Platypus Wine Tours
ST. HELENA WINERY DIRECTORY
ST. HELENA VALLEY WINERIES
St. Helena, known by many as Napa Valley’s Main Street, is an idyllic, charming wine producing community boasting world-class St. Helena wineries, restaurants, and high-end boutiques. It features 19th century Victorian architecture and lovely, tree-lined streets, making it ideal for a romantic weekend getaway.
The history of St Helena wineries dates back to the 1800s, with Beringer and Charles Krug being among the oldest in the region. Today, St. Helena wineries range from powerhouses to intimate family-owned producers.
At Platypus Wine Tours, we want our guests to experience all the charm and authenticity of Wine Country. We’re very familiar with the splendor of the large iconic wineries here, but our tours also focus on boutique St. Helena wineries. These properties feature hand-crafted wines with smaller, more intimate tasting rooms. Supporting these back roads St. Helena wineries and showcasing their extraordinary wines has always been a priority for us. These unique wineries make for fun, educational, and truly memorable wine tours!
In addition to wonderful wineries in St. Helena, the region boasts an amazing culinary scene, including its role as home to the world-renowned and very stately Culinary Institute of America west, as well as to some of the most popular and compelling restaurants in the region.
The shopping of St Helena isn’t bad either. High-end boutiques fill the region with stylish options. It’s no wonder we get so many request on our private tours for shopping here. The area is also a favorite place to stay, as the hotels and B&Bs are particularly charming and inviting.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the wineries in St. Helena and to visit the charming shops that draw so many every year. Book a Napa Valley Join-In Tour or Private Wine Tour and see for yourself how we can show you the magic of St. Helena.
Be sure check out this listing of some of our favorite St. Helena wineries below. Since we have nurtured warm relationships with these establishments for many years, we are able to provide enhanced and very informative visits for our guests, including behind-scenes experiences not usually available to the general public.
Here is a handy directory of many of wine country’s best wineries. You can use this directory while creating a custom, Private Tour. Please note that Join-in Tour wineries are selected by our experienced guides.
Allora Vineyards was established in 1997 by Terry and Nancy Klein along with their three children, Kelly, Cortney, and Christopher. The winery is known for small-production luxury wines. Allora is located on an exceptional 15-acre estate on the valley floor in St. Helena. The genesis of the winery was the desire to create a family-owned and operated business, a genuine passion and appreciation for fine wine, and a deep respect for this unique and outstanding wine-growing region. The Amizetta’s founded a secluded hillside estate in 1984 in the eastern hills of St. Helena on Howell Mountain. A winding road with breathtaking views of Lake Hennessy, Pritchet Hill, and the San Pablo Bay, Amizetta beckons your senses as you reach your destination. The steep hillside boasts the perfect terrain for their 2,200 square foot barrel cave with extreme golf carting the hilly vineyards. Known for world class Cabernet’s and Bordeaux varieties this picturesque winery parallels many of the world’s top hillside wineries in Europe. A truly unique tasting experience awaits you either in their picnic areas or by relaxed seating on a multi-tier patio gazing at the incredible views. Gus Anderson founded Anderson Conn Valley in 1983 and today it remains family owned and operated. Conn Valley is located where Conn Creek flows out of Howell Mountain and is known for producing world class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. The tasting features a personal tour of their wine cave and property which is steeped in tranquility and natural beauty. The feeling is relaxed, unpretentious, and friendly. Since visiting the Napa Valley in 1973, while attending college in southern California, Peter Thompson set his sights on getting into the wine business, specifically in the Napa Valley. In 1992, Peter began actively pursuing his goal of owning a vineyard in the prestigious Napa Valley. During a two and one-half year search for the ultimate vineyard property, Peter selected the Andrew Geoffrey Vineyards site atop Diamond Mountain. The property was undeveloped, but only needed the right combination of efforts to realize its incredible potential for creating a state-of-the-art vineyard to produce world class California Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Anomaly specializes in the production of the highest-quality Cabernet Sauvignon. The first vintage of Anomaly was harvested in 1997 and made by the "budding garagistes." Buoyed by the