Smith-Madrone Vineyards

Five Fun Napa Valley Wineries to Visit

Looking for something a little different in a Napa Valley getaway? Here are five fun wineries we like to visit when we travel to the Napa Valley.

Tres Sabores Winery is well off the beaten path at the base of the Mayacamus Mountains in St. Helena. Julie Johnson is the owner & winemaker and she produces fine Cabernet and Zinfandel from her certified organic vineyards. The winery is rustic with no formal tasting room, just a homey welcoming atmosphere.

Up the road is Corison Winery. Many call Cathy Corison the queen of Napa Valley Cabernet. She has been at it for many years and her Cabernets reflect the old school Cabs of the Napa Valley. These are restrained Cabernets loved by many. The beautiful barn style Corison winery is setback from Highway 29 in St. Helena
At the Smith Madrone winery, The two Smith Brothers are a throwback to a different era of the Napa Valley. There is no fancy state-of-the-art wine making equipment or a lavish tasting room. All the tasting is done in the cellar room and chances are Stu or Charlie will be doing the pouring as they did when they started the winery on Spring mountain in 1971.
Buehler Vineyards is across the Valley from Smith Madrone and about 4 miles east of the Silverado Trail at the base of Howell Mountain. Buehler began in 1976 so along with Smith-Madrone one of the older wineries in the Napa Valley. John Buehler runs the show here and his son Page Buelher tends to the tasting room and visitors. Two Cabernets and a Zinfandel have brought notoriety to this hidden gem.
Casa Nuestra is on the Silverado Trail, near Calistoga. The tasting room is a kick, mostly cluttered with memorabilia. Years ago Elvis Presley shot a scene for one of his movies in the Casa Nuestra vineyards so there is good collection of Elvis items in the tasting room. You will like the funky atmosphere

You can use our handy trip planner to find these wineries on the map and print your directions and itinerary. Happy travels.

Wine For Blondes - Episode 12 - Quintessa's Biodynamic Vineyard In the Heart of Napa

What the heck is biodynamic farming? Everyone grab your native insects and come sing kum bay yah in the vineyard. No, but seriously, this vineyard is like going green on crack... and makes a Killer Napa Cab!