Napa Valley is a big place. If you're looking to spend your next Wine Country excursion in a small-town setting, we recommend sipping your way through the gorgeous tasting rooms of St. Helena. Best of all, most of these quaint spots are just a few minutes from each other, so you won't need a designated driver for a full day of fun.
Raymond Vineyards
A part of the Boisset Collection, Raymond Vineyards is all about luxe entertaining. Experience a flight in their low-lit, pink-hued tasting room or relax in the sexy Red Room Lounge (complete with red, velvet couches and massive chandelier) as you sip on their signature cabernet. Tastings vary by price; Appointment necessary. // 849 Zinfandel Lane (St. Helena); raymondvineyards.com
Orin Swift
The swanky tasting room at Orin Swift will have you drooling over the posh setting and amazing wines alike. Collaborating with over 75 local growers, Orin Swift offers an eclectic array of wines (with names such as China Doll and Machete) in a modern setting. We recommend 2014's Trigger Finger, an exotic, aromatic blend of all spice and Bing cherries with notes of blueberry and cassis. Tastings are $10; No appointment necessary. // 1325 Main Street (St. Helena); orinswift.com
ACME Fine Wines
True wine enthusiasts and collectors will fit right in at ACME Fine Wines. A concierge-style wine shop, Acme offers rare and coveted small production wines from all over the world. Chat with the knowledgeable staff and browse the gorgeous wine wall before sitting down for a glass at this chic cellar. Tasting $25; Appointment necessary. // 1080 Fulton Lane (St. Helena); acmefinewines.com
Clif Family Winery
Clif Family Winery is owned by the same family behind Clif Bars. Not surprisingly then, this cool tasting room is perfect for sport and wine enthusiasts alike, offering wine tastings and bike tours daily. We can't think of a better way to pair beautiful Napa scenery with incredible wines and bites. Tastings $20-$30; No appointment necessary. Bruschetta + wine tasting $40; appointment necessary. // 709 Main Street (St. Helena); cliffamilywinery.com
Hall Wines
If you're looking for something beyond the traditional tasting room and flight experience, check out Hall Wines. They offer a range of different wine experiences from a signature garden stroll (while sipping vino, of course) to a Wine Tasting 101 class, or even The Ultimate Cabernet Collector tasting experience. Cost varies by experience; Appointment necessary. // 401 St. Helena Highway (St. Helena); hallwines.com
Thorn Hill Tasting Room
Just across Main Street from Orin Swift is Thorn Hill Tasting Room, a cozy, cafe-like setting to sip on Chardonnay, Pinot Noirs, and Cabernet Sauvignons. Thorn Hill is a small, family-owned winery, but they offer an impressive range of wine varieties. Try a glass of the sparkling Blanc de Noir for a perfect end to your day in Wine Country. Tastings $25; No appointment necessary. // Main Street (St. Helena); thornhillvineyards.com
