Where to Go Wine Tasting in Napa Valley

One of the most common questions we ask consumers is "where should I go wine tasting in Napa?" There's no right or wrong answer as just like cars, houses, clothes and mobile phones, each one provides a unique experience waiting to be enjoyed. "A common issue when going wine tasting in groups is finding a winery that everyone will like", says Sarah Elliman, VP at CellarPass. "It's why from the very beginning, we included an advanced search feature on CellarPass that allows our guests to search by popular points of interest such as varietals offered, types of tours (barrel tasting, cave tour, vineyard tour) and what ammenities the destination has to offer such as scenic view, architectural appeal, etc", contiunes Elliman. "By entering the "likes" from the entire group, CellarPass provides a great list of wineries that match the selected criteria and in seconds they can make a reservation so everyone in the group of friends or family are happy."

So back to where do you go? It's easy. You should always start at CellarPass as it provides quick winery recommendations on the homepage and rotate frequently- so check it often. For even more ideas, CellarPass took it a step further by receiving recommendations from popular bloggers and other wine coutnry visitors of where they like to go visit and published the Quick Wine Country Getaway ideas (Napa Valley and Calaveras County) which allows you to book the whole itinerary as, or just book potions of it. "The getaway ideas have been a big hit and we're currently preparing another set which will include Sonoma and Seneca Lake which we're all very fond of, so be sure to keep your eyes out for them in the coming weeks", continues Elliman. "Some of us managed to get a sneak peak of the Finger Lakes region in April and we were all blown away of the hospitality and quality of the wines that were offered to us."

With no winery created equal, we'll always have our favorites and here's a great list of wineries beyond the wine country getaway ideas.

Napa Valley (View Complete List)
Burgess Cellars- The view is spectacular, but the Cabernet is a total sleeper- meaning that Burgess should be on every wine list, but then there wouldn't be any left for us here since they are very limited production.
Reservations are highly recommended as Burgess is very small, but big on wines!

Domaine Charbay- Expect bare bones, rustic charm, but be prepared to be blown away of the wines and other goodies that are offered. Be sure to say "Hi" to Sunny and Snifter for us.

Cade Winery- After stopping at Burgess, head up the hill just a bit further to Cade Winery. Be sure to make a reservation for the outside patio in Spring through early Fall as the view here is magical. Looking South, you can chillax with a group of friends, surrounded by tall pine trees while savoring 90+ point wines.

Clif Family at Velo Vino- -Soon to be the center of the Napa Valley cycling universe, bring your bike and an appetite for an early espresso (summer only) or an after-ride glass of Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting room is beautiful and the patio out back is a great place to hang out and meet up with friends before and after a long ride in the valley.

Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards- If you head North on Highway 29 towards St. Helena, you will drive right by Flora Springs which is in the center of "South of St. Helena Mecca", where you can peruse Dean and Delucca's hundreds of cheeses, fresh produce, delicious baked goods and the local secret butcher shop that we'll be sure to leave out here- you'll see it when you are there. Make a reservation for their Rooftop so you can get a nice view of the upper valley from there.

Vine Cliff- Tucked back in the eastern slopes of Napa Valley for good reasons., Vine Cliff quiet, romantic and secluded from the "hustle and bustle" of the Napa Valley west side.  We love it because of the way you approach the winery, filled with mountain-side gardens, ponds and if you are nice to Mark or Pete, they may even let you hold an ad hoc picnic lunch. Reservations are a must as they only offer private tours.

If you are spending a couple of days in the Napa Valley, be sure that you sneak over to Sonoma County for an entirely different experience. CellarPass offers a great list of wineries to choose from.