It’s true that this Bay Area region has become glitzier in recent years, and the cost of spending a weekend here has undoubtedly risen, with many wineries’ tasting fees stretching over $50 or even $100. NAPA VALLEY GETS a lot of flak for being too touristy and too flashy, a Disneyland for adults, according to its critics. If it’s available, see if you can try a taste of Hendry’s Mission, a spicy, savory, lighter-bodied red that’s a rarity in Napa. The staff here is among the most knowledgeable of any tasting room attendants in Napa Valley, and the guided tastings on the front porch of the farmhouse-like winery strike the perfect balance of casual and informative. You’ll learn about the history of the Hendry family, who have farmed this land since 1939, and taste their uncommonly diverse wine offerings like Albariño and Primitivo, all grown here at the estate.

Driving into the property, a sprawling 200-acre estate hidden within a residential neighborhood at the base of Mount Veeder, feels like an amazing surprise. HENDRY RANCH FLIES UNDER THE RADAR, but anyone who loves Napa wine should seek out a visit here. THIS UNASSUMING FAMILY-RUN ESTATE IS ONE OF NAPA’S BEST-KEPT SECRETS.

William hill chardonnay 2024 review