Must-Experience Wine Adventures in Napa Valley

A typical wine country journey often involves visiting multiple wineries, sampling both beloved classics and new offerings. While this is a great starting point for tastings, experienced wine enthusiasts seek more refined experiences that deepen their appreciation and knowledge of wine.

Several wineries in Napa Valley excel in crafting unique wine tasting adventures. From sip-and-stroll tours to cave explorations and opportunities to create your own wine blend, here are four exceptional tasting experiences to explore during your next Napa wine adventure.

Conn Creek Winery's Barrel Blending Experience

Step into the shoes of a winemaker for a day

• Advance reservations needed. $150 per person.

Every wine enthusiast dreams of relocating to wine country and crafting their own unique blend. However, a quick online search for vineyard prices in Napa Valley might shatter that fantasy for many. Don't lose hope just yet; St. Helena's Conn Creek Winery offers the Barrel Blending Experience, allowing guests to act as winemakers for a day.

This experience includes a lesson on Napa Valley's AVAs (American Viticultural Areas), each known for producing distinct wine styles and personalities. To truly appreciate the uniqueness of each AVA, guests partake in a tasting of cabernet sauvignon samples from various Napa AVAs before diving into the art of wine blending. Once they grasp the techniques and insights behind blending, guests can create their very own custom wine to take home.

Outdoor Experience at Merryvale Vineyards

Savor wine among the vines

• Advance reservations necessary. $295 per person.

Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena welcomes guests to leave the tasting room behind and immerse themselves in the vineyard. Their Profile Estate Picnic Experience pairs exquisite wines with a lunch set against a picturesque backdrop: perfectly aligned rows of lush vines stretching as far as the eye can see. Hosted on the estate deck, this elevated dining experience caters to groups of four to eight.

Guests can choose from a diverse menu of gourmet options featuring seasonal ingredients, including mushroom sandwiches with a gluten-free bread option, as well as Caprese or Cobb salads. The lunch is complemented by a guided tasting of Merryvale Vineyards’ Silhouette chardonnay and four vintages from the Profile Collection. The afternoon concludes with a stroll to enjoy breathtaking views of Merryvale’s estate.

The Cabernet and Culinary Experience at Sequoia Grove Winery

Reimagine the art of wine and food pairing

• Advance reservations suggested. $125 per person.

It’s widely recognized that cabernet sauvignon complements the flavors of a rich rib eye. Wine and meat enthusiasts appreciate the synergy created when the fat in the steak mingles with the wine’s tannins. However, cabernet sauvignon pairs well with more than just red meat; there are other, potentially superior companions to filet.

An innovative pairing event at Sequoia Grove Winery encourages you to set aside traditional pairings and explore unexpected combinations. Chef Britny Maureze presents a four-course menu that defies conventional pairing norms. For example, the winery’s 2017 Christian Vineyard cabernet sauvignon is served alongside a grilled stone fruit salad. While tannic reds are rarely paired with such dishes, fearing they might overshadow the fruit, Maureze grills the fruit to enhance its sweetness and complexity, making this unconventional pairing a delightful match. The menu is seasonal and changes regularly.

Celestial Tour & Tasting at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

Stroll where wine matures

• Advance reservations needed. $125

Exploring a winery’s caves is a cherished experience for wine lovers. There’s an enchanting atmosphere in the tranquil space where wine rests and develops. The aroma of aging barrels, the soft lighting, and the cool air of the underground location create a feeling of grandeur, reminiscent of an ancient European cathedral.

In 2020, the esteemed Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, situated in the heart of the Stag’s Leap district, unveiled its Napa wine caves, crafted by renowned Barcelona architect Javier Barba. Among its diverse tasting experiences is a unique cave tour, which begins with a 30-minute guided walk through the cave. Highlights of the expansive 34,000+ square feet of tunnels include the opportunity to view a Foucault pendulum located at the center of the cave’s Round Room, an artistic feature that gracefully hangs from the ceiling, overseeing the wines below.

A stroll through the caves whets the appetite. Fortunately, this experience features a seated tasting of estate-grown wines from Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, paired with appetizers crafted by chef Travis Westrope, including oysters filled with a blend of pineapple, cucumber, and apple, as well as a corn fritter small plate topped with ricotta and blackberry.