praise of the 1997 vintage, they embarked on the journey of obtaining a permit to produce Cabernet Sauvignon by building a small winery adjacent to the small vineyard. They love their little winery and believe that it gives them the opportunity to make a wine that is the finest possible expression of their organic vineyard. Fittingly, Aonair is Gaelic for "one man" and reflects Grant Long Jr's passion for handcrafted small-lot wines. These outstanding wines are only available at the winery. Grant Long Jr. founded Aonair Wines in 2008 after learning to make wine in a garage growing up and being mentored by great winemakers throughout his life. Located in the rugged, forested hills of St. Helena about 12-15 minutes from the valley floor and Silverado Trail, this small winery has the feeling of a luxury cabin lodge. Enjoy a roaring fire, wander outside on the deck with the fire-pit, and enjoy incredible views of the hillside and vineyards. Rich full-bodied red blends and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a flagship white wine are produced in extremely limited barrel quantities. The Arrow&Branch name pays homage to the Contursi Family’s success in the rare coin business, U.S. coinage and Americana. Found on the reverse of most United States coinage is an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch in its talons. This design signifies the United States as a peace-loving nation and country’s ability to defend itself if that peace and freedom should be compromised. Auburn James was founded in 2005 by two winemakers, James Frost and Matthew Ospeck. They are known for their Bordeaux red blends which are lush and silky with expressive aromatics. You can taste their wines on the deck overlooking the winery, vineyards, and bocce court or in the tasting cottage. Auburn James is a small, intimate winery with a rustic artistic feel that one must see and experience! A powerhouse collaboration between proprietor Gus Kalaris and winemaker Bob Egelhoff, Axios is a super premium Cabernet Sauvignon of Napa Valley "cult" status. Axios, meaning worthy in Greek, reflects Gus' vision to craft a wine of Bordeaux influence that represents the richness of its' Napa Valley origin. This wine was proudly served at a reception hosted by President Bush at The White House in March of 2002. The history of our estate is compounded in layers; rooted in historic tales of fierce Native American hunting grounds, wild west pioneers and the first woman vintner of California in 1886. It has changed hands over the course of 134 years to become a brewery, restaurant, inn, winery and saloon. Tales of love, lust, heartbreak, murders and great fortune create an imaginative backdrop to our present-day vision of AXR. Today, we are a winery that pays homage to its history and blazes the trail of excitement and innovation in Napa Valley as the pioneers before us did. Owned and operated by four generations since 1906, the Ballentine Family Winery is considered a hidden gem of Napa Valley. Their goal is to share their story and passion with guests, make approachable, quality wine while being responsible and sustainable in their vineyards. Our personal and curated tasting experience includes a discussion of our history, unique terroir, and winemaking methods. Guests will explore our current releases while enjoying a spectacular view of Napa Valley if weather permits. Benessere Vineyards embodies the Benish Family’s love of Italian wine. Napa’s Mediterranean climate has the perfect conditions for their Pinot Grigio, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive. Tastings are conducted inside the winery or overlooking their vineyards on the patio with Italian music! The small batch, estate wine is not distributed and is only sold at the winery. California's oldest continually operating winery was established in 1875. The Rhine House, Jacob Beringer's former residence and the current tasting room, is a showpiece of 19th century architecture. Boeschen Vineyards is a very small family-owned winery committed to making the best possible wines off their 11-acre estate vineyard. Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, a velvety Red Blend, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are made in their state-of-the art facility. The underground winery, gorgeous estate gardens, and the owner’s vintage car collection create a personal tasting experience that is intimate and luxurious. Boich Family Cellar wines encompass a wide range of fruit from the round smooth tannins of Rutherford and Oakville to the broad shouldered and structured mountain fruit from Mount Veeder. All the wines are hand crafted in a new world style that makes them approachable in their youth yet still age worthy. They produce a chardonnay and 5 single vineyard cabs. The tasting includes locally sourced cheeses and charcuterie. Brasswood Estate offers unique experiences to complement our elegant, small