory experience where a master of pairing artisanal olive oils with dishes and wines will turn you into the ultimate dinner party host.

If you’d like to bring the Napa experience back home to your friends who couldn’t make the trip, Darioush offers a bespoke collection of gifting options such as a bundle of stargazing essentials (A beautiful Cab Franc, a portable telescope, and a brilliantly illustrated sky atlas for spotting the constellations ) or an artisan backgammon board paired with the perfect wine for a games night in.

Address: 4045 St. Helena Hwy, Calistoga

You’ve likely seen images of the vineyard trending on Pinterest and found yourself searching “castle winery Napa” to try and locate this exclusive venue. Well fear not, we have done the work for you. Castello di Amorosa is hands-down one of the most beautiful wineries in Napa, especially if you’re looking to up the romance factor. The vineyard’s name translates to the castle of love, and we can assure you, this century Tuscan castle made with hand-carved European bricks (antique, of course) certainly lives up to that superlative. When you arrive, you’ll drive up a winding road to the hilltop and pass through Castello di Amorosa’s popular courtyard. The vineyard is open only to tasting and tour reservations, which will have you feeling like one of the elite. Depending on the pancake you choose, you’ll be treated to some antipasti pairings, and guided by an estate sommelier through the impressive wine cellars adorned with wrought iron chandeliers and stone arches. ​​If you really want to feel like a VIP, sign up for one of their splashy luxury experiences which include a barrel tasting of their finest cabernet, your own set of their signature stemware for keeps, and premium membership to their wine club.

Pro Tip: If you’re planning your travels for the winter season, be sure to look into “Winter in the Wineries Passport” which will allow you to visit 14 estates in the Napa region, including the famous Napa Valley Castle Winery, and participate in complimentary tastings at each one valued at over $400. You’ll also receive free corkage at key local restaurants and discounts at some favorite hotels and spas.

Address: 1429 Stubbs Lane, Calistoga

Competing with Castello di Amorosa for the most beautiful vineyard in Napa is Chateau Montelena; an Ivy-covered stone chateau and rolling vineyard that’s straight out of a fantasy. Nestled between the rows of grapes you’ll find several shimmering lakes and ponds with resident swans (I mean come on, how romantic is that?) and a little pavilion where you can take a peaceful moment to yourself. Not only is it one of the most beautiful wineries, but we certainly think it has one of the most beautiful tasting rooms in Napa with exposed stone walls, private seating areas, and large windows for admiring the views below. It's also super historic, being part of the reason Napa was even put on the map in the first place.

Montelena also participates in the Winter in the Wineries Passport program mentioned above for anyone who is curious about the lineup. As an added vote of confidence, it’s worth noting that this vineyard’s appeal is widespread, they even have a remote tasting room in San Francisco in the infamous historic Westin hotel.

Address: 8466 St Helena Highway, Rutherford

Peju is an adorable wine country venue with a decidedly eclectic fairytale-esque facade. Throughout the grounds, you’ll find manicured hedges, a bubbly pink-stone cottage, water fountains, towering sculptures, lush gardens, and flowering bushes. If you’re looking for a cute photo opportunity to commemorate your trip, this is it. Furthermore, Peju offers some very affordable indoor/outdoor wine tastings at just $50 per person, which is pretty incredible considering they are currently pouring 14 wines with a rating of 90 points or more. If you join their wine club, you can up the ante with a wine and food pairing where you’ll sample member-only wines for the same price as a standard tasting.

Celebrating a special occasion? No problem. You can book a private four-course lunch where the concierge will set you a table in the vineyard rows and serve you plates full of fresh ingredients grown in the PEJU garden. Where else can you can go from the stem to the kitchen in minutes?

Address: 1350 Acacia Drive, Oakville

Far Niente is the best Napa winery for embracing your inner artist. Once owned by the uncle of Winslow homer (the famous impressionist painter) this estate was designed by a creative eye to appease the senses. Here, you can spend the afternoon perusing the 42 aces of stone bridges, idyllic sprawling vineyards, and unique architecture.

During your visit, you can choose from a seated tasting or a full estate tour (both of which feature a full range of Far Niente vintages) or participate in a Cave Collection Library wine tasting which will take you through the process of aging their famous Chardonnays and Cabernets in an underground labyrinth. Be sure to check out the artwork on the bottling as it's clear that no expense was spared in keeping their artsy heritage alive.

