Great Wine Capitals 2026 Best of Wine Tourism Regional Awards Announces Napa Valley Winners

The regional Napa Valley delegation for the Great Wine Capitals, which includes the County of Napa, Napa Valley Vintners, and Visit Napa Valley, has announced the winners of the 2026 Best of Wine Tourism Regional Awards.

The annual Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards celebrate innovation and excellence in wine tourism across the world’s leading wine regions. Napa Valley is among 11 global regions recognized internationally by the Great Wine Capitals Network for delivering exceptional wine tourism experiences.

Tourism and hospitality businesses in Napa Valley were invited to self-nominate in one of seven categories during August. Submissions were reviewed and winners selected by a judging panel that included representatives from the County of Napa, Napa Valley Vintners, and Visit Napa Valley.

The Great Wine Capitals 2026 Best of Wine Tourism Regional Award winners, by category, are:

  • Accommodation –  The George
  • Architecture & Landscapes – Cuvaison Winery
  • Art & Culture – Boisset Collection 
  • Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences – Sterling Vineyards 
  • Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices – CHANDON 
  • Culinary Experiences – Clif Family Winery 
  • Wine Tourism Services – Festival Napa Valley 

Last year’s (2025) Napa Valley Regional Award winners included: Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs (Accommodation), Signorello Estate (Architecture & Landscapes),  Rail Arts District (RAD) Napa (Art & Culture), Olabisi Winery (Vine Trail Adventures)  (Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences), Pine Ridge Vineyards (Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices), Oxbow Public Market (Culinary Experiences), Napa Valley Wine Train (Wine Tourism Services). Napa Valley Wine Train went on to receive global recognition as the 2025 Global Winner in the  Wine Tourism Services category.

In addition to being recognized in front of an audience of industry peers, the 2026 regional award winners are now in consideration for the Global Best of Wine Tourism Awards. Global winners will be announced at the Great Wine Capitals Annual General Meeting held in Bordeaux, France, in November 2025.

For further information, visit: https://www.visitnapavalley.com/blog/post/2026-best-of-wine-tourism-award-winners/

The Best Hotel Wine Cellars in North America according to MICHELIN Guide

Wine has long been intertwined with the art of hospitality, yet a select number of hotels elevate the experience to the highest level by curating world-class cellars that rival esteemed restaurants and private collections. According to MICHELIN Guide, these properties redefine the concept of luxury lodging, offering immersive oenological journeys that appeal to both seasoned connoisseurs and aspiring enthusiasts.

At these destinations, wine is not simply an accompaniment to a fine meal; it is the foundation of the entire stay. Guests may encounter sommeliers who serve as personal guides, expansive cellars that read like encyclopedias of viticulture, and opportunities to pair rest with rare vintages.

From California’s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon estates to the refined lakeside retreats of Québec, these hotels embody the essence of wine tourism in North America. They serve as cultural crossroads, blending terroir, tradition, and innovation into an experience that extends beyond the bottle.

Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito, California

This Two-MICHELIN-Key resort looks and feels like a posh summer home. It’s fitting then that Caruso’s isn’t just a MICHELIN-Starred and Green Star restaurant with an ocean view—it’s also home to one of Southern California’s most extravagant wine cellars, stocked with 22,000+ bottles and a serious Burgundy collection. The sommelier team is armed with rare verticals and white gloves, and you’ll find that most guests here dress for dinner, even if they’re just heading downstairs, or opting to enjoy from their suite. Also located at Rosewood Miramar Beach? AMA Sushi with edomae-style sushi, available à la carte or as an omakase.

Rosewood Miramar Beach Wine Cellar, Napa Valley, California

A 15,000-bottle cellar. Lunch overlooking the Rutherford vines. And a wine list that reads like the Napa Valley Book of Genesis. This Three-MICHELIN-Key resort with a MICHELIN-Starred restaurant of the same name doesn’t shout — it purrs, in silky Bordeaux and well-structured Chardonnay. Whether you’re toasting at the bar or reclining in a vineyard-view suite, every sip is a reminder that heaven might just be spelled C-A-B.

SingleThread Inn, Sonoma, California

SingleThread is a unicorn; it’s a Three-MICHELIN-Key hotel with a Three-MICHELIN-Star and Green Star restaurant tucked inside. Here in this culinary sanctuary, dinner unfolds like a symphony, and the wine pairings are its most delicate movement. Located in California’s Wine Country, the inn’s cellar is both impressive and intimate; designed not just to dazzle, but to deepen your understanding of the bottle in front of you. Expect somm-led education, rare local vintages and a breakfast that might just come with a splash of Pét-Nat.

The Little Nell, Aspen, Colorado

Come for the snow, stay for the Pinot Noir. The One-MICHELIN-Key Little Nell may be best known for ski-in, ski-out luxury and its Element 47 restaurant, but oenophiles know it for its award–winning wine cellar: over 20,000 bottles deep, with verticals that rival some European royalty. Prefer your wine with altitude? Book a sommelier-led ski tour, complete with slope-side sabrage. Yes, really.

