{"id":20962,"date":"2025-12-09T01:00:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T09:00:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=20962"},"modified":"2025-12-10T10:40:15","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T18:40:15","slug":"st-helena-wine-tasting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/st-helena-wine-tasting\/","title":{"rendered":"2-Day Wine Tasting Itinerary in St. Helena"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Known as “Napa Valley’s Main Street,” many consider St. Helena<\/a> to be the heart of the region. It has a rich history of California winemaking dating back to the 1800s and boasts Napa Valley’s first commercial winery, Charles Krug, not to mention dozens of charming shops, restaurants, and hotels.\r\n\r\nMost importantly, St. Helena is home to many iconic and boutique wineries that will make any trip to Napa Valley complete. To help you navigate all that this region has to offer, we have created a two-day wine tasting itinerary that will take you through six great wineries in St. Helena.[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Day One<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”53982″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.louismartini.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Louis M. Martini Winery<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Originally built in 1933 and among the first to open after the repeal of Prohibition, this iconic property underwent a restoration of their historic winery a few years ago. <\/span>Famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon,<\/span> Louis M. Martini Winery<\/span><\/a> no doubt played a significant role in putting Napa Cabernet on the map. The winery offers tastings in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. Choose from a flight of seasonal wines that change <\/span>regularly<\/span>, in-depth library tastings, or selections of Louis M. Martini\u2019s most popular wines, paired with local delicacies.<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\r\n<\/span>Insider Tip:<\/b> For true indulgence, reserve a spot at the Underground Cellar Experience, which<\/span>\u2014as you might have guessed<\/span>\u2014<\/span>takes place in the winery\u2019s historic underground cellar and features small-lot wine releases served with curated pairings from Chef Aaron Meneghelli.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nVisit:<\/b> 254 St. Helena Highway, St. Helena, CA 94574<\/span>\r\nContact: <\/b>(707) 968-3362<\/span>\r\nReservations:<\/b> Required<\/span>\r\n<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”64056″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.merryvale.com?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Merryvale Vineyards<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Family-owned and operated, <\/span>Merryvale Vineyards<\/span><\/a>\u2019 historic building was the first winery built in Napa Valley following the repeal of Prohibition. This rich history shows in the winery\u2019s stunning gardens, barrel rooms, and vineyards. Its proprietors, the Schlatter family, and winemaker <\/span>Jeff Crawford<\/span>, focus on Bordeaux varieties, employing thoughtful farming and winery practices to ensure the wines are world-class and reflective of Napa Valley terroir. To that end, Merryvale Vineyards is <\/span>Napa Green Land<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Napa Green Winery<\/span><\/i> certified.<\/span>\r\n\r\nInsider Tip: <\/b>Want a little cheese with that wine? <\/span>The Terroir and Grand Cru experiences include a selection of cheeses alongside the wines, but you can also add food to any experience, including small bites and multi-course meals.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nVisit: <\/b>1000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574<\/span>\r\nContact:<\/b> (877) 887-7763<\/span>\r\nReservations: <\/b>Required for some experiences<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”image-gallery”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”71701″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/jcbcollection.com\/visit-us\/st-helena-tasting-room?utm_campaign=content&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_source=wcm”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”71702″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/jcbcollection.com\/visit-us\/st-helena-tasting-room?utm_campaign=content&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_source=wcm”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”71703″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/jcbcollection.com\/visit-us\/st-helena-tasting-room?utm_campaign=content&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_source=wcm”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”71704″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/jcbcollection.com\/visit-us\/st-helena-tasting-room?utm_campaign=content&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_source=wcm”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”photo-label”]Photos courtesy of JCB St. Helena<\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

JCB St. Helena<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Owner Jean-Charles Boisset lives, eats, and breathes wine\u2014and this dedication to viticulture comes through in the quirky wine tastings available at JCB St. Helena<\/a>. Located in the heart of downtown St. Helena, JCB is dedicated to producing biodynamic wines, which you can sip in their whimsical wine lounge that feels like you\u2019ve stepped inside a French art gallery. Choose between options like the Burgundian Flight, an ode to Jean-Charles’ roots, or the Napa Valley Reds Flight for something a little closer to home. As if these experiences didn\u2019t already feel lavish, tastings are served in JCB\u2019s very own Baccarat crystal glasses.\r\n\r\nInsider Tip:<\/strong> JCB offers a constantly rotating list of fun events, including weekly Bubbles & Brunch. Pair sparkling wines with delicate bites, like smoked salmon bagels and caviar service. No reservation required.\r\n\r\nVisit: <\/strong>1320 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574\r\nContact:<\/strong> (707) 963-3454\r\nReservations:<\/strong> Recommended[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1731454934818{background-color: #ebf3f4 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]\r\n

Rest Easy in St. Helena<\/h3>\r\nWith all that wine, you\u2019ll surely need a relaxing place to rest your head each night. From luxurious lodging to boutique inns, we\u2019ve got you covered with the best places to stay in St. Helena.\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Explore the Top Hotels in St. Helena” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”left” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fbest-hotels-in-st-helena-ca%2F|title:Explore%20the%20Top%20Hotels%20in%20St.%20Helena”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Day Two<\/h2>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” el_class=”image-gallery”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”63996″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.fantesca.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”63994″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.fantesca.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”63997″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.fantesca.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″ offset=”vc_col-lg-3 vc_col-md-3 vc_col-xs-6″][vc_single_image image=”63995″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.fantesca.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text el_class=”photo-label”]Photos Courtesy of Fantesca Estate<\/span><\/a>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]\r\n

