napawineries

[napawineries]

Unveiling the Gems: Must-Visit St. Helena Wineries in Napa Valley

St. Helena, nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, is a must stop location for wine lovers. With a rich viticultural history and a charming small-town atmosphere, it's no wonder many find some of the best St. Helena wineries in Napa Valley. But with so many exceptional wineries to choose from, where do you begin?

Fear not, this guide will unveil a selection of St. Helena's hidden gems and iconic estates we frequent, ensuring an unforgettable wine tasting experience.

Merryvale Vineyards: A Legacy of Elegance

Immerse yourself in refined luxury at Merryvale Vineyards. This historic winery boasts stunning chateau-style architecture and sprawling vineyards, offering picturesque scenery to complement their acclaimed wines. Their diverse tasting options cater to a variety of palates, featuring Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and their signature Profile, a blend of Bordeaux varietals. Don't miss their seasonal Profile Estate Picnic, where you can savor delicious food and wine while taking in breathtaking panoramic vistas.

Clif Family Winery: Uncork Creativity and Fun

Clif Family Winery fosters a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable wine tasting experience. This family-owned winery encourages exploration and offers unique experiences like their "Crush Your Own" program. Get hands-on with the winemaking process by stomping grapes and creating your own personalized blend. Clif Family also features a stunning outdoor patio with scenic vineyard views, making it an ideal spot to unwind and savor their delicious wines.

Benessere Vineyard: A Sustainable Sanctuary

Embrace a mindful approach to wine at Benessere Vineyard. This certified organic and biodynamic winery prioritizes responsible viticulture, resulting in wines that are not only delicious but also produced with care for the environment. Their intimate tasting room offers a personalized experience, allowing you to delve deeper into the unique characteristics of their wines.

Bremer Winery: Unmatched Heritage and Quality

Step back in time at Bremer Winery, a family-owned estate established in the 1880s. This historic winery boasts a rich legacy and an unwavering commitment to quality. Their Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme, consistently garnering critical acclaim. A visit to Bremer Winery is a journey through Napa Valley's rich history, culminating in a delightful tasting experience.

Auburn James Winery: Innovation Meets Tradition

Discover a rising star in the St. Helena wine scene at Auburn James Winery. This innovative winery combines traditional winemaking techniques with modern technology, resulting in exceptional wines with a distinct character. Their tasting room offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for exploring their diverse portfolio, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

St. Helena offers an abundance of captivating wineries, each with its own unique story and exceptional wines. Whether you seek a historic setting, a family-friendly experience, or a commitment to sustainable practices, there's a perfect winery waiting to be discovered.

Ready to embark on your St. Helena wine adventure? Contact Platypus Wine Tours and let us guide you through the best wineries in St. Helena, Napa Valley. We'll curate a personalized itinerary that caters to your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

[napawineries]

What’s the Ideal Season for Visiting Napa, California, Wineries?

Frequent visitors know there is never a wrong time to be in Napa Valley. The scenery, weather, wineries, and welcoming businesses are always there, always welcoming.

So, what are the ideal Napa Valley winery seasons to visit?

The answer: Anytime is the right time to come to Napa Valley. Each season offers something different, but all have unique appeal and interesting things to do.

Planning Your Trip to Napa Valley

While summer is the busiest season with plenty of festivals and outdoor activities, the other seasons offer other fascinating advantages. Springtime presents the stunning beauty of the vineyards as the wildflowers bloom and the vines begin to revive.

Fall is also a busy season as the vineyards evolve their colorful transformation and the active harvest, while wintertime presents another set of unique benefits enjoyed by smaller crowds.

So how do you choose? If you have been to Napa Valley before, perhaps a change to another season will be fun. If you haven’t been here in the past, take your pick, as each season is a wonderful time to visit.

Napa Valley Winery Seasons

Springtime Freshness

When you visit Napa Valley in the springtime, you will notice the vineyards coming back to life. The vines have been severely pruned to begin the new process, while the windflowers may still be prevalent between the rows. For entire weeks, the landscape is beautifully highlighted by the appearance of mustard and other wildflower blooms.

The vines will begin to sprout during mid-spring, so you will be able to see the progress in the vineyards. Spring is a great, unhurried time to arrange your visit to Napa Valley wineries.

Temperatures can be somewhat cool, so jackets and other gear may be warranted. However, you will avoid the hotter days of the summer.

Summer Sunshine

The longer sunny days of summer are perfect for a whole range of outdoor activities. Golf, swim, hike, picnic, attend outdoor performances, and arrange vineyard tours.  Many of the events during the summer will feature some of the region’s finest wines.

The famous BottleRock Festival and many other outdoor events are held during the summer season.

