Best of Napa

IntoWine.com asked a panel of wine experts for their recommendation for the best Napa Chardonnay (for the money):

When I think of Chardonnay, there is a wide spectrum of flavors and aromas that spring to mind. Really great Chardonnay has a richness about it, an underlying minerality, an elevated aroma of all things creamy, and a lush fruity profile. When grown in a warm climate with cool nights, in a region like Napa, the Chardonnay grape can reveal it’s true potential for distinction. One wine that comes to mind is Sbragia’s "Gamble Ranch" Chardonnay. Layered with ripe pear, butter-cream, honeycomb, roasted nuts, and melon, this wine’s individuality is like a train arriving at the station – one car after the other loaded with personality. The grapes for this wine are sourced from a single vineyard in Yountville. The diverse number of Chardonnay clones used for the blend contribute to a broad palate and focused intensity. A long initial fermentation in oak, full malolactic conversion, and frequent lees stirring combine to make a singularly unique Chardonnay in all of Napa. At about $30, this is a great wine to get your hands on – and enjoy. - Ben Spencer is a diploma student with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and an IntoWine Featured Writer.

There are some Napa wineries that stand out for their beautiful gardnes and impeccable landscaping. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that are worth checking out if only for the gardens. The list below is in no particular order.

Franciscan St. Helena - While wine libraries are not uncommon in Napa, the space allocated for the purpose at Franciscan stands out. Lots of warm wood, long tables, and floor to ceiling storage make for an impressive but not overwhelming atmosphere for those seeking to schedule a private event or tasting, or interested in attending one of the winery’s daily educational seminars. Read more...

As wine enthusiasts know all too well, great Napa Cabernet Sauvignon's are often priced north of $100 and out of reach for many buyers. Of course, price by itself is not a good indicator of a great wine. Moreover, the price of a wine is likely to be impacted by scarcity and marketing as much as the quality of the wine. As such, we asked our panel of wine experts to recommend great Napa Cabernet Sauvignon's priced under $100:

Interested in the history behind Napa Valley and the evolution of the wines you are tasting? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that devote attention to the history of Sonoma wine country. The list below is in no particular order nor is it by any means complete (given the long list of wineries that shaped Napa).

Madonna Estate Napa - For Napa history buffs, Madonna Estate is a must stop. The original winery was founded by a bona fide Italian immigrant during one of the earliest waves of Napa vinification, in 1922. After being sold in the 1970s, a new iteration of Madonna was founded by some of the family heirs just a few years later. Today, they boast the distinction of representing four generations of winemaking. Read more...

Planning a picnic in Napa? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the best wineries for picnics. The list below is in no particular order.

Rutherford Hill Winery Rutherford - If you have the drive time and the picnic basket, and you’re looking for one of the best outdoor eating areas in Napa, head up to Rutherford Hill, where you can sit in one of three dedicated picnic grounds and gaze out at the valley below. Read more...

Some Napa Valley wineries do a fantastic job of displaying art from both local and national artists. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that devote time and attention to displaying art. The list below is in no particular order.

Artesa Winery Napa (sculpture) - If you’re a buff of just about anything – art, architecture, the history of winemaking, great landscaping, or riding your bike- then this place is for you. Artesa has something for everyone, beginning with fountains that greet you at eye level as you make your way up to the tasting room. One of the few wineries with an artist in residence, Artesa decorates its grounds with sculpture and glass installations by Gordon Huether. Read more...

Taking a large group or even hiring a bus for a trip to Napa? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the wineries best suited to host large groups. The list below is in no particular order.

Folie a Deux Oakville - Folie a Deaux is a psychiatric term that refers to two people sharing the same delusional ideas. Perhaps a whimsical name for a winery, but appropriate if the founders of the winery happen to both be psychology professionals. While the original couple no longer own the winery, their legacy lives on in the Rorschach dancers on the logo. Read more...

There are some Napa wineries that simply have the good fortune of being located in a prime spot for visitors to take in a grand view. IntoWine.com has scoured Napa Valley to find the wineries that are worth checking out if only for the view. The list below is in no particular order.

Signorello Vineyards Napa - There are two things that are unique about Signorello, the first is that it’s got an open demo kitchen in the tasting room, and the second is the aqua blue pool that seems to spill over a hillside onto the Napa vines below. Read more...

Looking to take a guided tour of a winery production facility or the vineyards themselves? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the wineries that offer tours. The list below is in no particular order.

Domaine Chandon Yountville - In a valley replete with still winemakers, Domaine Chandon represents a (relatively) unique opportunity to opt away from the cabs and chards and pick up a slim glass of sparkling wine. Read more...

Thinking of holding your wedding in Napa? Don't know where to start in terms of gathering info on potential recpetion spots? IntoWine.com has scoured Napa to find the best wineries for wedding receptions. The list below is in no particular order.

Domaine Carneros Napa - If you think you might not make it to a true French chateau before you die, the grand estate at Domaine Carneros is the next best thing. From their sparkling wines to their landscaped gardens, sweeping views, and French parent company, this estate exudes French charm from a quiet corner of the Napa Valley. And they know how to work it. As you park your car, you can only look up and admire the flights of stairs that you have to ascend to reach their main terrace. Read more...