production wines. You can walk-in for a signature tasting or make an appointment for a luxurious experience in one of our private rooms. Reserve your glass today! Located on a 150 acre estate vineyard, the wines produced are supple and expressive. The farmhouse welcomes guests to visit the historical wine cave. Dedicated to honesty, quality and family, we are a fourth generation vineyard and winery perched on a mountain top just five country miles east of St Helena. Situated on three hundred acres our family has been farming Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel for more than four decades. In 2005 three partners, Gavin Newsom, Gordon Getty, and John Conover formed Cade Estate Winery located on the very top of Howell Mountain to complement their Oakville PlumpJack Estate Winery. Views are dramatic from the top of the mountain and the buildings are modern and considered state-of-the-art. The facility was designed to be Napa Valley’s first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold Certified Estate Winery. There are two unique properties at Cade that offer two different and unique experiences. This winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. Take a tour and tasting high above the fog while enjoying the captivating view or take in the history on the gravel terrace adjacent to the historic stone winery. Cain Vineyard & Winery is cradled in a spectacular bowl overlooking the Napa Valley from the crest of the Spring Mountain District. We are dedicated to the creation of three Cabernet blends, each drawn from its own unique vineyard sources, each with its own distinctive signature: Cain Cuvée, Cain Concept, and Cain Five. Casa Nuestra wines are “Estate Bottled." This is the most restrictive and sought-after designation, requiring that wines qualify for vintage dating and appellation of origin. From their 17 acres of vineyards, they make about 2,500 cases annually. Specializing in wines from noble grape varietals which are otherwise disappearing or have disappeared from the Napa Valley: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and a Tinto ‘field blend.' Don and Molly Chappellet founded the winery in 1967 on a slope of land known as Pritchard Hill located off a rural road in St. Helena. The area is now regarded as one of the best growing regions in the world for Bordeaux varietals, and Chappelet wines reflect the exceptional conditions. Experience incredible views looking down on Lake Hennessy, enjoy the barrel room for a tasting or tour through the actual winery facilities with one of the knowledgeable staff. The first tasting room in the oldest winery in Napa Valley has evolved into a modern world-class tasting experience. Owned by the iconic Mondavi family, they have introduced winemaking practices to the Napa Valley that still influence the industry today. Charter Oak Winery & Vineyards in St. Helena, takes pride in being the "most original, old-world," winery of some 500 wineries in Napa Valley. The reason to visit: See how early wine pioneers lived and made wine in Napa Valley -- and taste wines which hearken back to those simpler times. The vines are over 115 years old, they’re wise and storied — they are the heartbeat of Hayne Vineyard, and the soul of the wines produced. The core of the VGS experience lies in vibrant, inviting cottage in which our attitude resonates throughout - lighthearted, easygoing and (though sometimes irreverent) certainly never pretentious Clif Bar co-owners Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have married their passions for cycling, food and wine into one great destination. Come for the bike ride, stay for lunch at their Bruschetteria food truck and enjoy a tasting of their wines sourced from some of Northern California's finest vineyards. Conn Creek has committed to Bordeaux style red wines produced from grapes sourced from some of the finest vineyards in the Napa Valley. Conn Creek is also one of the first wineries in the valley to commit to green building practices. Vinves, wines and people have a lot in common; the good get better with time. A great wine should have balance and interest at every age, Delicious in its youth, Continuum has firm supple tannins, richness and length. With age, this wine will evolve to express greater nuance, delicacy and interest. Named one of the ten top Napa wineries to visit by Decanter Magazine, Corison specializes in Cabernet Sauvignons with power and elegance. The 100 acre estate in St. Helena is on the location of the historic Dowdell & Sons Winery. The sustainably farmed vineyards have been continuously farmed since 1870. Pam Starr designs the wines to express the extraordinary terrior of this incredible location. From carefully selected vineyards, produced in very small quantities and artfully crafted to reflect a sense of place, Dakota Shy wines are a testament to Napa Valley's reputation for producing the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines