In a region filled with world-famous labels and grand estates, there’s something incredibly refreshing about discovering a vineyard where the owners still pour the wine, tell the stories, and walk the vines themselves. While big names tend to grab the headlines, the true heart of Napa Valley often beats strongest in its family-owned vineyards, where every bottle reflects not just the land but the people who tend it.
If you’re looking to explore the best vineyards in Napa Valley, consider spending a day visiting these small, family-run wineries near our Calistoga bed and breakfasts. These vineyards are rich in history, heart, and hospitality, and they just happen to make some of the best wines in California.
Frank Family Vineyards: A Napa Valley Icon with a Family Touch
1091 Larkmead Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Let’s start with a name you’ve probably heard before: Frank Family Vineyards. The story here isn’t just about great wine; it’s about the people behind it. Founded by Rich Frank, former president of Disney Studios, and his wife Leslie, an Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist, this Calistoga estate blends historic charm with modern hospitality. What started as a passion project has grown into one of the best vineyards in Napa Valley, yet it still feels deeply personal.
You’ll often find Rich and Leslie themselves at the tasting room, sharing a glass of wine and chatting with guests like old friends. Their warmth sets the tone for the entire experience, making it feel less like a visit and more like a reunion. Rich’s son, Darryl, also plays a key role as an ambassador for the family’s wines, helping carry the legacy forward with the next generation.
Just minutes from downtown Calistoga, this historic property, once part of the original Larkmead Winery estate dating back to the 1880s, offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every guest is treated like family. You can enjoy the iconic Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in their charming Craftsman-style tasting room or opt for a more elevated experience in the newly built Miller House, a modern space designed for relaxed luxury and stunning vineyard views.
Amici Cellars: Friends, Family, and Fantastic Wines
3130 Old Lawley Toll Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
Founded by a group of longtime friends who turned their weekend winemaking hobby into a full-time passion, Amici Cellars lives up to its name as Amici means “friends” in Italian.
With a focus on small-lot Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc, Amici’s winemaking team works closely with growers from some of Napa’s most renowned vineyards. Their inviting outdoor tasting space offers sweeping views of the Palisades and a casual atmosphere that feels more like a backyard gathering than a formal tasting.
Spence Vineyards: High-Elevation Excellence
994 White Cottage Rd N, Angwin, CA 94508
Set high in the mountains above Calistoga, Spence Vineyards is a small family estate focused on crafting bold, structured Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned and operated by the Spence family, every bottle reflects their hands-on farming practices and dedication to letting the vineyard speak for itself.
By appointment only, their tastings are intimate and informative, offering a chance to experience a different side of Napa Valley terroir, just a short drive from your home base in Calistoga.
Vincent Arroyo Family Winery: Small, Friendly, and Full of Charm
2361 Greenwood Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
When Vincent Arroyo purchased his small Calistoga vineyard in the 1970s, it was more of a cattle ranch than a winery. Over time, with a lot of hard work and dedication, he transformed it into one of the region’s most beloved boutique wineries. Today, his daughter and son-in-law help carry on the legacy by running the daily operations, but oftentimes, you can still find Vincent at the property sharing stories and greeting guests.
Known for its rich Petite Sirah and approachable hospitality, Vincent Arroyo Family Winery offers a down-to-earth tasting experience where the family’s hands-on approach shines.
Tedeschi Family Winery: Rooted in Heritage, Poured with Heart
2779 Grant St, Calistoga, CA 94515
Wine runs deep in the Tedeschi family’s blood. Founded by Emil Tedeschi, whose winemaking roots stretch from Hawaii to California, Tedeschi Family Winery now employs his sons, Mario and Emilio, with their beloved Aunt Fran still welcoming guests with warmth and charm. Tastings here are relaxed and intimate, held just steps from the vineyard in a peaceful garden setting.
In a playful nod to their heritage, the Tedeschi’s offer a “Fellow Tedeschi” program, giving discounts and special perks to anyone who shares their last name. But even if you don’t, you’ll feel like part of the family.
Schramsberg Vineyards: The Sparkling Wine Pioneers
1400 Schramsberg Rd, Calistoga, CA 94515
When Jack and Jamie Davies purchased the historic Schramsberg Vineyards property in 1965, they had a dream to put American sparkling wine on the world stage. Today, their son Hugh Davies continues that legacy, producing méthode champenoise wines that have been served at the White House for decades.
Tour the Schramsberg caves and learn about the Davies family’s pioneering efforts while tasting their acclaimed Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé, and J. Davies Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and family pride.
Canard Vineyard: Exclusive Wines, Personal Experience
1016 Dunaweal Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Family-owned since the 1980s, Canard Vineyard is home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in Napa Valley, many over 135 years old. The winery remains a true labor of love, producing tiny quantities of estate-grown Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel each year with Rich, Carolyn, and Adam Czapleski at the helm of the operations.
Private tastings at Canard feel like being welcomed into someone’s home. You’ll hear stories about the land, the family’s commitment to sustainability, and the unique challenges of farming historic vines. It’s Napa Valley at its most personal and honest.
August Briggs Winery: A Local Favorite on Lincoln Avenue
1307 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515
If you prefer to stay close to town, August Briggs Winery on Lincoln Avenue offers a casual, approachable tasting room just steps from our Calistoga bed and breakfasts. Owners Matt and Collete believe in a hands-on management approach for the winery and can be found in the vineyard and at the winery during harvest season. Specializing in single-vineyard wines from both Napa and Sonoma, August Briggs is especially known for its Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Charbono, a varietal with deep Calistoga roots.
Davis Family Vineyards: Family Farming in Sonoma County
412 Timothy Rd B, Santa Rosa, CA 95407
The Davis Family Vineyards story spans generations, starting with founder Guy Davis’s vision of sustainable, family-focused farming. Today, the Davis family continues to craft wines that celebrate Sonoma’s diverse growing regions, from Russian River Valley Pinot Noir to old-vine Zinfandel.
Their tasting room overlooks the Russian River, offering a laid-back setting for tasting everything from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to sparkling rosé. It’s worth the drive if you’re looking to expand your wine country adventure into nearby Sonoma County.
Ehret Family Winery: Explore by Vineyard Safari
422 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448
In Healdsburg, Ehret Family Winery offers a truly unique way to explore their 1,800-acre estate: on a Vineyard Safari. Climb aboard their off-road Pinzgauer or Yamaha Viking for a guided tour through the Bavarian Lion Vineyard, learning about the family’s history and sustainable farming practices along the way.
Afterward, head to their downtown Healdsburg tasting room to sample their estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a unique way to experience both the land and the wine that comes from it.
Why Family-Owned Vineyards Matter
There’s something undeniably special about visiting wineries where the owners are hands-on, and every bottle has a family story behind it. These vineyards aren’t just businesses—they’re legacies built on passion, hard work, and a deep love for the land. Whether you’re sipping Zinfandel at a backyard table or enjoying a private tour through the vines, you can feel the heart behind every pour.
That same spirit is what drew us to Calistoga. As the owners of Craftsman Inn and Wine Way Inn, we’ve made it our mission to create a place that feels like home, personal, welcoming, and rooted in something meaningful. We’ve poured ourselves into restoring these historic properties and love nothing more than helping guests experience the kind of warmth and connection we see in so many of our favorite family-owned wineries. When you stay with us, we hope you feel that same sense of care from the moment you walk through the door.
—Nick & Gillian Kite