Wineries Across Napa Valley

Etude Wines, Carneros

A study in superb winemaking

In the cool Carneros American Viticultural Area at the south end of Napa Valley, shaped by fog and cooling maritime breezes, Tony Soter believed he could grow Pinot Noir of finesse and achievement. Back in 1982, that was no sure thing (the AVA designation would not come until the following year), but his Etude wines provide proof of concept. Bottlings from the Grace Benoist Ranch estate vineyard speak volumes, in constantly intriguing, Burgundian tones. The foggy site has unusually volcanic soil and comprises dozens of small blocks and numerous clones, offering the makers a delicious arsenal for blending.

The expertise shows through in the house's delicious Cabernets, sourced from top appellations around the valley, and onsite tastings can focus there. But aficionados return again and again to the lovely property to enjoy California Pinot executed at its most refined, showing the grape's power, yes, but more so its elegance.

Robert Mondavi Winery, Oakville

A titan rises again, closer to the earth than ever

There is perhaps no bigger news in Napa Valley than the recent reopening of the Robert Mondavi Winery, after a bold, design-forward renovation. The long-awaited result is nothing short of stunning, with the property's iconic silhouettes supplemented with gorgeous contemporary additions, blurring the line between indoors and out. The legendary winemaking continues as ever, now backed by new, state-of-the-art winemaking equipment and an exemplary commitment to sustainability.

The 2018 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from the estate's To Kalon vineyard is a fitting tribute to the pioneering legacy of the namesake founder, who started the business in 1966, nearly six decades now of bottlings that exemplify the glories of Napa Valley fruit. A completely redesigned hospitality experience means that veteran Napa Valley-goers, most of whom likely started their exploration of the valley with a stop at this Oakville gem, have plenty of reasons to return.

Louis M. Martini Winery, St. Helena

A pioneer goes back to its roots, literally

The Louis M. Martini Winery and its remarkably consistent treasures are practically synonymous with the pleasures of Napa Valley. Louis M. Martini, born in Genoa, started the winery in 1933 as one of the pioneering Napa Valley Five, brave souls who started pressing when Prohibition finally ended. Martini knew the terroir was right, and saw Cabernet as the grape to bring it to its highest expression.

The century mark is in sight and, as a sort of tribute, winemaker Zach Watkins, now five years into his tenure, has been evolving the house's style, in part by looking backward. The latest offerings are reminiscent of the wines more common in the 1960s and 70s, an era when passion for the region's wines really blossomed into the global phenomenon it has become. These bottles are showing higher acidity and aromatic elegance, and more moderate alcohol. Look out for 2023's The Gryphon, a wine, they say, “designed for the table.” It's a bottle meant to be shared with friends over an exquisite meal, which is to say, it embodies both the past and the future of Napa Valley, all at once.