Things to Do: Exploring Napa’s Winery Farms

Take an Agricultural Spin Around Napa Wine Country

BY MELISSA VOGT | Photo above courtesy of Hoopes Vineyard

In the truest and most authentic sense, Napa Valley is deeply rooted in agriculture. When the land was still a part of Mexico in the early 1800s, ranchers raised cattle, sheep, and horses and grew wheat along the Napa River. By the time California became a part of the United States in 1850, agricultural production of grains, fruits, produce, nuts, grapes, and much more exponentially increased. It was a bountiful paradise that primed the commitment to agricultural production and land preservation to which Napa Valley adheres today.

Most of Napa Valley is still dedicated to agriculture, and many local wineries remain working farms. From sustainability, organics, biodynamics, and river restoration to regenerative farming systems, solar power, green initiatives, and more—Napa Valley wineries work to preserve the land so that generations to come can enjoy it. “We raised our children here, and now their children and children of our guests can make a playground of the property as well. Emulating nature is what agriculture can strive to do and, it’s the right thing to do,” said Julie Johnson, winemaker and owner of Tres Sabores Winery.

Tres Sabores Sheepies

Photo by Briana Marie Photography

Beyond the obvious and necessary benefit of preserving the land to sustain future generations, farms directly benefit vineyards in more ways than one. John Wilson, winemaker at Round Pond Estate, explained: “By growing acres of olives, culinary and insectary gardens, and even preserving natural riparian habitats along the Napa River, we allow for beneficial insects, birds, and other predators to thrive. This integrated pest management approach reduces the impacts of virusspreading insects and other pests.” Johnson expanded on how other critters positively impact vineyards: “Our sheep and goats graze on the cover crop, and their ‘natural deposits’ provide an incredible source of both nitrogen and micro-organisms to the vineyard. They serve as fire-prevention weeders as well.”

Tres Sabores Bees

Photo courtesy of Tres Sabores

These practices keep soil, plants, vines, and animals healthy—and work to protect the land on which the local community depends. “Organic and regenerative farming are the most nutritive ways to farm the earth and ensure sustainable agriculture throughout generations,” stated Lindsay Hoopes, proprietor of Hoopes Vineyard. “We believe that we are shepherds of the land and that we need to return the land to the next generation in a better place than how we found it,” Hoopes stated.

Jack E. O'Asses

Photo courtesy of Hoopes Vineyard

Many wineries share the sentiment that Hoopes does, and it’s one of the reasons why generations continue to raise families in Napa Valley. This long-term commitment to preserving the local land and crafting incredible local wines is evident in the passion these wineries bring to their tasting experiences— offering visitors a chance to truly connect with the land and experience the harmony between vineyards and farms.

HOOPES VINEYARD

Photo courtesy of Hoopes Vineyard

Oasis by Hoopes is one of the most authentic farm experiences in Napa Valley. Guests can sip a crisp and fruity Rosé of Cabernet amidst the rescue animal sanctuary and say hello to Jack E. O’Asses—the beloved donkey who was rescued from the desert and now serves as a guardian over the hens at Hoopes. In addition to enjoying a private table and mini-bottle flight, visitors can buy and taste organic produce from the garden and learn about the farm animals and garden practices during their visit. This is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy day of wine tasting and simply retreat and relax in a welcoming wine country space.

TRES SABORES

Lucy

Photo Courtesy of Tres Sabores

The wine tasting experiences at Tres Sabores are holistic in their approach. Those who visit the estate are invited to taste the grapes, pomegranates, olive oil, tomatoes, honey, peas, and more—helping to connect all aspects of the senses and experience the farm’s symbiosis. Wine tastings include the option to explore the estate and have an immersive afternoon with the wines, gardens, and farm animals.

ROUND POND

At Round Pond Estate, guests can take a guided tour through the olive grove and winery garden and finish with a four-course food and wine pairing crafted with fresh produce harvested onsite. This elevated experience brings together many facets of the estate and offers a comprehensive flavor profile of the land and its bounty. When the handcrafted olive oils are bottled and ready each year, visitors can observe the olive oil production and indulge in a special tasting that includes four estategrown EVOOs and a red wine vinegar.

More Farm-Style Adventures

The Terraces

The adventurous four-wheel-drive tour of the vineyards, orchards, bee apiaries, and eclectic art collection at The Terraces includes wine and artisan balsamic vinegar tasting for groups of five or less. // www.terraceswine.com

Long Meadow Ranch

Take a scenic drive to Long Meadow Ranch’s mountain estate with a full tour of the vineyards, olive groves, and winery caves. Savor wine and olive oil tasting. // www.longmeadowranch.com

B Cellars

Take a vineyard trek with a personal wine guide and explore the garden and estate grounds. Check out the wine caves and taste through a wine and food pairing featuring five wines and seasonal bites cultivated from the gardens. // www.bcellars.com

Clif Family

Enjoy wine tasting and small bites or delicious entrées from the organic farm-fueled food truck. // www.cliffamily.com

Raymond Vineyards

Take a private tour of the estate from the cellar to the organic and biodynamic vineyards and gardens. // www.raymondvineyards.com

Honig Vineyard & Winery

Get ready to board an ATV and head into the vineyards. Check out the guided eco-tour and tasting to learn about sustainability and solar power. // www.honigwine.com

Wheeler Farms

Private wine tasting, culinary garden and orchard bites, as well as fluffy farm animals, make this winery farm an enjoyable place to spend the day. // www.wheelerfarmswine.com