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 15 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 experiences.

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

Napa Valley

Teachworth

Visit this beautiful Diamond Mountain hideaway to taste through their estate wines with the winemaker. Location: Calistoga

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

Etude Wines

Explore single-vineyard chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet sauvignon wines at this Napa gem. Location: Napa

Canard Vineyard

Enjoy hand-crafted, single-vineyard estate wines at the historic 25-acre property. Location: Calistoga

Fantesca Estate & Winery

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

1. Tamber Bey Vineyards

Tamber Bey Vineyards is part winery, part equestrian facility in a gorgeous Napa Valley setting. Located at the Sundance Ranch in Calistoga, a 22-acre equestrian center, the winery itself was once a riding arena. It now features state-of-the-art winemaking facilities and a crush pad with 36 fermentation tanks built for vineyard-designated wines. This means you can sip world-class wines while you visit with resident horses and maybe even see them in action.

Insider Tip: Opt for the Savory Wine Tasting & Cookie Pairing Experience when you book your tasting and ask to try their signature cookies to nibble on creations like the “Lemon Loop,” “Cardamom Crunch,” and “Triple Threat,” all dreamed up to pair with each Tamber Bey wine.

Visit: 1251 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515
Contact: (707) 942-2100

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

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

Stony Hill

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

Sonoma County

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

Moshin Vineyards

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

Schermeister Winery

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

VJB Cellars

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

SUTRO

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

Bricoleur Vineyards

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