Napa Valley, California

One word association:  WINE!!  If you don’t like wine, don’t bother.  But if you love wine like I love wine, plan to spend a few days.  Come prepared to drop some cash–the wineries range from $20 to $65+ for a tasting.  Also start early.  Most wineries close by 5pm.

You need a car.  A designated driver is certainly suggested since the wineries can be quite a hike from each other.  If you plan to hit up a few wineries, try joining a tour or hiring a private car or limo.  (Try googling “getting around Napa Valley” will bring up an array of options.

Honestly, there is no way that this list can encompass all of the great wineries in the area.  Also, there are so many wineries, that it’s probably impossible to hit all of the highlights.  So for this list, listed why the winery is on the highlight list and asked some friends for input as well.

Peju Winery

8466 St. Helena Highway (Highway 29)

Rutherford, CA 94573

*  This was my FAVORITE winery by far.  I loved the wines and fell in love with their grounds.  The art sculputres, manicured garden, pond, and overall feel made this feel like a place I’d want to stay for a while.

Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Road

Napa, CA 94559

*The champagne lovers will enjoy this one!

Del Dotto

1445 St Helena Hwy

St Helena, CA 94574

*  Aestetically, this place was beautiful and opulent.