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A Spotlight on St Helena Wineries


Mustard in bloom at a vineyard in Napa Valley.

There’s something magical about driving through St. Helena’s rolling vineyards this time of year, sun-drenched oak trees, bountiful mustard, crisp valley air, and vibrant greenery at every turn.


As the birthplace of Napa Valley's commercial wine industry, Appellation St. Helena sits at the heart of Napa Valley and is widely known for producing a broad range of wines and styles due to its location in the valley.


The town of St. Helena is more than a wine lover’s paradise; it’s a picture-perfect destination for every part of the day. From a peaceful morning stroll past stylish storefronts and cafés, to leisurely lunches paired with world-class wines, and cozy dinners that reflect the region’s rich farm-to-table culture. St. Helena invites you to slow down and savor every moment.


In this blog, we’ll take you through some of the best spots to explore around town before and after your wine tastings, making your 2026 Napa Vine Pass adventure both fun and memorable.



AXR Napa Valley: A Rich History in Napa Valley


View inside the tasting room at AXR Napa Valley.

Just a few miles north of St. Helena, AXR Napa Valley crafts beautifully balanced Bordeaux and Rhône-style blends on one of the region’s most historic vineyard sites, with roots stretching back to Napa Valley’s earliest days of winemaking.


Tastings here are relaxed and educational, led by passionate hosts who share the stories behind each varietal and the land it comes from.


The estate itself carries a colorful and slightly spooky history. Dating to the 1880s, the property has been a winery, saloon, restaurant, inn, and even a brothel over the past 130 years before returning to wine production, earning AXR a reputation as one of Napa’s intriguing “ghost wineries.”


Ballentine Vineyards: Single Vineyard on the Menu


View of the tasting room at Ballentine Vineyards in Napa Valley.

Ballentine Vineyards has been family-owned and operated since 1906, making it one of Napa Valley’s oldest continuously run wineries. Known for championing Petite Sirah and Zinfandel long before they were fashionable, Ballentine wines combine old-school Napa character with modern refinement.


Tastings are by reservation only, offering a quiet, personal way to explore wines shaped by more than a century of family history. During the seated Estate Tasting, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully curated flight of limited-production wines. Knowledgeable hosts guide you through the stories behind the Ballentine legacy, sharing the history, passion, and care that make these St. Helena vineyards truly special.


Chase Cellars: A Historic Zinfandel Producer


Wine tasting experience table at Chase Cellars in St. Helena

Chase Cellars is a small, family-owned winery in St. Helena, rooted in the historic Hayne Vineyard, which has remained in the family since 1872. Long known for supplying grapes to renowned Napa producers, the Chase family began producing their own wines in 1998, marking a new chapter for this storied vineyard.


At the heart of the estate is Hayne Vineyard, home to some of Napa Valley’s oldest Zinfandel vines, dating back more than 120 years. These sustainably managed vines are carefully tended with minimal intervention, yielding remarkably concentrated, expressive fruit.


Chase Cellars offers an intimate, unhurried tasting experience, an inviting contrast to Napa’s larger estates. It’s an ideal stop for those drawn to historic vineyards, small-lot, handcrafted wines, and meaningful conversation with the family and winemaking team behind the label.


Whitehall Lane Winery: Explore Some Rutherford Dust


Napa Vine Pass booklet outside Whitehall Lane Winery overlooking the vineyards.

Whitehall Lane Winery is a family-owned and operated estate on Highway 29 in the Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley, with a history of grape growing on the site dating back to the 1800s.


The winery is renowned for expressing classic Rutherford Dust and was a founding member of the Rutherford Dust Society, helping champion the appellation’s legacy. Its production spans Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and small-lot library and reserve wines, many earning top industry accolades. The estate is Napa Green certified, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainable, soil-to-bottle practices.


Tastings range from relaxed seated experiences in the main tasting rooms to elevated Club Room flights, featuring vineyard-designate and library wines with panoramic vineyard views, as well as guided estate vineyard tours. Reservations are recommended to enjoy the full range of tastings and the hospitality of this historic Rutherford estate.



St. Helena Culinary Destinations


Highlighted below are some local favorites that pair beautifully with your St. Helena winery experience.


Breakfast & Morning Bites

  • Model Bakery – Classic Napa Valley bakery famous for its freshly-baked English Muffins (ask Oprah), pastries, and coffee, perfect for fueling up in the morning.

  • Gillwoods Cafe – A beloved local spot on Main Street serving hearty classics like French toast, omelets, and comfort breakfast foods.

  • Ray Ray’s Tacos – Fun, flavorful breakfast tacos and Tex-Mex classics if you’re craving something a bit different.


Lunch Spots

Perfect for midday refueling between tastings or casual strolls through town:

  • Station St. Helena – New American café offering hearty sandwiches, salads, and New York-style pizza by the slice.

  • Charlie’s Napa Valley – Stylish lunch and dinner menu with seasonal California cuisine and a lively ambiance.


Dinner & Evening Dining

Unwind after a day of tastings with a cozy dinner in town. The dining scene is intimate and deeply rooted in farm-to-table options with seasonal menus and ingredients.

  • Cook St. Helena – A longtime local favorite offering warm hospitality and a thoughtfully curated menu of California cuisine.

  • Violetto – An elegant dinner spot in the Allila Resort featuring refined, seasonal dishes ideal for a special night out.

  • Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch – Celebrated American farmhouse cuisine rooted in the tradition of showcasing ingredients fresh from their farm and ranch.



Plan Your Day(s) at St. Helena Wineries

Mix and match our winery and culinary recommendations to craft the perfect one- or two-day St. Helena wineries journey. Make sure to bring along the 2026 Napa Vine Pass as it unlocks savings at every winery within this blog.


AXR Napa Valley

• $45 off a Signature Tour and Tasting with each 2026 Vine Pass


Ballentine Vineyards

• $30 off an Estate Tasting with each 2026 Vine Pass


Chase Cellars

• $25 off an Estate Tasting + 10% off a 3+ bottle purchase with each 2026 Vine Pass


Whtehall Lane Winery

• $30 off a Winery Exclusive ~or~ Cabernet Sauvignon Tasting with each 2026 Vine Pass


A St. Helena wine tasting adventure is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace, with room for discovery along the way. The 2026 Napa Vine Pass helps turn that journey into a seamless experience, opening the door to intimate tastings, meaningful connections, and unforgettable moments. Here's to enjoying the amazing St. Helena wineries!


Cheers. 🍷







 
 
 

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