The Ultimate Winery Guide:
Every Place to Visit in Napa & Sonoma

NAPA VALLEY

Napa Valley is hands-down the most popular wine region in America. Brimming with elegant tasting rooms, quaint towns, and more than 400 wineries, it’s no wonder Napa wines are celebrated the world over. Find your favorites among our best sellers!

Orin Swift Cellars

While in St. Helena, pop into Orin Swift for a change of pace. Here, you’ll find intense, well-crafted wine with show-stopping labels crafted by the visionary winemaker Dave Phinney. Set against a playlist curated by Dave himself, your tasting will include several red wines like the winery’s famous dark violet Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon and the inky black Machete Petite Sirah. The 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel blend is a must-try; it’s the wine that marks Phinney’s famous return to the variety after an eight-year hiatus from making Zinfandel. Phinney says: “We offer a laid-back tasting where guests not only learn about our wines, but also our history and the unique story behind each label. From glass selection to the label material, each wine has a distinct point of view, and every element has my touch and design vision.

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Orin Swift Abstract 750ML 2021

One of many definitions of the word, abstract, is a summary of something larger, encompassing the crucial elements, making it easy to comprehend on the fly. Abstract, in its own way, is an abstract of our winemaking mission and ethos at Orin Swift. It will always have our signature approach, comprised of fruit from quality vineyards across California and creates conversations-be it about the wine or the label. For those new to Orin Swift, Abstract is a beloved starting point on a journey with us. WINEMAKER'S NOTES An opaque purple core with a glowing mauve rim, the 2021 Abstract brings forth opening aromas of muddled blue and blackberries with a frame of dark chocolate brownie and seasoned leather. The wine enters with class, being soft and lush, with notes of ripe plum, boysenberry and Santa Maria tri-tip. Grippy, chewy tannins, the wine closes with pleasing sarsaparilla and blackcurrant.

Orin Swift Machete 750ML 2019

A paradox can catch you off guard. A powerful punch and a delicate touch – this Petite Sirah-based blend manages to be both. And the labels? Iconic, but never the same. With fruit sourced from all over the state, Machete is a culmination of bird-dogging some of the best Petite Sirah, Grenache, and Syrah vineyards in California. Double-blind tasted to assure the highest quality fruit, making the cut isn’t easy. Tasting Notes: Pure inky garnet in the glass, the aromatics of plum compote, wild blackberries, crushed gravel, peanut brittle, and Tahitian vanilla emanate. Massive on the entry, the mid-palate is diverse with flavors of dark plums, black pepper, Amarena cherries, slow-roasted Moroccan lamb and a marbled leather texture. Rich, enveloping, and vivacious, the wine finishes with perpetuating energy and length—not to mention the satisfying tannins that rouse a desire for more.

Orin Swift Slander 750ML 2020

In the seventh iteration of our Pinot Noir, Slander is solidifying its style and defining its own voice. As we strive to always overdeliver with each wine, Slander has proven difficult because of the fickle nature of the varietal. In many respects, we treat Pinot Noir differently than the rest of our red varietals; we pick it earlier and typically utilize the punchdown over the pumpover. Gentle handling in the vineyard and cellar allows us to capture these delicate aromatics and the enchanting palate of Pinot Noir. Sourced from across California, this 2020 vintage includes fruit from Annapolis, Del Rio, Radian and Our Lady of Guadalupe vineyards. Pale ruby in the glass, the wine opens with no-fuss aromatics of bright strawberry, candied cherry, crushed gravel, wet brick, white pepper and brushed violet. Enveloping in a sophisticated, elegant manner, the palate has similar tones to the nose with some black cherry and a touch of minerality. Vibrant and energetic through the finish, the wine closes with a pleasant vein of acidity, capable of myriad pairings.

Orin Swift Mannequin 750ML 2020

Golden straw in the glass with a flash of emerald, the wine opens with notes of ripe Bosc pear, lemon meringue, and white flowers. On the palate, the entry is coating with yellow peach, honeydew, and wet stone along with a mid of palmiers, tostones and ripe stone fruit. The finish is accentuated by a seam of acidity and leaves one with hints of lemon pith and butterscotch.

