Pine Ridge Vineyards

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

Founded in 1978 by Gary Andrus, Pine Ridge Vineyards is located in the heart of the Stags Leap District, recognized for producing distinct and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Sourcing grapes from their 160 acres of Napa Green certified estate vineyards spread throughout five appellations in Napa Valley, Pine Ridge crafts wine to express the special nuances of each individual site. Their flagship wine, FORTIS Cabernet Sauvignon, represents the best blocks of the vineyards and is characterized by its complex fruit flavors, plush mouthfeel, and age-worthy structure. Named one of the 75 Best Wineries to Visit in California by Food & Wine, visitors can choose from the 60-minute Estate Tasting featuring five current release wines, or the FORTIS vertical experience offering a deep dive into this iconic wine over the years.

Bell Wine Cellars

6200 Washington Street, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944-1673

Located in Yountville, Bell Wine Cellars is dedicated to producing small-batch, single-clone wines with a focus on Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourcing grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley, including the renowned Rutherford and Atlas Peak AVAs, Bell Wine Cellars’ passion for Napa’s king of red grapes is evident in their pursuit of expressing the unique characteristics of each site and clone. Cabernet enthusiasts won’t want to miss the opportunity for an educational exploration of their single-vineyard, single-appellation current release Cabs, or the more in-depth Cabernet tasting focused on their single-clone portfolio.

Beaulieu Vineyard

1960 St. Helena Highway, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 257-5749

Beaulieu Vineyard, or “BV” as it’s widely called, is recognized as one of the longest continually operating wineries in Napa Valley, in addition to its prestige as one of the most iconic producers of Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the region. In fact, many consider BV’s legendary Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon to be the first “cult” Cabernet in Napa—a true benchmark for this iconic grape in the region. Needless to say, a visit to this historic winery is a must for Cabernet aficionados, who will appreciate Cabernet-focused tasting experiences offered. Opt for the Cabernet Collector Tasting, featuring five current releases, or delve a little deeper with the Georges de Latour Legacy Experience, a more elevated experience that includes tastings of rare older vintages of this famed wine.

Stags’ Leap Winery

6150 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 257-5790

As one of California’s earliest wine estates, Stags’ Leap Winery has long been a fixture in the famed Stags Leap District of Napa Valley. First established in 1893, the storied estate is dripping in history, including the castle-like Manor House, constructed in 1890 from stone quarried in a nearby hillside, and the “old stone cellar” surrounding the cave. Most of the 85 acres of estate vines are planted to Cabernet, Petit Sirah, and Merlot, which thrive in this region. Their flagship wine, The Leap, is a classically styled Cabernet filled with rich layers of cassis, blackberry, baking spices, and chocolate, and a smooth, lithe texture. If the higher end bottlings are out of your price range, try Stags’ Leap Napa Valley Cabernet, an approachable (and more affordably priced) alternative.

Cliff Lede

1473 Yountville Cross Road, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-8642

You don’t have to be a wine lover to enjoy Cliff Lede—where music, art, architecture, and wine intersect—but serious oenophiles certainly appreciate the winery’s selection of limited-production wines, the most critically-acclaimed of which are the Platinum Cabernet Sauvignons. While tastings of current releases can be enjoyed in the incredibly picturesque courtyard, the best spot in the house is the Backstage Tasting Lounge. This comfortable indoor lounge features rotating art exhibits, such as portraits of classic rock artists, as well as access to some of the most coveted of Cliff Lede’s wines. And, in keeping with the theme, expect rock music playing on the speakers as you savor sips of compelling Cabs.

Louis M. Martini Winery

254 St. Helena Highway, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3362

Louis M. Martini Winery was one of the first wineries in Napa Valley after Prohibition ended, founded in 1933 by Italian immigrant, Louis M. Martini, who went on to establish the winery as one of the foremost producers of Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. After completing an extensive renovation in 2019, Louis M. Martini Winery continues to offer world-class wine paired with welcoming hospitality, now in a stunningly renovated visitor center with numerous indoor and outdoor tasting spaces. Since Cabernet is the speciality, expect to taste a variety of Cabernet-focused wines, each meticulously sourced from different blocks throughout Martini’s estate vineyards.