The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, D.C.

This spot is in a sleepy little town outside of Washington, D.C., but just happens to be home to the region’s only Three-MICHELIN-Star and Green Star restaurant. The dining room is like a Versailles fever dream, and the wine cellar could double as a museum. At Patrick O’Connell’s countryside fantasy, the wine program is an experience unto itself, with deep French and American verticals, pairing flights that border on spiritual and tours that feel like a pilgrimage. You’ll sleep well—but not before a Château d’Yquem nightcap.

Post Hotel & Spa, Lake Louise, Canada

You’ll come for the glacial views and stay for the cellar, which spans more than 22,000 bottles. Discover rare vintages, winemaker dinners and private tastings—all housed in this MICHELIN-Key alpine lodge. It’s the kind of place where après-ski means Amarone, and the wine cellar is deeper than the snowpack.

Manoir Hovey, Québec

Québec’s most refined country escape comes with a serious side of vin. The Two-MICHELIN-Key Manoir Hovey houses a 15,000-bottle cellar and leans proudly into local pairings, offering Québécois wines you won’t find at your downtown wine bar. Book a table at Le Hatley for fine dining or Le Tap Room for a more casual setting. It’s as much about terroir as it is about taste—and yes, there’s foie gras involved.

As wine tourism continues to flourish globally, the MICHELIN Guide’s recognition of these hotels underscores a growing trend: travellers no longer seek only a destination, but a holistic experience that marries luxury, culture, and vinous discovery.

Source:  MICHELIN Guide

USA Today Recognizes Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery as America’s Leading Destination for Wine Tours and Tastings

For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region has been named the Best Winery Tour in the United States by the 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. This recognition underscores the winery’s enduring role in advancing American viticulture and wine tourism through innovation, history, and experiential hospitality. In addition to securing the top honour for winery tours, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery also ranked among the nation’s leading wine tasting rooms, highlighting its 1886 Food & Wine Experience, where visitors enjoy curated tours followed by seated tastings paired with seasonal culinary creations. The winery’s tasting facilities, knowledgeable staff, and panoramic views of Keuka Lake reinforce its position as a premier destination for wine education, heritage, and sensory exploration.

Here are the results of USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours, 10 Best Tasting Rooms, and 10 Best Winery Restaurants:

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Tours

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Baldacci Family Vineyards (Napa, California)

Eberle Winery (Paso Robles, California)

Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma, California)

Jordan Vineyard & Winery (Healdsburg, California)

Francis Ford Coppola Winery (Geyserville, California)

Grape Creek Vineyards (Fredericksburg, Texas)

Cline Family Cellars (Sonoma, California)

Benziger Family Winery (Glen Ellen, California)

Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards (Solvang, California)

USA Today’s 10 Best Tasting Rooms

Willamette Valley Vineyards (Turner, Oregon)

Stoller Family Estate (Dayton, Oregon)

Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery (Hammondsport, New York)

Los Milics Vineyards (Elgin and Scottsdale, Arizona)

Final Girl Wines (Solvang, California)

Rune Wines (Sonoita, Arizona)

Irvine & Roberts Vineyards (Ashland, Oregon)

Durant Vineyards (Dayton, Oregon)

Boordy Vineyards (Hydes, Maryland)

McPherson Cellars (Lubbock, Texas)

USA Today’s 10Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

USA Today’s 10 Best Winery Restaurants

Roblar Winery and Vineyards (Santa Ynez, California)

Farm & Forage at Sokol Blosser Winery (Dayton, Oregon)

The Restaurant at JUSTIN (Paso Robles, California)

Black Star Farms (Suttons Bay, Michigan)

The Tasting Barn at Ryan William Vineyard (Burdett, New York)

Arbor Crest Wine Cellars (Spokane, Washington)

Bolero Restaurante (Temecula, California)

Farm Cafe (Lodi, California)

Pronghorn Pizza (Sonoita, Arizona)

The Kitchen at Abeja (Walla Walla, Washington)

The 2025 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards showcase how wineries across the United States are elevating wine tourism through innovation, hospitality, and memorable visitor experiences. From the historic estates of New York’s Finger Lakes to the acclaimed tasting rooms of Oregon, the culinary-driven winery restaurants of California, and the boutique vineyards of Texas and Arizona, these award-winning destinations reflect the diversity and richness of American wine culture. Together, they highlight how wine tourism fosters regional identity, supports local economies, and deepens travellers’ connections to both place and tradition. These celebrated wineries offer the perfect opportunity to plan a journey that combines history, education, gastronomy, and the joy of discovery, an invitation to explore the very best of U.S. wine country.