in the world. The David Arthur Estate is located high a top Pritchard Hill, on the eastern side of the Napa Valley. The hillside vineyards offer a breathtaking view of the valley floor 1200 feet below. The rough mountain terrain and rocky red soils provide ideal growing conditions for wine grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemaking team of Davies Vineyards strives to find the depth and character in every wine they craft, producing an unmatched level of quality and style in each bottling. Following the vision of Jamie Davies, who spirited the first bottling of the first J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001, each year Davies Vineyards sets out to craft wines that are supple enough to be enjoyed upon release, while being robust and structured enough to age gracefully over time. Opened in 2007, this winery pays homage to the Del Dotto familys Venetian heritage dating back to 1150. The cathedral-like structure, sits on the original Rutherford vineyard purchased by Dave and Yolanda in 1988 and includes a large underground cave for aging wines. Delectus is a small family-owned winery that handcrafts luxury red wines from select vineyards throughout Napa Valley and Knights Valley. They produce 4500 cases annually of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah and Syrah, most of which is sold directly through the winery. Delectus wines have received high scores and praise from wine critics and consumers alike. The consistency and quality of the wines is attributed to Gerhard and his legacy as an eighth generation winemaker. Delectus not only delivers exceptional wines but unique experiences as well. A visit to the unique tasting room in Napa includes barrel tastings in a welcoming and educational environment For more than 40 years Duckhorn Vineyards has been considered an icon in the Napa Valley. As the first winery in America to produce Merlot, Duckhorn played a key role in establishing Merlot as one of North America's great varietals. Bernard Ehlers originally founded this winery in 1886, and today it is owned by the Jean and Sylviane Leducq Foundation after it was purchased in 2001 by the Leducq’s. It is located about 2 miles north of St. Helena on the east side of Hwy 29 and down Ehlers Lane. The beautiful picturesque location is the perfect place to take photos while being in a historic setting. The original winery press from the 1880’s is on full display for visitors and provides a unique perspective of the evolution of the wine industry. They are known for their premium red wines and you will experience a delightful tasting in their elegant stone old winery building or in the main winery room. Enjoy Failla's cool climate wines in a charming 1930's farmhouse located on the eleven acre estate. The spacious wine cave is decorated to resemble a luxerious living room. Discover your dream Napa Valley experience through a private winery tour and tasting with Fantesca. Upon arrival guests are greeted by their personal estate host to explore stunning views of Spring Mountain, the heady sights and smells of the wine cave, and the warm hospitality a private wine tasting salon. The legacy dates back to the 1800's and the historical stone winery is one of Napa Valley's "ghost wineries". Founded as Flora Springs in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes, the family still manages the estates vineyards and oversees all winemaking. Grapes are gently handled from harvest through fermentation. Small stainless steel fermentors for red wines and new Burgundy barrels for white seem fitting for the need to pay close attention to detail during the winemaking process. Freemark Abbey is the quintessential Napa Valley winery. From the first female Napa winery owner on record in 1886, to their landmark recognition leading up to “The Judgment of Paris” in 1976 and beyond — their story is full of firsts. Winemaking excellence and innovation meets contemporary design in this dramatic showpiece winery. Dazzling contemporary art is displayed throughout the property. Founded in 1961 and known for producing Napa Valley's first vineyard-designated wine, the iconic Martha's Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. The cozy tasting room is one of very few to offer a complimentary wine tasting, the Social Tasting, offered Tuesday through Thursday from 11:00 - 3:30pm. They are a family-owned winery in Napa Valley that produces small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery was founded in 2002 by Justin Hunnicutt Stephens. Located on a hillside in the foothills of Napa’s eastern Vaca Range, HUNNICUTT features an 18,000-foot network of caves cut into the volcanic tuff. The wines are made by Justin’s good friend and noted winemaker Kirk Venge, and are sourced from distinctive Napa Valley and Sonoma County estate vineyards. In the spectaularly remodeled tasting room, several tasting options