USA: Napa Valley’s top five most memorable winery visits Adrian Smith
Art, architecture, nature and the all-round visitor experience all draw tourists to the best-known estates of Napa Valley – not to forget the fantastic wines. Adrian Smith highlights his top five Napa winery visits
When Joseph Osborne arrived in Napa in the 1850s and dug deep into the soils of Oak Knoll, he never would have imagined that those first vines would mark the birth of one of the world’s most highly reputed wine regions. California’s Napa Valley may not lay claim to the centuries of existence that wine regions in Europe do, but it shares the same passion for beauty in both wine and design.
The region is home to some of the most fascinating and stunning wine properties, with architectural and landscaping influences being drawn from all corners of the world. From the grandeur of French châteaux to modern art retreats, from medieval forts to palaces erected in Italian marble, Napa is home to an eclectic mix of wineries spanning all shapes and sizes. There’s even a winery with a ski lift!
The days of the simple tasting room set-up are gone as wineries have to think further outside the box for ways to stand out in this competitive market. ‘Experiences’ are increasingly offered by wineries – and beautifully manicured gardens, majestic cellars and grand architecture are fundamental cornerstones in this, to entice in the crowds.
Napa has more than 550 wineries – some stand out more than others, but one common theme is the vast outdoor spaces where people can admire the surrounding beauty of the winery before even stepping inside.
From instantly recognisable and historic properties to cutting-edge masterpieces, here follows a selection of Napa Valley wine estates known for their unique architectural values.