The drive from San Francisco past the rolling mountains ranges that separate the SF Bay from Napa Valley is well worth the effort for the 'Sterling Vineyard experience.'  The wine is delicious, the service and hospitality world class, the building aesthetics elite, no doubt, but what really makes this winery one of the best in all of California is the natural setting in which is it located.  From the top of the hill, you will find a breath taking 360 degree veiw of all of Napa Valley.  On a clear day when the sun is shining, you can see Napa Valley all the way until the last vineyard, and it is magnificent.  Whether you partake in the fine wine or not, you will be intoxicated.

1111 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515-9635
(707) 942-3300

Open M-F 10:30 am - 5 pm 
Open Sat-Sun 10 am - 5 pm

To Visit Sterling Vineyards Website
To Schedule a Napa Valley Wine Tour 

The Rubicon Estate Winery (formerly Niebaum-Coppola Winery and Inglenook Winery) is arguably one of the finest wineries in the entire Napa Valley Region.  This property was originally owned by a Finnish Sea Captain (Gustave Niebaum) who established the Inglenook Winery. Since those early days the vineyards and winery grounds have expanded because of land acquisitions, and the winery is just as known for it's beautiful fountains and summertime aesthetics as it is for it's immaculate wine selection.  The Rubicon Estate is legendary among wine lover's and you should definitely build it into your Napa Valley Wine Tour.

1991 Saint Helena Highway
Rutherford, CA 94573
Phone: (707) 963-9099

To Visit The Rubicon Estate Winery Website
To Schedule a Napa Valley Wine Tour 

Pine Ridge Winery has more of a green focus when it comes to commercial wine production.  Their continued focus on sustainable farming protocol has reaped its rewards for them as they produce a very fine wine that is arguably one of the best in California. The Pine Ridge Winery features a very classy tour that starts in thier lush vineyards and gives you a very thorough look where the wine is produced, the beautiful wine caves, and a wine and cheese finale.  

5901 Silverado Trail
Napa CA 94558
Phone: (707) 253-7500

This is one of those wineries where we could go on and on about the Wine Cave Your, the common hospitality, aesthetics, or other factors which generally define a good wine cellar, but like most who have reviewed or visited this cellar, the dominating theme of any write up about Stag's Leap Wine Cellars is their wine.  The wine is phenomenal, to say the least, and you won't be able to find many people to argue with me about it!  Obviously, there are a number of "Napa Valley's Best Winery" lists out there floating around, and most of the credible ones will mention Stag's if they are including quality of wine as the determining factor.  Stag's Leap Wine Cellars has always produced fine Cabernet, but it was in 1976 when the they won the Judgment of Paris Cabernet contest that truly propelled them to the International elite.  However, even if you are not a big Cabernet fan, there are numerous wines that could win another award on any given day.  Attention Wine Lovers, this is the real deal!


5766 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558-9413
(707) 944-2020
Open Daily 10am-4:30pm

This winery is as much for those with a taste for culture and art as it is for those who love wine.  The Clos Pegase Winery offers tours of it's grounds for free that feature their beautiful wine cave, numerous art pieces, and an old country type of 'old country' aesthetics that turn any beautiful day into an unforgettable one.  The tours are held just before noon and at 2 O'clock every day, and you can just swing by, take the tour, and end it with a tasting of Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, or any number of other wines that they feature.  

1060 Dunaweal Lane
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: 707.942.4981
Hours: 10:30am-5:00pm, daily

Here at SanFrancisco-WineTours.com we believe that it is incredibly difficult to compile any sort of authoritative list on the best wineries in Napa Valley.  This is mainly because wine tasting can be such a personal experience that naming the best wineries is very relative, regardless of rewards.  Also, a reward granted to a specific bottle may not reflect the aesthetics of a winery, the knowledge and hospitality of the staff, the convenience of the tasting rooms, parking and valet availability, amongst countless other factors that truly effect a visit to any individual vineyard.  In fact, some of my better experiences featured wines that I don't quite recall the quality, but when I remember the pleasant overall experience, the beauty of the day, the fine hor dourves, and the hospitality, I still rank those establishments pretty high on occasion, although quality of wine is obviously the pinnacle of any experience.

So, with that lengthy disclaimer, we will list the finest wineries in Napa valley according to those value points, in no particular order, because on any given day, they could leap grog over each other!

For an updated list, always check back HERE at  http://www.sanfrancisco-winetours.com/specials.html

5 Reasons not to drive to Napa Valley from San Francisco in your own car!

1.) The scenery gets beautiful really quick.  Why focus on the road when you can relax in a Limousine and focus on your surroundings.

2.)  Getting from vineyard to vineyard in a timely fashion can get complicated if you do not know the area very well. There are over 450 Wineries in Napa Valley and some of the best are pretty far from each other.  Don't waste time getting upset with your GPS.  Let a Chauffeur who tours the area daily, figure it out for you.

3.) Parking and Lines in the heat!  Need I say more?  It can get very warm in Napa valley and finding parking can be a headache, especially when it is warm. In a limousine you can sit back and enjoy complimentary open bar, or simply have the Chauffeur drop you in front and come back when you ready for your next winery!

4.) You don't have to hold back as much.  Most responsible adults will limit themselves extensively when navigating between vineyards and fine dining so they don't miss out on anything.  If a driver is simply waiting for you to whistle, you can do whatever you please until your bored!

5.) SAFETY!  The drive back to the San Francisco area can be very pleasant.  It can also be long and dangerous if you have had a little too much wine (very common on a wine tour!)  If you are in a limousine you can kick up your feet, take a nap, turn on the TV, or let the party continue to rage while you head toward the city!