Address: 401 St. Helena Highway, South St. Helena

Hall Wines is a series of two Napa Valley vineyards specializing in cabernet sauvignon and sauvignon blanc, both touting equal amounts of prestige. They're also famous for the giant leaping bunny out front for photo-ops. While children may not be welcome at this adults-only venue, your dogs are welcome to tag along for a visit to any of the vineyards’ outdoor spaces! Though both locations offer a lovely atmosphere for standard and premium tasting experiences, it’s really the private rooms that make Hall Wines such a standout.

If you’re traveling with a group and celebrating something special be sure to ask for a table in the Vaca salon at St. Helena or the chandelier room in the wine caves at Rutherford (an absolute must for wine enthusiasts and shutterbugs alike- we’ve never seen a room quite so photogenic). The member's lounge is also pretty memorable if investing in a membership is in the cards for you and your crew.

Address: 8445 Silverado Trail, Napa

Mumm Napa is a popular choice amongst the Napa Valley wineries for influencers, travel bloggers, and girls’ getaways, and for good reason. Here, you can choose between a patio tasting ordered by the glass (which is an especially good choice if you’re more interested in the selection of still wines) or an oak terrace tasting where your pours will be served with local cheeses and dried fruit/nuts tailored to their selection of sparkling wines. If you’re traveling with your dog, you’ll be happy to know that this is one of the few vineyards where a leashed and well-behaved companion is welcome to join you in this dog friendly winery!

Mumm Napa has no shortage of wines for any occasion. If there are any music fans out there, you may be interested to know that amongst their sparkling selections is a Brut collaboration with Carlos Santana, which supports his family’s charity foundation. If you’re in the mood to shell out for something extraordinary, the award-winning 2012 Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Rose imported from their sister winery in the champagne region of France will run you $300 a bottle. With bottling nearly as exquisite as the wine, this is the obvious choice for a special celebration.

Address: 1240 Duhig Rd., Napa

Domaine Carneros STUNNING! You can't miss their huge winery that sits on a hill and marks the entry point to Napa Valley. They are known for their estate pinot noir and a large selection of sparkling wines, and they have the light and airy decor to match. They are clearly one of the most unique wineries in Napa when it comes to their selection of onsite activities and personal attention to detail. As you sip your bubbles of the chateau terrace, you’ll have the choice of Moroccan food pairings or traditional charcuterie and they even offer a fully vegan cheese pairing menu, setting it apart from the rest of the Napa wineries when it comes to catering to every guests’ needs. Many of the tasting experiences feature a dramatic display of the traditional practice of bottle sabering, which is quite a sight to see.

Those planning to visit for a special occasion should make a call to the chateau’s concierge who will go the extra mile to arrange flower arrangements, music, or even desserts from a local bakery for your tasting. You’ll also be thrilled to learn about the environmental sustainability efforts which have earned them four awards, plus a fifth for serving sustainably caught fish

Address: 1275 Mckinstry Street, Napa

Okay, okay so this one is not exactly a winery, but a historic train that takes you to all the best wineries in Napa Valley. The Napa Valley Wine Train is rather glamorous and lasts 2-3 hours depending on the package you choose and is far and away the most unique of the Napa Wine Tours. Seated in an extravagant 1900s setting you’ll be treated to a gourmet multi-course meal comprised of all the best local ingredients and wines. Amongst the most iconic stops on this trip are the Robert Mondavi winery, Castello di Amorosa, Peju, and V. Sattui (mentioned above). If you’re traveling with a loved one, be sure to bring a lock to add to the love lock bridge at the rail station.

Address: 3199 St. Helena Hwy N., St Helena

AXR vineyard is a great place to kick off your Napa wine tasting trip by dipping your toes in the water of everything California’s wine country has to offer. This self-described pre-prohibition site has a trendy modern interior that reflects the vineyard’s distinct history and staff will treat you like royalty when you arrive. The vineyard boasts its very own Redwood grove where your tasting tour will start with their most premier white wines in hand.

Afterward, you’ll move the veranda dining area to taste your way through their catalog of fine reds. If you’re interested in joining the AXR cellar club, you’ll be able to make your selections from a private library of wines not available to the general public.

