A Perfect 2 Days Exploring Wineries Near American Canyon

Guides
by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
on JANUARY 8, 2016

6269
0

American Canyon, formerly known as Napa Junction, is a quaint town in southern Napa County that is just a quick 30-minute drive from San Francisco. While exploring the Napa-area wineries, you’ll find that American Canyon is a convenient and cozy home base to an organically motivated wine-growing region known for its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. While you’ll find an exciting array of white and red varieties, you’ll also be surprised to find a number of delectable sparkling wines, too. Let’s take a look.

Day 1

1

Wineries / Napa

Madonna Estate

This biodynamic vineyard has been around since the 1920s, and the winemaker uses practices of “minimal intervention” to ensure that each wine truly reflects the the vineyard, the vintage, and the varieties. The third oldest winemaking family in Napa Valley, the Bartoluccis make limited quantities of three fruity, floral white varieties—Pinot Noir Rosetto, Gewürztraminer, and Muscat Canelli—along with mainstays like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Old-world charm meets contemporary aesthetics in the Mediterranean-inspired tasting room.

Insider Tip

Past guests recommend the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

Directions

Located 5 miles from downtown Napa on Old Sonoma Road.

Details

2

Wineries / Napa

Cuvaison Estate Wines

Owned by the Schmidheiny family of Switzerland since 1979, this winery is known for its wines that range from the summery, floral Vin Gris of Pinot Noir to the masculine 2012 Estate Syrah. Enjoy sipping varieties in a modern, airy tasting room decorated in warm woods and white walls, where large windows and a patio overlook the verdant vineyard.

Insider Tip

Grab a bottle of Cuvasion’s bubbly, the 2012 Cuvée Brut Rosé, to go. It’s a sparkling blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.

Directions

From Madonna Estate, head southwest on Old Sonoma Road for almost 400 feet and turn right onto CA-12 West/CA-121 South. After 0.2 miles, Cuvasion is on the left off Duhig Road.

Details Visit Website

3

Wineries / Napa

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger

Domaine Carneros creates the ideal California expression of French Champagne from an opulent château inspired by the 18th-century Château de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France (home of Champagne dynasty Taittinger). Enjoy table service while sitting on the back terrace of the mansion, overlooking Napa’s vine-covered rolling hills, and come hungry, as rich caviar and cheese plates are paired with the wines.

Insider Tip

A 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour and tasting gives guests a first-hand account of how the wines come into being.

Directions

From Cuvasion head west on Duhig Road for 0.1 miles and Domaine Carneros will be on the right.

Details Visit Website

Day 2

4

Lodging / Napa

The Meritage Resort and Spa

Part of Meritage Resort, this family-owned and -operated winery has a rustic tasting room, the Trinitas Estate Cave, tucked under its vineyard. In the cave, enjoy a custom wine flight, and above ground, explore the vineyard with a guided tour and taste some more. Just across the street from the cave is the Trinitas Library, where you can learn about local viticulture and sample even more of the winery’s exclusive varieties.

Insider Tip

While enjoying your wine tasting, head to the bar next to the tasting room to enjoy bowling or a game of pool.

Directions

From downtown Napa, go south on Soskol Ave for 1.9 miles. Continue onto CA-221 S for another 2.1 miles, and turn right onto Bordeaux way. The winery will be on your left.

Details Visit Website

5

Wineries / Napa

Spelletich Family Wine Company

Spelletich Cellars is known for its rich reds, whether they’re sweet Ports or dry, earthy Zinfandels. Just 7 miles south of downtown Napa, in the heart of the Crusher Wine District, the winery’s recently opened 16,000-square-foot facility includes a contemporary tasting room decorated with pieces by local artists.

Insider Tip

The tasting room is located near Napa Valley Commons, home to plenty of shops, tasting rooms, and eateries.

Directions

From Trinitas Cellars, head west on Bordeaux Way for 0.1 miles and take a left onto Napa Valley Corporate Drive. Head down this road for 0.5 miles and continue onto Soscol Ferry Road for 0.4 miles. Turn left onto CA-12 West/CA-29 North and head down the road for 2.5 miles. Take a left onto Duhig Road and after 0.3 miles Spelletich Cellars will be on your right.

Details

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