Madonna Estate

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. Housed in a handsome Spanish style building at the juncture of routes 12 and 121, the Estate is a convenient stop for those traveling between the Napa and Sonoma valleys. They produce the typical Carneros chard and pinot, as well as some less common varietals, like Gewurtzstraminer and Dolcetto. The grounds are replete with mustard and juniper, and ivy climbs up the side of the building. There are even a few picnic tables provided for those who wish to bring their glass (and perhaps a snack) outside by the highway.