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St. Helena

Napa Valley · The Historic Heart
113Wineries
Cabernet SauvignonSignature
Napa ValleyRegion
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Best Varietals
Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux blends, Zinfandel
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Peak Season
Aug - Nov
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Region
Napa Valley
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Known For
Cabernet Sauvignon
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🤓 Did You Know?
St. Helena is home to some of the oldest operating wineries in California, with several founded before 1900.
Cabernet Sauvignon Bordeaux blends Zinfandel

Why This Region Matters

St. Helena is the historic heart of Napa Valley, home to the oldest continuously operating wineries in the state and the densest concentration of grand-cru-caliber Cabernet vineyards. The town itself is the social and commercial center of the up-valley, and the narrow valley floor here concentrates heat and reflected light off the western hills, producing some of Napa's most powerful, structured Cabernet Sauvignon.

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Cabernet Sauvignon Country
St.
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Distinctive Climate
St.
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113 Wineries
113 producers in St. Helena are catalogued on Wino Notion, from boutique family estates to established names.
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Part of Napa Valley
St. Helena is a distinct sub-region within Napa Valley, with its own character worth seeking out on any visit.

Climate & Terroir

St. Helena sits in one of the warmest stretches of the Napa Valley floor. The valley narrows here, and the surrounding hills radiate heat back onto the vineyards, extending ripening and building tannin and color. Alluvial fans of gravelly, well-drained soil at the base of the Mayacamas and Vaca ranges give the best sites their structure and drainage.

Visiting St. Helena

The town of St. Helena anchors the district with Main Street's boutiques and restaurants. Nearby Rutherford and the Spring Mountain District are minutes away.

Wineries in St. Helena

See all 115 St Helena wineries →

🗺 Wino Notion Visitor Tip
St. Helena rewards a focused visit. The town of St. Call ahead, many of the best estates here are by appointment only.
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More St. Helena Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

St. Helena Planning Guides

AVA GuideCouples GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Timer GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonWine Buying GuideWine Tasting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is St. Helena known for?

St. Helena is the historic heart of Napa Valley, home to the oldest continuously operating wineries in the state and the densest concentration of grand-cru-caliber Cabernet vineyards.

What is the climate and terroir of St. Helena like?

St. Helena sits in one of the warmest stretches of the Napa Valley floor. The valley narrows here, and the surrounding hills radiate heat back onto the vineyards, extending ripening and building tannin and color. Alluvial fans of gravelly, well-drained soil at the base of the Mayacamas and Vaca ranges give the best sites their structure and drainage.

What is it like to visit St. Helena?

The town of St. Helena anchors the district with Main Street's boutiques and restaurants. Nearby Rutherford and the Spring Mountain District are minutes away.