Upper Napa Valley

Napa Valley's historic core. St. Helena's landmark Main Street wineries, the Stags Leap District that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris, and mountain appellations with world-class Cabernet.

7Wineries

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Best Varietals

Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

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Sub-AVAs

Howell Mtn, Atlas Peak, Spring Mtn

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Known For

Volcanic soils, elevation

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Avg Tasting Fee

$50-$150

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From SF

2 hrs N

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🤓 Did You Know?

Howell Mountain, one of Napa's highest-elevation AVAs at 1,400-2,200 feet, sits above the fog line, giving it more sunshine hours than the valley floor but dramatically cooler nights.

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Sauvignon Blanc Zinfandel Petit Verdot

Why This Region Matters

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Judgment of Paris Site
The Stags Leap District is where the 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet was made, the wine that beat France in 1976 and changed wine history.

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1876 Beringer
St. Helena is home to Beringer, Napa Valley's oldest continuously operating winery, whose Rhine House and caves are a genuine landmark.

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CIA at Greystone
The Culinary Institute of America's West Coast campus occupies a stunning 19th-century stone winery building in downtown St. Helena.

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Best Picnic in Napa
V. Sattui's legendary deli and oak-shaded picnic grounds remain the most welcoming and generous outdoor wine experience in the valley.

Climate & Terroir

Warmer inland microclimate in St. Helena, transitioning to the cooler volcanic rock soils of Stags Leap. The dramatic palisades above Stags Leap create unique wind patterns that give the district's Cabernet its distinctive elegance.

Towns to Explore

🏘 St. Helena

Napa's 'Main Street', charming boutiques, CIA at Greystone, Beringer, V. Sattui, PRESS Restaurant

Explore →

🏘 Stags Leap District

Where the 1976 Paris winner was made, dramatic palisade views, elegant iron fist Cabernets

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Wineries in This Region

Not Yet Reviewed

Beringer Vineyards

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

V. Sattui Winery

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

HALL Wines

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

Cakebread Cellars

📍 St. Helena AVA

Not Yet Reviewed

Duckhorn Vineyards

📍 St. Helena AVA

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip

St. Helena is a great town to park and walk, the Main Street stretch has boutiques, galleries, and tasting rooms all within a few blocks. The Silverado Trail runs parallel to Highway 29 and is less congested, use it to reach Stags Leap without the highway traffic.

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Upper Napa Valley

Why This Region Matters

Climate & Terroir

Towns to Explore

Wineries in This Region

The Napa Upper Wineries