Jarvis Estate
2970 Monticello Rd., Napa, CA, 94558
The world’s first entirely subterranean winery, Jarvis Estate stands out, even within the crowded Napa Valley scene. Housed in an architecturally striking, excavated cave, the winery was founded more than 35 years ago. Today, it’s celebrated for producing ultra-premium cabernet sauvignon– and chardonnay-based wines, although the property also grows small lots of merlot, petit verdot, cabernet franc, and tempranillo.
The basics
Set on a hilltop overlooking the city of Napa, the family-owned Jarvis Estate is one of the Napa Valley’s most unusual—and distinguished—wineries. A destination as much for its 45,000-square-foot (4,181-square-meter) underground winery (complete with underground waterfall) as its exceptional wines, it’s easy to explore as part of a wine-tasting day out in the region.
Jarvis Estate has two tasting options: the Vintage Tasting, open to all, and the Founders’ Reserve Experience, open only to its wine club members. To experience the former, which is offered to small groups daily, it’s best to book online well in advance.
Things to know before you go
You must be 21 or over to participate in wine tours and tastings.
The winery recommends appropriate footwear given its cave environment; aim for sturdy, close-toed shoes.
If you’re shopping for bottles, you can choose among Jarvis’ Estate Wines, extra-aged Library Wines, and the most premium Reserve Wines.
How to get there
Jarvis Estate is located at 2970 Monticello Road in Napa, California. It’s less than 15 minutes by car from Napa, and about 1 hour from San Francisco via I-80 E. Though public transit options are limited, full-day wine-tasting tours offer a simpler way to visit.
When to get there
Jarvis Estate is open daily from morning to late afternoon, and tours are offered daily. It’s closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For your best chance to visit this always-popular winery, aim for a weekday tour.
Napa Valley wineries with tourist attractions
Jarvis Estate’s cave location makes it a must for many travelers to the region, and there are other Napa Valley wineries with unusual features to complement their excellent wines. Among the highlights are the Castello di Amorosa, housed in a building that resembles a 14th-century castle, and Sterling Vineyards, whose aerial gondola is a key attraction.
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