The sunny state of California produces an enormous amount of wine. So much so that if California were a country, it would rank fourth among the largest wine-producing nations in the world, just behind France, Italy, and Spain. Here’s a look at the eight best wineries in California, each offering a unique experience and high-quality wines
1. Castello di Amorosa
Located in Napa Valley, Castello di Amorosa is renowned for its Tuscan-style castle, built following all the canons of medieval architecture. The castle includes 107 rooms, underground cellars, and even a prison. The winery offers tours and wine tastings, including their famous La Fantasia wine. They also host medieval-style banquets and wine festivals.
Address: 4045 St Helena Hwy, Calistoga, CA 94515
Price: from $60 for a tour and tasting
Website: castellodiamorosa.com
2. Robert Mondavi Winery
Founded in 1966 in Oakville, this winery is one of the most famous in the world. Robert Mondavi played a key role in popularizing California wines internationally. His winery is known for one of the best Cabernet Sauvignons, as well as Sauvignon Blanc, from which Mondavi created his signature Fumé Blanc. The company also offers a budget line, Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, with 15 varieties of wines, all priced around $10.
Address: 7801 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
Price: from $55 for a tour and tasting
Website: robertmondaviwinery.com
3. Opus One Winery
Founded in 1978, Opus One is a joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild. The winery produces its namesake wine, considered one of the best in the world. Visitors can enjoy exclusive tastings and vineyard tours. Opus One is known for its strict quality control and use of only the finest grape varieties. The winery is also actively involved in eco-friendly initiatives such as solar energy usage and organic farming.
Address: 7900 St Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562
Price: from $125 for an exclusive tasting
Website: opusonewinery.com
4. Silver Oak Cellars
Silver Oak specializes in producing high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery operates two facilities: one in Napa Valley and another in Alexander Valley. Both offer tours and tastings, as well as events like wine dinners and festivals. In addition to wine tastings, guests can enjoy food pairings prepared by invited chefs.
Address: 915 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville, CA 94562
Price: from $50 for a tour and tasting
Website: silveroak.com
5. Ridge Vineyards
Located on the slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Ridge Vineyards is famous for its red wines, especially Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. What sets Ridge apart is its location, long history, and winemaking principles. The grapes are sustainably and organically grown, hand-picked, and carefully processed. They are fermented using native yeasts, sometimes in steel, sometimes in wood, with minimal additives. Ridge offers tours and tastings, as well as picnics and wine dinners.
Address: 17100 Monte Bello Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
Price: from $30 for a tour and tasting
Website: ridgewine.com
6. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
This Napa Valley winery became famous after winning the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. During the blind tasting, California Cabernet Sauvignon won in both categories, shocking France, which was considered the world’s best wine producer. Today, Stag’s Leap offers tours of its historic vineyards, tastings, and luxurious dinners with winemakers.
Address: 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558
Price: from $65 for a tour and tasting
Website: stagsleapwinecellars.com
7. Inglenook
One of the oldest wineries in the region, Inglenook was founded in 1879 by Finnish entrepreneur Gustave Niebaum, who had a passion for fine wines. In 1975, filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola purchased the winery from the Niebaum family, investing significant time and money to restore its original glory. Twenty years later, he bought the surrounding vineyards and the magnificent Victorian castle, which can also be visited today.
Address: 1991 St. Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573
Price: from $75 for a tasting and from $135 for a tour
Website: inglenook.com
8. Beringer Vineyard
Founded in 1868, Beringer Vineyard is the oldest operating winery in California. It was the first to offer public tours in 1934, starting the tradition of hospitality in Napa Valley. Beringer was also one of the first to implement gravity-fed winemaking, minimizing mechanical impact on the grapes. The 19th-century estate, surrounded by beautiful gardens, is a highlight, and visitors can enjoy picnics with wine.
Address: 2000 Main St, Saint Helena, CA 94574
Price: from $35 for a tasting and tour
Website: beringer.com
