2026 Best of Napa Valley Awards: Readers Pick Their Favorite Local Businesses Page 1 of 11
E very year, Napa Valley Life invites our readers and the Napa Valley community to come together and celebrate what makes this region truly exceptional. The Best of Napa Valley Readers Choice Awards have become a cherished tradition — an opportunity for locals and celebrated visitors alike to spotlight the people, businesses, and experiences that define life in Wine Country.
From October through December, we opened the polls across our print, digital, and social media platforms, encouraging readers to nominate and vote for their favorites in nearly 50 categories — spanning food, wine, hospitality, wellness, retail, and beyond. With thousands of votes cast and heartfelt nominations submitted, this year’s awards are a true reflection of the passion, loyalty, and discerning tastes of our community.
The process is inclusive and participatory by design. Voters are encouraged not only to support their longtime favorites but also to introduce us to new hidden gems through write-in ballots and category suggestions — helping us expand the awards each year to reflect the valley’s ever-evolving landscape.
What makes Napa Valley so special isn’t just the world-class wine or breathtaking scenery — it’s the people behind the scenes. The chefs, farmers, winemakers, artists, shop owners, volunteers, and entrepreneurs who pour their heart and soul into every experience. These awards are about honoring that commitment to excellence, creativity, passion, and authenticity.
As we unveil the 2026 winners and finalists, we invite you to celebrate with us. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite or toasting a time-honored classic, these honorees represent the very best that Napa Valley has to offer.
We’re proud to share the results — and extend our heartfelt congratulations to every nominee, winner, and reader who helped make this year’s awards a meaningful celebration of community pride.
Best Boutique Winery
Perched high on Pritchard Hill with sweeping views of Lake Hennessey, Chappellet Winery has long been a benchmark for mountain-grown Napa Valley wines. Family-owned since 1967, the winery is renowned for its elegant, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignons and sustainable farming practices. Guests experience warm hospitality, striking architecture, and guided tastings that highlight the rugged beauty of this iconic hillside estate.
This boutique winery at the base of the Vaca Mountains offers refined wines, serene vineyard views, and a luxurious equestrian-inspired tasting experience.
A certified organic estate producing Bordeaux-style wines, Ehlers is beloved for its elegant reds, peaceful grounds, and nonprofit mission.
Tucked into the serene hills of Calistoga, this boutique winery offers intimate tastings of limited-production wines in a lush, forested setting that feels worlds away.
Best Downtown Napa Tasting Room
Alpha Omega Collective brings the elegance and power of Napa Valley’s iconic Alpha Omega wines into a sleek, urban setting in downtown Napa. The chic tasting room also features wines from Tolosa in San Luis Obispo and Perinet in Spain’s Priorat region. With stylish decor, rotating art displays, and expertly guided tastings, it offers a global wine experience rooted in Napa sophistication.
A bold and playful tasting room focused on Loire-inspired Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc, this offbeat gem is a favorite for adventurous wine lovers.
Rich in historic flair, this opulent downtown outpost of California’s oldest premium winery brings glamor and storytelling to every pour.
An iconic mountain winery with deep Napa roots, Mayacamas’ downtown tasting salon offers a refined, immersive experience in classic Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay.
Best Hidden Gem Winery
Tucked into the eastern hills of St. Helena, Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards is a quiet, family-owned estate producing exceptional, small-lot wines. Known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, the winery offers intimate, appointment-only tastings that highlight both the wine and the serene beauty of its location. It’s a true Napa hidden gem that rewards those who seek out something special off the beaten path.