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HALL Napa Valley

401 St. Helena Highway South, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626

Owned by Kathryn and Craig Hall, HALL has built a reputation for its Bordeaux varietals, made from grapes sourced from Hall’s 500 acres of estate vineyards and from other esteemed vineyards throughout Napa Valley. Their selection of Cabernet wines are much loved by critics and wine lovers alike, regularly striking the perfect balance of ripe fruit, earth, and savory characters. Tasters have not one but two wineries to choose from, thanks to tasting rooms in both St. Helena and Rutherford. The most known of the two is HALL St. Helena, California’s first LEED® Gold Certified winery, which features a one-of-a-kind Bunny Foo-Foo statue, along with over 35 pieces of contemporary art, an expansive lawn, and modern architectural details.

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 261-6410

Not to be confused with neighboring Stags’ Leap Winery, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars is another well-known Napa Valley winery lauded for its stellar Cabernet wines. In fact, this notable winery, founded in 1970, helped make a name for California Cabernet when it beat out its French counterparts in the famous blind tasting known as the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ highly rated Cabs, such as the Cask 23, tend to find a nice balance between rich fruit and savory notes, revealing luscious texture and length on the finish. Tours and tastings are offered daily at this beautiful winery, along with a selection of more elevated, culinary-focused experiences to note.

Canard Vineyard

1016 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-1149

Canard Vineyard is owned by Rich and Carolyn Czapleski, who purchased the 25-acre property in 1983. From their sustainably-grown, dry farmed grapes, the Czapleskis craft single-vineyard varietal wines and proprietary blends, each highlighting the unique characters of the terroir. Leading with the philosophy, “If you take care of the vines, the vines will take care of you,” the Czapleskis have earned much praise for their wines, including their Zinfandel (from 135-year-old dry farmed vines) and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Book a private tasting at the Calistoga winery to experience the wines in person, including the rich and full bodied Cabernet, which showcases intense fruit characters, fine tannins, and incredible age-worthiness.

Larkmead Vineyards

100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 942-0167

The 110-acre Larkmead estate is one of the oldest family-owned properties in The Napa Valley, originally founded in 1895. Since purchasing the property in 1992, Cam and Kate Solari Baker have transformed Larkmead into the reputable winery it is today and they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible from this estate. A visit to this historic winery includes a personalized tasting experience tailored to each guest, taking place on the serene covered patio looking out over the lushly landscaped grounds and surrounding vineyards. While Larkmead’s portfolio of wines is diverse, their Cabernets are sure to please. Revealing black fruit, savory herbs, and crushed rock nuances, these thoughtfully crafted Cabs are powerful, yet restrained and entirely elegant.

Round Pond Estate

875 Rutherford Road, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 302-2575

Owned by the MacDonnell family, Round Pond Estate is a respected producer of Napa Valley wines, particularly Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as world-class olive oil and vinegars from their picturesque estate in Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA. Known for their depth and expressive character, Round Pond’s Cabernets range in profile, from the Old World meets New World Rutherford Estate Cabernet to the finessed and age-worthy Louis Bovet Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Guided tastings range in price and focus, depending on interest, but if Cabernet is what you’re after, the 90-minute Gravel Series Tasting featuring current and library releases of this highly allocated Cabernet is not to be missed.

Crosby Roamann

45 Enterprise Court, #6, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 258-8599

Crosby Roamann is owned by Sean and Juliana McBride, who started their label in 2007 with one barrel of Cabernet. Since then, the husband-and-wife duo has taken a minimally invasive approach to winemaking, ensuring every effort is made to craft wines with a true sense of place. Though they produce a few different varietals, such as Merlot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc, Crosby Roamann is most known for its Reserve Cabernet. Using fruit sourced from Harmony School Vineyard in Coombsville, this limited-production Cabernet is pressed entirely by hand (in an old hand-crank press) and spends 24 months in new French oak. The resulting wine shows notes of fresh raspberry, cassis, vanilla, spice, and coffee. Head to their industrial chic winery, located in Napa’s Crusher District just a few minutes from downtown, to enjoy a private tour, a tasting of current releases, and even samples straight from the barrel.

Ink Grade

699 Saint Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-3553

Situated on the slopes of the Howell Mountain AVA, Ink Grade’s vineyards have long been producing Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Dating back to well before Prohibition, the original founder Theron Ink was the first cultivator of wine grapes on the property, purchasing the land in 1873 and selling his first barrels of wine in 1875. Today, you can visit their tasting room in St. Helena (by appointment only) to indulge in their precise, elegant wines. During The Estate Collection, you’ll enjoy a tasting of four new release wines grown exclusively on Howell Mountain.

