Winery suggestions

Question

Hello all, we are staying in the Coombsville section of Napa in July! This is our first time visiting theNapa area .

We have 2 1/2 day stay.

Should we bother driving up to Sterling Vineyards and the castle I think they’re both located in Calistoga.

Or would you recommend staying more local or maybe heading to the Sonoma Valley area one day?

I’m really looking for a beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere!

Also, are there any vineyards that let you just buy wine by the glasses that had good scenery?

Any suggestions will help :)

I appreciate your help thank you!

Answer

Coombsville is a beautiful and less-touristy section of Napa Valley, known for its rolling hills, cooler climate, and proximity to the southern Napa vineyards. With 2½ days, you have some flexibility, but focusing on a few areas will make your trip more relaxing and scenic.

Staying Local vs. Driving to Calistoga

Sterling Vineyards and Castello di Amorosa are located in Calistoga, at the northern end of Napa Valley. While both are iconic, they are a 1–1.5 hour drive from Coombsville each way, which can feel long if you only have a couple of days. If your goal is beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace, it may be better to focus on local Coombsville and nearby southern Napa vineyards.

Local options: Focus on vineyards like Arista Winery, Smith-Madrone, St. Supéry, or Corison for boutique experiences and beautiful hilltop views.
Advantages: Shorter drive times, less crowded tasting rooms, and more time to enjoy the landscape and relax.

Sonoma Valley Option

Sonoma Valley is roughly an hour’s drive west of Coombsville. A one-day excursion is doable, especially if you enjoy a mix of Sonoma’s historic town square, wineries, and rolling hills. However, for only 2½ days, it may feel rushed.

Pros: Diverse scenery, some wineries allow wine-by-the-glass tasting in picturesque outdoor settings, such as Jacuzzi Family Vineyards or Benziger Family Winery.
Cons: Extra driving eats into tasting time and relaxing experiences.

Wineries with Wine-by-the-Glass and Scenic Atmosphere

If you want to enjoy wine without committing to full tastings, some Napa wineries allow purchasing wine by the glass with stunning views:

St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery – beautiful lakefront and hilltop views.
Arista Winery – hilltop vineyard with shaded picnic tables.
Smith-Madrone – family-owned, mountain views, casual outdoor tasting.
V. Sattui Winery – wide selection by the glass, picnic-friendly, lovely gardens.
Castello di Amorosa – if you decide a castle experience is appealing, glasses are available, and the castle architecture is scenic.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Explore local Coombsville wineries and enjoy a relaxing sunset with a glass of wine at a hilltop vineyard.
Day 2: Head slightly north toward Napa or Oakville for 2–3 tastings, perhaps include V. Sattui for picnic style, ending with a scenic stop before returning to Coombsville.
Half Day 3: Optional drive to a single iconic winery like Castello di Amorosa or Sterling Vineyards if you feel up for it, or explore local shops and enjoy a leisurely breakfast before departing.

Overall, staying more local will maximize your relaxing experience, scenic views, and time spent enjoying wine at your own pace. Only venture to Calistoga if you are drawn to the castle experience or the famous aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards.

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