Address: 3111 St. Helena Hwy, St Helena

Brasswood is your classic California-chic venue with rustic undertones and 17,000 square feet of cave cellars. Amongst its most impressive features, however, are this wineries’ fabulous culinary experiences. The first of Brasswood’s restaurants is a classic bakery for breakfast and lighter lunches where you can grab picnic provisions to go or to be enjoyed on the estate lawn. They even have classic board games available for you to play with friends. The second is a farm-to-table casual fine dining restaurant with a more extensive menu. Corkage is complimentary on your first bottle so it’s basically a given that you’ll need to treat yourself during lunch.

Despite being a heavy-hitter in the wine industry, this restaurant also has a sophisticated spirits and cocktails menu and premium cigar selections amongst the desert aperitifs menu. While this vineyard’s culinary offerings set it apart from the rest, you didn’t come all the way to St. Helena to ignore the wine tasting. Brassword’s lively tasting room is quite pretty, but if you really want to feel special, upgrade to the winemaker's den tasting experience for personalized attention in an uber-trendy atmosphere.

Address: 875 Rutherford Rd. Rutherford, CA

Round Pond Estate is a vineyard that absolutely screams “California”. Upon your arrival, you’ll drive up the laneway lined with palms and approach a modern clay tasting room ready to impress. Their standard tasting experience is 1 hour long and offers a gourmet snacks board, but you can easily upgrade to a four-course dinner and tasting experience for an evening that’s a little more upper-class. For those who really want to make a big splash, be sure to treat yourself to some of their ultimate “Gravel Series” heritages and perhaps even a bottle of their signature Angelica port-style dessert wine.

Of course, with an olive grove on-site you’d regret not doing a tasting of the estate olive oils/red wine vinegar while you’re there, complete with a full estate tour.

Address: 2000 Main Street, St. Helena

A visit to the Beringer estate is a promise of a good time with 7 different tasting experiences to choose from- some of which are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Join a sommelier at the Rhine house salon or on the veranda for a classic flight tasting experience or you can take the “Discover Beringer” tour and taste while being guided through the wine caves.

However, if you want something you can’t find anywhere else, you’ll definitely want to check out the “Beringer Backyard Social” experience. When booking this private gathering for you and your friends, you’ll be gifted a bottle of wine for every four guests, a deluxe cheese selection for every two, and exclusive access to the Beringer Bocce Ball court where you can unleash your competitive side. There's also tons of flowers here in the springtime to make it extra pretty.

Address: 8815 Conn Creek Rd., Rutherford

Are you interested in touring a winery that holds sustainability at the heart of everything they do, in addition to pouring some really excellent wines? If so, Frog’s Leap should definitely be on your radar. Here, organic farm meets vineyard; they grow over 30 different crops on-site besides wine to increase biodiversity including a peach orchard and some blooming flower fields. As a result, they are able to make and sell several private label pantry provisions such as preserved lemons, a limited edition peach hot sauce, and various fruit butters.

Focusing back in on the wine, Frog’s leap offers both seated and tour tastings, plus a “Rooted in Rutherford” experience that exclusively highlights their library vintages. Though the vineyard grows many varietals, the ​​Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon was self-proclaimed by the owner as “the best of what I know” so we would recommend trying to get your hands on a bottle during your visit.

Address: 1111 White Lane, St. Helena

This stunning Tuscany-inspired vineyard specializing in single-vineyard cabernets is certainly one of the Napa wineries with the best views. They offer several ways to enhance your visit including a deli and marketplace where you can stock up on all the best goodies to enjoy their hilltop picnic grounds. It's most popular as a picnic lunch spot on a nice day. You can also do a more structured tasting in a casual patio atmosphere framed by The stone building, willow trees, and twinkling lights- talk about dreamy!

You can even add on a selection of gourmet chocolate truffles to either experience (which we would highly recommend if you’ve got a sweet tooth). If you’re thinking of becoming a wine club member, be sure to enroll at gold status so you can take advantage of the gold room tasting, which is a vintage and charcuterie pairing experience in an exclusive cave cellar. Furthermore, bringing your fur baby is encouraged, making V. Sattui an all-around winner.