Top Rated Attractions in Napa Valley

If you want wine made out of your choice of grapes in small quantities—like maybe just a barrel, then Judd's Hill is the place you need to visit. The winery is owned and managed by Finkelstein family on the principle of 'small is beautiful.' They are quite happy to make wines on a made-to-order basis and according to customer specifications. They have a wine club where members have additional benefits and are invited to Judd's Hill events in Napa Valley. A combination of art, heritage, finest grapes and hand crafted wines is what Judd's Hill is all about. Picturesque and sunny, a visit to this winery is a great way to spend a lovely afternoon.

This is considered by many to be the most beautiful 18th-century chateau in North America. The chateau also has one of the most prominent vineyards. Domaine Carneros produces award winning sparking and Pinot Noir wines. You'll feel just like a king in the Louis XV-style salon with gracious service to match. Snuggle up to a warm fire during the cold winter months or enjoy the summer air from the terrace. Check out the in-house store, where you can pick up a number of vintages for friends and family. The tasting tours are offered daily.

Founded in 1973 by former photographer Jack Cakebread, this winery has produced a plethora of award-winning vintages. The winery produces 85,000 cases annually and is best known for its classic rich Rutherford Cabernets, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The entire family is involved with the winery operation, which includes promoting healthy food. The Cakebreads founded the American Harvest Workshop, an annual four-day event that promotes local agriculture and involves chefs, winemakers and farmers. The family also sells organic produce grown on winery grounds when available. Tours and tastings are by prior appointment only.

If you want to taste some of the best wines, then a visit to Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa Valley is a must. Del Dotto Vineyards is a family-owned business and has been functional for more than ten years. The selling point of this winery is that it is the only place that bottles wine right out of barrels. The barrels here are housed inside the caves which gives a mystical touch to the wine touring and tasting experience. The caves here are tiled with marble and are a great place to taste the rich wines produced here.

The CIA's (Culinary Institute of America) West Coast campus resides in the former home of the Christian Brothers winery—an imposing three-story building over a hundred years old. This is a masters-level training center for working, certified chefs. Visitors can take part in cooking demonstrations and sample the chef's creation. Visit the website for demonstration times and days. CIA's Campus Store stocks an impressive supply of cookware and cookbooks for the serious cook. You may also want to dine at the campus Wine Spectator Greystone restaurant—the view of St. Helena from the terrace is grand.

Founded as Inglenook in 1880, the historic Rubicon Estate has the honor of being one of the few remaining family-owned wine estates of its magnitude in existence. It is comprised of 235 acres (95 hectares) of organically certified vineyards, and is located in Napa Valley's Rutherford appellation. Rubicon Estate is home to the region's most famous Chateau and Rubicon—the estate's flagship wine. Dominated by a special clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that can be traced back to the original vineyard plantings of 1880, Rubicon is a Bordeaux blend that reflects the unique terrain of this property. In addition to the collection of award-winning wines, Rubicon Estate offers an array of tours and tastings, some historical, others are hands-on and interactive. From guided walks through the vineyard to barrel sample tasting in the cellar, the property's tour guides are experts at creating dynamic wine experiences for all guests. The estate also is home to the Centennial Museum housing memorabilia from Francis Ford Coppola's movies.