You bought the ring, and now you are left with the crucial question – “Where to propose in the Napa Valley?” The right winery should be scenic, memorable, romantic, and an intimate place for this special moment. With years of experience secretly photographing proposals in the region, I’ve gathered a lot of experience and plenty of expertise. Here is a selection of 12 of the best wineries to propose in the Napa Valley and surrounding area.
For further information, please call me at (415) 845-7816 or email me at christophe@cgphotograph.com.
Tudal Winery
Style: Rustic, classic old style Napa Valley winery.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon.
Good to know: Tudal winery offers proposal packages, private tour with tasting/pairing (30min). Close on Monday.
Best lighting: Afternoon.
Click here to view a proposal at Tudal Winery
Peju Province Winery
Style: Traditional.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay…
Good to know: Proposal package available including a public tasting/ tour (30min) and luncheon in the vineyard.
Best lighting: Morning at the pond or Afternoon in the vineyard.
Click here to view a proposal at the Pond
Click here to view a proposal in the vineyard
Stags Leap Winery
Style : Stone buildings, classic old style Napa Valley winery.
Location: Napa
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, petite Sirah, Chardonnay, Merlot, malbec, Merlot…
Good to know: One of the oldest winery of the Napa Valley. You will get an incredible view of the mountains. Private or public tasting and tour are available (90min).
Best lighting: Afternoon
Click here to view a proposal at Stags Leap Winery
Newton Vineyard
Style: Modern
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir.
Good to know: Private or public tasting and tour (60min or 90min), vineyard safari tour available. One of the best view of the Napa Valley.
Best lighting: Morning
Click here to view a proposal at Newton Winery
Inglenook
Style: French bistro.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Viognier, Syrah.
Good to know: Own by filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, Inglenook has a cinematographic feel with a beautiful French garden. The vineyard access is restrained. Private or public tasting are available.
Best lighting: Afternoon
Click here to view a proposal at Inglenook
Hall Rutherford Winery
Style: Blazing.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon blanc, Zinfandel, Chardonnay.
Good to know: A 90 minutes private tour and tasting/pairing is available. Amazing cave with a custom chandelier. The owners are lifelong art collectors and invite guests to enjoy expressive arts with their wines.
Best lighting: Afternoon in the vineyard or anytime in the cave.
Click here to view a proposal at Hall Rutherford Winery
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Style : Country.
Location : Napa.
Grapes varieties : Chardonnay, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon blanc.
Good to know : Public tour/tasting/pairing, available daily. Pine Ridge Vineyards was named one of the best 75 Best Wineries to visit in California by Food & Wine magazine.
Best lighting: Afternoon
Silver Oak Winery
Style : Classic American.
Location : Oakville.
Grapes varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon.
Good to know : Extensive library wines ( the oldest vintage is 1972!). Private tastings and tours available.
Best lighting: Afternoon
Kelham Vineyards
Style: Romantic.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Rosé, Chardonnay.
Good to know: Tasting/pairing and lunch available.
Best lighting: early to late afternoon.
Honing Vineyard &Winery
Style: Eco-Friendly.
Location: St. Helena.
Grapes varieties : Cabernet Sauvignon.
Good to know : Discover the vineyard with an unique Eco- Tour and tasting/pairing experience.
Best lighting: Early morning
Castillo di Amorosa
Style: Fairy tale castle.
Location: Calistoga.
Grapes varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris.
Good to know: A tour of the castle is available as well as tasting/pairing.
Best lighting: only at 6pm on weekdays.
Click here to view a proposal at the Castillo Di Amorosa
