Napa Valley Day Trip: San Francisco Napa Valley Day Trip Winery Suggestions

If you are coming to the Napa Valley, you are probably interested in visiting some wineries—and your choice is virtually unlimited. If you are interested in learning about the wine making process and enjoying your tasting room experience, it is best to limit yourself to a few wineries a day.

If you will be visiting Golden Haven Hot Springs, we will provide you with a self-guided Napa Valley winery guide that will offer you complimentary tastings and discounts some of Napa Valley’s best wineries.  To view the guide, click here.  If you only have limited time, here are three very popular winery destinations, all within a five minute drive of Calistoga.  To do all three, allow yourself approximately two hours.

Clos Pegase Winery is one of Napa Valley’s most famous winery destinations. Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the winery is a must-stop for Napa Valley visitors. The winery features over 20,000 square feet of caves, and the grounds include sculptures by world-famous artists. In addition to offering wine tasting, you can sign up for a free tour.

Frank Family Vineyards also offers winery tours and wine tasting. Its wines are produced in small quantities, and the majority are sold primarily at the winery. Located in the historic Larkmead winery in Calistoga (the 3rd oldest winery in Napa), Frank Family Vineyards is co-owned by longtime Disney executive Rich Frank.  Frank Family features  great Chardonnays and Cabernets as well as several other varietals.  Recently, several of its wines have received 90+ ratings from Robert Parker. 

At the northernmost end of the Napa Valley, where the valley floor meets the Mayacamas Mountains, you will find Bennett Lane Winery.  This is the perfect spot to start your winery tours at the top of the valley in the morning or to end your touring in the afternoon, as the sun sets on the Palisades. Bennett Lane Winery has a tasting room open 7 days of a week, and their staff will be happy to give you a personalized tour of this small boutique winery with stunning views of Mt. Saint Helena.

The three wineries described above are just a small sample of what awaits you in the Napa Valley.  You can literally spend a week here visiting the many wineries that are open to the public.  Just remember to give yourself plenty of time, limit yourself to 3-4 a day, and prepare yourself for a fantastic experience.

Continue To Napa Valley Restaurants and Picnics in Calistoga »