Fall Harvest Season

Although some of the harvest begins in the late summer, fall is when the weather cools, leaves start to turn, and most of the grapes are brought to the wineries for crushing. Fall is an exciting time when many wineries and businesses are staging harvest festivals and other events.

The weather in the fall is spectacular, perhaps the best of all four of the Napa Valley winery seasons.

Winter Wine Retreat

Are you hoping to avoid the crowds?

During the winter months, the wineries are really humming, but there are fewer visitors to Napa Valley. The vineyards happen to be dormant while workers perform the annual clean-up and pruning for the coming year’s crop.

This is a great time to visit the wineries. You can enjoy the smaller crowds as you savor the tranquility of winter. Have a romantic adventure as you curl up by the fireplace and enjoy Napa Valley’s excellent reds.

Note that many businesses offer discounts during this time.

Celebrate Napa Valley Winery Seasons with Platypus Wine Tours

Napa Valley is a year-round destination, with each season offering so much unique charm. No matter which season works, be sure to schedule your next safe and fun wine tour with Platypus Wine Tours.

Visit the Platypus website for more information or to make reservations. You can also phone them at 707-253-2723.

[napawineries]

Top Wineries in Napa that are Family-Friendly

Many businesses and wineries in Napa Valley are family-friendly, prioritizing a welcoming atmosphere for families. By offering elements like outdoor games, picnic areas, gardens, and activities for everyone to enjoy, several family-friendly Napa Valley wineries welcome visitors of all ages.

On your next trip to Napa Valley, you should choose to bring the whole family. After all, there are many outdoor activities available, like biking, hiking, picnicking, art shows, and a slew of fascinating cultural events designed for everyone.

Kid-Friendly Activities and Entertainment at the Wineries

Family-friendly Napa Valley wineries are aware of the importance of a more holistic approach to visits and winetasting among their prospective visitors. The area offers so many activities not related to winemaking that all the family can enjoy. Parents looking for a getaway for the entire family have plenty of reasons to visit Napa Valley to enjoy all that it offers.

So, if the parents wish to enjoy a wine tasting during their visit, it becomes necessary to find ones that welcome their children and will provide some additional entertainment for them.

Besides the many activities and events planned by the communities and other businesses, several family-friendly Napa Valley wineries offer kid-friendly activities and entertainment. Certain wineries offer grape juice tastings, arts and crafts sessions, and outdoor games.

Educational Components for Young Minds

Some wineries offer educational opportunities of all sorts to the experience. Exhibits and interactive engagement will provide lots of creative options for young minds to explore.

Some wineries provide the chance for families with youngsters to enjoy guided tours of the grounds, partake in non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice tastings, enjoy live music, picnic, and much more. Many activities are designed to educate youthful visitors about the entire Napa Valley experience.

Culinary Experiences Throughout the Year

Some wineries offer culinary options designed to be family-friendly and picnic areas suitable for whole families to bring their own meals. Each winery’s culinary staff offers creative options designed to satisfy each member of the family.  

During the year, family-friendly wineries present events that match the season. Harvest celebrations, holiday-themed activities, or outdoor concerts that both entertain and help to bring families closer together.

Family-Friendly Napa Valley Wineries

Here is a short list of the many family-friendly Napa Valley wineries:

Castello di Amorosa:

This Calistoga winery is famous for its castle-inspired architecture. While adults enjoy wine tastings, children can explore the castle grounds, including its drawbridge, moat, and courtyards. The winery often hosts events suitable for all ages.

V. Sattui Winery:

V. Sattui Winery, located in St. Helena, is known for its beautiful picnic grounds. Families can bring their own picnic or purchase food from the winery's deli. The kids can enjoy the expansive lawn area. The winery often hosts events with live music and entertainment.

Sterling Vineyards:

Another Calistoga winery, Sterling Vineyards, offers a scenic aerial tram ride to the winery. Families \ enjoy the stunning views together, and the winery provides self-guided tours suitable for all ages. The serene setting and architecture make it a family-friendly destination.

Mumm Napa:

Mumm Napa, located in Rutherford, is a sparkling wine producer with a welcoming atmosphere. Families can explore the winery's art gallery, enjoy the outdoor terrace, and partake in non-alcoholic sparkling grape juice tastings for the younger members.

Beringer Vineyards:

Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena is one of Napa Valley's oldest wineries. Families can enjoy guided tours of the historic Rhine House and stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens. The winery often hosts events suitable for families.

Tour with Platypus Wine Tours

For a safe and enjoyable tour of Napa Valley or Sonoma wineries, contact Platypus Wine Tours. The company provides modern, well-equipped transportation and will educate and delight visitors during the outing.

Visitors can choose between Private and Join-in Tours, learn first-hand about the agriculture of the grapes and winemaking process, and enjoy tasting the wines at the different boutique wineries.

