In 1886 Josephine Tychson founded one of Napa Valley's original 13 wineries. She was the first woman to build and operate a winery in California. In her time, her winery was known as Tychson Cellars and is now Freemark Abbey winery located in St. Helena. Today over 60% of Napa Valley wineries have either a female owner or winemaker. Napa Valley is home to some of the most innovative and inspiring women in the wine industry worldwide, and now you can get an insider's peek into the women and the wine. 

The privately guided Women in Wine Tour experience with West Wine Tours will bring groups of up to six guests through the vines of Napa Valley in an Instagram-worthy vintage Volkswagen bus. The journey will include three wineries with women winemakers at the helm. Stops include: 

St. Clair Brown Winery & Brewery by Elaine St. Clair, who is the only woman in the U.S. to hold the commercial title of both winemaker and brewery. Elaine has been making wine in the Napa Valley for over 30 years. As a UC Davis graduate, she attended both their Winemaking and Master Brewers programs and was also Head Brewer and Co-Owner of Napa Ale Works, one of Napa Valley’s original breweries.

Elaine St. Clair and Laina Brown laugh while enjoying a wine-tasting event.
 

Also featured on the tour are wines crafted by acclaimed winemaker Heidi Barrett of Fantesca Estate & Winery. Earning global recognition through multiple 100-point marks by Robert Parker and the acclaimed ‘92 vintage of Screaming Eagle, Heidi Barrett - known to many as "The First Lady of Wine" - is behind many of California’s most notable cult wines. Guests will also gain access to special varietals crafted by up-and-coming winemaker Chelsea Hoff of Fearless Wines. 

Notable winemakers Heidi Barrett and Chelsea Hoff of Fantesca pose for a group photo.
 

The final stop is Crocker & Starr Winery, helmed by founding winemaker, Pam Starr. After toiling as a winery employee for 18 years, Pam’s transformation at a relatively young age into owner, manager and winemaker was quite remarkable and required a special mix of skill, passion and dedication. With a career spanning four decades, Pam is most celebrated for her Sauvignon Blanc and sustainable farming practices. 

Pam Starr is the founder and winemaker of Crocker & Starr Winery.
 

Each stop will include a tour and tasting experience, and guests may even get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek with the winemakers themselves. Private transportation for up to six guests and a catered lunch is included. Tasting experiences are an additional cost per person. Call (707) 934-0187 to book the Women and Wine Tour experience with West Wine Tours. 

Chelsea Hoff of Fantesca Estate & Winery enjoys grape stomping after harvesting the wine grapes.
 

Why just come for the day? Grab your best gals and make a weekend of it with our Girls Getaway Itinerary!