are available. Home of the legendary Insignia, California's first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend. Susanna Kelham established Kelham Vineyards along with her two sons, Ron Nicholsen and Hamilton Nicholsen in October of 1997. The entire family have been an integral part of the Oakville heritage for well over twenty years. Together they are proud to showcase an impressive array of celebrated library wines, each bottle speaking directly to a passion that has long defined them as stewards of their craft. With sweeping views of Rutherford and Lake Hennessey, this is an Italian villa at its finest. You will be transported to the old world while tasting wines made with new world innovations. Established in 1995, Lokoya is a collection of four distinct Cabernet Sauvignons from four of Napa Valley’s most celebrated mountain appellations: Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain and Diamond Mountain. These limited-production wines are 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented with native yeast, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, resulting in the purest expression of place. A tour of the 650 acre ranch, a tasting of LMR wines paired with house prepared culinary treats with a visit to the wine cave is available at the Mayacamas estate home of Tim and Laddie Hall. In the town of St. Helena, visit the LMR restaurant, Farmstead, that showcases the wines, beef, produce and olive oils that the ranch produces. One of the first five wineries to be built after the repeal of prohibition in 1933, by Charles Krug. Visit the newly remodeled tasting room for an experience combining history and contemporary design. Since the 1930's three generations of the Madrigal family have farmed some of Napa Valley's finest vineyards through their own vineyard management company, and today they manage over 800 acres. Currently owned by the third-generation Madrigal, Chris creates wines that convey that deep appreciation for the land. With a history going back to 1874, current day Markham is comprised of 350 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards and both the vineyards and the winery have been GREEN certified. With a history of being Sunny St. Helena Winery in 1933, later to be owned by the Christian Brothers, in 1991 Merryvale Vineyards was born. One of the few wineries permitted to allow weddings, the Cask Room is a spectacular setting for any number of private events, with two-story century old 2,000 gallon casks lining the stone walls. When a wine is made from the most carefully chosen fruit, in very small quantities, with unsparing attention to detail, a new level of excellence becomes possible. Mirror Napa Valley’s goal is to create the truest artisanal characteristics Napa Valley has to offer by “mirroring” the terroir to the wine in the bottle. You know, wine is one of those things that to many people, can incite a tremendous amount of feelings and emotions. Wine is enchanting and mysterious, gives joy, confuses, and inspires. In many cases, these complexities lead to a love which leads to a strong passion for wine. Proud to share remarkable limited production wines, whose subtle balance of elegance, structure, power and finesse are a striking embodiment of the noble lion, protector of Bacchus, who graces their label. This spectacular winery is set on 560 acres ranging in elevation from 600 to 1,600 feet above sea level, with panoramic views of the Napa Valley and beyond. The formal gardens, underground wine caves and elements of the owners English and Chinese heritage make this one of the most striking wineries to visit in Napa. Neyers Vineyards sits in the heart of the Napa Valley but Bruce’s experience with French wine importer Kermit Lynch has had an undeniable influence on the wines. Many of the French producers Bruce works with farm organically, make their wines naturally without use of cultured yeast or laboratory designed malo-lactic starter, and bottle their wines without fining or filtration. Neyers likes their results and utilizes many of their ideas. George and Patricia Noble, and winemaker David Lattin, are dedicated to producing the best Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah from ultra-premium vineyards. By sourcing from different Napa Valley appellations—St. Helena, Rutherford Bench, Atlas Peak, and other Napa Valley hillside vineyards, including the Pritchard Hill area—they are able to hand-select lots that they know will deliver high quality and perfect ripeness for each vintage. The history of Orin Swift Cellars dates back to 1995 when on a lark, David Swift Phinney took a friend up on an offer and went to Florence, Italy to spend a semester “studying”. During that time, he was introduced to wine, how it was made, and got hooked. A few more years of university led to graduation and eventually a job at Robert Mondavi Winery in 1997 as a temporary harvest worker. Deciding