Off the Beaten Path in Napa

Stunning view at Amizetta Winery

It’s no secret that Napa, like Sonoma, is a world class wine lovers destination. All the wines here are top notch, but fans of Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc will be especially pleased. (Though there are pleasant surprises for Pinot, Chard and Zin lovers too!) Some say it’s more glam than its laid-back neighbor, but you can find relaxed, intimate wineries in Napa and posh wineries in Sonoma, so it’s safe to say we’ve got your vibe covered!

There are two roads that run the length of Napa Valley - Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail. Along these parallel pathways are a plethora of incredible vineyards. But traffic can get congested and tasting rooms packed. If that sounds a bit overwhelming, don’t fret. There are lots of hidden gems to visit. Some of my picks include Fontanella Family Winery, Amizetta Vineyards, and Aonair Winery in the mountains surrounding Napa Valley, Storybook Mountain Vineyards near Calistoga to the North, and Bouchaine Vineyards in the South near the bay.

Like many of our spectacular local spots, Bouchaine Vineyards is a family-owned operation that utilizes sustainable farming and growing practices. Their location in the Los Carneros AVA makes for wonderful Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It’s the only area in Napa cool enough to grow those grapes, and the only AVA shared between Sonoma and Napa. Bouchaine is where I typically start Napa tours since we progress from lighter to heavier wines throughout the day. Besides drinking wine - the Pinot Meunier is a rare, hard to find favorite of mine – an excellent thing to do at Bouchaine is their ‘Falconry in the Garden’ experience. During this talk, guests learn about raptors (hawks, owls, and falcons) and how they support the grape harvest. Bouchaine also does a cool ‘Vine to Vessel’ tasting where you can try wines fermented in a range of vessels, from concrete eggs to clay amphorae. For folks who just want to sit, chat, and relax, the terrace is the spot to be. It’s hard to beat that expansive vineyard view!

Amizetta Vineyards and Aonair Winery & Caves are just a few minutes from each other on the same winding mountain road. I love Amizetta’s Bordeaux Style Blend from the Howell Mountain AVA. They’ve got one of the most gorgeous views in Napa where you can see Lake Hennessey nestled in the valley. The folks at Amizetta are personable and friendly. It’s an atmosphere that exudes the warmth and care you’d expect from a family-owned establishment. Aonair also boasts gorgeous views. My guests love to sit by a fire on the back deck as they take in the breathtaking landscape. They do a fun tour of the winery and crush pad that also includes an ATV ride in the vineyards overlooking the lake. Deeply inspired by Napa Valley’s early heritage, their wines are only available to guests who visit their estate. While their Cabernet is top notch, they also have other delicious wines, such as a Grenache and a Blanc de Noir.  

Picnicking at Fontanella

Next up is Fontanella Family Winery. Another delicious selection of Cabs! Their Rosé and Port are fan favorites, too. I like to bring guests to Fontanella’s tour of the crush pad, which explains how grapes are processed into wine. They also do barrel tastings where you can try wine straight from the barrel before it’s bottled. Fontanella has been described by guests as warm, homey, and friendly – and I have to agree. If anyone needs extra motivation (as if!) my tour guests enjoy $20 off the tasting fees and a complimentary cheese plate. After the tasting, folks can enjoy a nice picnic lunch at the picnic tables near the lake.  

Finally, we have Storybrook Mountain Vineyards, founded in 1883 (as Grimm Vineyards). It has, according to Robert Parker, some of the best Zinfandels in the world! (A red Zin, that is. We don’t do white Zin here.) Storybook sits at the northern end of Napa Valley where there’s stunning, rolling hills and views of Mt. Saint Helena. A Storybrook family member will walk you up into the vineyard and tell you about their unique farming techniques, then take you into caves dug out nearly 150 years ago. Another delightful feature of this vineyard is the picnic area tucked beneath a small but mighty redwood grove. Unlike most wineries in Napa, they allow outside food for picnics.

Speaking of picnic food, there are two very popular nearby spots to grab a good bite - Oakville Grocery & Wine Merchant and Gott’s Roadside. Both are great for sandwiches, salads, and warm dishes. Oakville also has “grab and go” specialty food items like crackers, spreads, and more. Either one will satisfy your hunger when you’re touring through Napa.

Ready to book a Napa tour? Reach out and I’ll tailor one to your liking.