A family-owned winery makes all the difference when embarking on your winery experience. From the taste of the wine, the environment you are in, and the service, you can expect nothing but the best and you’re supporting a small business while having incredible wines! There are so many family-owned wineries in California that I love, check out The Best Family-Owned Wineries in Napa below. Follow along to find some fabulous new wineries to add to your winery bucket list as I list The Best Napa Family-Owned Wineries.

What to Wear Wine Tasting?

Everyone always asks me what to wear when they’re wine tasting. To help with the planning I’ve created a guide of some of my favorite wine country essentials below when planning a trip to Wine Country!

Alpha Omega

The estate offers a beautiful outdoor wine-tasting experience on their spacious terraces, along with private tasting experiences. Alpha Omega is a family-friendly winery, welcoming children of all ages and dogs on leash. If you love taking your pups with you on your tastings, check out The Best Dog-Friendly Napa Wineries here. Alpha Omega is located in St. Helena, Napa Valley, see more of my Favorite St. Helena Top 10 Wineries here.1155 Mee Ln, St Helena, CA 94574 

The interior of the tasting room with picturesque views of the vineyard.

Me and my most amazing hosts, Alpha Omega Owners Robin and Michelle Baggett, during their Winter 2018 Alpha Omega Winery pickup party that I attended. Speaking of Events Alpha Omega throws the BEST parties, read more about The Premier Napa Valley After Party Wrap here. 

Bennett Lane

Bennett Lane’s wines and wonderful and definitely a Calistoga favorite. If you’re in the Calistoga area, check out my Must See Calistoga Wineries on my blog. This family-owned winery is so unique with an incredible team. We enjoyed lovely wines in their garden overlooking the vineyards which were super special. Any Cabernet Sauvignon lovers will adore the beautiful Bennett Lane Wines and their intimate guest experience offered at this Family-Owned Winery we adore!  3340 CA-128, Calistoga, CA 94515

Above Bennett Lane pics by Elise Aileenm Photo

Bennett Lane GM Stefanie Longton and Winemaker Rob Hunter.

Chappellet Winery

Chappellet Winery is a wine lover’s dream. From the beautiful vineyards to the delicious dark red wines, this is a must visit when seeing California’s Wine Country. The experience is topped off with the amazing service of the employees at the winery. I also had a chance to chat with Winemaker Richard of Chappellet Winery which you can read about here. 1581 Sage Canyon Rd, St Helena, CA 94574

The site of these beautiful vineyards doesn’t feel real when you arrive to Chappellet Winery.

Picture perfect setting to capture an amazing time.

Curly St. James

Curly St. James is located on the steep volcanic hillsides of the Mayacamas Mountains in Napa Valley. Founded by second-generation Napa Valley Winemaker, Sam Smith, this winery is one of a kind. Known for their co-fermentation of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 50% Cabernet Franc, Curly St. James is a must try! Read more about Sam in my interview about his journey here. 

 

Images courtesy of Curly St. James

Davis Estates

On your next Napa Valley wine trip, you’re definitely going to want to stop by Davis Estates and Vineyards to taste their delicious wines along with beautiful scenery! Davis Estates is also featured on my blog post, The Most Impressive Architecturally Stunning Wineries. I had a great time spending the day here and can’t wait to go back. 4060 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515

Davis Estates offers guests stunning Napa Valley views from their deck.

A beautiful winery setting, incredible wines, and a lovely family story really make Davis Estates one of a kind.

Knights Bridge Winery

Knights Bridge Winery is a Winery I first learned about through their generous involvement in Meals on Wheels San Francisco. I serve on the Steering Committee for the MOWSF Annual Gala and Knights Bridge has been a generous donor for as long as I can remember.  I then had a chance to visit them and was blown away. Not only by the gorgeous winery, designed by legendary Howard Backen but also the stunning guest experience and of course the gorgeous wines!  Tasting Room at: 1373 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515. 

The stunning exterior of Knights Bridge Winery. I mean, how gorgeous are these views? 

Their beautiful clay tanks. 

The gorgeous tasting room where guests are hosts with views of the beautiful outdoor patio area. 

Located on 50 acres of beautiful hillside vineyards in Knights Valley, Knights Bridge is a family-owned winery producing exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon by Winemaker Derek Baljeu.

They also make a delicious rosé which has luscious fruit flavors of strawberries and white peach. It’s so delicious and is features on my The Best 2022 Rosé Wines I’m Loving Blog Post.

La Sirena

La Sirena is another great choice in the Napa Valley area. The wines are unique and wonderful as can be since Winemaker Heidi Barrett is one of the very best! You can learn more about Heidi Barrett and her beautiful story about becoming a winemaker here on my Interview with Winemaker Heidi Barrett.  Calistoga, CA  94515

The designs on the La Sirena Wine bottles add the perfect touch of beauty and fun. I mean, who wouldn’t want to take a picture with these bottles?

Me, Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena and Heidi Barrett of La Sirena Wines at a recent Calistoga Harvest Dinner I attended. This is one of the most FUN Events in Calistoga. Read about the 2020 Calistoga Harvest Dinner here. 

Phifer Pavitt

Phifer Pavitt has a super cool nature feel to it offering great wines from a small family-owned Winery. Their winery has amazing views, and the wine is fantastic. The couple is also known for their date night wines which you can read about on my blog, Phifer Pavitt Winery and Their Date Night Wines. 4660 Silverado Trail N, Calistoga, CA 94515

Pott Wines & Vineyards

Pott Wines and Vineyards has some of the best locally grown wines with such distinct flavor and taste. There are 215 acres here with 5 acres planted for Pott Wines. This beautiful and organic vineyard is one you must try yourself! 2272 Mt Veeder Rd, Napa, CA 94558

Even on a cold foggy day you can see the stunning rolling hillside of Mount Veeder and the Napa Valley below.

Winemaker Aaron Pott and I.

Raymond Vineyards

For a hands on winery experience, Raymond Vineyards is a great choice to include on your tour around Napa Valley. It’s a fantastic vineyard in the St. Helena area which gives these biodynamic wines great flavor. Check out more of the Top 10 St. Helena Wineries on my blog here.  1584 St Helena Hwy, St Helena, CA 94574

Stewart Cellars 

Stewart Cellars Winery crafts boutique wines that showcase Napa’s Heritage vines and winemaking traditions. The Tasting Hall features vaulted ceilings, a horseshoe-shaped tasting bar and nearly floor-to-ceiling doors that open to courtyard views. The Stewart Cellars family is dedicated to making your winery experience amazing.6752 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599.

Read more about my experience here: Stewart Cellars The Chicest Tasting Room in Napa Valley