Faust

2867 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574, (707) 200-2560

Faust was one of the first vineyards to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in the Coombsville AVA, and because of its location in the far southern reaches of Napa Valley, its wines are influenced by volcanic soil, cool temperatures, and sea breezes that flow off the San Pablo Bay. Cabernet Sauvignon fanatics can look forward to aromas of dark fruits like blueberry and blackberry, harmoniously paired with a distinct crushed-rock minerality, soft tannins, and whispers of violet. Head over to the 19th century Victorian Faust Haus and its serene gardens to take part in a Haus Picnic. This culinary-fueled experience includes a flight of estate wines paired with delicious bites from the Haus kitchen. If you want a more in depth look at Faust’s wine-making process, sign up for the ACT II Experience which includes barrel tastings and a guided tour of the grounds.

Nickel & Nickel

8164 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA 94562, (707) 967-9600

Single vineyard, 100% varietal wines are the focus at Nickel & Nickel, from Chardonnay to Merlot, but Cabernet Sauvignon remains the winery’s first love and continued inspiration. Hailing from vineyards as far north as Calistoga and Howell Mountain to the Oak Knoll District further south, each of Nickel & Nickel’s Cabernet wines showcase the various nuances of each vintage and vineyard, whether subtle or more apparent. Though it’ll cost you a pretty penny—$155 per person to be exact—Nickel & Nickel’s Terroir Tasting is a must for serious Cabernet fans, offering the rare chance to explore eight of the winery’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignons in a north-to-south comparative tasting.

The post Best Wineries for Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon first appeared on NapaValley.com.

St. Helena, California is known as Napa Valley’s Main Street and with due reason. Centrally located and packed with mouthwatering restaurants, acclaimed wineries, and perfect Wine Country charm, there are ample excuses to visit any time of year. But, as the vines begin to change and there’s a (slight) chill in the air, The Little Book of Big Experiences gives additional reason to pack your bags and head to Napa Valley.

St. Helena’s Little Book of Big Experiences is anything but small. Released yearly in November and filled with 24 amazing local opportunities valued at over $1,000, it can be enjoyed for $100 per person. It’s your passport to explore St. Helena during the winter and early spring of the region’s famed Cabernet Season.

There are many ways to get the most out of your Little Book of Big Experiences, whether you’re looking to spread the perks until March or pack a weekend full of fun. We want to share a sneak peek at the diverse complimentary experiences included with your own copy of the Little Book and your arrival in St. Helena.

— BUY THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG EXPERIENCES —

VINE TO WINE

Delicious Views

Why not pair your tasting with an epic backdrop.

Courtesy of Facebook: Burgess Cellars

Burgess Cellars

1108 Deer Park Rd, Deer Park, CA 94576, (707) 963-4766

Available Daily

A visit during Cabernet Season means a chance to sip Burgess Cellars’ flagship cabernet in the winery’s active cellar, surrounded by barrels, enjoying a personalized tasting with the Little Book. Sample wines from their two estate vineyards, and peruse their roster of rare regional varieties and four decade Library Selection.

Provenance Vineyards

1695 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-3633

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Centrally located off the beaten trail (okay, just in Rutherford…), your visit includes 360 degree views of the valley from their beautifully renovated location. And, with your Little Book of Big Experiences, enjoy a tour of the winemaking facility with a special barrel tasting and limited small-production flight of the season’s most celebrated vino, cabernet sauvignon.

Whitehall Lane

1563 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9454

Available Daily

The Club Room at Whitehall Lane gives an eye-catching, panoramic perspective of the family-owned Rutherford winery. Little Book visitors will experience quite the treat Sunday through Thursday with an elevated, private tasting of the winery-only, single vineyard and library wines alongside a delicious charcuterie.

Friday through Saturday guests will enjoy four pours from the winery’s current tasting menu in the modern and bright Main Tasting Room.

Napa Valley is for History Lovers

The roots of Napa’s Wine Country run deep, and these St. Helena wineries have left their mark with combined centuries of wine production.

Courtesy of Facebook: Beringer Vineyards

Ballentine Vineyards

2820 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7919

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Family owned and operated for over 100 years, Ballentine Vineyards welcomes Little Book guests to enjoy a Reserve Tasting of their limited-production wines while chatting it up with the winery’s close-knit crew. Enjoy beautiful views of Betty’s Vineyard (named after one of the owners) and Mount St. Helena, and for a special treat, Ballentine will share their next vintage, straight from the barrel for Little Book guests.

