Located at Sundance Ranch, a 22-acre equestrian training facility, Tamber Bey Vineyards specializes in handcrafted cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and chardonnay grown on their estate vineyards. The tasting room is located in the original barn clubhouse, where you can observe the horses while sipping your wine as you take in the views of Mount St. Helena.

Insider Tip

You can add a gourmet picnic box to either of the tasting experiences offered, which can be enjoyed on reserved picnic tables looking out at the picturesque grounds, but be sure to also ask about the signature savory cookie pairing for something a little different.

Image courtesy of Tamber Bey

Bennett Lane is a worthy stop while touring Calistoga, recognized for its friendly staff and portfolio of 50 wines that have scored over 90 points from top critics and publications. Choose from three different tasting options served in their intimate tasting room, located only a few minutes from downtown Calistoga.

Insider Tip

Ever wanted to be a winemaker for a day? Bennett Lane offers private blending sessions, so you can create your own custom wine blend to take home with you.

Image courtesy of Bennett Lane

Frank Family Vineyards’ popular tasting room is located within the property’s original yellow Craftsman house. Here you can taste a wide selection of the handcrafted wines they’ve become known for, such as chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, as well as port and a Late Harvest chardonnay. In fact, many of these limited-production wines are only avaialble in the tasting room.

Insider Tip

To the Frank family, good hospitality is as important as making good wine, which is why the winery hosts several events throughout the year. Don’t miss their popular Chardonnay & Lobster Dinner, taking place in the summer.

Image courtesy of Frank Family Vineyard

This private winery, which recently opened its doors again to visitors, offers its guests the opportunity to taste premium wines made from sustainably-grown, dry-farmed grapes. Owners Rich and Carolyn Czapleski lead by the philosophy that “if you take care of the vines, the vines will take care of you,” which is evident in the wines made from this picturesque 25-acre property.

Insider Tip

While you’ll find cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot grown here, don't miss the zinfandel, which contains fruit from their dry-farmed vines planted over 135 years ago.

Image courtesy of Canard Vineyard

Established in 1895, the historic Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Napa Valley. While the 110 acres of estate vines are mostly dedicated to cabernet sauvignon, there’s also merlot, sauvignon blanc, cabernet franc, and petit verdot planted, as well as a small block of 100-year-old tocai friulano. Make an appointment to taste their sought-after wines while you relish in the winery’s peaceful setting.

Insider Tip

Larkmead is one of the most diverse single vineyards in the valley, where seven different soil types and varied topography shows the depth of character of this site. While the red wines are a must for serious oenophiles, their crisp and mineral-driven sauvignon blanc shouldn't be overlooked.

Image courtesy of Larkmead - Jimmy Hayes | JMB Photo

Tucked in a beautiful canyon just outside of Calistoga, Jericho Canyon Vineyard is a boutique winery specializing in premium cabernet sauvignon sourced from their surrounding estate vineyards. With an intimate tasting experience that takes you through the underground caves and through the vineyards by ATV, this off-the-beaten path winery makes for a memorable, one-of-a-kind visit.

Insider Tip

While the red wines are sure to impress, don’t miss their sauvignon blanc, which is grown on the coarse, rocky soils of the property, resulting in a wine with bright minerality and complex flavors.

Image courtesy of Jericho Canyon

Earning accolades for its zinfandel since 1983, the family-owned Storybook Mountain has remained dedicated to crafting wines using an artisanal approach. The personalized tasting experience includes a tour of the property and 130-year-old caves, and a chance to taste their prized wines in a casual, intimate setting.

Insider Tip

Storybook Mountain is a true family business. The winery was founded by Jerry and Sigrid Seps, and their daughter, Colleen Williams, is the associate winemaker. Colleen’s husband, Rick, manages sales and marketing. Chances are, you’ll meet at least one member of the family during your visit.

Image courtesy of Facebook: Storybook Mountain Vineyards

Situated along the Silverado Trail, Brain Arden is a small, family-owned winery specializing in limited-production Bordeaux varietal wines and blends. Tastings include five wines of either current releases or various vintages of cabernet sauvignon, depending on the tasting experience chosen, enjoyed alongside views of the Palisade Mountains.

Insider Tip

Foodies, take note: Brain Arden offers a gourmet food and wine experience, which includes a tour of the gardens, grounds, and production facility, followed by a five-course, wine-paired meal cooked in front of you by the winery’s own estate chef.

Image courtesy of Brian Arden

At this contemporary studio in downtown Calistoga, vintner and artist Laurie Shelton showcases her passion for both art and wine. Within the modern space, you can sample CAMi’s estate grown Bordeaux varietals and blends while admiring a curated collection of modern artworks. As with any art gallery, the art on display changes a few times a year.

Insider Tip

This boutique winery is uber-small, producing only 300 cases or less a year, so if you like the wines be sure to sign up for the Collector List, which gives you guaranteed access to new releases, along with discounts and invites to special events.

Image courtesy of Visit Calistoga

Located at the Four Seasons Resort in Calistoga, Elusa is the newest project by famed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, who brings a vineyard-focused, minimalist approach to making Bordeaux varietal wines. You can taste the wines at Elusa’s elegant tasting salon, which highlights a contemporary-rustic design and neutral color palette, adding to the relaxed, inviting atmosphere of the space.

Insider Tip

Cabernet fans may want to upgrade to the Evolution of Elusa tasting, which provides a behind-the-scenes look at the winery and winemaking philosophies. Following a guided tour of the winemaking facility, this experience concludes with a vertical tasting of library cabernet wines in the chic setting of the vintner’s lounge.

Courtesy of Elusa Winery | Kim Carroll