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Famous and Historic Napa Valley Wineries
Robert Mondavi Winery
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This Getaway will take you up Highway 29 from Yountville, just
past the town of St Helena. The five famous and historic wineries on this list
represent wineries that have been instrumental in giving Napa Valley wines
their worldwide recognition. You may want to plan a restaurant stop for lunch
in St. Helena or at the northern end of the valley in the town of Calistoga.
None of the wineries on the list have a picnic area open to the public.
Additional Historic Napa Valley
Wineries to Consider
• Heitz Cellars
• Louis Martini Winery
• Charles Krug Winery
Tips for your Napa Valley Wine Tour
You are encouraged to have a designated driver. Consider hiring a limousine or van service.
First time to a winery in Napa? Find out what happens in a typical tasting room.
Are you wondering about how to taste wine? Wine Tasting Techniques
Almost wineries in the Napa Valley charge a tasting fee. Expect to pay $10 or more to taste.
Two people can always elect to share a tasting.
Plan a picnic lunch. This is one of wine country’s greatest pleasures.
If you cannot picnic, enjoy a delicious lunch at one of Napa Valley’s many fine restaurants.
We list premium lodging and budget lodging.
Pace yourself and make a day of wine tasting. Don't forget your camera.
Visiting three wineries in one day is enough to you keep you busy and content with the slow and easy pace of wine country.
Please read our Disclaimer Document on the information contained on Wine Country Getaways.
Winery Descriptions, Driving Directions, Tasting Room Hours
Domaine Chandon
In the early 1970s, the great French Champagne house of Moet &
Chandon made a decision to start making sparkling wine in California.
They chose the Carneros and Mount Veeder regions of the Napa Valley
as the ideal climate and soil to produce fine sparkling wines made
in the French tradition. The name Domain Chandon was established
and the winery produced its first vintage in 1976. Today Domain
Chandon is world famous for its quality of fine California sparkling
wines. The sparkling wines are not the only attraction to this famous
and historic winery. The landscaped grounds and the architecture
are spectacular. We recommend taking the tour, which is very informative
and worth the time. To get to Chandon, turn off Highway 29 at the
Yountville exit. Travel to the west and look for the winery on the
right after you cross the railroad tracks.
Tasting room is open daily 10 am to 6, (707) 944-8844.
e-mail: info@chandon.com, Domaine
Chandon
Robert Mondavi Winery
The influence of Robert Mondavi and his winery have been instrumental
in establishing worldwide attention for Napa Valley wines. The winery
is perhaps the most visited and certainly one of the most recognized
wineries in the world. The winery was established in 1966 when Robert
Mondavi departed the family owned winery of Charles Krug. Robert
Mondavi’s vision was to use innovative winemaking techniques
to create wines of high quality and distinction. Because of his
success and leadership, many consider Robert Mondavi to be the father
of California wine. A visit to this winery will give you a better
feel and understanding of the Napa Valley. If you are interested
in a tour, call ahead to check on availability. The Robert Mondavi
winery is located about one mile north of the town of Oakville on
the west side of the highway.
Tasting room open daily, 10:30 am to 5, (888)766-6328 ext. 2000
Email: nfo@robertmondaviwinery.com, Robert
Mondavi
Rubicon Estate
This is a magnificent winery made famous by the great Inglenook
wines that were once produced here. Francis Ford Coppola,
of “The Godfather” fame, purchased this winery in
1975. In 2006 the winery changed its focus along with its name. Early
in 2006, Coppola changed the name from Niebaum-Coppola to Rubicon
Estate. The emphasis now is on the production of very high-end
wines made from their estate Napa Valley vineyards. Entrance
to the winery is $25 per person which includes tasting, an optional
tour, and valet parking. Production of the other Coppola
wines will take place at their newly-acquired facility in the
Alexander Valley in Sonoma County called Francis Ford Coppola
Winery (formerly Chateau Souverain).
Tasting room open daily, 10 am to 5, (707) 968-1100
Email: Submit
email through their Web site, Rubicon
Estate
Beaulieu Vineyards
This is one of the oldest wineries in the valley founded in 1900
by Frenchman George de Latour. The winery has long been famous for
fine reserve wines, particularly its estate George de Latour Cabernet
Sauvignon. BV, as it is commonly called, established innovative
winemaking techniques by its founder George de Latour and its renowned
winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. When the heirs of George de Latour
sold the winery to the Hublein Corporation, it created quite a stir
in the Valley. Today, the winery continues the tradition of making
high-end wines. In addition to these wines, BV also produces several
other wines from vineyards in the Central Coast of California. In
addition to a regular tasting room, the winery has the George de
Latour Private Reserve Room where for $25 you can taste five very
special wines, including at least one of their older wines (library
wines). This winery is worth a visit because of its past history
and influence on the Napa Valley. Beaulieu Vineyards is located
in the town of Rutherford on the east side of Highway 29.
Tasting room open daily, 10am to 5, (707) 967-5200
E-mail: bv.feedback@guinnessudv.com, Beaulieu
Vineyards
Beringer Vineyards
The last winery on this historic trek of wineries is Beringer Vineyards.
Founded in 1897, it is the oldest continuous winemaking facility
in the Napa Valley. The main building, now the reserve tasting room,
is called the Rhine House. It is a classic German style chateau.
This is an impressive building and very much worth a visit. Beringer
makes many wines, with collections for a wide pocketbook range.
In addition to the regular tasting room, there is also a tasting
room in the Rhine House where you can taste the Reserve wines. You
might also consider the tour here. The Beringer winery was recently
purchased by Foster’s, the famous Australian beer company.
The winery is located just as you leave St. Helena to head north.
The turnoff comes up quickly on the left as you begin to enter a
grove of beautiful trees lining either side of the highway.
Tasting room is open daily, 10 am to 5, (707) 963-8989 ext.2222,
Beringer Vineyards
The Town of Calistoga
This small and busy little town is at the north end of the Napa
Valley. Its location and many fine stores, restaurants and lodging
establishments make it the ideal place to stay for a two-night getaway
in the Napa Valley. Check our restaurant
and lodging guides to plan your stay.
On your second day, choose another set of wineries to visit.
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