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Orin Swift Papillon 750ML 2019

A true five-varietal Bordeaux blend is hard to find anywhere in the world. But lucky for us, we’ve been able to source all five across the Napa Valley to produce one of our flagship wines. From the mountain tops of Atlas Peak to the gravelly soils of St. Helena and everywhere in between, the resulting blend elicits a dialectic found on the label: a butterfly may be delicate and elegant while the hands of a farmer are anything but. Similarly, the sensory introduction to Papillon is overwhelming and breathtaking; yet, as the wine opens, it transforms slowly into a wine of elegance and opulence in one. It is truly the epitome of our style of winemaking. The 2019 Papillon pours a neon crimson and settles into a dark core with a ruby rim—crimson through and through. Aromatically, the wine opens with powerful notes of blackberry, kirsch, coastal sagebrush and evolves into ripe pluot and roasted fig. An enveloping entry of grandeur, the palate reveals a more elegant side of the wine: black plum, blackcurrant, toffee and trace hints of sweet red vermouth, muddled mint, and orange peel. Polished, balanced and with an imagined sweetness, the wine closes with ripe but firm tannin and a mild drying character, capable of converting even the staunchest of Bordeaux-philes.

Orin Swift Palermo 750ML 2019

Hot on the heels of a bountiful 2018 vintage, the 2019 growing season saw slightly lower yields. However, we were able to maintain the same flexibility and quality of the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from across the region. As our entry - level Napa Cab, Palermo checks all the boxes—classic aromatics, lush and rich body, and puckering tannins that will age in a short amount of time. Featuring sites from the valley floor to the mountain ridges, the wine is sourced from Stagecoach, Cypress, Sun Lake, Morisoli and Solari Vineyards, just to name a few. A brooding red core with a rich cardinal hued rim, the wine opens with classic Napa Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics—ripe cassis, sunburst raspberry, graphite and chapparal surrounded by a balanced frame of new oak. The bold aromatics translate onto the palate seamlessly with more cassis, red licorice, fresh fennel and mixed berry compote. Integrated yet prominent puckering tannins finish off the wine with a touch of lingering black tea.

William Hill Estate

For a scenic sipping excursion, reserve a visit to William Hill Estate Winery. From June until October, you can book the First Saturday Sunset Pairing at William Hill Estate, which takes place (naturally) on the first Saturday of each month. The unique tasting experience features a curated food pairing matched with a selection of small-lot Winemaker’s Series wines, like Spring Mountain Chardonnay, Carneros Chardonnay and the Notch Red Blend. Come sunset, the winery views are just as impressive as the wine itself.

“The views from our tasting room are unparalleled — the rolling hills of our Estate Vineyard and the Mayacamas Mountains at sunset are stunning,” says winemaker Mark Williams.

If you’re interested in tasting fine, rare wines brimming with California flavors, look for William Hill Estate’s small-lot Winemaker’s Series wines.

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William Hill North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon V19 750ML

Our William Hill Estate North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward wine that opens with sumptuous aromas of dark fruit and plum compote with a waft of baking spice. The smooth, plush palate reveals additional notes of black cherry with hints of cedar. The 2019 vintage was warm and evenly paced. Plentiful winter rains and a cool spring delayed budbreak, leading to rains in late May. By June, a consistently warm and steady summer emerged, setting the stage for expressive and vibrant wines. With exceptional growing conditions, vines developed clean, healthy clusters with rich, complex flavors and excellent structure. Fruit for our North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon was destemmed and crushed prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 90°F. Following fermentation, this wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften mouthfeel before oak aging.

William Hill Central Coast Merlot V19 750ML

Our Central Coast Merlot is a juicy and complex wine, featuring aromas of plum, blackberry and vanilla. The rich, full-bodied palate offers notes of black cherry and blueberry with a hint of spice on the finish.

William Hill Pinot Noir V18 750ML

Deep and rich, our William Hill Estate Central Coast Pinot Noir is well-balanced and opens with aromas of red fruit, black cherry, toasted oak, lavender and clove. On the palate, enjoy ripe flavors of red cherry, strawberries, boysenberry and baking spices. A firm acidity and plush mouthfeel lead to a long, smooth finish.

