Trefethen Named one of the Top Wineries in Napa Valley by SF Chronicle

By Esther Mobley | July 15, 2025

San Francisco Chronicle

Napa Valley is the great American wine region. But with more than 500 wineries — and tasting fees that aren’t cheap — it can be hard to decide where to go. So we’ve narrowed it down for you with this list of our 22 favorite destinations.

New additions to the list in 2025 include the River Club, an unconventional tasting room serving refreshing wines in industrial south Napa; Pride Mountain, which straddles the county line on the top of Spring Mountain; Clif Family, whose bruschetta truck provides a delicious foil for the organic wines; Pestoni Family, where visitors play lawn games outside a just-remodeled winery; and Bella Union, with its glass-walled “floating jewel box” tasting room….

Trefethen helped put Oak Knoll, the area just north of the city of Napa, on the map. With slightly cooler temperatures than other parts of Napa Valley, Oak Knoll vineyards can grow delicate grape varieties like Pinot Noir and Riesling successfully. Trefethen takes full advantage of that microclimate, and its versatile lineup of wines makes it a great stop for those who want to try a little of everything. Guests can sit either in the courtyard or inside the pumpkin-colored winery, which was built in 1886 and renovated after earthquake damage in 2014. No matter where you are, the surroundings feel relaxed, and the pace is leisurely.