{"id":44636,"date":"2024-03-14T11:07:19","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T18:07:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/?p=44636"},"modified":"2025-11-19T07:03:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T15:03:48","slug":"top-wines-from-napa-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/blog\/top-wines-from-napa-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Wines From Napa Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"
\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although Napa Valley<\/a> only accounts for four percent of total wine production in the United States, its reputation for producing fine wine is known the world over. The all-encompassing term \u201cNapa Valley\u201d is often used when talking about the wines, but a deep dive into the nuances of various AVAs within Napa<\/a>\u2014from St. Helena, Calistoga, Rutherford, and beyond\u2014reveal how complex the region and its terroir actually is.\r\n\r\nWhile Cabernet Sauvignon<\/a> may be the marquee grape, Napa\u2019s warm and sunny Mediterranean climate makes it an ideal place to grow a wide range of varieties. Here are some of the top grapes and wines to look for in a tasting room or to enjoy at home.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Cabernet Sauvignon<\/h2>\r\nThe reigning grape in the region, Cabernet Sauvignon often shows dark red and black fruits, tobacco, mocha, and hints of spice. With its medium to full body and great structure, it\u2019s no wonder the grape has become a signature for Napa Valley.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Black Stallion Estate Winery<\/a>, Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”69909″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.blackstallionwinery.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Merlot<\/h2>\r\nAs either a partner to Cabernet in a Bordeaux-style blend or as a varietal wine, Merlot\u2019s fruit-forward profile and plush texture show an added finesse in Napa\u2019s terroir. Plummy and juicy but still savory, Merlot is a popular choice during a wine tasting experience.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Markham Vineyards<\/a>, Merlot, Napa Valley[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58852″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/markhamvineyards.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Zinfandel<\/h2>\r\nAlthough Cabernet Sauvignon may be the most planted varietal in Napa, Zinfandel<\/a> may be the most historic. Often called America\u2019s heritage grape, some of the best wines come from old vines that were planted pre-Prohibition. Usually a full-bodied, fruit-forward wine, Zinfandel holds special meaning for many winemakers due to its legacy.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Canard Vineyard,<\/a> Estate Zinfandel, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58853″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.canardvineyard.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Chardonnay<\/h2>\r\nAs Napa\u2019s leading white varietal, it\u2019s common to find Chardonnay sitting alongside Cabernet in a tasting room. Winemaking techniques vary widely in Napa, allowing for different expressions of this malleable grape, from lean and crisp to voluptuous and full-bodied. Napa Valley Chardonnay is probably best-known for its award-winning turn during the 1976 Judgement of Paris, when Chateau Montelena\u2019s\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Cakebread Cellars<\/a>, Chardonnay, Napa Valley[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”64328″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.cakebread.com\/current-releases\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”ad-row”][vc_column][vc_separator el_class=”text-width”][vc_column_text el_class=”ad-disclaimer”]Sponsored Content[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class=”ad-module-2 text-width” css=”.vc_custom_1696535448234{background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_single_image image=”71220″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text el_class=”text-width”]\r\n

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Sauvignon Blanc<\/h2>\r\nA highly aromatic varietal, Sauvignon Blanc from Napa is distinctly different from Sauvignon Blancs from France or New Zealand. Here, it shows bright tropical fruits and an irresistible zestiness which make it a very food-friendly wine. While often fermented in stainless steel, it can also be aged in neutral oak barrels to add texture, as is the case with Grgich Hills\u2019 Fum\u00e9 Blanc.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Cliff Lede,<\/a> Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58854″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/cliffledevineyards.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Cabernet Franc<\/h2>\r\nCabernet Franc plays a vital role for a winery focused on blends, but an increase in vineyards of this lighter-bodied and spicy red grape shows a growing passion for varietal bottlings\u2014even single-vineyard focused wines.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>La Jota Vineyards<\/a>, Cabernet Franc, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58856″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.lajotavineyardco.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Sparkling Wine<\/h2>\r\nGiven all the bold reds that Napa is famous for, it may surprise some to learn that high-end, traditional method sparkling wines are also a mainstay of the region. Book a tasting experience at estates like Domaine Carneros and you wouldn\u2019t be faulted for thinking you\u2019re in Champagne.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Domaine Carneros<\/a> by Taittinger, Estate Brut Cuv\u00e9e, Napa Valley[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58857″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.domainecarneros.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Petite Sirah<\/h2>\r\nAlthough not a widely known varietal, Petite Sirah is often used as a blending grape. However, some intrepid winemakers produce stunning single-vineyard wines, often from old vines. As a young grape it can be inky in color and dense in texture, but over time it mellows and exudes a beautiful bouquet.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Turley Wine Cellars<\/a>, Hayne Vineyard Petite Sirah, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58858″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.turleywinecellars.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Pinot Noir<\/h2>\r\nAlthough Pinot Noir is most closely associated with the neighboring region of Sonoma, the thin-skinned grape thrives in cooler pockets of Napa. Its fruit character is more prominent when grown in Napa soils, but it still retains those lithe and savory qualities that are distinct to the varietal.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Charles Krug<\/a>, Carneros Pinot Noir, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58859″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.charleskrug.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content\/” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Greco + Pinot Bianco<\/h2>\r\nWhile it\u2019s long been accepted that French grapes thrive in Napa Valley, some estates look to other countries for inspiration. Italian grapes, in particular, are capturing the attention of winemakers. Dan Petroski, winemaker of Massican, cultivates white varietals like Pinot Bianco and Greco in Napa and Sonoma. Both offer fresh fruit notes and bright acidity, making for unexpected Napa Valley showstoppers.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Massican<\/a>, Gemina, Napa Valley[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58860″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/massican.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][vc_separator border_width=”2″ el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]\r\n

Petit Verdot<\/h2>\r\nAlmost always a supporting character in Napa blends, Petit Verdot still makes its presence known. A thick-skinned grape that does best in warm climates, it provides tannin and structure to many wines.\r\n\r\nWine to try: <\/b>Duckhorn<\/a>, The Discussion, Napa Valley\r\n\r\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”58861″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https:\/\/www.duckhorn.com\/?utm_source=wcm&utm_medium=napavalley.com&utm_campaign=content” el_class=”text-width”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text el_class=”conclusion”]\r\n

Conclusion<\/h3>\r\nSo, even if you\u2019re a bonafide Napa Cab fan, it\u2019s never too late to branch out and discover the other wines of Napa Valley. From inky Petit Verdot to deeply layered Zinfandel, you can\u2019t go wrong with the quality and distinction of Napa\u2019s diverse grape varieties.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Wondering which wines Napa Valley is known for? We\u2019re sharing the top varieties and wines from Napa to note. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140,"featured_media":58878,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"templates\/blog-v2.php","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[77],"tags":[135,146,88],"class_list":["post-44636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wine","tag-napa-valley","tag-wine","tag-wine-education"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636"}],"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\/140"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44636"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":71424,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636\/revisions\/71424"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58878"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.napavalley.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}