You could spend months in Napa Valley and still not have tried all of the exquisite wines, but if you only have two days and you want to really understand Napa Valley wine, we have you covered. This two day itinerary will take you to some of the best premium Cabernet Sauvignon producers in Napa Valley, while leaving you ample time to enjoy each tasting. Each day is centered around one of the main thoroughfares (Highway 29 or Silverado Trail), and begins at the north end of Napa Valley and works south back towards the town of Napa.
Day 1: Highway 29
Image Source: Beringer Vineyards
Beringer Vineyards
2000 Main St
St. Helena, CA 94574
(866) 708-9463
Yelp: 4 stars, 367 reviews
Reservation: Not needed for bar tasting, required for tours and food and wine pairings
Directions: 19 miles north of downtown Napa on Highway 29, take a left off of the highway and you’re there
The longest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley, Beringer has been a standard bearer since 1876. The wines have structure and depth of flavor, with immense ageability, year after year.
The wine to taste: Beringer Vineyards Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $165
Day 2: Silverado Trail
Image Source: Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Joseph Phelps Vineyards
200 Taplin Rd
St. Helena, CA 94574
(707) 963-2745
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 198 reviews
Reservation: Required
Directions: 18.5 miles north of Napa on the Silverado Trail. Drive 18 miles to Taplin Road, take a right and drive 0.5 miles and bear to your left.
Joseph Phelps’ wines helped define Napa Valley’s style and quality in the ‘80s and ‘90s, and they embody Napa Valley Cabernet’s ability to be enjoyed now or in 20 years.
The wine to taste: Joseph Phelps Insignia (Napa Valley) $225
Image Source: Shafer Vineyards and Shafer Vineyards Yelp
Shafer Vineyards
6154 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 944-2877
Yelp: 5 stars, 32 reviews
Reservation: Required
Directions: Turn right onto Taplin Road, drive 0.5 miles and turn left onto the Silverado Trail. Head south for 6 miles, then turn left onto the unmarked road with a vertical white sign listing street numbers, including Shafer’s address, 6154. Drive 0.2 miles, then take a left to arrive at the Shafer gate.
With exquisite flavors and a structure that should win an architecture award, Shafer’s wines represents the best of what Napa Valley can do. Shafer is certainly the First Family equivalent of Napa Valley wineries.
The wine to taste: The flagship wine, Hillside Select, is only available to list members, but their other Cabernet does not disappoint: Shafer Vineyards One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon (Stag’s Leap District, Napa Valley) $80
Image Source: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
5766 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 944-2020
Yelp: 4 stars, 216 reviews
Reservation: Not needed for bar tasting, required for tours
Directions: Head back out to the Silverado Trail, take a left to head south for 1.5 miles, then turn left into the winery parking lot.
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ Cask 23 told the world about Napa Valley at the Judgment of Paris in 1976, and it hasn’t stopped performing since. The gorgeous new visitor center is the perfect backdrop for this stunning wine.
The wine to taste: Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cask 23 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley) $245
Ready to hop on Highway 29? Start planning your
Napa Valley wine tasting and don’t forget to vote for your favorite Cabernet Sauvignon below!
Which is the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley?
Author
WineCountry Collective
WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.