Vineyards, gardens and wine !
Start the day west of Yountville on a heavily wooded property called Domaine Chandon. This is a beautiful winery surrounded by natural gardens highlighting topography, water and sculpture. Taste sparkling wine inside with views of the estate or outside under a canopy on a large terrace.
Continue north on Highway 29 until you reach a Napa name recognized by many, Cakebread Cellars. This winery is known for Chardonnay but offers an excellent reserve Cabernet Sauvignon as well as multiple varietals from various vineyard locations. Cakebread grows organic vegetables and displays them next to a large ornamental garden featuring a stone fountain.
Head north on Highway 29 until you reach Rutherford Road, make a right and cross the valley until it terminates at the Silverado Trail, continue north another five miles up The Trail. Boeschen Vineyards is not an obvious stop so make a note of the physical address and check in at the gate. This tiny production, high quality winery represents one of the valley's most unique gardens reflecting a style reminiscent of late 19th century emphasizing roses. The Boeschen's do not charge for the tasting experience so please support the winery by purchasing what you enjoy ~ not a difficult task after tasting through their work.
Continue north on The Trail until you reach Bale Lane, make a left, cross the floor and make another at Highway 29. Once you reach the town of St. Helena, make a right at Madrona Avenue and head west until the road terminates at the sign for Newton Vineyards. Take it slow, follow the signs and ascend the grade until you reach a hillside winery with fantastic views and whimsical topiary bordering a formal English garden. Newton is known for unfiltered wine made from hillside grapes on a unique section of Spring Mountain. This is a tour + taste experience so allocate a full 90 minutes.
Dine at Farmstead in St. Helena (707) 963-4555
Winery Option: Sterling Vineyards
Newton Vineyards | St. Helena AVA