Chances are, if you’ve come to Napa Valley, you’re looking to drink some wine. But with more than 1,000 commercial wine producers in Napa County, it can be overwhelming to decide which Napa Valley wineries to visit. The valley has everything from century-old operations with national distribution to hidden gems that make fewer than 500 cases a year. Here are three of our favorite Napa Valley wineries to visit during your stay at our boutique hotel:
Mumm Napa | 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford | (707) 967-7700
One of the few sparkling wine producers in the valley, Mumm is open to walk-ins from 10AM to 6PM with tours offered 4 times throughout the day. Learn about the process of carbonating wine in the bottle and view some of the impressive automated equipment in action during the 45-minute tour. Afterwards, relax on the patio and sample a tasting flight like “Best of the Best” and “Palate Pleaser” or wines by the glass.
Frog’s Leap | 8815 Conn Creek Rd. Rutherford | (707) 963-4704
Named for the frog farm that was once on the property, Frog’s Leap is an organic winery with a LEED-certified tasting room. Frog’s Leap makes “natural wine,” a term used to refer to wine made with minimal interventions—while there’s no official definition, its practices can include organic or biodynamic farming, using wild yeasts, and no added sulfites. In addition to organic growing practices, Frog’s leap “dry farms” their vines, meaning no additional irrigation is provided. Ultimately, the proof is in the bottle, and you’ll love the earthy flavor imparted by this practice. By appointment only.
Twenty Rows | 880 Vallejo St, Napa | (707) 265-7750
The only working winery located within the town of Napa, Twenty Rows is a short drive from downtown. The tasting room is open by appointment only during the week, but frequently hosts events on the weekends like football Sundays and the Bleu Cheese Festival (check facebook for the latest). The grapes for these easy-drinking reds and one white are grown northwest of Napa and are all available for less than $20. Try the Cabernet Sauvignon, a young wine that pairs well with food.