Going wine tasting is often so much more than sipping through a flight of wines. It’s about experiencing Wine Country in all of its glory and hearing the stories that make a region like Napa Valley so special. While we all love to belly up to the tasting bar at a winery, there’s something to be said for taking some time to learn about the history, property, and vineyards of the place that’s producing the wines in our glass. A well-executed winery tour before a wine tasting makes the wines in our glass that much more enjoyable.

Napa Valley is known for its gorgeous vineyards, stunning wineries, and, of course, exceptional wines. It’s hard to go wrong when wine tasting in this world-famous region just outside of San Francisco. However, some Napa wineries go above and beyond to bring to life the setting in which the wines are produced, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite wine tours in Napa Valley.

Walk Amongst The Vines

Cuvaison

1221 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559 (707) 942-2455

With a history that dates back to 1969, this independent, family-owned winery in the heart of the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley is known equally for its small-lot, estate-grown cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir as it is its leading sustainability practices, which include achieving Napa Green Winery, Napa Green Land, Bay Area Green Business, and Fish Friendly Farming certifications. With a modern tasting room that features stunning panoramic vineyard views, Cuvaison embodies the balance of tradition and innovation that defines Napa Valley.

Outdoor adventure enthusiasts will love the Vineyard Hike and Tasting experience, which offers an immersion in taste, nature, and viticulture all designed to stimulate the senses. Visitors are guided through meticulously maintained vineyards, as they learn about the unique Carneros terroir, Cuvaison’s sustainable farming practices, and how each variety is uniquely suited to the area in which it is planted. After working up an appetite, you will enjoy a tasting of Cuvaison’s finest alongside a gourmet boxed lunch from Carneros Resort for an al fresco wine and dine experience.

ATV Through Vineyards

Hess Persson Estates

4411 Redwood Road, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 225-1144

Credited with putting Mount Veeder on the map, Hess Persson Estates is a true example of what it takes to cultivate vines at elevation, and how extraordinary the resulting wines can be. A pioneer in sustainability, Hess Persson has long been celebrated for its range of wines that span expressive, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and unique red blends, to crisp and elegant white wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and more.

The ATV Vineyard Tour and Tasting is an unforgettable journey that combines scenic beauty, off-the-beaten-path adventure, and, of course, a tasting of current release wines. Your knowledgeable guide will take you on a luxury ATV through the 1,000+-acre mountainside vineyard property while you enjoy breathtaking views of Napa Valley all the way to the San Francisco Bay. Your experience concludes with a tasting of three wines accompanied by pairings created by winery executive chef Chard Henrickson using locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Vineyard Hike & Wine

Pine Ridge Vineyards

5901 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (800) 575-9777

Nestled in the heart of Napa Valley’s Stags Leap district, Pine Ridge sits beneath – you guessed it – a ridge of pines offering views of the palisades and dramatic terroir responsible for producing top-notch Cabernet Sauvignon from the winery’s estate vineyards in the best appellations throughout the region, including Howell Mountain, Oakville, Rutherford, and Carneros. Pine Ridge also produces the unusual and much-loved Chenin Blanc + Viognier white blend sourced from grapes grown in the Sacramento Delta region of Clarksburg.

Deeply committed to sustainability, it’s no surprise that Pine Ridge has introduced an earth-centric Morning Hike Series to their wine tour experiences. Available during summer and harvest seasons, small groups are guided on a near-mile-long hike through the hillside vineyards, learning about Pine Ridge Vineyards’ sustainable farming techniques and diverse ecosystems. This grape-to-glass experience begins with some trail treats, as well as tastes of their Stags Leap District wines along with wines from other appellations. The hike finishes with a box lunch in their demonstration vineyard.

A Glimpse of Napa History

Charles Krug

2800 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2229

A visit to Napa Valley Wine Country wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the winery that started it all back in 1861. As the oldest winery in Napa, and the longest-running tasting room in California, Charles Krug offers a glimpse into the history of this world-famous wine region. Purchased in 1943 by Italian immigrants Cesare and Rosa Mondavi, the iconic property remains family-owned today, producing elegant wines that uniquely express each estate vineyard in the family’s portfolio.

Guests will feel like family on the Charles Krug Tour and Tasting Experience as they explore the grounds of the winery, learning about two legendary pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking – Charles Krug and the Mondavi Family – and seeing the original home where Robert and Peter Mondavi, Sr. grew up.

Beauty Above & Below Ground

Quintessa

1601 Silverado Trail S, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 286-2730

Long considered one of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley, this 280-acre property, founded by Agustin and Valeria Huneeus, sits in the heart of Rutherford, at the foot of the Vaca Mountain range. Using organic farming practices, the winery produces stunning wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Carménère, all of which go into their flagship bottling in different proportions depending on the vintage.

Exclusivity is the vibe at Quintessa. The 90-minute Private Estate Experience offers a tour through the natural surroundings of Quintessa while learning about their holistic philosophy around organic farming practices. Following your tour, you will taste a flight of current and library vintages. For an even more elevated winery tour, opt for the Quintessential Experience that begins with a tour of the estate and culminates with a seated wine tasting in a private, open-air glass hilltop pavilion.

Behind-the-Scenes in Calistoga

Davis Estates

4060 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0700

This family owned and operated Napa Valley winery sits in the heart of Calistoga, with vines also planted in Rutherford, Carneros, and Howell Mountain. Seeing the immense potential of the site, the Davis family purchased the century-old estate winery in 2011 and embarked on an ambitious restoration journey to turn it into the remarkable property it is today.

The VIP Experience is well worth the splurge. Dedicated wine enthusiasts will be wowed by this behind-the-scenes tour as they stroll through the vineyards and experience the awe-inspiring 11,000-square-foot cave system. The tasting lineup includes sips of highly coveted reserve wines as well as the exclusive Phase V wines by Philippe Melka, each paired with a selection of seasonal delicacies created by Executive Chef Mark Caldwell.