William Hill Napa Valley Chardonnay V21 750ML

The William Hill Estate Winery 2021 Napa Valley Chardonnay is an elegant expression of California's acclaimed winegrowing region. Aromas of toasted caramel and warm brioche radiate from the glass. The mouthfeel is luscious and creamy, revealing layers of apple, pear and vanilla with a dollop of lemon custard. Notes of lemon zest brighten the long, crisp finish.

William Hill Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V16 750ML

Our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon combines generous fruit-forwardness with a structured and polished mouthfeel. The wine opens with enticing aromas of ripe dark fruit, cedar and spice. On the palate, black cherry and plum mingle with lingering notes of sage and licorice. Full-bodied and well-rounded, this Cabernet Sauvignon boasts beautiful acidity, fine tannins and a long finish. Enjoy now after an hour of decanting or lay it down in the cellar, as it will age wonderfully for 5-10 years.

William Hill North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon V19 750ML

Our William Hill Estate North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward wine that opens with sumptuous aromas of dark fruit and plum compote with a waft of baking spice. The smooth, plush palate reveals additional notes of black cherry with hints of cedar. The 2019 vintage was warm and evenly paced. Plentiful winter rains and a cool spring delayed budbreak, leading to rains in late May. By June, a consistently warm and steady summer emerged, setting the stage for expressive and vibrant wines. With exceptional growing conditions, vines developed clean, healthy clusters with rich, complex flavors and excellent structure. Fruit for our North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon was destemmed and crushed prior to fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 90°F. Following fermentation, this wine underwent malolactic fermentation to soften mouthfeel before oak aging.

William Hill North Coast Sauvignon Blanc V21 750ML

Our 2021 William Hill Estate North Coast Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, fruit-forward wine with refreshing tropical notes. Lively aromas of grapefruit, lime and just a hint of gooseberry rise from the glass. The palate echoes the nose with zesty fruit characteristics followed by a lovely touch of minerality. Our Sauvignon Blanc is completely unoaked, which finishes bright with natural acidity and leaves the palate refreshed.

William Hill California Chardonnay V21 750ML

The 2021 William Hill California Chardonnay is a decadent wine with aromas of a freshly baked apple crisp. Notes of warm apple, toasted caramel and just a tap of spice. Layers of green apple and lemon brighten the palate. The supple mouthfeel supports the midpalate, and the wine finishes with notes of brioche and toasted caramel.

Louis M. Martini Winery

If you are a Cabernet Sauvignon aficionado, however, a great place to start your Napa Valley trip is Louis M. Martini Winery. The iconic winery was one of the first in the area to open after Prohibition and has since built a portfolio of celebrated Cabernet Sauvignon. Winery guests can swirl, sniff and sip their way through a flight outside in the idyllic Martini Park.
Out of the winery’s four tastings, the Heritage Terrace tasting is recommended by winemaker Michael Eddy. “We hand-pick a selection of our most sought-after wines and our onsite culinary team carefully curates a pairing menu that can be added on to complement each wine,” he says.
Enjoy elegant al fresco tastings, bottle service and multi-course wine-and-food pairings in your own private cabana.

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Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Gnarly Vine Zinfandel V18 750ML

Our Gnarly Vine Zinfandel grapes were picked and sorted by hand at our Micro Winery. They were then gravity fed into small, open top tanks for a three-day cold soak before primary fermentation. The wine was aged in a combination of French oak barrels (47% new) and American oak barrels (21% new) for a total of 16 months. Aromas and flavors of baked raspberries, Bing cherry, and mulberries are balanced by notes of cracked peppercorn, vanilla bean and the historic vineyard’s hallmark overtones of spice and dusty earth. Rich and concentrated, this wine showcases a vibrant line of acidity that follows through in the long, silky finish.

Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

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Louis M. Martini Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

The 2018 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of of black cherry, blackberry and plum are complemented by hits of toasted oak, dried currant and baking spice. Fine-grained tannins and ample brightness on the palate give way to a polished mouthfeel and exceptionally long finish. Vinicultural Notes Grapes for this wine were handpicked from several of our premium Napa Valley vineyards, including William Hill, Sun Lake, Cypress Ranch, Sage Canyon and other select growers. The 2018 vintage began, like 2017, with plentiful winter rains. A consistently warm and steady summer eased into a mild fall, resulting in a slightly later harvest that delivered beautifully developed fruit with marked complexity. Winemaker Notes Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes were carefully destemmed and transferred to upright tanks for a two-day cold soak. To build its round, elegant mouthfeel, the wine saw 15 to 20 days of maceration time and was pumped over two to three times daily. Each lot was aged and meticulously evaluated separately, with the final blend taking place in May 2019. In total, the wine aged for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels (40% new).

Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

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Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon V18 750ML

Our 2018 Monte Rosso Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a slice of history in a glass. We gathered the fruit from a selection of our favorite blocks in our historic Monte Rosso Vineyard, including the oldest Cabernet Sauvignon block in California. The nose fills with Monte Rosso’s signature spice and sweet wood aromatics and a thread of smoky ancho. Notes of ripe cherry, black currant and warm plum compote fill the palate. Underlying hints of sarsaparilla and caramelized oak lead to a long, earthy finish with a touch of wet clay.

Louis M. Martini Cellar No. 254 Meritage V13 750ML

Dark and brooding, our Louis M. Martini Cellar No. 254 Meritage is a full bodied, pleasure driven wine bursting with rich fruit notes. Aromas and flavors of wild blackberries and blueberries are complimented by hints of baker’s chocolate and plum preserves woven with nuanced hints of toasty oak providing a nice lift on the palate.

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Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Vineyard Mountain Red V13 750ML

Our Louis M. Martini Monte Rosso Mountain Red is an homage to the great wines of Southern France, with a California twist. This fragrant blend of Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Grenache wafts out of the glass with aromas of black raspberries and kirsch liqueur with subtle hints of Herbs de Provence and dark roast coffee. The zesty palate includes a medley of savory flavors of dark fruit notes complemented by Monte Rosso’s signature spices. It has the vineyard’s classic frame of balanced acidity and notes of iron. The wine’s depth, mouthwatering fruit and lush mouthfeel display the extraordinary complexity that can be produced from this world-class mountain vineyard.

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SONOMA

Sonoma is Napa Valley’s bigger, more laid-back neighbor to the west.

J Vineyards & Winery

An icon in the Russian River Valley for 35 Years, J Vineyards & Winery offers a stylish (and sparkling!) welcome to wine country. Chic tasting spaces and flavorful, Sonoma-inspired culinary pairing experiences showcase J’s celebrated portfolio of sparkling wines, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more. Winemaker Nicole Hitchcock recommends visitors sip on a glass of the current Vintage Brut before diving into the Legacy Tasting upon a serene, shady garden terrace. The tasting blends luxury with wine country casual by pairing small-lot and reserve wines with an artisanal cheese plate.

J Vineyards & Winery gives guests a taste of extraordinary Russian River Valley wines paired with innovative culinary delights.

“There are five cheeses, each topped with their own house-made accompaniments — which can be anything from spiced fresh fruits with roasted almonds, to sesame-brown butter nut brittle, to a silky chocolate fudge,” Hitchcock says. “It pairs beautifully with both our varietal and sparkling flights, highlighting different flavors and textures with each wine.”

All in all, no matter what region you’re exploring, make sure to spend this summer in California wine country, and toast to something truly golden.

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J Vineyards California Cuvee NV 750ML

The inaugural release of our vibrant and approachable California Cuvée Brut opens with a pop of tart pineapple and orange blossom on the wonderfully aromatic nose. The palate is lively and rich with layered notes of Asian pear and honeysuckle, overlaying hints of fresh mandarin peel and marzipan before a zesty, focused finish.

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J Vineyards Brut Rosé NV 750ML

Our J Brut Rosé sparkles with a vibrant, pink salmon hue and inviting aromas of jasmine blossom, Kaffir lime leaf, tangerine and raspberry. The mouthfeel is creamy and delicate, with a fine, energetic mousse that tickles the tongue. The deeply nuanced palate features notes of ripe strawberry, Bing cherry, blood orange and lemon meringue, with hints of slivered almond and watermelon juice.

