What to Expect in Napa Valley Wine Tour

Whether you’re coming to Napa for the first time or have been visiting for years, there are a few things you need to know before you embark on your wine tour.

There are many different types of wine tours, from small family-owned vineyards to cave tours. You’ll be sure to find a winery that fits your style and tastes.

Winery Tours

The Napa Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, so it’s no surprise that the region is known for hosting numerous harvest parties and events. Whether you’re looking for a fancy, romantic dinner or a more laid-back experience, there’s something for everyone in Napa.

One of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley is Chateau Montelena, whose Instagram-worthy stone castle is surrounded by beautifully cuofted gardens and a lake that extends to the base of Mount Saint Helena. During their annual Harvest Celebration Dinner, guests can sit down for a four-course meal that pairs perfectly with their wine.

Other notable vineyards include Del Dotto, whose 350-foot cave dates back to 1885. It’s one of six remaining caves in Napa Valley, and the cave tour and barrel tastings at this winery offer a chance to see the original hand-hewn redwood beams that still hang from its ceiling.

HALL’s Rutherford property is another unique cave winery, with a 14,000 square-foot underground cave system finished in Austrian brick and limestone from the Hapsburg Empire. During their Cave Tour & Tasting, visitors can walk through the underground area before sitting to sample wines and enjoy small bites.

The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is another fun and informative way to tour the Napa Valley, with replicas of California’s iconic open-air cable cars transporting guests around the wineries. Tickets for their six-hour Classic Tour include transportation, a picnic lunch and a guide, but don’t include wineries’ tasting fees, which can range from $20 to $30 per person.

If you want a more active experience, consider joining the Napa Valley Wine Cycling Tour, which takes you to two different wineries while cycling along a route that passes through a number of picturesque vineyards. Guides share information about the wine region and its grapes, and the tours are popular among tourists.

Cave Tours

If you’re looking to get a real taste of Napa Valley wine, cave tours are the way to go. They give you a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards, cellars and winemaking process. You’ll also see some of the oldest and most recognizable wines in the valley.

One of Napa’s most famous wineries is Jarvis Estate, which claims to be the first winery in the US to be built entirely underground. The cave is a technical marvel, complete with tunnels and caverns that house not only barrel storage but the entire winemaking operation.

The 45,000-square-foot cave houses a collection of a dozen oak fermentation tanks, all built by French coopers. It also features an underground waterfall that helps maintain the perfect temperature and humidity levels for aging wine.

While you’re in the cellar, don’t miss the winery’s renowned Foucault pendulum that swings in the Round Room of the caves. Located in the center of the complex, it marks the passing of time and the aging of wines.

Aside from the spectacular caves, this winery is also known for its iconic Rubicon Cabernet. If you’re not a big fan of the grape, don’t worry; the winery is also home to some great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties.

Sturdivant’s cellar is home to a few different wine tasting experiences, including their signature Salon Tasting Flight hosted entirely in the cave. Then there’s a private tour where you’ll have an exclusive taste of their Reserve wines.

Inglenook is a historic winery that has a rich history. Its caves are a great place to experience the gravity flow winemaking process.

Another great winery with a historical cave is Pope Valley, which has been producing wines since 1897. All of their winery tours wind through a portion of their caves, and Cellar Club members can take advantage of an additional option to tour the caves and taste seated wines outside or in the cellar.

Harvest Parties

There’s no bad time to visit Napa Valley, but fall is one of the best times to be in the region. During this season, wineries are at their busiest, and visitors will find a plethora of events to partake in.

In addition to vineyard hikes, grape stomping and tasting, you can also enjoy festivals that celebrate the harvest. These celebrations are often held at different locations throughout the Napa Valley, and they offer a unique opportunity to taste and learn about wines from local winemakers.

Some of these events will require tickets or reservations, so make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time. Some wineries will also host harvest parties, where guests can sample the latest releases of their wines.

