There’s always anticipation and excitement arriving at a new winery. What will it be like? Will I like the wine? Will the staff be friendly? What will the view be like? What will I learn this time? With this list of wineries, all of your worries will be whisked away. They all provide a unique experience, the wine is certainly delicious, the staff are kind and accommodating, they all have beautiful surroundings, and you’ll learn about a new red or a different vintage.

Grgich

I cover it in more depth in a dedicated post, but overall Grgich is unique for its Croatian heritage and fascinating story from the early days of Napa. It was one of the original wineries before Napa really took off as a tourist destination. Overall, they have an outdoor seating area designed in a way to make you feel like you’re in your fancy friend’s backyard. Cafe lights and outdoor lounge furniture make me want to spend an afternoon there. 

Darioush

Darioush stands out at first look with its dramatic column-lined entrance. It feels like visiting ancient ruins in a different country. To add to that experience, they even have a small amphitheater carved into the side of the building for performances. Darioush is unique for its Persian heritage which inspires everything from the labels to the interiors. A tour of the building takes you through a beautiful basement level cellar and tasting room with glimpses of the family’s own private wine collection. 

Hall

Every time at Hall is a well-run operation in a modern, art-forward building. Large sculptures, paintings, and tapestries are placed throughout the facility both inside and out. For most tastings, you’ll enter and check in on the ground floor and then head upstairs to the floor-to-ceiling glass tasting room. One of my favorite things to do is to take my last glass of the tasting outside and into the grounds. There are usually Adirondack chairs set just in front of the vines which makes for a great photo opportunity. 

Modavi

One of the originals in Napa, touring Mondavi is a staple to any first time to Napa. The Mondavi family is woven within the history of this wine region, so it’s a great place to get the context. I also enjoy doing their tour because it usually comes with a snack from their kitchen. On top of all of that, the architecture is unique and the view of the vines and mountains is beautiful. They have a lovely courtyard with outdoor tables so get a glass of wine after the tour and enjoy the gorgeous surroundings.

Domain Chandon

A visit to Domain Chandon always feels whimsical. With its entrance set almost underground, it feels like I’m about to enter a theme park or a fantasy world on the other side. Again, another winery with beautiful outdoor seating, Domain Chandon gives you shaded tables spread out in a garden setting. I’ll often end the day here with a glass for myself or a bottle to share of sparkling wine. 

Quixote

Compared to the other wineries, Quixote has the most intimate, local, and independent feel. They tend to keep their tastings limited throughout the day, and it’s set off on a more quiet lane making it feel more private. Again, a winery that is definable by unique architecture, Quixote doesn’t have any right angles or sharp corners, everything is rounded and curved from the doors and windows to the bulb-shaped ornaments on the roof. They have lots of beautiful wines, but we most often always leave with a bottle of their rose. 

Keep an eye out for the crack on a pillar inside the building - supposedly the Architect, Friedensreich Hundertwasser, overheard a conversation that the building was “perfect” so he took a sledgehammer to the pillar. Then pronounced, “Now it is perfect”.

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