that if he was going to work this hard, it would eventually have to be for himself, he founded Orin Swift Cellars in 1998; Orin is his father’s middle name and Swift is his mother’s maiden name. With two tons of zinfandel and not much else, he spent the next decade making wine for others as well as himself and grew the brand to what it is today. Prager has become a destination for lovers of world class fortified wines. Now the second generation of Pragers is carrying on the family tradition of warm hospitality and unique wines. Located a twisting 20 minute ride from St. Helena, the stunning views and mountain fruit make the effort worthwhile. One unique feature is the brick inlay that bisects the crushpad: part of the winery is in Napa County, part of it is in Sonoma County! Acknowledged as one of the most unique wineries in the Napa Valley, Raymond offers a multitude of options for guests, including Winemaker For A Day and a stroll through the Theatre of Nature. Koerner Rombauer's great aunt Irma Rombauer wrote The Joy of Cooking cookbook that ignited his passion for the relationship between food and wine. Tasting options for visitors include wine and cheese pairing or just purchase and enjoy a single glass of wine on the porch enjoying the stunning views of the Napa Valley. Truly a family dedication beginning with clearing the forest from their mountain estate to plant the vineyards, to making the wine and visiting guests to their home estate. The Schweigers define the word hospitality. In 1979 Bill and Mary Seavey bought their estate vineyards where the steep rocky hillsides produce small, thick-skinned berries with outstanding tannins that they handle with the utmost care. The result is their small production of soulful wines that express the hillside vineyards and their unique sense of place. Acknowledged as one of the first women to run a major Napa Valley wine growing estate, Mary Novak was instrumental in establishing Spottswood as one of the great family-owned wineries and first growth-caliber properties. Her daughters and grandaughters continue her legacy of elegance and strength. Originally brought together as three properties, now 845 acres the property produces consistent, powerful and distinguish red wines.. Great wines for great causes" is the motto for the business and personal goals of the Staglin family. They have been deeply involved in the National Institute for Mental Health and have donated millions for research and treatment. They donate 100% of the proceeds from their second label, Salus, to research. The first vines were planted in 1948 with the white Burgundies that Fred and Eleanor McCrea enjoyed. Now under the tutelage of the third generation, the family is committed to making wines of impeccable quality and longevity. The new home estate is located high atop Spring Mountain with sweeping views from Marin to the Sonoma Coast. The wines show the intensity of mountain grown fruit and balanced elegance. Drop in to taste the wine, stay for a deli lunch and enjoy the beautiful picnic gardens! Named "Winery of the Year" in 2015. Founder of this iconic winery, Delia Viader is the "Wine Mother": mother of the vines, mother of the wine, and mother of the winemaker. The stunning views through the wine cave make this a favorite spot for marriage proposals!
Arrow&Branch exists to showcase Napa Valley’s finest vineyard sites and the wines that come from them. We source our fruit from unique and exquisite vineyard sites, such as Vine Hill Ranch, Beckstoffer Dr. Crane, Arrow&Branch, Lewelling and Stagecoach. These vineyards are all noted for having exceptional Napa Valley terroir. We seek to make wines with precision, power and elegance, but most importantly, true to the vineyards they come from.
3524 Silverado Trail N, St. Helena, CA 94574
We attempt to combine meticulous vineyard management and minimal winemaking techniques to create wines of uncommon complexity and depth and to present these wines to our consumers at fair and reasonable prices .
While the vineyard has been around for five generations, it was Andy, who developed the Chase Cellars brand back in 1998. Katie took over the day-to-day operations in 2012, with the goal of maintaining the legacy of the vineyard through sustainable farming, and business practices, so they can ensure the integrity of this place survives for generations to come.
100% of the proceeds from the sales of their wines is donated to support cardiovascular research. The organically farmed grapes produce wines of great structure and power.
Deep caves have been constructed which maintain a cool dark and humid environment in which to age red wine in new French oak barrels. The wines literally age in the soils from which they grew. The integration of the small stone cellar settled in the hillside surrounded by a courtyard and in touch with the deep caves below sets a mood which would recall that of a tiny European estate.
