Winery Recommendations For A Good Bottle of Wine in Napa

While there is great wine in Napa, the reality is: it’s not the only place for great California wine. We focus on the other areas in this state where you can find good wine, beautiful vistas, reasonable pricing and friendly people. So we focus on the other regions of California’s wine country. But we’ll give you some thoughts on Napa tasting rooms from a friend who still frequents the area.

For a Good Bottle of Wine in Napa, here are recommendations from the notes of Doug & Laura Schrippa. Napa County has a constricted wine tasting environment as it has struggled with its success. Tastings average $60-$75 for a standard tasting vs. $125-$138 for premium flights, Wineries started after July of 1990 are not allowed to have open retail hours. Visitors must have an appointment.

This is due to the 1990 Winery Definition Ordinance restricting non-legacy wineries from having tours and tastings open to the public. Some of these laws are currently being challenged but it will take several years to litigate. Perhaps they’ll be successful.

White Hall Lane – Cabernet Sauvignon is great. $40-$90 tasting fee.

Cake Bread – Loved their Pinot Noir, it was the best of that particular visit through Napa. $50 tasting fee.

Sequoia Grove – You’ll need to try their Petit Sirah. $60-$125 tasting fee.

Opus – At $125 tasting fee, it’s overrated, but has been great in the past. Accessable only with an appointment.

Culinary Institute of America at Greystone – This is a great dining experience, with wonderful wine pairings.

V. Sattui Winery –  There are better wines, but this is a wonderful place for sitting and lunching with the attached deli. Their Mideira is a wonderful after diner wine, made of Zin and fortified with brandy. Tasting fees start at $55 with reservation.