First time Napa, looking for white wines

Question

We will be visiting Napa for the first time in April (hoping it won’t be too chilly). We are in our 50s and will be staying in Napa ( not downtown) for 5 days. Understand that Napa is famed more for the red wines, which my husband loves but I only drink white so we are looking for wineries that do both. Our wine knowledge is very limited ie. we know what we like and we drink what we love. We are therefore looking for non pretentious wineries which we would feel comfortable visiting ( realise this is a little subjective). Being vineyard virgins we want to enjoy our experience and not feel intimidated as we are worried most visitors to Napa may be wine officienardos. We are happy to learn and hopefully discover new wines. We intend to do one tasting per day (afternoon), the rest of the time we plan on sampling the great restaurants, bars and scenery that Napa has to offer before travelling back home to England. Thanks in advance

Answer

Hello,

Visiting Napa for the first time in April is ideal — springtime brings pleasant temperatures (usually highs in the mid-60s to low 70s °F / 18–22°C), budding vines, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. Staying outside downtown Napa is convenient if you want a quieter, more relaxed experience, though you’ll still be a short drive from most wineries.

Wineries that are welcoming, serve both reds and whites, and are approachable for beginners:

St. Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery: Known for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but also produces reds like Cabernet Sauvignon. Their tasting experience is friendly and informative, without pretension.
Cakebread Cellars: Offers a range of whites including Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, as well as classic Napa reds. The staff are known to be welcoming and patient with newcomers.
Artesa Vineyards & Winery: Beautiful modern winery with approachable staff. They have excellent Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio alongside reds, and the hilltop views make it very scenic.
Robert Sinskey Vineyards: Small, intimate tasting experiences focusing on balanced whites and reds, organic vineyards, and very approachable for first-time visitors.
V. Sattui Winery: Very casual, picnic-style tasting experience. Offers a wide range of wines, including whites, and has a lovely deli for snacks.

Suggested approach for your 5-day stay:

One winery per day: Limit to one tasting each afternoon to avoid palate fatigue and ensure you can enjoy the experience.
Make reservations: Many Napa wineries now require reservations, especially for tastings with food pairings or private experiences.
Mix in scenic drives and town visits: Use the mornings to explore the valley, stop by local markets, visit Yountville for its charming town center and restaurants, or walk in Calistoga.
Food experiences: Napa has excellent farm-to-table dining. Consider The French Laundry (if you can book), Bouchon, Oxbow Public Market for casual bites, and Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch.
Learn casually: Ask questions about the wines you enjoy, but don’t feel pressured to discuss technical details. Most staff are happy to guide guests who “just like what they like.”

Tips for enjoying Napa as a first-time visitor focused on whites:

Look for Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Viognier — these are common and widely available whites in Napa.
Some wineries also offer blended whites or specialty flights which can be fun to try without committing to a full bottle.
Consider a private tasting or small-group tasting at quieter wineries — it can feel less intimidating and allows staff to tailor recommendations to your preferences.
Bring a notebook or phone to jot down wines you like — it helps when shopping or planning to buy bottles to bring home.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around vineyards and estates — Napa tastings often involve some light walking outdoors.

With your plan of one tasting per afternoon, exploration in the morning, and enjoying local restaurants, your pace will be relaxed yet fulfilling. You’ll have time to discover new whites you love, experience Napa’s scenery, and still enjoy some reds for your husband. By April, the weather should be very pleasant, making vineyard visits and scenic drives enjoyable.

Enjoy your Napa adventure — it’s a wonderful valley for first-time wine explorers!