Beringer

2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 302-7592

Available Daily

Little Book of Big Experiences holders will have a chance to sip a selection of three award-winning Reserve, Single Vineyard, and small production wines at California’s oldest continually operating winery. With the Rhine House bar as a backdrop, enjoy your tasting with a complimentary, deluxe cheese plate in perfect pairing. No reservation needed but get there before 2pm to enjoy.

Freemark Abbey

N, 3022 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (800) 963-9698

Available Daily

Two different Little Book experiences await you at the historic winery built in 1886 by Josephine Tychson, the first female winemaker in Napa Valley. If you’re traveling to St. Helena Sunday through Thursday, experience a behind-the-scenes, hour-long tasting with pours of their current release cabernet sauvignons and a special sample from their Wine Library.

Guests stopping by Friday through Saturday can partake in a guided tasting of the established winery’s limited-release wines from the last 130 years.

Salvestrin

397 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5105

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Four generations of the Salvestrin family have grown up alongside their St. Helena winery, and for over 80 years, they’ve put weight on sustainable farming practices and green initiatives with their production of handcrafted estate wines. Little Book of Big Experiences guests will relax in their intimate tasting room and enjoy small-production, current release wines, and traverse the 156-year old vineyard through a guided tour.

Just A Little More

Why stop at just a tasting? These wineries offer experiences beyond delicious sips.

Courtesy of Facebook: HALL Wines

Trinchero

100 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-3104

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Hands-on and engaging, a visit to Trinchero with a Little Book is indeed a big experience. The 22-acre property has immaculate views of Spring and Howell Mountains and an on-site wine cave to boot. Sunday through Thursday, visitors will tour Mario’s Vineyard, the winery, and their cave while learning about the Trinchero family’s winemaking history as they sip single vineyard estate wines and a library offering.

Little Book holders can test their prowess with a sensory challenge in the winery’s Legacy Lounge on Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy an artisanal cheese plate while sampling wines from past to present.

Merryvale

1000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7777

Available Daily, Appointment Preferred

Join a Merryvale wine educator for a private Signature Tasting and delight in five of their current releases tastefully paired with artisanal cheese. Be sure to sneak a peek at Merryvale Vineyard’s immaculate Cask Room while visiting with a Little Book. Here you’ll find two stories of century-old casks lining the stone walls showcasing the historical workings of this St. Helena Winery.

Brasswood

3111 Saint Helena Highway N, Saint Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-5434

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Thoughtfully designed and immensely elegant, a visit to Brasswood is a feast for the eyes and the tastebuds. With a Little Book of Big Experiences, nibble and sip a pairing of cheese and small-production wines in one of the winery’s private — and absolutely gorgeous — dens. Stop by the Brasswood Bakery or Bar + Kitchen before or after your Experience to enjoy additional culinary-related delights at their diverse estate.

HALL St. Helena

401 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-2626

Available Daily, Appointment Preferred

Outfitted in the latest innovations in winemaking techniques and a sensational collection of contemporary art, the HALL Wines’ Leed-Certified winery experience is a blend of behind-the-scenes looks into the history of the winery and proprietors, Craig and Kathryn Hall, combined with impeccable views of Napa Valley’s western mountains from their thoughtfully designed, window-lined tasting room. Enjoy a flight of four wines, an additional splash of pinot, and soak it all in.

Perfect Pairings

Tantalize your taste buds with specially curated wine and food combos.

Courtesy of Facebook: Clif Family Winery

Clif Family

709 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 968-0625

Available Daily

Clif Family’s interests go far beyond their delicious wines. They’ve combined their passions of wine, food, and adventure at their St. Helena tasting room. The on-site Bruschetteria Food Truck serves up “farm-to-truck” dining, and Tuesday through Sunday, Little Book of Big Experience guests will enjoy a seasonal bruschetta with a series of Clif Family wines.

Stopping by on a Monday? No problem. Little Book holders will savor a cheese plate packed with artisan additions directly from Clif Family Farm.

VGS Chateau Potelle

1200 Dowdell Ln, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 255-9440

Available Daily, Appointment Only

Approaching winemaking as an art form, showcasing the personality of each grape, the team at VGS Chateau Potelle has partnered with Michelin-starred Chef Ken Frank of La Toque Restaurant to perfectly pair small bites with their elegantly avant-garde wines.

REST YOUR HEAD

Modern Beauties

On-trend and contemporary but with real Wine Country flavor.

