If you’re doing Napa Valley for the first time or the fifteenth, you’ll likely be tasting a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon during your visit. Cabernet is, after all, acknowledged as the king of red grapes in Napa, dominating 40% of the area’s total production. With a terroir perfectly suited for growing Cabernet, Napa has certainly found its sweet spot with this much loved Bordeaux grape, and the results are powerful, deeply layered, and age-worthy wines showcasing notes of black fruit, violets, tobacco, and cedar, to name a few.

Of course, the sheer number of wineries in Napa featuring Cabernet and Cabernet blends is enough to overwhelm any wine taster, so where to start? To help guide you, we’ve put together a list of 15 of the most famous names in Napa Cabernet welcoming visitors, along with a few lesser known wineries worth noting. Make some room in your cellar, because we have a feeling you’ll be going home for a few new bottles.

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.

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 Napa Valley is, indisputably, one of the world’s most recognized wine regions. The region received its American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation in 1981, making it California’s first AVA, and the country’s second overall.

In the decades since, the growers and winemakers in the region have worked to gain a greater understanding of the climate and soil types within the AVA and, in doing so, have learned that the region is actually home to many different, distinct meso- and microclimates, each suited to specific grape varieties and winemaking styles. This has resulted in the designation of 16 separate sub-appellations within the Napa Valley that recognize and celebrate the viticultural diversity of the region. Here is a rundown of all 16.

Atlas Peak AVA

Established in the early 1990s, this cool, high elevation AVA on the western slopes of the Vaca Mountain Range is the most prominent peak in Napa. Its high elevation keeps it about 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor, which results in bright, expressive wines with higher acidity than other Napa Valley appellations. Atlas Peak growers supply premium fruit to dozens of wineries in Napa and Sonoma, and local winemakers produce some of the world’s finest wines made from cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, petit verdot, and merlot, as well as other classic varieties like sangiovese, syrah, and chardonnay.

Wineries to try: Dos Lagos Vineyards, Antica Napa Valley, VinRoc

Calistoga AVA

This AVA not only has one of the warmest climates of the region, it is also the most geologically uniform in all of Napa Valley. While summer temperatures can top 100 degrees, they can also drop into the 40s at night due to cool breezes from the Pacific drawn in through the Chalk Hill mountain gap. This diurnal shift is a grape grower’s dream, as it results in fully ripe grapes balanced by fresh acidity. Principal varieties here include cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, syrah, and petite sirah.

Wineries to try: Fairwinds Estate Winery, Chateau Montelena, Sterling Vineyards, Kenefick Ranch Vineyards

Chiles Valley District AVA

Established in 1999 and located in the Eastern hills of Napa Valley, Chiles Valley is among the smallest AVAs. At about 1,000 ft. elevation, the fog-heavy breezes which cool the Valley floor don’t reach this area, so it can get quite warm. However, nights in the Chiles Valley are cool at this altitude, creating a diurnal shift that greatly benefits the grapes, which include classic Bordeaux varieties. Interestingly, because of the Chiles Valley’s relative isolation, many of the earliest vineyards were spared from phylloxera. As such, the AVA is home to some very old zinfandel vines as well.

Wineries to try: Volker Eisele, Nichelini Family Winery, Brown Estate Vineyards

Coombsville AVA

Napa Valley’s newest AVA, Coombsville received appellation status in 2011. This area, in the Southeastern corner of the Napa Valley, is only ten minutes outside of downtown Napa. The weather is cooled significantly by the AVA’s proximity to the San Pablo Bay, yielding elegant examples of cabernet sauvignon, syrah, pinot noir and chardonnay.

Wineries to try: Ackerman Family Vineyards, Shadybrook Estate, Covert Estate

Diamond Mountain AVA

While you may not find those sparkling gemstones here, you will find wines made primarily from cabernet sauvignon that are just as stunning. Located in the warmer Northwestern part of the Napa Valley, this region, which gained its AVA status in 2001, was actually named for the shards of reflective volcanic glass found in the soils. First planted in 1868 by Jacob Schram of Schramsberg Vineyards, the region has come to be associated with wines that are structured and plush with unmistakable mountain fruit intensity and great aging potential.

Winery to try: Reverie Winery

Howell Mountain AVA

Located on the Northeastern side of the Vaca Mountains just above St. Helena, this is Napa Valley’s first established sub-AVA, and one of the most prestigious. Many celebrate the concentration and signature “wildness” of Howell Mountain wines – predominantly cabernet sauvignon, as well as merlot, zinfandel, and petite sirah. This distinctive character is a result of the region’s warm, dry climate and rocky, porous soils, thanks to its positioning well above the valley floor.

Wineries to try: ADAMVS, Clif Family Winery, W.H. Smith Wines, Howell Mountain Vineyards

Los Carneros AVA

The Los Carneros AVA, established in 1983, actually straddles land in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys, making it the first California wine region to be defined by its unique climate as opposed to political boundaries. This is a cool climate appellation heavily influenced by prevailing winds from the San Pablo Bay, with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 80 degrees. Stunning examples of chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling wines, as well as some merlot are produced in Carneros thanks to this distinctly cool climate.