Fantesca Estate & Winery<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This property was originally the dowry of Caroline Bale for her marriage to Charles Krug in the mid-1800s. Current owners Susan and Duane Hoff wanted to recognize this rich heritage when they purchased it, naming it after a clever and strong-willed lead female character from the Italian Commedia dell\u2019Arte, which was the inspiration for Cirque du Soleil. <\/span>Fantesca Estate<\/span><\/a> is now known for small-production, award-winning wines produced in a stunning setting that includes a 300-foot Spring Mountain cave, sprawling vineyard views, and luxurious wine experiences. Trust us, it\u2019s beautiful.\r\n<\/span>\r\n\r\nInsider Tip: <\/b>Got a favorite quote (yours or someone else\u2019s)? Submit it to be considered as a \u201cFortune Corkie\u201d and printed on one of Fantesca\u2019s wine corks.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nVisit: <\/b>2920 Spring Mountain Road, St. Helena, CA 94574<\/span>\r\nContact:<\/b> (707) 968-9229<\/span>\r\nReservations: <\/b>Required<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”38922″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/www.beringer.com\/en\/visit-tasting-options.html\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Beringer<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Jacob Beringer and his brother Frederick came to Napa from Mainz, Germany, ultimately purchasing 215 acres in 1875, which would become home to what is now California\u2019s oldest continuously operated winery. <\/span>Beringer<\/span><\/a> would build on this tradition of industry \u201cfirsts,\u201d becoming the first to give public tours in 1934, and the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by <\/span>Wine Spectator<\/span><\/i>. Be sure to visit the iconic Rhine House mansion for its stunning stained-glass windows and architecture while sipping reserve and single-vineyard wines.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nInsider Tip:<\/b> For $<\/span>35,<\/span> take the Legacy Cave Tour, where you will sip a selection of wines as your guide leads you through the Old Winery and historic tunnels while sharing details of Beringer\u2019s rich history and commitment to quality.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nVisit: <\/b>2000 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574<\/span>\r\nContact: <\/b>(707) 257-5771<\/span>\r\nReservations: <\/b>Not required but recommended for most experiences<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”56815″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” el_class=”mid-width” link=”https:\/\/markhamvineyards.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content”][vc_column_text]\r\n

Markham Vineyards<\/h3>\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]This longstanding winery got its start with the dawn of winemaking in Napa Valley. The original builder of <\/span>Markham Vineyards<\/span><\/a>\u2019 iconic Stone Cellar came to Napa from Bordeaux, initially arriving with other Gold Rush pioneers. Instead of gold, the winemaker discovered Napa\u2019s rich soil, perfect for growing wine grapes, and utilized his skills in viticulture to become one of the largest producers prior to Prohibition. Markham\u2019s tasting room is a beautiful space to sample the winery\u2019s renowned Merlots. We particularly love the Exploration of Markham Tasting, which includes coveted new release and library selections, culminating in a behind-the-scenes barrel tasting.<\/span>\r\n\r\nInsider Tip:<\/strong> If you happen to be in town for one of Markham Vineyards\u2019 events, be sure to snag tickets! All of these experiences take place in the historic Stone Cellar, featuring floor-to-ceiling wine barrels and a beautiful stone interior. Events include everything from dinners with renowned chefs to craft classes like wreath making.\r\n\r\nVisit:<\/strong> 2812 St. Helena Highway N, St. Helena, CA 94574\r\nContact:<\/strong> (707) 963-5292\r\nReservations:<\/strong> Recommended[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1731454934818{background-color: #ebf3f4 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]\r\n

Sip, Savor, Sleep<\/h3>\r\nWhen you\u2019re ready to kick your experience up a notch, don\u2019t miss our ultimate guide to St. Helena, featuring insider tips on where to eat and drink and what to see and do. [\/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Explore Our Guide to St. Helena” style=”outline” shape=”square” color=”default” size=”lg” align=”left” el_class=”text-width” link=”url:%2Fblog%2Fweekend-in-st-helena%2F|title:Explore%20Our%20Guide%20to%20St.%20Helena”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”mid-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion”]\r\n

Conclusion<\/span><\/h3>\r\nWith so much exceptional wine to explore in St. Helena, it\u2019s easy to lose track of time\u2014and honestly, who could blame you? If your tasting excursion ends up extending into another day (or two), be sure to check out even more delightful stops in our list of the top <\/span>St. Helena wineries<\/span><\/a> to visit.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With so many winery options in Napa, it\u2019s hard to know where to start. Our 2-day tasting itinerary in St. Helena will have you sampling from some of the best.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":254,"featured_media":64012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[72,126],"tags":[135,82,111,118],"class_list":["post-20962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-itineraries","category-wineries","tag-napa-valley","tag-st-helena","tag-wine-tasting","tag-wineries"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20962"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/254"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20962"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20962\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71728,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20962\/revisions\/71728"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/64012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20962"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20962"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20962"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}