The tours are enjoyable and educational as they allow the participants to sit back, relax, and let the experts provide insights into the process.

For reservations, visit the Platypus Wine Tours website. If you have questions or need to arrange something specific for your family-friendly Napa Valley wineries tour, phone  707-253-2723.

[napawineries]

Seasonal Guide to Napa Wine Tours

Anytime is a great time to visit Napa Valley. The magnificent scenery, pristine villages, museums, restaurants, outdoor activities, boutique wineries, and much more make this a perfect year-round destination.

And, of course, any time is a fantastic time for the best wine tasting in Napa Valley, with each winery opening its doors and inviting you to visit, share, and sip its world-class wines.

Let’s look at visiting Napa Valley during each season of the year.

Springtime Renewal

Spring is an exciting time to come to the area and sample some of the best wine tasting in Napa Valley. The weather is warming up, and life is returning to the vineyards with the re-emergence of the vines and their vibrant blossoms.

Many communities and wineries in the area are opening with barrel tastings and bud break tours, presenting more outdoor activities and fun. Look for new springtime events and marvel at the ever-changing landscape that blankets the area.

You might even visit the area during the mustard season as the yellow blossoms blanket many newly emerging vineyards.

Summer and Outdoor Activities

By early summer, the vineyards are in full bloom, and the fruit has begun to develop. Days are longer, and the warm weather is beckoning you to spend some time outdoors. Try a hot air balloon ride or a wine train excursion. Or visit some of the many outdoor festivals and musical presentations, picnics, hikes, and more.

Summertime is perfect for visiting Napa Valley and enjoying all the area offers. Don’t let the beautiful weather go to waste, and enjoy a professional and memorable wine tour to learn more about winemaking and have an incredible adventure.

Fall Harvest

Fall is the time that all the vineyard managers and winemakers await. While some varieties begin harvesting in late July or early August, most of the harvesting occurs in the autumn.

By September, the leaves are beginning to turn, and the colors of Napa Valley are changing. The grapes are reaching their maturity, nearing their harvest.

During this magic time in Napa Valley, the area comes alive with harvest parties and festivals, grape stomping, and more. Fall is a magical time to participate in the best wine tasting in Napa Valley with an experienced host and a professional wine tour company at various boutique wineries.

Wintertime Coziness

Come to Napa Valley in the winter, enjoy the fireside tastings and smaller crowds, and celebrate the Holiday Season.

Visiting the area in the winter is magic, sometimes lower cost, and freedom to move about without much interference. Napa Valley is regrouping for the new season, but visitors can enjoy various holiday events and visit historic wineries and boutique tasting rooms.   

Make Your Reservations with Platypus Wine Tours

For the best wine tasting in Napa Valley and Sonoma County, reserve your spot for a join-in or private wine tour with a longstanding, proven company, Platypus Wine Tours. The tour company operates year-round, so visitors can take advantage of their services anytime.

With professional guides and modern, well-equipped vans, you will travel to boutique wineries to learn about winemaking and taste their excellent wines. A wonderful lunch will be served along the way, and guests will be returned safely to their starting point.

To learn more and make your reservations, visit the Platypus Wine Tours website.

If you wish to talk directly with someone at Platypus Wine Tours or to make special arrangements, call (707)-253-2723.

[napawineries]

Exploring Napa Valley’s Wineries: A Wine Lover’s Guide

The beauty and style of Napa Valley wineries are remarkable and highly diverse. From the charming family-owned boutique wineries to the much larger historic chateaux, visitors marvel at the broad selection of wineries during a tour. Napa Valley alone, there are over 400 wineries currently operating along the 30-mile length of the valley, each offering different styles, philosophies, and attractions. Some have art galleries, gardens, picnic areas, and scenic views to enhance your visit and provide a well-rounded experience. Winery Tours for Wine Lovers A well-organized tour of Napa Valley wineries will provide insight into how each operates. Since the area boasts many diverse microclimates and soil types, the grapes drawn from the vineyards will differ in ways best represented in the wines produced. The unique terroirs or growing conditions of the region produce varietals that influence the flavors of the wines. A Cabernet Sauvignon made from the grapes of the Oakville District will differ noticeably from ones sourced from the Mount Veeder AVA, for example. Visitors should explore several of the AVAs and wineries of the region to get a better understanding of the differences. Only 30 miles long and narrow, Napa Valley produces an incredible range of world-class wines. And these are very accessible with well-planned and executed winery tours. Napa Valley winery tours can incorporate visits to well-known favorites and fascinating, lesser-known hidden gems that will surprise you. You will discover tastings in some rustic cellars or elegant wine and food pairings in others. Each is different in their style, look, and the wines they present. Wine Tasting for Beginners Make reservations for each wine tasting. Acknowledge the tasting fees, even for the guided tours you may join. In many instances, purchasing a certain amount of wine to take home will eliminate those tasting charges. Here are some tips for participating in your wine tastings during your Napa Valley wine tour: • Swirl the wine in the glass to aerate and release the aromas. • Hold the wineglass by the stem, not the bowl. • Inhale deeply to get the aroma characteristics of the wine before sipping. • Sip and swirl the liquid to coat all the mouth’s surfaces. • Take more than one sip since your perception may change with subsequent tastes. • In a tasting room, spitting is always permitted. It would be best to spit after each sip to keep from getting intoxicated. Remember to pace yourself along the way. Not spitting can affect your senses early on, especially when there are three or more Napa Valley wineries on your tour. Be cautious. Touring Napa Valley Wineries with Platypus Wine Tours Play it safe and reserve a spot on a well-organized, comfortable, and utterly safe tour as you travel to three boutique Napa Valley wineries. Travel through the Valley in a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle that allows you to enjoy the magnificent views, comment on the expanse of the vineyards, marvel at the beautiful wineries, listen to the interesting commentary from the tour host, and soak up the fantastic experience. You may sign up for a join-in tour or plan your private one by visiting the Platypus Wine Tours website. Phone Platypus Wine Tours at 707-253-2713 with any additional questions or to organize your private tour. The experience is one you will never forget.