Wineries to try: Domaine Carneros, Etude, Cuvaison, Artesa

Mount Veeder AVA

Formed from an ancient seabed, the Mount Veeder appellation boasts one of the longest growing seasons and the lowest yields in the Napa Valley. It is also the only hillside appellation that adjoins the cool, bayside Carneros. These factors, combined with the steep, rugged conditions that severely limit mechanization, have allowed the region to develop a reputation for intensely concentrated, hand-crafted, and age-worthy wines made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel, and chardonnay.

Wineries to try: Fontanella, Mount Veeder Winery, O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Oak Knoll District AVA

This district achieved its AVA status in 2004 as a result of local winemakers’ concerted efforts to have the region’s cool climate and relatively long growing season recognized. The region boasts Napa Valley’s largest alluvial fan – triangular-shaped deposits that form from water as it descends from the mountains – which is one of Oak Knoll’s defining characteristics. The emerging granular soil forces vines to dig deep in search of water, resulting in small, highly concentrated grapes and elegant, intensely perfumed wines made from the most diverse lineup of grape varieties in the Napa Valley.

Wineries to try: Trefethen, Robert Biale, Materra | Cunat

Oakville AVA

Named for the groves of native oak trees that covered the area in the 1800s, Oakville was actually once just a steam train stop in the Napa Valley. Today, wines from Oakville are among some of the most recognized and sought in the world. Marquis names like Opus One, Screaming Eagle, and Harlan have helped create the concept of “Cult Cabernet” so synonymous with the Oakville appellation, while other smaller, family-run producers in the area continue to maintain its stellar reputation for world-class wines and hospitality.

Wineries to try: Opus One, Cardinale

Rutherford AVA

Located just North of Oakville as the geographic and historic center of the Napa Valley, and boasting a warm climate moderated by cooling Bay Area fog, Rutherford is a classic Valley floor appellation with vineyards reaching from the base of the Mayacamas to the Silverado Trail. Some of the region’s wineries date back to the late 1800s, when wheat was Napa Valley’s main crop. Thomas Rutherford, for whom the AVA was named, settled and began planting grapes instead. Today, visitors will find rich, ripe wines made from cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and zinfandel, with some sauvignon blanc as well.

Wineries to try: Peju, Beaulieu Vineyard, Round Pond Estate

Spring Mountain District AVA

Located above St. Helena on the Eastern side of the Mayacamas and connecting with the border of Sonoma County to the North, the region gets its name for the many natural springs that mark the area. Spring Mountain District is rich with history – it is said that the region’s first vineyard, planted in 1874, withstood Prohibition because it was so remote. Today, the challenging mountain terroir yields complex, “intellectual” wines made from Bordeaux varieties as well as other unique grapes like riesling, sémillon, gewürztraminer, and even traditional Portuguese grapes.

Wineries to try: Fantesca Estate, Robert Keenan Winery, Smith-Madrone

St. Helena AVA

Thought of as the birthplace of Napa Valley’s commercial wine industry, Napa’s oldest wine estate, Charles Krug, was established here in 1861. St. Helena is home to 6,800 planted acres of grapes and 400+ vineyards, more than any other AVA in the Napa Valley. With a warmer climate than other AVAs, the region produces ripe yet structured cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc. The region also organizes an annual wine tasting and food pairing competition called BASH.

Wineries to try: Ehlers Estate, Titus Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Charles Krug

Stags Leap AVA

The potential of this region was cemented when Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars’ 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the infamous Judgment of Paris tasting over more famous wines from Bordeaux. Thought of as a “valley within a valley,” the appellation is only one mile wide and three miles long and planted with mostly Bordeaux varieties. It’s a warm region moderated by cool bay winds at night, with diverse soils that allowed the region to be the first AVA to be approved based on the distinctiveness of its soils.

Wineries to try: Cliff Lede Vineyards, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Clos du Val

Wild Horse Valley AVA

While one of the earliest AVAs to be established, the Wild Horse Valley appellation remains one of Napa Valley’s most obscure. In fact, unlike most other Napa Valley AVAs, this region serves as more of an area for growers who supply winemakers with fruit of unique terroir, usually from pinot noir, chardonnay, and syrah, thanks to the cool climate and shallow, volcanic soils.

Winery to try: Heron Lake Winery

Yountville AVA

Not to be confused with the downtown area of Yountville, home to the famous French Laundry, the Yountville AVA has a rich history in Napa. Geourge Yount, for whom the town is named, planted the first vineyards in the region in 1836 in the area that would ultimately become Dominus Estate. Established in 1999, the AVA stretches from the Mayacamas in the West to the Vaca Mountains in the East, and exhibits a diverse range of microclimates and soil types that allow for many different grape varieties to be grown – a distinctive characteristic of the region.

Wineries to try: Goosecross Cellars, JCB Tasting Salon, Stewart Cellars