Photos of 13 Wineries in Napa

In 1865, George Calvert Yount planted the first vines in Napa Valley. Now, the California wine region is one of the most highly respected in the country, currently home to over 400 vineyards and a favorite destination for wine lovers around the world. Take a look at these photos of wineries in Napa and discover the beauty of California wine country.

At first, Jack Cakebread visited Napa Valley to take a few photos. He had some friends that owned a vineyard and said to them, that someday he would like to own a vineyard. They called him later that day and offered to sell them theirs. He accepted. Now, Cakebread Cellars is a Napa institution, offering a variety of reds and whites.

The story of the Stag's Leap name derives from a Wappo tribe legend in which a Stag leaped across a canyon to escape hunters. Inside the dining room of manor house, there is a stained glass window that reads "Ne Cede Malis", meaning, "Never give in to misfortune." Today, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars makes highly acclaimed wines.

Located in Yountville, Domaine Chandon produces its American sparkling wine by way of old French traditions. Though the wine making process is old at Domaine Chandon, the vineyard itself is modern and practices sustainable farming.

Founded by French Champagne Tattinger, Domaine Carneros is one of the premiere Champagne houses and vineyards in Napa Valley. Eileen Crane, the winemaker when Domaine Carneros opened in 1987, is the first person to hold this position. Eileen Crane currently still holds the position of sparkling winemaker at Domaine Carneros. The winery also makes Pinot Noir wines and other still wines.

Louis Honig once dreamed of leaving his job to live on the 68 acres and make wine. Though Louis Honig passed away before fulfilling his dream, his children and grandchildren have done it for him. The family, along with a lot of dedicated employees took this one-time garage winery and made it into the success it is today. The winery makes critically acclaimed wines, including a sweet red Cabernet Sauvignon.

Quixote winery is located in Napa Valley's Stag's Leap District. The buildings at the vineyard were designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser whose design philosophies included things like not having any straight lines and the use of lots of bold, bright colors. The winemaking philosophy there is centered on artistic expression, and it specializes in red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah.

The entrance at the Hess Collection combines the crisp, smooth lines of modern architecture along with the warm and rough surfaces of the stone walls. Dave Guffey is the Director of Winemaking there, specializing in allowing the wines to express the unique terroir in which the grapes are grown.

If castles are your style, you'll love the Castella di Amorosa, a winery styled after a 13th century Tuscan castle. The winery has a unique collection of wines, including a frizzante style rosé, a dry rosato, a late harvest Gewürztraminer, and a Barbera along with more traditional Californnia wines such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

In 1976, Dario Sattui brought his grandfather's dream back to life in Napa Valley. Vittorio Sattui came to the Napa Valley in the late 1800s and opened a winery, which was shut down by Prohibition. Today, the winery makes reds, whites, and rosés, as well as sparkling and dessert wines.

Duckhorn Vineyards has been making wine in Napa Valley for more than 40 years since 1976. Their wines with a duck on the label are widely recognized by wine drinkers, who enjoy the quality wines the winery produces. The tasting room, Duckhorn Estate House, opened in 2001.

Beringer is the longest continuously operating winery in Napa. The centerpiece, the Rhine House, was completed in 1884 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2015 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon won acclaim with a 99 point rating from James Suckling, and the Beringer Main & Vine wines are available at an affordable price in most grocery stores. With a wide variety, Beringer has wines for every palate and budget.

Located in Rutherford, Inglenook was established in 1879 by a Finnish sea captain. He built his estate as a European-style castle, which stands today on the property. The estate and winery is owned by Francis and Eleanor Coppola, who make acclaimed wines under the Inglenook label including the flagship Rubicon, a red Bordeaux blend that is highly acclaimed.

Napa Valley is home to more than 400 wineries begging to be toured, and the numbers continue to grow. With world-class wines, Napa Valley is arguably America's greatest wine region, and it's certainly one of its prettiest.