Napa Valley and Sonoma County are home to some of the world’s most famous names in wine, but sometimes it’s fun to go off-the-beaten track to discover the less mainstream, smaller production wineries. Often family-owned and operated, these wineries tend to offer welcoming hospitality, intimate tasting experiences (sometimes held with the winemaker and/or owners themselves), and limited-release bottlings not easily found outside the winery.

So, the next time you’re looking to visit a small producer you may not have heard of, or simply want to add a bottle of something delicious you can’t find anywhere else, be sure to check out these 14 under-the-radar wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. They may produce less wine than the bigger names, but rest assured these wineries don’t disappoint when it comes to offering memorable Wine Country experiences.

20 Under-the-Radar Small-Production Wineries to Visit Now

Napa Valley

Napa Valley has hundreds of wineries, including some of the state’s most popular wineries, but when it comes to this famous Wine Country, don’t discount the smaller guys. These small producers show their passion for wine through their small-lot premium wines. Here are a few names to look for, from north to south:

Canard Vineyard

Enjoy hand-crafted wines from single-vineyards at the historic 25-acre property. Location: Calistoga

Picayune Cellars

This downtown Calistoga tasting room and mercantile welcomes visitors daily for indoor and outdoor tastings of Picayune’s small-lot wines. Location: Calistoga

Fantesca Estate & Winery

Stunning views, wine caves, and limited-release, delicious wines await at this pristine Spring Mountain winery. Location: St. Helena

Amulet Estate

Amulet Estate is a family-owned boutique winery nestled in the hills of St. Helena, where single vineyard wines express the elegance of Napa Valley terroir. Location: St. Helena

Somerston Estate

Take a private tour and tasting at this secluded, picturesque property, located high on the eastern hills of Napa Valley. Location: St. Helena

Stony Hill

Indulge in estate grown Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling wines from this storied Spring Mountain winery. Location: St. Helena

Bell Wine Cellars

Visit this family-owned winery for a deep-dive into single-clone Cabernet Sauvignon. Location: Yountville

Crosby Roamann

This boutique winery crafts sophisticated, small-production wines in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, just south of downtown Napa. Visit for a variety of wine experiences. Location: Napa

Etude Wines

Explore single-vineyard Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon wines at this Napa Valley gem. Location: Napa

Okapi Wines

Taste 100% estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from their spectacular location overlooking Napa Valley and the Silverado Trail. Location: Napa

Sonoma County

Sonoma County is known for its bucolic hills and quiet river valleys, so it’s not surprising that its many wineries maintain a relaxed, family vibe, regardless of how big or small. From Sonoma Valley to the Russian River Valley and beyond, we’ve selected just a few small producers to seek out, starting in Healdsburg and heading south:

Moshin Vineyards

Relaxed tasting experiences and Burgundian varietals take center stage at this estate winery in the Russian River Valley. Location: Healdsburg

SUTRO

This woman-owned winery offers wine tastings and hikes at its historic Warnecke Ranch & Vineyard in the Alexander Valley. Location: Healdsburg

A. Raffanelli

This longstanding Dry Creek winery specializes in small, exceptional wines made from Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot grapes. Expect a casual tasting amidst the picturesque setting. Location: Healdsburg

Hawley Winery

Since 1995, this Dry Creek Valley winery has been making wine using sustainable farming practices. Visit to try their unique handcrafted wines, from sparkling wines to Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, in a relaxed setting. Location: Healdsburg

Bricoleur Vineyards

Wine and food go hand-in-hand at this picturesque winery focused on sustainable viticulture. Location: Windsor

Keenan Winery

Wine and food go hand-in-hand at this picturesque winery focused on sustainable viticulture. Location: Windsor

Freeman Winery

Nestled in the Russian River, Freeman Winery enchants with its subterranean cave and cool-climate wines, particularly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Location: Sebastopol

VJB Cellars

Italian roots inspire all aspects of this family-operated winery, from the wine and food to the hospitality and atmosphere. Location: Kenwood

Schermeister Winery

Creekside tastings led by the Schermeisters themselves make for a memorable experience. Location: Glen Ellen

Serres Ranch

Tucked in Sonoma Wine Country’s Valley of the Moon, this family-owned winery and ranch is a hidden gem where stewardship and legacy come together. Location: Sonoma