Another fun event to experience is a winery dinner in a vineyard, where you’ll be treated to a meal paired with current release wines. During the event, guests will learn about the history of the winery while enjoying a delicious meal and excellent wines.

The event is limited to 24 people, and it’s a great way to get an insider’s look at a Napa Valley winery’s vineyards. The winery will even give you a tour of the property, which features stunning views of the surrounding area.

If you’re looking to explore the underground world of Napa Valley, a cave tour may be right up your alley. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of the region while experiencing Napa Valley’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Napa Valley winery tours are a great way to see the region’s vineyards and learn about the history of winemaking in the Napa Valley. The tours are accompanied by a guide, who will share stories about the region and its wines. They will also tell you about the local cuisine and culture. Most tours include hotel transportation, which will save you the hassle of navigating traffic and parking in Napa Valley on your own.

Grape Stomping

Grape stomping is an ancient wine-making technique that’s still enjoyed by many. It’s also a great way to experience the Napa Valley and its terroir while in wine country.

There are a few different grape stomping events you can take part in while on a Napa Valley wine tour. Some are more casual and others are more competitive. In either case, you’ll get to stomp and crush grapes while drinking copious amounts of wine, eating harvest-inspired foods, and stamping your purple feet on a commemorative t-shirt!

One of the most popular grape stomping experiences in Napa Valley is at Conn Creek. This experience is limited to a small number of guests, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time.

In addition to stomping grapes, this experience includes a wine tasting of three wines and a souvenir bottle. You’ll also leave your purple footprints on a commemorative t-shirt to remember your time at the vineyard!

Grgich Hills Estate is a Rutherford winery that holds daily stomp soirees throughout the harvest season. The stomp is the only one of its kind in Napa Valley and it’s an activity you won’t want to miss!

Another exciting grape stomping event you can experience while on a Napa Valley wine tour is at Peju Province. This event takes grape stomping to the next level with a fun competition that ends with a delicious farm-to-table lunch paired with Peju wines.

While you may think grape stomping isn’t something that can be done by people of all ages, it is actually a fun and exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy! During this event, teams of two compete to see who can produce the most juice by stomping and crushing grapes. You’ll even be able to win prizes for your team’s costumes and stomping performance!

Film Festivals

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just want to enjoy a good movie, Napa Valley is a great place to take in the latest films. The region is home to the Napa Valley Film Festival, which brings together 100 independent films and food and wine events for a five-day celebration.

Besides movie screenings, NVFF also offers a number of other experiences to enhance your visit, including wine tastings and chef demos. Several Napa Valley hotels are located within walking distance to these activities, so you’ll have no trouble accessing them from your accommodations.

The Napa Valley Film Festival is organized by Cinema Napa Valley, a 501c3 non-profit organization that works to build community around the art of visual storytelling. During the Festival, film screenings are paired with world-class Napa Valley food and wine, fueling lively conversations between artists and audiences.

This year’s NVFF will take place from November 13-17, 2022 in locations throughout Napa Valley. It’s the 8th annual event and will feature 100 independent films plus culinary demonstrations, winemaker dinners, and fabulous parties.

Some of the films you can expect to see during NVFF include The King’s Speech, Blue Valentine, Undefeated, J.Edgar, Like Crazy, Silver Linings Playbook and more. You can also catch exclusive sneak previews of the Award Season films before they are released to the public.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with taking in a Napa Valley wine train tour. It’s an affordable and fun way to explore Napa Valley’s vineyards while avoiding the crowds.

This Napa Valley wine train experience starts at a special winery, where vacationers can indulge in breakfast before the train arrives for an hour-long journey through the countryside. At the end of the ride, visitors stop for a three-wine tasting in an open-air car. Afterward, they can snap photos with the historic Napa Valley sign before heading to their next stop.

What to Expect in Napa Valley Wine Tour

Whether you’re coming to Napa for the first time or have been visiting for years, there are a few things you need to know before you embark on your wine tour.

