Napa Valley’s reputation as one of the finest wine growing regions in the world is due in large part to the farming families who have made this valley their home. Today, 95% of Napa Valley’s wineries are family owned, with multiple generations playing a big role in both winemaking and the management of their family business. Ask your winery host about the history of the property, and you’re sure to learn about not only the winery, but also the roots of the origins of Napa Valley itself.
Baldacci Family Vineyards
6236 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
707.944.9261
www.baldaccivineyards.com
Located in the Stags Leap District AVA, Baldacci Family Vineyards has been a family-owned winery in the Napa Valley for over 25 years, founded by Thomas and Brenda Baldacci in 1998. Today, their son Michael Baldacci serves as winemaker of the family’s sustainably farmed vineyard and winery. Because so many Napa Valley wineries are family-owned, you will often discover local products featured in their tastings, choosing to support other small businesses in the region.
Book: Wine & Chocolate Tasting ($65/person) which includes locally-sourced, decadent chocolates alongside Baldacci’s most popular bottlings.
Clos du Val
5330 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
707.261.5212
www.closduval.com
Napa Valley began asserting itself as fine wine region in the late 1960s and early 1970s with influence from European winemakers, like founding Clos du Val winemaker Bernard Portet and founders John and Henrietta Goelet. Honoring this heritage, Clos du Val is known for their elegant blended wines, grown on the estate. Olav Goelet, third-generation owner and managing director says, “We prize the freshness of a blended wine, exuding power and structure, yet soft and subtle around the edges.”
Book: A Taste of Clos du Val ($40/person).
Offered Monday through Thursday, this option illuminates the history and future of Napa Valley.
Groth Vineyards & Winery
Address: 750 Oakville Cross Rd
Napa, CA 94558
707.754.4254
Many of the most prized wines come from the tiny growing region of Oakville in the heart of Napa Valley. More than 40 years ago, Dennis Groth saw this region’s potential and in 2024, his daughter Stephanie Groth, who spent much of her childhood among the winery’s vineyards, celebrates the winery’s 40th vintage as the winery’s top executive.
Book: A Taste of Groth ($50/person) featuring the winery’s Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Or splurge on a vineyard ATV tour ($125/person) to get up-close-and-personal with some of the most famous vineyard soil in the world.
Gentleman Farmer Wines
1564 1st St
Napa, CA 94559
707.948.6107
It doesn’t take generations of farming experience for families to have an impact on Napa Valley. One of the newest experiences in Napa Valley combines the wines Napa is famous for with exceptional hospitality in a one-of-a-kind experience. Owned by husbands Joey Wolosz and Jeff Durham, Gentleman Farmer Wines offers a fresh take on wine tasting just steps away from some of the best accommodations in downtown Napa.
Book: Breakfast of Champions ($150/person). Start with a short jog or mindful mediation with Joey and Jeff before enjoying their remarkable food, wine and hospitality. A splurge you never knew you needed.
Cliff Lede Vineyards
1473 Yountville Cross Road
Yountville, CA 94599
707.944. 8642
Take Yountville Cross Road and keep an eye out for the huge Canadian flag to make your way to the eponymous winery of Canadian entrepreneur Cliff Lede (pronounced ‘lady’). Founder Cliff Lede, and now his son Jason, have been refining this site since 2002. Music fans will dig the names of the ‘Rock Block’ vineyards, so named for Lede’s love of Classic Rock and the highly sought after vineyard soils.
Book: Bar Tasting ($50/person). Get into the convivial spirit and fresh vibes of Cliff Lede Vineyards by joining other fans at the winery’s tasting bar. Find your new favorite wine and probably make a new friend or two.
Regusci Winery
5584 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
707.254.0403
Regusci is one of the oldest farming ranches in Napa Valley with five generations having made their impact on this region. Once a cattle ranch, the winery is now a delightful look back at Napa Valley’s history. But you won’t find these wines on shelves in your favorite city. They are only available through the winery or wine club.
Book: Estate Tasting ($45/person). Take in the view while hearing about the remarkable history of the winery and tasting the winery’s most famous wines.
Trefethen Family Vineyards
1160 Oak Knoll Avenue
Napa, California 94558
707.255.7700
For the past 50 years, the Trefethen family has sought to protect the quality of winegrowing in Napa Valley. Today, the third generation leads by example implementing some of the most impactful sustainability practices. The winery was recently awarded Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Award for their work in three tenets of sustainability: environmental, economic, and social equity.
Book: Go deeper into what sustainability means for Napa Valley wineries with the 90-minute Vineyard Tour & Tasting ($75/person).
More Family-Owned Wineries to Discover
- Ghost Block Estate Wines; 1189 Oakville Cross Rd, Oakville, CA 94562, 707-339-6672
- Inglenook; 1991 St Helena Hwy, Rutherford, CA 94573, (707) 968-1161
- Pestoni Family Estate Vineyard; 1673 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-0544
- Trinchero Napa Valley; 3070 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574, (707) 963-1160
Essentials: Visiting a Napa Valley Winery Any Time of Year
- Plan in advance. Map the distances between winery visit appointments.
- Make a reservation. We highly encourage making a reservation. That said, many wineries and tasting rooms accept walk ins, especially during the week. Best practice is to call prior to arriving at a location.
- Tell the winery host what you like. Out for something specific? Tell your winery host so they can customize your experience.
- Limit to 1-2 a day. Develop connections with the wineries you love by spending more time with them.
- Consider a driver. There are a number of transportation companies that can take the stress of driving out of the equation. Click here to view our recommendations.
- Make a lunch plan. Napa Valley is full of delicious lunch spots with many frequented by local owners and winemakers, so say hi to your neighbors at the table next to you. See our full list of restaurant recommendations here.