Highest-rated wineries in California, according to Yelp
Napa Valley isn't the only travel destination in the United States for a good glass of wine. While California's wine country is known for being a top winery destination (and also home to the award-winning bottle of chardonnay that won top honors at the Judgment of Paris competition in 1976), wine connoisseurs no longer have to travel all the way to California for a good winery experience. In fact, at this point, noteworthy wineries are available to visit in every state, if you know where to look.
As of February 2023, there are 11,691 wineries in the United States, an increase of more than 10% since 2020. A 2022 report from WineAmerica stated the wine industry generates $276 billion in total economic activity and employs over a million people.
With such a booming industry and a plethora of wineries to choose from, how does a vino-lover know if a winery is worth it? First, the location is a big reason why people choose to visit a winery; if they are tucked away next to a sprawling field of grapes for guests to explore, then the wine is likely locally sourced. The tasting experience is also key. Wineries will offer a selection of their wines by the glass, or even tastings where the customer can order smaller pours of a variety of their wines. Some wineries even offer cellar tours with glimpses into their winemaking process. Of course, the ambiance is a big draw. If it's the kind of place that makes guests want to post photos on Instagram to make their friends jealous, then that winery is probably doing something right.
So how do you know which winery to visit that includes some—if not all—of what makes a winery the best of the best? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated wineries in California, according to Yelp, so you know exactly where to venture when wine o'clock hits—no trip to Napa necessary. Only businesses that had at least three reviews and are categorized as wineries on Yelp were included. Therefore, it's possible some businesses are miscategorized. Businesses that did not have a photo on Yelp were also not included.
#21. Papagni Wines
- Rating: 3.0/5 (19 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9505 Rd 30 1 2 Madera, CA 93636
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#20. Toca Madera Winery
- Rating: 3.5/5 (92 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 36140 Ave 9 Madera, CA 93636
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#19. Kings River Winery
- Rating: 4.0/5 (23 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 4276 S Greenwood Ave Sanger, CA 93657
- Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#18. Engelmann Cellars
- Rating: 4.0/5 (66 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 3275 N Rolinda Ave Fresno, CA 93723
- Categories: Wineries, Music Venues
- Read more on Yelp
#17. Ficklin Vineyards
- Rating: 4.0/5 (52 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 30246 Ave 7 1/2 Madera, CA 93637
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#16. Birdstone Winery
- Rating: 4.0/5 (38 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 9400 Road 36 Madera, CA 93636
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#15. Butterfly Creek Winery & Vineyards
- Rating: 4.5/5 (21 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 4063 Triangle Rd Mariposa, CA 95338
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#14. Cedar View Winery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 1384 S Frankwood Ave Sanger, CA 93657
- Categories: Wineries, Venues & Event Spaces
- Read more on Yelp
#13. Fäsi Estate Winery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (112 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 42415 Rd 208 Friant, CA 93626
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#12. A Nonini Winery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (18 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2640 N Dickenson Ave Fresno, CA 93723
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#11. Idle Hour Winery & Kitchen
- Rating: 4.5/5 (110 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 41139 Hwy 41 Oakhurst, CA 93644
- Categories: Wineries, American (New)
- Read more on Yelp
#10. Casto Oaks Fine Wine and Art
- Rating: 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5022 Hwy 140 Mariposa, CA 95338
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#9. Quady Wines
- Rating: 4.5/5 (63 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 13181 Rd 24 Madera, CA 93637
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#8. Ziveli Winery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (45 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 5840 North Biola Ave Fresno, CA 93723
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#7. Moravia Wines
- Rating: 4.5/5 (61 reviews)
- Price level: $
- Address: 3620 N Bishop Ave Fresno, CA 93723
- Categories: Venues & Event Spaces, Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#6. Marechal Vineyards
- Rating: 4.5/5 (35 reviews)
- Address: 1835 N Zediker Ave Sanger, CA 93657
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#5. Solitary Cellars Wine Company
- Rating: 4.5/5 (119 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 14439 N Friant Rd Friant, CA 93626
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#4. LoMac Winery
- Rating: 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 2674 N Westlawn Ave Fresno, CA 93723
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#3. Westbrook Wine Farm
- Rating: 5.0/5 (40 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 49610 House Ranch Rd O'Neals, CA 93645
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#2. 3 Oaks Vineyard
- Rating: 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
- Price level: $$
- Address: 8807 N Sunnyside Ave Clovis, CA 93619
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
#1. Valley Oak Winery
- Rating: 5.0/5 (14 reviews)
- Address: 11809 E Belmont Ave Sanger, CA 93657
- Categories: Wineries
- Read more on Yelp
This story features data reporting by Karim Noorani, writing by Kiersten Hickman, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 35 states.
