We’re starting to think about where we want to go for vacation this summer and one of the prime places we keep thinking about is Napa Valley in California. Aside from being ridiculously beautiful, it’s got so many amazing wineries for vino lovers. If you’re thinking of hitting up Napa Valley, consider trying these wineries for a truly memorable experience.
Beaulieu Vineyard
Beaulieu Vineyard is a Napa Valley trailblazer. They started in the early 1900s and were the only Napa Valley winery to stay in business during Prohibition because they sold wine to the Catholic Church. Working with the vineyard, famed viticulturist and enologist Andre Tchelistcheff introduced cold fermentation for white wines, malolactic fermentation for reds and aging red wines in small, French oak barrels. Today they offer tastings, private tours, special events and a wine club.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Joseph Phelps makes some of the best wines in the world. Their flagship wine, Insignia, has gained worldwide recognition and 31 of their 36 vintages have been rated 90 or more points by various wine publications. The 2002 vintage was named “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator Magazine. All visits to Joseph Phelps Vineyards require an appointment, but this has a way of making the whole experience much more special and personal. We recommend a “Terrace Tasting” – up to six guests enjoy a casual, self-paced tasting on the back terrace or indoors in the Oval Room. You can try six wines in a relaxed setting with friends.
Sterling Vineyards
The architecture of the Sterling Vineyards winery is modeled after that of the Greek Island of Mykonos, where Sterling founder Peter Newton once lived. This winery is so unique because to get to it, you must ride their aerial tram up the hill, offering unbelievable views of Napa Valley. Once you get to the top, you are greeted with a glass of wine and are welcome to stroll through art galleries, overlooks, and elevated walkways that allow you to follow the winemaking process from grape to glass.