There are many different types of wine tours, from small family-owned vineyards to cave tours. You’ll be sure to find a winery that fits your style and tastes.

Winery Tours

The Napa Valley is a wine lover’s paradise, so it’s no surprise that the region is known for hosting numerous harvest parties and events. Whether you’re looking for a fancy, romantic dinner or a more laid-back experience, there’s something for everyone in Napa.

One of the most iconic wineries in Napa Valley is Chateau Montelena, whose Instagram-worthy stone castle is surrounded by beautifully cuofted gardens and a lake that extends to the base of Mount Saint Helena. During their annual Harvest Celebration Dinner, guests can sit down for a four-course meal that pairs perfectly with their wine.

Other notable vineyards include Del Dotto, whose 350-foot cave dates back to 1885. It’s one of six remaining caves in Napa Valley, and the cave tour and barrel tastings at this winery offer a chance to see the original hand-hewn redwood beams that still hang from its ceiling.

HALL’s Rutherford property is another unique cave winery, with a 14,000 square-foot underground cave system finished in Austrian brick and limestone from the Hapsburg Empire. During their Cave Tour & Tasting, visitors can walk through the underground area before sitting to sample wines and enjoy small bites.

The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is another fun and informative way to tour the Napa Valley, with replicas of California’s iconic open-air cable cars transporting guests around the wineries. Tickets for their six-hour Classic Tour include transportation, a picnic lunch and a guide, but don’t include wineries’ tasting fees, which can range from $20 to $30 per person.

If you want a more active experience, consider joining the Napa Valley Wine Cycling Tour, which takes you to two different wineries while cycling along a route that passes through a number of picturesque vineyards. Guides share information about the wine region and its grapes, and the tours are popular among tourists.

Cave Tours

If you’re looking to get a real taste of Napa Valley wine, cave tours are the way to go. They give you a behind-the-scenes look at the vineyards, cellars and winemaking process. You’ll also see some of the oldest and most recognizable wines in the valley.

One of Napa’s most famous wineries is Jarvis Estate, which claims to be the first winery in the US to be built entirely underground. The cave is a technical marvel, complete with tunnels and caverns that house not only barrel storage but the entire winemaking operation.

The 45,000-square-foot cave houses a collection of a dozen oak fermentation tanks, all built by French coopers. It also features an underground waterfall that helps maintain the perfect temperature and humidity levels for aging wine.

While you’re in the cellar, don’t miss the winery’s renowned Foucault pendulum that swings in the Round Room of the caves. Located in the center of the complex, it marks the passing of time and the aging of wines.

Aside from the spectacular caves, this winery is also known for its iconic Rubicon Cabernet. If you’re not a big fan of the grape, don’t worry; the winery is also home to some great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties.

Sturdivant’s cellar is home to a few different wine tasting experiences, including their signature Salon Tasting Flight hosted entirely in the cave. Then there’s a private tour where you’ll have an exclusive taste of their Reserve wines.

Inglenook is a historic winery that has a rich history. Its caves are a great place to experience the gravity flow winemaking process.

Another great winery with a historical cave is Pope Valley, which has been producing wines since 1897. All of their winery tours wind through a portion of their caves, and Cellar Club members can take advantage of an additional option to tour the caves and taste seated wines outside or in the cellar.

Harvest Parties

There’s no bad time to visit Napa Valley, but fall is one of the best times to be in the region. During this season, wineries are at their busiest, and visitors will find a plethora of events to partake in.

In addition to vineyard hikes, grape stomping and tasting, you can also enjoy festivals that celebrate the harvest. These celebrations are often held at different locations throughout the Napa Valley, and they offer a unique opportunity to taste and learn about wines from local winemakers.

Some of these events will require tickets or reservations, so make sure you reserve your spot ahead of time. Some wineries will also host harvest parties, where guests can sample the latest releases of their wines.

