• Renowned Napa Valley features over 700 wineries.vineyard image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
  
  Napa Valley, California, is perhaps the most well known American viticultural area. The region boasts over 700 wineries and is the most visited tourist destination in the state of California after Disneyland. The valley, in fact, has been producing exquisite wines since 1838, the year the first grapes were planted. A tour of the various vineyards can be an overwhelming task, so listed below are some well-known wineries that can serve as a starting point.
  
  

Robert Mondavi Winery

• Robert Mondavi Winery is perhaps the most well-known in Napa Valley. It is considered the first large winery built in the region after Prohibition. Mondavi established his empire in the 1960s, and the winery has enjoyed surging popularity ever since. Visitors to the winery and vineyards can experience first-hand the winemaking exploits of one of America's storied viticulturalists. In fact, the winery is one of the first in the region to offer educational tours. Mondavi Winery is closed for tours only on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
  
  Robert Mondavi Winery
  Highway 29
  Oakville, CA 94562
  888-RMONDAVI (766-6328)
  robertmondaviwinery.com
  
  

Beringer Vineyards

• One of the larger vineyards in the region, Beringer Vineyards, a household name for fine American wines, has been producing its vintage selection of wines since 1876. Tastings and tours are offered at the winery, and the winery hosts numerous events throughout the year, including a July 4th barbecue. The Beringer winery and vineyards are open daily, and offer several different tour packages, from family tours to tours of the historically registered Rhine House, on the Beringer estate.
  
  Beringer Vineyards
  610 Airpark Blvd
  Napa, CA 94558
  866-708-9463
  beringer.com
  
  

Peju Province Winery

• Peju Province Winery offers handcrafted wines, organically made, from their Rutherford Estate vineyard. The winery has been producing quality wines since the early 1900s, if not earlier. Similar to other wineries in the area, Peju Province offers tours and tastings, as well as a wine club. Their award-winning selections include a cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, merlot, syrah, chardonnay and cabernet franc. The winery also offers wine classes.
  
  Peju Province Winery
  8466 St. Helena Hwy.
  Rutherford, CA 94573
  800-446-7358
  peju.com
  
  

Del Dotto Vineyards

• Del Dotto Vineyards, located in St. Helena, offers an old world viticultural experience. Decorated with ancient tiles and Italian marble, the site--400 acres large--features several locations, including wine caves dating back to 1885. Varieties made include chardonnay, sangiovese, pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, merlot and cabernet franc. Tasting and estate tours are available, and the winery offers a VIP club to enhance the hospitality and service to their guests.
  
  Del Dotto Estate Winery & Caves
  1445 St. Helena Hwy South
  St. Helena, CA 94574
  707-963-2134
  deldottovineyards.com
  
  

Schramsberg Vineyards

• The Schramsberg Vineyards, billed as "America's House of Sparkling Wine", has been producing fine wines since 1862. They specialize in sparkling wine made with high levels of carbon dioxide, which results in a fizzy and unique wine. There are several events held at the vineyard each year, and they also offer educational "camps", called Camp Schramsberg, where professional and novice wine lovers alike can join together to sample and learn about sparkling wines.
  
  Schramsberg Vineyards
  1400 Schramsberg Road
  Calistoga, CA 94515
  800-877-362
  schramsberg.com
  
  

Frank Family Vineyards

• Frank Family Vineyards is situated in a historic winery, Larkmead Winery, and produces their handcrafted product in small batches. The Larkmead Winery, in fact, is considered the third oldest winery in Napa Valley. Their selections include several champagnes, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, zinfandel and chardonnay. The wines are sold exclusively at the vineyards and certain area restaurants and wine shops.
  
  Frank Family Vineyards
  1091 Larkmead Lane
  Calistoga, CA 94515
  800-574-9463
  frankfamilyvineyards.com