Merlot

Visitors to the Peju tasting room enjoy several unique experiences. They are walked through a systematic tasting, with an attendee carefully pouring and explaining as they go, while not being distracted by newcomers. If they wander into the newest wing of the tasting space, they can marvel at the exquisite quartzite floors that reportedly echo the owner’s impression of a stone Persian rug. Owner Tony Peju, originally of Iran, and his Austrian born wife, founded the winery in the mid-1980s after years of running a successful high end landscaping business. Their devotion to fine art, sculpture, and gardens is apparent as soon as one enters the drive, as the carefully pruned Sycamore trees beckon you in. Lush gardens and an antique stained glass window, coupled with their open-late reputation (unlike many of their neighbors, Peju’s doors are open until 6pm) no doubt help make this one of the most profitable tasting rooms in Napa.

Just up the street from the French Laundry, in the quaint Napa town of Yountville, Jessup Cellars sits in a modest strip. The winery’s namesake, Mark Jessup, spent years as a winemaker for Robert Mondavi, and was the first winemaker of Opus One. Today, you can try his own Bordeaux blend (Table for Four), zinfandel, merlot and chardonnay in a cozy venue. In addition to his wines, gourmet olive oil and works by artist Edmund Ian Grant are available for sale in the tasting room.

Simple, spare and an ode to good cabernet, fans of the highly regarded Whitehall Lane wines will appreciate the down to earth experience offered in the modest tasting room along the St. Helena Highway. Founded in the late 1970s, the tasting room building is a throw back to the “modern” look of a few decades past (though a new building is currently under construction on the property), and serves up tastings of the estate’s esteemed Cabernet, as well as merlot, chardonnay and pinot.

Another historic property in the heart of Napa Valley, the roots of this winery date from the late 19th century. Current owner Bruce Markham came along in the late 1970s, producing his first vintage in 1978. In addition to traditional style wines, visitors to the tasting cellar can enjoy the rotating art installation and a selection of for-sale items.

If you have the drive time and the picnic basket, and you’re looking for one of the best outdoor eating areas in Napa, head up to Rutherford Hill, where you can sit in one of three dedicated picnic grounds and gaze out at the valley below. This Terlato family winery also offers daily tours, which include a stroll through their extensive cave systems. You can even book the caves (or the picnic grounds) for your own (non-wedding) event.