Robert Mondavi Winery Unveils 2026 Reopening Experiences – Reservations Now Open for Napa Valley’s Most Anticipated Return

Robert Mondavi Winery, one of Napa Valley’s most iconic estates, has announced that early reservations are officially open for its highly anticipated reopening in spring 2026. After a comprehensive, multi-year renovation, the historic Oakville property is set to debut an inspired array of immersive programs designed to delight both seasoned collectors and passionate wine explorers.

Among the new experiences are expertly guided cellar tours and intimate tastings showcasing Robert Mondavi Winery’s award-winning portfolio of luxury wines, each experience thoughtfully curated to deepen your understanding of Napa Valley’s terroir and the pioneering legacy of Robert and Margrit Mondavi, who helped shape the area’s food, wine, and cultural legacy.

Reservations can be secured through Tock at www.exploretock.com/robertmondavi

Signature Experiences

Napa Discovery Tour & Tasting

$55 per person – Duration: 60 Minutes

Embark on a guided walk through the state-of-the-art production and aging cellars. Conclude your visit with a seated tasting of select wines, led by an expert wine educator, as you explore Napa Valley’s unique terroir and the Mondavis’ indelible impact on California wine culture.

Estate Experience

$85 per person – Duration: 75 Minutes

Engage in a seated tasting that dives deeper into vineyard expression, precision farming, and the winery’s commitment to sustainability. Led by a knowledgeable educator, this experience illuminates the nuanced character of Robert Mondavi’s distinguished vineyard sites.

To Kalon Reserve Tasting

$125 per person – Duration: 75 Minutes

Discover the crown jewel of Robert Mondavi Winery, the legendary To Kalon Vineyard. This exclusive tasting pairs limited-production wines with refined culinary accompaniments, offering unparalleled insight into To Kalon’s heritage and the visionary winemaking it inspires.

This is a rare chance to secure your place at the forefront of Robert Mondavi Winery’s next chapter.

An Exclusive Encounter with Opus One: A Vertical Tasting of Napa’s Crown Jewel

Tucked into the western benchlands of Oakville, Opus One stands as a beacon of sophistication and legacy in Napa Valley winemaking. During a recent visit, I was invited to experience a rare vertical tasting that spanned some of the estate’s most celebrated vintages. This exclusive encounter offered more than a glimpse into the artistry behind each bottle, it was a masterclass in precision, pedigree, and the enduring partnership between two visionaries: Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Robert Mondavi.

During my recent visit, I experienced an unforgettable vertical tasting in the Partners’ Room, hosted by the knowledgeable and gracious Therese Keating, Estate Ambassador. Ms Keating previously provided us with an in-depth insight into the Opus One’s history, viticulture and winemaking philosophy. Against a backdrop of breathtaking vineyard views, we explored three vintages: 2015, 2019, and 2021, each paired with meticulously crafted amuse-bouches.

2015 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 81%, Cabernet Franc 7%, Merlot 6%, Petit Verdot 4%, Malbec 2%
Skin Contact: 21 days
Barrel Aging: 18 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: A warm vintage showing opulence and depth. Aromas of dark plum, violet, and tea leaf give way to a lush palate of blackberry, cocoa, and baking spices, creamy texture, fine tannins, and great balance.

Drink Window: 2025–2040
96 points – Liz Palmer

2019 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 78%, Merlot 8%, Petit Verdot 6%, Malbec 2%
Skin Contact: 22 days
Barrel Aging: 19 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: A composed and classic vintage. Notes of black currant, rose petal, and graphite lead into layers of espresso, dark chocolate, and savoury herbs. Silky texture, bright acidity, and a lingering finish.

Drink Window: 2025–2045
98 points – Liz Palmer

2021 Opus One

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 93%, Cabernet Franc 4%, Petit Verdot 2%, Merlot 0.5%, Malbec 0.5%
Skin Contact: 19 days
Barrel Aging: 19.5 months in new French oak

Tasting Notes: From one of the driest growing seasons on record, this vintage is defined by purity and finesse. Aromas of cassis, violet, and black cherry evolve into a palate of elegant tannins and a finish marked by truffle, vanilla, and spice.

Drink Window: 2029–2049
99 points – Liz Palmer

Each wine was paired with exquisite culinary expressions, from bacon and Roquefort canelés to truffle-scented morel gâteau, amplifying the sensory journey. This rare opportunity to observe how the estate’s wines evolve in character and structure over time was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Final Reflections

Opus One is more than a wine estate; it is a living philosophy, where tradition and innovation are intertwined with purpose and grace. Every detail, from grape to glass, reflects a pursuit of perfection rooted in legacy and collaboration. For connoisseurs and collectors, a visit to Opus One is nothing short of a pilgrimage, an invitation to experience the art of fine winemaking at its most refined.

The most unique wine tasting experience in Napa is at Opus One. Uncover the art of Bordeaux blends, breathtaking architecture, and a wine experience like no other.” — Liz Palmer

Opus One Winery

📍 7900 St. Helena Highway, Oakville, CA
🌐 https://en.opusonewinery.comm