Calling all white wine enthusiasts! It's no secret that Napa Valley is well known for bold Cabernets, but we also showcase some incredible white wines – if you're looking for the perfect cool crisp summer wines, warming winter dessert wines, or the best buttery varietals.

The most common white wine varietals in Napa Valley are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and many wineries and tasting rooms offer at least one of these options during a tasting. The options don't stop there though – you can find a variety of white wines throughout the valley such as citrusy Chenin Blancs, floral Viogniers, and fruity Rieslings.

With 34 different varieties of grapes grown in Napa Valley, only 22% of white wine varietals are grown in the region. So they may be harder to find, but there are still plenty to explore and to satisfy anyone’s palate. We suggest calling the winery or tasting room ahead of time when making your reservation and request an all-white wine themed tasting.

Here are some Napa Valley wineries and tasting rooms we suggest visiting for delectable white wines.

  • Cakebread Cellars has over 50 years of quality wine making and was voted by Travel + Leisure one of the “10 Best Napa Wineries for a Delicious Tasting and Beautiful Views.” Cakebread Cellars offers five unique Napa Valley wines and several different tasting experiences. You won’t want to miss experiencing their 50th Anniversary Chardonnay flight that features four single vineyard Chardonnays.

  • Chimney Rock Winery has a Sauvignon Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and a white blend called Elevage Blanc (Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris). When visiting, try the elegant Chimney Rock Rosé…technically, it’s pink but you won’t be sorry!

  • Etude, located in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, sits in the perfect growing location for white wines. Of course, try the Etude Chardonnay and, for something a little different, try the Late Harvest White Blend, or add a little sparkle to your day with the Blanc de Noirs Sparkling Wine.

  • JaM Cellars offers Napa Valley four different tasting options and the wines live up to the name! Enjoy a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or full-bodied "Butter" Chardonnay. Reservations are encouraged and walk-ins are welcomed at the JaM Cellars Wine and Music Studio tasting room located in downtown Napa.

  • St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery offers four different white wines and features a Summer Lights Flight that includes Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Muscat Canelli. Be sure to try one of the Sémillon, Muscat, and Sauvignon Blanc blends.

  • Stony Hill Vineyard features a historic property sitting on the steep terraces of the Mayacamas Mountains and with a unique microclimate yields compelling wines. If you're looking for different varietals, Stony Hill has superb Riesling and Gewürztraminer, as well as Chardonnay.

  • V. Sattui Winery offers 14 white wines in total and various extraordinary tasting experiences. With a full deli featuring gourmet food items and snacks, plus a picnic area, a tasting at V. Sattui makes the perfect way to enjoy a sunny day.
     

Related: Wineries with Refreshing Rosé




 

  • Ashes & Diamonds Winery, with its avant-garde mid-century architecture offers two unique white wines – a Crémant sparkling wine compromised of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, and the aptly named Blanc which is a zesty blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.

  • Bouchaine Vineyards, the oldest continuously operated winery in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, offers a broad portfolio of options including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Vin Gris of Pinot Noir. Oh, and for some out of the box wine tasting experiences, try the “Sensory Olympics” tasting – a blind tasting to test your sensory skills, for a little friendly competition with your group!

  • Clos Pegase Winery with its 20,000 square feet of caves excavated into the side of a volcanic knoll at the northern part of Napa Valley, offers spectacular modern architecture, and outstanding wines! This location, a one-of-a-kind Napa Valley destination, is a perfect spot to pass a warm summer day…with a cool glass of Clos Pegase Sauvignon Blanc, of course.

  • Gamling & McDuck offers fun and quirky sipping opportunities and a great Chenin Blanc, too, in this Downtown Napa tasting salon.

  • Hill Family Estate features a lovely Chardonnay but the white wine list goes on and on and includes a white blend, a sparkling wine, a late harvest blend, and an Alabariño. Options, anyone? Taste them at Hill Family Estate!

  • Jessup Cellars gives guests a unique taste on white wine. When was the last time you had White Zinfandel? It’s always a good time to make it a first at Jessup! In addition to this often obscure varietal, you can also find traditional Chardonnay. Book a tasting to experience a flight of wines or a flight with light bites.

  • Pine Ridge Vineyards produces three white wine options including a traditional Sauvignon Blanc and a couple of interesting blends – Chenin Blanc and Viognier Sparkling wine as well as a delicious Chenin Blanc and Viognier White blend. Chenin Blanc, ranges from sweet to dry. Coupled with Viognier…well, that is harmony in a glass.

  • Rutherford Ranch Winery showcases its single vineyard Chardonnay during a 90-minute seated private tasting, and the tasting room offers two Chardonnay wines and two Sauvignon Blanc wines – explore and compare the profiles, plus take a stroll through the property’s 100-year old olive tree grove!

  • Trefethen Family Vineyards famously know for its Chardonnay, also features an unsung varietal, Dry Riesling. Visit the Estate and, in addition to the excellent wines, be wowed by the beautiful gardens and delighted by the de rigueur wine and food experience offered on-site.
     




Related: Wine 101: Do you prefer red or white wine?

 

  • CADE Winery's — This LEED Gold certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) winery is uncompromising in both its wines and its pristine beauty. Located on Howell Mountain, the views are impeccable as are its wines, including the Chardonnay and the Sauvignon Blanc.

  • Failla Wines is a relatively new winery, but it has been producing its exquisite Chardonnay from the Haynes Vineyard site since 2011.

  • Grgich Hills Estate shares a white wine tasting featuring two Chardonnays, a reserve Sauvignon Blanc, the notable Fumé Blanc, and a late harvest dessert wine. This year is particularly special for Grgich – Founder Mike Grgich celebrates his 100th birthday and with that milestone, the winery has released two “Centennial Wines.”

  • Lewis Cellars has exceptional Chardonnays and Sauvignon Blanc. This small family winery was established in 1992 and produces 9,000 cases of wine annually.

  • ZD Wines offers an excellent cellar tour and tasting experience to go with its Chardonnay. Sip while you gain an in-depth vision of ZD’s 55 year history.


While Napa Valley is certainly known for voluminous Cabernet Sauvignon, this region is home to much more – and this list of both traditional and some undiscovered white wines certainly fits the ticket. Make plans and book your reservations to experience any of the many wineries listed here and get a taste of the white wine options proudly grown and produced in Napa Valley, by the same vintners who have been making world-class reds for years. Cheers!