Napa

Napa Bubbly

Begin your bubbly tour at the picturesque Domaine Carneros (1240 Duhig Rd., Napa; 800-716-2788; http://www.domainecarneros.com where guests can opt to taste, tour the facilities or both--no reservations necessary. A small menu is available, and the terrace setting overlooking the vine-covered hills is exactly what you imagined Napa would look like. Much as you'd probably like to linger here, press on, to Domaine Chandon (1 California Dr., Yountville; 707-944-2280; http://www.chandon.com, which accommodates visitors with a variety of tour ($30) and tasting ($16) options in a classically beautiful setting (the gorgeous toile restaurant also serves lunch Thursday-Monday). Finish up at Mumm (8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 707-967-7700; http://www.mummnapa.com, where you can sample an array of sparklers on their beautiful terrace. Mumm is a Jane fave, and tastings start at a friendly $6.

A Day in Napa

Begin your day at Miner Family Vineyards 7850 Silverado Trail, Oakville; 800-366-9463; www.minerwines.com. No appointments are necessary and tastings are a mere $15. Try the Oracle, the winery's flagship wine, and don’t miss the chance to sample some of their delicious Pinots. Continue north along the Silverado Trail to Mumm 8445 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 707-967-7700; http://mummnapa.com to sample an array of bright sparkling wines on their picturesque terrace. Mumm is a Jane fave, and tastings start at a friendly $6. Continue up the trail to Frank Family Vineyards 1091 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga; 800-574-9463; www.frankfamilyvineyards.com, the friendliest winery in Napa. The setting is delightfully casual, and the tastings are free! From there, make your way to Highway 29 and turn left to head back south. End the day at St. Supéry 8440 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford; 707-963-4507; www.stsupery.com, a hospitable place that attracts all levels of wine enthusiasts. The whites are especially delicious. Note: you don’t need to make an appointment at any of these places unless you are traveling with a group of six or more.

Napa Half-Day

Napa;

Begin your visit at Paraduxx (7257 Silverado Trail, Napa; 866-367-9943; http://www.paraduxx.com, where you can ease into the day at your own tasting table (not crowded around a bar). The exclusive-feeling ambience is modern and hip. Make sure someone in your group orders the Blend Experience, as this is what they're best known for. Continue up the trail to Joseph Phelps (200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena; 707-963-2745; http://www.jpvwines.com to try their famed Insignia. The pours are generous, the outdoor setting is refreshing and the staff is charming. It is also a "green" winery, and we think it's one of the best. Cross over to Highway 29 to end your wine-tasting tour at Trefethen (1160 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa; 866-895-7696; http://www.trefethen.com, one of Napa's most famous vineyards. This family-run winery produces award-winning whites and reds and is far and away the best way to end the day. Reservations are a must on weekends, though you might get away with dropping in midweek.

Napa Full-Day

Start the day by visiting one of Napa's oldest vineyards, Trefethen (1160 Oak Knoll Ave., Napa; 866-895-7696; http://www.trefethen.com. This family-run winery produces award-winning whites and reds that are both reasonably priced and tasty. Continue up Highway 29 to Cakebread Cellars (8300 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford; 800-588-0298; www.cakebread.com). Yes, the wine is just as good as it sounds. Do not skip this one - we promise you'll be glad you went. After you've had your cake, continue on to Grgich (1829 St. Helena Hwy., Rutherford; 800-532-3057; www.grgich.com) for wonderful Zins and world-class Cabs. (Fun note: Mike Grgich first gained international recognition at the celebrated "Paris Tasting" of 1976, where Mike's 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay was chosen as the finest white in the world!) Next, cross over to the less-traveled Silverado Trail to visit Joseph Phelps (200 Taplin Rd., St. Helena; 707-963-2745; www.jpvwines.com), where you can try their famed Insignia. The pours are generous, the outdoor setting is refreshing and the staff is charming. It is also a "green" winery, and we think it's one of the best. From there, continue south down the trail to Vine Cliff (7400 Silverado Trail, Napa; 707-944-1364; www.vinecliff.com), a small winery built into the eastern hillsides with a reputation for rich, intense, food-friendly and well-balanced Cabernets (note: reservations required). End the day at Paraduxx (7257 Silverado Trail, Napa; 866-367-9943; www.paraduxx.com), where you can rest your weary wine taste buds at your own tasting table (not crowded around a bar). The exclusive-feeling ambience is modern and hip and sets the right tone as you begin to think about a fun night out. Reservations are a must on weekends, though you might get away with dropping in midweek.