Another fun event to experience is a winery dinner in a vineyard, where you’ll be treated to a meal paired with current release wines. During the event, guests will learn about the history of the winery while enjoying a delicious meal and excellent wines.

The event is limited to 24 people, and it’s a great way to get an insider’s look at a Napa Valley winery’s vineyards. The winery will even give you a tour of the property, which features stunning views of the surrounding area.

If you’re looking to explore the underground world of Napa Valley, a cave tour may be right up your alley. These tours are a great way to learn about the history of the region while experiencing Napa Valley’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Napa Valley winery tours are a great way to see the region’s vineyards and learn about the history of winemaking in the Napa Valley. The tours are accompanied by a guide, who will share stories about the region and its wines. They will also tell you about the local cuisine and culture. Most tours include hotel transportation, which will save you the hassle of navigating traffic and parking in Napa Valley on your own.

Grape Stomping

Grape stomping is an ancient wine-making technique that’s still enjoyed by many. It’s also a great way to experience the Napa Valley and its terroir while in wine country.

There are a few different grape stomping events you can take part in while on a Napa Valley wine tour. Some are more casual and others are more competitive. In either case, you’ll get to stomp and crush grapes while drinking copious amounts of wine, eating harvest-inspired foods, and stamping your purple feet on a commemorative t-shirt!

One of the most popular grape stomping experiences in Napa Valley is at Conn Creek. This experience is limited to a small number of guests, so be sure to book your spot ahead of time.

In addition to stomping grapes, this experience includes a wine tasting of three wines and a souvenir bottle. You’ll also leave your purple footprints on a commemorative t-shirt to remember your time at the vineyard!

Grgich Hills Estate is a Rutherford winery that holds daily stomp soirees throughout the harvest season. The stomp is the only one of its kind in Napa Valley and it’s an activity you won’t want to miss!

Another exciting grape stomping event you can experience while on a Napa Valley wine tour is at Peju Province. This event takes grape stomping to the next level with a fun competition that ends with a delicious farm-to-table lunch paired with Peju wines.

While you may think grape stomping isn’t something that can be done by people of all ages, it is actually a fun and exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy! During this event, teams of two compete to see who can produce the most juice by stomping and crushing grapes. You’ll even be able to win prizes for your team’s costumes and stomping performance!

Film Festivals

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just want to enjoy a good movie, Napa Valley is a great place to take in the latest films. The region is home to the Napa Valley Film Festival, which brings together 100 independent films and food and wine events for a five-day celebration.

Besides movie screenings, NVFF also offers a number of other experiences to enhance your visit, including wine tastings and chef demos. Several Napa Valley hotels are located within walking distance to these activities, so you’ll have no trouble accessing them from your accommodations.

The Napa Valley Film Festival is organized by Cinema Napa Valley, a 501c3 non-profit organization that works to build community around the art of visual storytelling. During the Festival, film screenings are paired with world-class Napa Valley food and wine, fueling lively conversations between artists and audiences.

This year’s NVFF will take place from November 13-17, 2022 in locations throughout Napa Valley. It’s the 8th annual event and will feature 100 independent films plus culinary demonstrations, winemaker dinners, and fabulous parties.

Some of the films you can expect to see during NVFF include The King’s Speech, Blue Valentine, Undefeated, J.Edgar, Like Crazy, Silver Linings Playbook and more. You can also catch exclusive sneak previews of the Award Season films before they are released to the public.

If you’re a wine enthusiast, you can’t go wrong with taking in a Napa Valley wine train tour. It’s an affordable and fun way to explore Napa Valley’s vineyards while avoiding the crowds.

This Napa Valley wine train experience starts at a special winery, where vacationers can indulge in breakfast before the train arrives for an hour-long journey through the countryside. At the end of the ride, visitors stop for a three-wine tasting in an open-air car. Afterward, they can snap photos with the historic Napa Valley sign before heading to their next stop.