[napawineries]

Sip, Savor, and Explore: Uncovering the Best Wine Tours in Napa Valley

Napa Valley offers more exciting activities than just about anywhere. From excellent dining, world-class entertainment, arts, stunning scenery, balloon rides, outdoor activities, and more, guests to this unique region will likely find the perfect endeavor here.

And, of course, the best wine tours in Napa Valley are always there for you. Take a join-in or private Napa wine tour, and you can enjoy a safe, comfortable, and fun educational experience at three carefully selected boutique wineries.

During the tour, you will learn about the art of grape growing, how the winemakers manage the crop, and insights into how the sensational wines are produced. And you will have a chance to taste some of the wines along the way, so relax and enjoy the trip without worry.

Here are some ideas for your next trip to Napa Valley.

Classic Napa Valley Wine Tour: A Taste of Tradition

Your initial planning must include at least one wine tour to visit some renowned wineries that have defined Napa’s wine culture for decades. Organize your outing in advance with Platypus Wine Tours to ensure the best wine tours in Napa.

Napa Valley Wine Train

While in Napa Valley, take the time to book a dinner aboard the elegant and entertaining Napa Valley Wine Train. While enjoying your gourmet dinner and exquisite wine, you will marvel at the passing scenery and panoramic views of the valley, vineyards, towns, and wineries.

Boutique Wineries and Hidden Gems Tour

Some places in Napa Valley are not easily reached. Sign up for one of the best wine tours in Napa Valley, where you will venture off the beaten path to explore out-of-the-way wineries and sample some of their exceptional wines.

Hot Air Balloon Tour

Travel above the vineyards away from the crowds in one of Napa Valley’s famous hot air balloon rides. You will see the region from a different perspective, high above the vineyards, towns, and wineries as they awaken in the early morning. After landing, you can enjoy a champagne toast before heading out for your Napa wine tours.

Culinary Wine Tours

For the ultimate Napa wine tour experience, sign up for a Culinary Wine Tour that pairs the best foods with the right wines. Expert guides will offer strategies for pairing the right foods with the best wines. Many Napa wine tours visit wineries that specialize in culinary arts and tastings.

Art and Wine Tours

Culture and Cabernet come together in Napa wine tours focusing on the synergy of art and wine. Some of the best wine tours in Napa Valley specialize in exposing guests to wineries with exceptional art galleries and scenic gardens. Food and wine tours are always unique for the adamant art lover.

Sustainable and Organic Wine Tours

Learn about Napa Valley’s commitment to Green Viticulture as you tour through eco-friendly vineyards and wineries. Know that this is the future of Napa Valley.

Custom Private Tours

Whether you are entertaining a small group or perhaps a more extensive company crowd, arranging a private Napa wine tour in advance is a great idea. You can craft a personalized wine tour with a private tour, choosing the appropriate wineries, exceptional varietals, and experiences that match your needs.

Available with Platypus Wine Tours

All these special wine tours are possible with Napa Valley and Sonoma’s premier wine tour company, Platypus Wine Tours.

Reserve your places for a join-in tour, or contact us about your private outing. Platypus Wine Tours offers the best wine tours in the glorious Napa Valley and can accommodate any special needs or requests during your private tour.

You can sign up for a future tour Sonoma or Napa wine tour by visiting the Platypus Wine Tour website’s BOOK NOW section on their website. Or, if you are booking a private tour or have questions, you should phone (707)-253-2723.