These Napa Valley Wineries Are Redefining the Traditional Tasting Experience

Typically, a winery tasting involves the same familiar setup: a line of wine glasses, a few sips, maybe some cheese, and a comment or two about the wine's characteristics. But who says it has to always follow the script?

A number of Napa Valley wineries are transforming the tasting experience. From unique locations to thrilling ATV rides, horseback tours, or unexpected food pairings, these wineries are offering a new way to experience wine. Check out these innovative spots.

Jarvis Estate Winery (Napa)

• Why visit: Experience a one-of-a-kind tasting in a stunning underground wine cellar
• Reservations required

Nestled on Atlas Peak, northeast of Napa, the stunning landscape—blanketed with native grasses and trees—was the inspiration for Leticia and William Jarvis to build their winery underground, preserving the natural beauty of the area.

As you venture deeper into the winery's subterranean tunnels, the atmosphere grows more intriguing. The parabolic curves, dim lighting, and curved bronze doors lead you past towering casks and metal tanks, with the sound of rushing water heightening the anticipation for the underground waterfall near the tasting room. Here, you'll savor estate-grown Burgundian Chardonnays, elegant Cabernet Francs, and Merlot blends that are both precise and full of character.

RD Winery (Napa)

• Why visit: creative and inspiring food pairings
• Reservations are recommended

During many wine tastings, there’s that moment when the host might mention something like “this Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with sushi”— yet you’re munching on a breadstick instead. “It’s hard to truly understand the magic of these pairings until you experience it,” says Mailynh Phan, CEO of RD Winery, Napa’s only Vietnamese-owned wine brand.

RD Winery’s innovative pan-Asian Fifth Moon pairing menu matches wines like Grüner Veltliner with green curry-dusted popcorn and Rosé with spicy chilled melon soup. Pork bao pairs perfectly with both the tangy red fruit in the RD Zinfandel and the bold Hundred Knot Grenache. Whether you’re sipping on the patio or relaxing in the serene blue tasting room, you’re sure to leave with a fresh perspective on wine pairings.

Inglenook (Rutherford)

• Why visit: A cinematic wine experience
• Reservations are a must

Driving up Inglenook’s long, tree-lined driveway feels like stepping into a film scene—a fitting experience, given that the winery is owned by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, known for his dramatic storytelling.

Founded in 1882, the winery showcases Coppola’s passion for cinema and culture, with treasures like vintage movie projectors and the car from the film Tucker. A standout feature is the Athenaeum, a library with soaring Gothic ceilings filled with books, art, music, and games.

Enjoy a glass of estate Cabernet Sauvignon while listening to classic jazz by Miles Davis or Louis Armstrong, or perhaps the smooth sounds of João Gilberto and Stan Getz from 1964. Be sure to admire original paintings by Robert De Niro Sr. and legendary director Akira Kurosawa.

The Terraces (Rutherford)

• Why visit: A sprawling rural retreat perfect for exploration
• Reservations required

A pink and green cow, visible from the Silverado Trail, marks the entrance to an unforgettable blend of wine, art, and nature at The Terraces, an estate winery nestled in the Rutherford hills. Co-owner Sharon Crull recommends exploring the 120-acre property by ATV, which features cider orchards, art installations, and a charming historic stone building.

After sampling balsamic vinegar and learning about the tiny wooden casks used for aging, make your way back to the winery for Timm Crull’s estate-produced hard apple cider, made in the style of champagne. The wine list features a rich Chenin Blanc from the renowned Clarksburg region, a tropical Falanghina, and a fragrant Cabernet Franc with notes of violet.

Shadybrook Estate Winery (Napa)

• Why visit: An equestrian adventure paired with fine wine
• Reservations recommended

When the founders of Shadybrook Estate Winery acquired the Rapp Ranch’s Bordeaux vineyard in 2016, they discovered that the property had once been home to award-winning racehorses and rodeo champions. That equestrian legacy continues today with a stable of 12 horses, offering guests scenic trail rides through vineyards and groves of ancient oaks.

After your ride, the Ultimate Ranch Experience continues with Carneros Pinot Noir, a crisp Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects the Coombsville terroir, and a generous charcuterie board perfect for sharing. Despite being only 10 minutes from downtown Napa, the stunning mountain views will make you feel a world away.

Hourglass (Calistoga)

• Why visit: A curated musical selection to complement the exquisite wines
• Reservations required

After the 2020 Glass Fire destroyed their minimalist tasting room, Hourglass Winery owners Jeff Smith and Carolyn Duryea transformed the space into an open-air tasting lounge set among the charred remains of trees, which they’ve called the Boneyard.

A minimalist green Airstream is surrounded by trees, a small garden, and a striking dining table with malachite-print tiles. Smith, a former rocker turned winemaker, added a modern turntable and vintage Klipsch speakers, filling the space with a carefully curated vinyl collection.

A wine like the Blueline Estate 36 pairs perfectly with the energy of The Clash’s London Calling, while the smoother Hourglass Estate Cabernet might evoke the soulful sounds of The Marías’ Cinema. “The art of sound is much like our winemaking philosophy—a fusion of the old and the new, creating depth, richness, and vibrancy,” says Smith.