Courtesy of Facebook: Las Alcobas Napa Valley

Las Alcobas Napa Valley

1915 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7000

Available Sunday – Thursday, Reservation Required

Custom-designed furnishings, luxe bathrooms, and private terraces overlooking the adjoining vineyard await guests of Los Alcobas. The 68-room resort is based around a 1907 farmhouse and keeps getting better with age. Tuck in with 15% off a two-night stay with your Little Book. While you’re at it, enjoy 15% off at Atrio, the hotel’s tranquil on-site spa, with services ranging from ayurvedic massage to detoxifying coffee scrubs.

Wydown Hotel

1424 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5100

Available Daily, Reservation Required

Boutique and absolutely sweet, the welcoming Wydown Hotel is an updated, on-trend historic gem just off St. Helena’s Main Street. Offering a delicious, complimentary breakfast with a two-night stay in their chicly outfitted rooms, receive 15% off along with two additional Little Books to enjoy while in town.

Quintessential St. Helena

Celebrating the elegance of Napa Valley through wines, views, and classic accommodations.

Courtesy of Facebook: Harvest Inn by Charlie Palmer

Harvest Inn

1 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9463

Available Daily, Reservation Required

Perfect views are paramount at the Harvest Inn. Choose from two room options:the Vineyard View Collection or the Harvest Inn Rooms, and a bounty of complimentary amenities like in-room wine, multiple swimming pools, and night time car usage. This boutique inn wants you to enjoy 10% off your two-night stay and a complimentary appetizer when you visit Charlie Palmer’s Harvest Table with your Little Book of Big Experiences.

Southbridge Napa

1020 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-9400

Available Daily, Reservation Required

Located right in downtown St. Helena and steps away from all the town has to offer, Southbridge offers two additional Little Books of Big Experiences alongside a JCB N°21 wine in-room for all Little Book guests. A continental breakfast will welcome each morning and your stay includes complimentary access to Health Spa Napa Valley. Receive an additional 20% off when you book a third night stay Sunday through Thursday.

Off the Beaten Path

All the comforts of home but luxuriously surrounded by the vines.

Courtesy of Facebook: Wine Country Inn & Cottages

Inn at Salvestrin

397 Main Street , Saint Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-5105

Available Daily, Reservation Required

A complimentary bottle of Salvestrin wine greets Little Book of Big Experiences guests at the Inn at Salvestrin. The beautifully restored 1879 Victorian — that once housed three generations of the winemaking family — is just a short walk to the in-depth tour and tasting included with your Little Book. Pack your bags for three nights and get the fourth free.

Wine Country Inn

1152 Lodi Lane, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-7077

Available Daily, Reservation Required

The Wine Country Inn is a series of charming rooms and romantic cottages tucked in between the vines, each touting sensational sights of the surrounding property. Pet-friendly and boasting a pool and hot tub with vineyard views, enjoy 15% off your stay and receive an additional 2 copies of the Little Book of Big Experiences.

EAT IT UP

Decadent, delicious, and celebrating regional flavors, eating in St. Helena should be at the top of your list.

Courtesy of Facebook: Acacia House

Acacia House

1915 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-9004

Available Sunday – Thursday, Reservations Recommended

Located within the Las Alcobas hotel, dishes are seasonally-driven, and the sustainable menu aligns with Napa Valley’s local bounty. No need to hold back on opening your fantastic, local wine find for lunch or dinner with The Little Book of Big Experiences. The restaurant will waive the corkage fee and also gift a cookbook with reservation.

Culinary Institute of America

2555 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-1100

Available Sunday – Thursday

Not your average food tour, your Little Book visit includes a behind-the-scenes look at the school of the next need-to-know future food stars — cork collections and Ghirardelli Chocolate Discovery Center are just an added bonus. With an additional 10% discount at the school’s Spice Island marketplace, pick up some tricks and tools for personal kitchen mastery.

Harvest Table

1 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 967-4695

Available Tuesday – Sunday, Reservations Recommended

When making a reservation a Harvest Table, mention The Little Book to enjoy a complimentary appetizer or dessert when dining during brunch, lunch, or dinner. We wish you luck, as it will be a hard choice between dishes like their Deviled Eggs with crispy pig ear or their Apple Strudel with house-made caramel and black pepper honey ice cream.

— BUY THE LITTLE BOOK OF BIG EXPERIENCES —

— 8 Unexpected Things to Do in St. Helena —
— Top St. Helena Best Bed and Breakfasts —
— Explore St. Helena —

The post 24 Easy Reasons to Visit St. Helena, CA first appeared on NapaValley.com.