How Many Wineries Are in Napa Valley?
If you’re looking for one of the best places to go wine tasting, with plenty of options to choose from, look no further than Napa Valley. With a rich history and a wide variety of vineyards, Napa welcomes wine lovers and novices from all over the world. The landscape is lovely, the climate is mild, and the food is fabulous. So, just how many wineries are in Napa Valley?
History of Napa Valley
Let’s begin at the beginning. The first vineyards were planted in 1838 by a California settler named Calvert Yount. Those familiar with the area will not be surprised to discover the town of Yountville in the valley was named after this early vintner.
It was not long before more pioneers joined Yount and began planting grapes as well. Charles Krug opened the first Napa Valley winery in 1861, paving the way for what would quickly become a region known for its wine.
Just 40 years later Napa Valley would be home to more than 140 wineries.
Of course, the world changes, as do politics, and a bout of root louse ruined more than 80% of the vineyards in the region in the early 1900s. Then, when Prohibition passed, all but a handful of wineries were closed down. The only ones that remained in business were those that sold wine for the church sacraments.
Of course, once Prohibition ended in 1933, the wine industry took hold of Napa Valley again. The land, the climate, and the location just north of San Francisco were just too perfect to stay away from.
Again, the vineyards and wineries grew into the hundreds for decades until one fateful event in 1976. During a blind wine tasting at the Paris Tasting event, judges awarded the best wine award to two wines from Napa Valley – Chateau Montelena Chardonnay and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon.
Since that time, Napa Valley has had a reputation for producing some of the best wine in the world, and people come from all over the globe to see what all the fuss is about.
How Many Wineries and Vineyards Are in Napa?
While we often interchange the two terms, a winery and a vineyard are not the same thing. A vineyard is where the grapes for wine are grown. A winery is where the wine is produced. You can have one without the other. For example, you could grow grapes in one location, ship them to another, and produce the wine there.
In most cases, however, the winery and the vineyard are in the same location.
Napa Valley currently lays claim to 475 wineries, most of which are smaller venues run by families or individuals.
400 of those wineries are open for tasting and 90 of those 400 are located in urban settings, meaning you could ostensibly take a walk through downtown Napa and pop in and out of smaller wineries for tastings.
Napa Valley is known for being quaint, with a small town feel and a love of the land. Several measures have been taken in the last few decades to preserve the area for agricultural use well into the future.
Does Napa or Sonoma Have More Wineries?
While Napa is certainly more well-known, Sonoma, the wine cousin to Napa, is filled with almost as many wineries, coming in at 425, and it takes up much more geographic space. Napa is tucked away from the main stretch of Highway 101, making it more private, quieter, and more difficult to access.
Sonoma, on the other hand, runs right along the 101, stretching across it on both sides, and consisting of 30 cities. This is a dramatic difference from Napa Valley’s five small tourist towns.
For tourists and wine connoisseurs alike, it can be difficult to choose which region to visit if you have limited time.
To keep your focus tight, you might want to visit some of the critically acclaimed wineries in Napa Valley and stay in the region, exploring the Main Streets of each town and visiting a nearby spa.
If you have more time and ambition, you could wander the vast Sonoma County, which stretches all the way to the Pacific Coast, where you can hike through mountains and valleys and get views all the way out to the sea. Sonoma is rich with wineries, yes, but it also boasts abundant breweries, small restaurants, and lovely markets to meander in your travels.
Best Wineries in Napa
With more than 400 wineries in both regions, and so much good wine, it can be challenging to figure out which are the best.
But you can certainly visit the most beautiful. While Napa in general is startlingly gorgeous, the following wineries are known for being a level above even that. With sweeping views and lush scenery, you’ll visit, and you’ll never want to leave.
Fantesca
Sprawling over 53 acres of valley, the Fantesca Estate & Winery offers a customized tasting experience that must be booked in advance. The tasting includes a walking tour inside the cave system and a guided tasting overlooking views of the estate vines.
Domaine Carneros
A winery and a chateau? Who could resist? The Domain Carneros estate was inspired by one from 18th century France, complete with sparkling wine and a salon fashioned after the one designed for Louis XV.
Stags’ Leap Winery
And if you’re interested in historic buildings, Stags’ Leap Winery traces its story back to 1893. When you visit, you’ll enjoy the stone and brick buildings, the castle-like turrets, and a porch tasting that is sure to please all of your senses.
There is truly no end to the beauty offered by Napa Valley, and its nearby cousin, Sonoma County. You can’t go wrong with any of the wineries in the region, as they all aim to please. So, if you plan to visit, be sure to take your time. And then make time to go back soon.
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