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Boutique Wineries of Napa Valley

Craving a more laid-back Napa experience? Ditch the crowded tasting rooms and fancy suits and head to a boutique winery. These spots are the cool cousins of the Napa scene, producing way less wine than the big guys, which means each bottle gets the royal treatment. Imagine intimate tastings with the winemakers themselves, where they'll chat about the story behind each delicious sip. Unlike the production line vibes of some wineries, boutique spots often focus on a few specific grape varietals, allowing them to master their craft and create wines with serious personality. So skip the mass-produced stuff and get ready for a personalized wine adventure. You might just stumble onto your new favorite (and totally chill) Napa obsession.

What Defines a Boutique Winery?

Small Production

Passionate Winemakers

Passionate Winemakers

Boutique wineries typically produce less than 10,000 cases of wine annually, allowing for a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail.

Passionate Winemakers

Passionate Winemakers

Passionate Winemakers

Boutique wineries are often run by passionate individuals who are deeply involved in every step of the winemaking process.

Focus on Quality

Passionate Winemakers

Focus on Quality

With smaller production runs, boutique wineries can prioritize quality over quantity, resulting in unique and character-driven wines.

Benefits of Visiting a Boutique Winery?

Intimate Tastings

Relaxed Atmosphere

Intimate Tastings

Enjoy a personalized experience with smaller groups and the opportunity to chat directly with the winemakers.

Unique Wines

Relaxed Atmosphere

Intimate Tastings

Discover wines made with specific varietals and crafted with a focus on quality and terroir.

Relaxed Atmosphere

Relaxed Atmosphere

Relaxed Atmosphere

Escape the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back and friendly atmosphere at a boutique winery.

"Cheers to the good life"

Large estate building with red roof, vines growing up the walls, and water feature in front

Inglenook Estate

Inglenook, with a rich history dating back to 1879, is a Napa Valley icon. Originally owned by wine legend Gustave Niebaum, the winery has been meticulously restored by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. Inglenook offers a variety of tours and tastings, including a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour that delves into the winery's storied past. The winery is particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and produces some of the most sought-after wines in Napa Valley.

  • Tasting experience price: $85 - $250 (depending on chosen tour) 
  • Location: 199 Inglenook Ln, Rutherford, CA 94573

Winery Website
Large historic white house with American flag flying over it

Schramsberg Vineyards

Founded in 1862, Schramsberg Vineyards is one of the oldest wineries in California. Nestled in the cool Carneros AVA, the winery is known for its sparkling wines, particularly its Blanc de Blancs and Brut Rosé. Schramsberg also produces elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery offers stunning vineyard views and a beautiful cave tour.

  • Tasting experience price: $85 (includes a cave tour) 
  • Location: 720 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515

Winery Website
Large table under roof with fire place overlooking vineyards

Round Pond Estate

Round Pond Estate, located in the Howell Mountain AVA, is a family-owned winery known for its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The winery produces a range of Bordeaux-style blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Round Pond offers a variety of tasting experiences, including a seated tasting on the terrace with breathtaking views of the Mayacamas Mountains.

  • Tasting experience price: $75 (includes a cheese pairing) 
  • Location: 7839 Howell Mountain Rd, Angwin, CA 94508

winery website
Vineyards with historic house in the middle of the rows of grapes

Etude Wines

Etude Wines, located in the Oakville AVA, focuses exclusively on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery sources grapes from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Napa Valley, resulting in elegant and complex wines. Etude offers a variety of intimate tasting experiences, including a seated tasting in their beautiful library.

  • Tasting experience price: $75 
  • Location: 2201 Oakville Rd, Oakville, CA 94568

winery website
Fields of lavender and purple flowers with low set building in the background and mountains beyond

Robert Sinskey Vineyards

Robert Sinskey Vineyards, located in the Upper Napa Valley, is known for its estate-grown Pinot Noir. The winery produces several different Pinot Noir bottlings, all of which showcase the unique terroir of the Upper Napa Valley. Robert Sinskey offers a variety of tasting experiences, including a seated tasting on the terrace with stunning views of the vineyards.

  • Tasting experience price: $75 
  • Location: 6320 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558

winery website

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