After a few days of wine tasting in Napa Valley, it’s bound to happen.Β You’ll arrive a moment where you will have an irresistible urge to break free from the structured wine tasting experience.
While hosted tasting flights are fun and educational, after a few formal tastings you’ll find yourself asking, “Are there any wineries where we can just sit and relax and enjoy a glass or bottle without having to listen to the tasting notes?”
The answer, as it turns out, isn’t as straight-forward as you would think. Long story short, wineries in Napa Valley must have aΒ special use permit in order to sell wine by the glass or the bottle for onsite consumption. Relatively few wineries have this type of permit and it can be challenging trying to figure out which ones do.
Navigating these nuances can be overwhelming. We totally get it, and lucky for you, we’re here to help!
We’ve rounded up a list of wineries that welcome guests to enjoy wines by the glass or bottle. Naturally, our picks are all within bikeable distance of our Yountville rental shop.
Note: Experience offerings, fees and policies are subject to change. Appointments are most often recommended may be required for unhosted by-the-glass or bottle service visits. Minimum purchases may also apply. Always check directly with the winery prior to your visit.
Know Before You Go by Bike:
- Familiarize yourself with local roads and bicycling infrastructure to ensure your route is appropriate for your comfort and experience level. Check out our guide: What are the Roads Like?
- E-Bikes are recommended for recreational bikers for any ride that will be longer than 10-12 miles. Remember to consider the full roundtrip distance of your ride!
- Moderate consumption when tasting. Operating a bike carries the same responsibilities (and penalties) as driving a car under the influence.Β
- Always ride single file and with the flow of traffic.
11 Napa Valley Wineries Where You Can Enjoy Wine By-the-Glass or Bottle (October 2024)
Distances and approximate biking times listed are from our Yountville rental shop
Black Stallion, Estate Picnic Experience | π² 7 miles, π ~40 minutes
Reserve a picnic table and bring your own picnic to enjoy in the winery gardens. Bottled water, take-away unbreakable glasses and a wine opener are included. Minimum wine purchase required. Reservations recommended
Clos Du Val, The District Experience | π² 6 miles, π ~35 minutes
Enjoy wines on tap by the glass or by the bottle in an seated, outdoor garden setting. Available for parties of up to 4. Walk-ins welcome, as availability allows. Reservations recommended.
Domaine Chandon, Club Lounge | π² 1 miles, π ~8 minutes
Enjoy Chandon’s signature sparkling wines on their scenic terrace patio. Walk-ins welcome.
Elizabeth Spencer, Bottle Service on the GreenΒ | π² 6 miles, π ~30 minutes
Relax in a private garden pavilion where you’ll enjoy Elizabeth Spencer wines and seasonal family-style lunch selections from Oakville Grocery. Your two-hour reservation includes access to a variety of lawn games including croquet and cornhole. Offered seasonally by advanced reservation.
Foley-Johnson, Picnic in the Vineyards | π² 5.5 miles, π ~30 minutes
Reserve an intimate outdoor lounge area overlooking the estate vineyards (for up to 8 guests). Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic provisions or purchase cheese and charcuterie boards at additional cost. $50 reservation fee and 2-bottle minimum purchase apply (per party of up to 8 guests).
Inglenook, Bistro Experience | π² 7 miles, π ~40 minutes
Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating at the historic Rutherford Estate. In addition to wine, the onsite Bistro offers a menu of casual bistro bites and espresso drinks.Β Children welcome. Outside food is not permitted. Reservation required.
Laird Family, Bottle Service | π² 4 miles, π ~25 minutes
Enjoy estate wines by the glass or bottle on Laird’s lovely shaded patio deck overlooking the vineyards. Guests are welcome to bring their own picnic provisions. $65 per guest fee (applicable towards wine purchase). Reservation recommended.
Oakville Wine Merchant, Self-Hosted Tasting | π² 4.5 miles, π ~30 minutes.
Self-serve tasting concept featuring wines from all over Napa Valley, with wine educators nearby to help you make selections. Walk-ins welcome.
Pine Ridge, Garden Reservation | π² 4.5 miles, π ~30 minutes
Sip acclaimed wines in a private seated area within the winery’s gardens overlooking the vineyards and iconic ridgeline. 90-minute reservation includes glassware. Guests are welcome to bring light snacks. Minimum wine purchase required. Reservations required.
PlumpJack, Bottle ServiceΒ | π² 6.5 miles, π ~35 minutes
Unwind and enjoy relaxed bottle service in PlumpJack’s idyllic courtyard setting. GoVino glasses and wine chiller provided. Walk-ins welcome.
Raymond, Red Room Lounge (Indoor) or The Grove (Outdoor)Β | π² 8 miles, π ~45 minutes
Enjoy a curated selection of wines by the glass or bottle inside Raymond’s seductive Red Room Lounge or under the romantic canopy of Sycamores in The Grove. Walk-ins welcome as availability allows.