Reporters visited, tasted and came away with personal impressions of the vineyards and wineries on this list. I also pored over published reviews, looked at sales figures and considered other important aspects for each spot, including historic appeal, winemaking reputation and drop-dead gorgeous locations.

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"Charles Krug, founded in 1861, is the oldest winery in the Napa Valley—and California’s first tasting room," says Linsey Gallagher, President and CEO of Visit Napa Valley. Its Redwood Cellar Tasting Room is a Registered National Historic Landmark, and the winery has since passed through four generations of the Mondavi family, "who are committed to the stewardship of this iconic, romantic and timeless place," according to Gallagher. 

With more than 400 wineries open for tastings and 90 urban tasting rooms in Napa Valley, there's a glass, bottle, case or afternoon's tasting for everyone. "V. Sattui Winery and Castello di Amorosa are very popular options to add to your must-see list as a first-time visitor," Gallagher says, "and the iconic Napa Valley views you will catch on the drive to these two properties are experiences themselves."

Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most widely planted varieties in Napa Valley. "We say 'Cabernet is King' in Napa Valley for a reason—Cabernet Sauvignon is the acknowledged king of our red wines, accounting for 40 percent of our total production and 55 percent of our crop value," says Gallagher. Not a cab connoisseur? Locals promise you will find there are lots of other surprises for wine lovers looking for varieties off the beaten path, from Albariño to Zinfandel.

One theme you'll hear makers return to again and again is sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship initiatives. They are the cornerstone of the Napa Valley ethos—in winemaking and beyond. Napa Valley is home to America’s first designated Agricultural Preserve, established in 1968. "This pioneering ordinance protects the region’s natural beauty and landscapes for many future generations, as do our wineries, restaurants, hotels, and businesses, which embrace eco-friendly practices like organic farming, solar energy, and water conservation," according to Gallagher.

Two or three winery visits per day are the rule of thumb here. That's because most experiences take a minimum of 90 minutes, and there's travel time in between. You can also hire a driver or tour company to take you to the wineries, and they can even plan your day of tastings.

You may not know that 95 percent of Napa Valley wineries are still family-owned and boutique, producing less than 10,000 cases a year. Some wineries are so small or off-the-beaten-track that they need to know when you are coming so someone will be there to greet you. Heck, it might even be the winemaker themself.

Word to the wise: schedule appointments before your visit because some of the more popular wineries and tasting rooms in Napa Valley fill up reservation lists weeks in advance. Other wineries may have a limited number of guests that can visit each day, and tastings will start and end at specific times. And try to respect the California cool set of local etiquette, including tipping (starting at $10 for a standing tasting) and what to wear (wine country casual = nice jeans).

While Napa Valley is a relatively small location geographically, its winemaking reputation is outsized. A bit of pre-planning before you visit is essential so that you check off all the elements you most want to experience, from visiting a mix of award-winning vineyards and up-and-comer vintners to seeing the historic sites or enjoying a bike ride or spa visit. It's a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place—one where you'll never go thirsty.

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