The back story 1
In-depth stories behind the list.
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The back story
California wine country: the back story
Napa and Sonoma side by side: two valleys, two moods, and how to plan a day of tastings.
14 of the best · California, USA
Napa and Sonoma Wineries: Where to Taste
Wineries and tasting rooms in the Napa Valley and Sonoma County, from sparkling wine in Carneros to castles in Calistoga, each checked on its own website.
Our 14 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in California
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love California.
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On the Silverado Trail
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
The Silverado Trail winery whose 1973 cabernet sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.
5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558Explore View on map
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A château in Carneros
Domaine Carneros
A French-style château making sparkling wine and pinot noir in Carneros.
1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559Explore View on map
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Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley
Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs
Ridge’s Sonoma County winery among old zinfandel vines near Healdsburg.
650 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448Explore View on map
The full list: Wine Country, A–Z
Show 11 of 14 places on a map
Neighbourhood
Napa Valley 7
Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail.
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In St. Helena
Beringer Vineyards
A historic winery on Main Street in St. Helena.
2000 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574Explore View on map
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A Tuscan-style castle
Castello di Amorosa
A medieval Tuscan-style castle winery outside Calistoga, with towers, a moat and cellars.
4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515Explore View on map
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A château in Carneros
Domaine Carneros
A French-style château making sparkling wine and pinot noir in Carneros.
1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559Explore View on map
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A Napa Valley pioneer
Robert Mondavi Winery
The Cliff May-designed winery on Highway 29 in Oakville, founded by Robert Mondavi.
7801 St Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94558Explore View on map
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Sparkling wine in hillside caves
Schramsberg Vineyards
Sparkling wine aged in historic caves dug into the hillside near Calistoga.
1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515Explore View on map
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On the Silverado Trail
Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
The Silverado Trail winery whose 1973 cabernet sauvignon won the 1976 Judgment of Paris tasting.
5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558Explore View on map
Sonoma County 5
Healdsburg, Dry Creek and Carneros.
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In the Dry Creek Valley
Ferrari-Carano
A winery on Dry Creek Road, north of Healdsburg.
8761 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448Explore View on map
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Wine and film in Geyserville
Francis Ford Coppola Winery
Francis Ford Coppola’s winery in Geyserville, in the Alexander Valley.
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441Explore View on map
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Sparkling wine in Carneros
Gloria Ferrer
A sparkling wine house on the Sonoma side of Carneros.
23555 Arnold Dr, Sonoma, CA 95476Explore View on map
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Chardonnay specialists
Kistler Vineyards
A chardonnay and pinot noir house in the cool Russian River area.
4707 Vine Hill Rd, Sebastopol, CAExplore View on map
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Zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley
Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs
Ridge’s Sonoma County winery among old zinfandel vines near Healdsburg.
650 Lytton Springs Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448Explore View on map
Carmel Valley 1
Wine near the coast.
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Carmel Valley wine
Bernardus Winery tasting room
Bernardus’ tasting room in Carmel Valley village.
5 W Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley, CA 93924Explore View on map
Most wineries take tastings by appointment: book ahead on each winery’s website, and plan a driver.