J Vineyards Cuvee 20 NV 750ML

Our J Cuvée 20 Brut opens with nuanced aromas of toasted almond, followed by notes of Braeburn apple, dried cranberry and ginger snap. A delicate dance of bubbles leads to a soft palate with flavors of lemon meringue pie, as the wine’s creaminess is whisked away by a lively finish.

J Vineyards California Pinot Gris V20 750ML

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J Vineyards California Pinot Gris V20 750ML

Our bright J California Pinot Gris offers layers of generous fruit characteristics and a crisp finish for a delightfully approachable sip. The juicy palate offers notes of fresh-picked white peach, golden kiwi and nectarine that blend with Meyer lemon, pear and mandarin. Hints of honeysuckle and florals also feature on the round, bright palate.

J Vineyards Pinot Noir V20 750ML

Plush, polished and approachable, J Multi-Appellation Pinot Noir delivers classic fruit-driven character and beautiful balance. Generous aromas of ripe red berries and dark fruit lead to an expressive and layered palate with flavorful notes of both red and black cherry, blackberry, cocoa and plum. A subtle touch of toast, vanilla and baked strawberry add texture and depth to the long, memorable finish. Enjoy this paired alongside barbecued pork dishes, cheeseburgers topped with aged white cheddar or grilled portobello steak. For a cheese pairing, try an aged gouda with fig jam. VITICULTURE NOTES For vintage 2020, we looked to Santa Barbara, Sonoma and Monterey Counties to deliver this plush and distinctive Pinot Noir, relying on a collection of estate vineyards for the majority of our fruit. Overall, the 2020 vintage was early with lower yields of exceptionally high-quality fruit. A mild winter led to an early emergence of budbreak, which had to be protected in late spring frosts. The growing season was warm and temperate throughout the summer, chilled by cool coastal breezes at night. The even-paced season was ideal developing mature, well balanced fruit. Harvest began in late August, offering beautifully structured fruit with generous flavors and exquisite complexity. WINEMAKING NOTES We harvested whole grape clusters before de-stemming and delivering to stainless steel fermentation tanks. Following a five-day cold soak, the must fermented for seven to ten days, receiving regular punch-downs tailored to each lot. Once dry, the wine was drained to tank and barrel to undergo malolactic fermentation before aging on a combination of French and American oak. Blending took place in the summer with a special focus on maximizing the unique stylistic contributions of lots from each county.

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J Vineyards California Chardonnay V20 750ML

Our 2020 Multi-Appellation Chardonnay offers a beautifully layered, distinctive and silky-smooth take on this classic variety. Luscious notes of Asian pear, pineapple, lemon curd and baked apple feature on the plush, expressive palate. Full-bodied and lengthy, subtle oaky hints of vanilla, cream and coconut support and frame the appealingly ripe fruit characteristics. Pair this delightfully approachable Chardonnay with a pear and apple arugula salad topped with goat cheese or fried chicken and waffles with honey butter. For an easy cheese pairing, try creamy brie topped with orange marmalade.

J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay V20 750ML

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J Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay V20 750ML

Our Russian River Valley Chardonnay showcases the best of this classic cool climate region. The wine opens with lots of bright, flavorful notes of tropical papaya and guava on the medium-bodied palate. Hints of baked apple pie, ripe yellow peach, golden sultana and a touch of crystallized ginger add richness and depth. Nine months of French oak aging adds a subtle suggestion of crème brûlée and toast on the long, lingering finish. Try this Chardonnay with Meyer lemon risotto topped with crispy confit chicken, or miso-glazed black cod over cold sesame soba noodles. For a cheese pairing, sip alongside semi-firm sheep cheese with caramel popcorn.

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The Ultimate Winery Guide:Every Place to Visit in Napa & Sonoma

NAPA VALLEY

Orin Swift Cellars

William Hill Estate

Louis M. Martini Winery

SONOMA

J Vineyards & Winery

The Ultimate Winery Guide:
Every Place to Visit in Napa & Sonoma