High above the valley floor, Howell Mountain stands as one of Napa Valley’s most prestigious AVAs — a rugged landscape of volcanic soils, steep slopes, and small-production Cabernet Sauvignons built for longevity. Tastings here feel elevated, secluded, and deeply connected to the land. If you're seeking wines with power, structure, and a sense of place, Howell Mountain belongs at the top of your itinerary.

Here are 5 remarkable Howell Mountain wineries to experience:

1. Outpost Wines

Website: https://www.outpostwines.com

Best For: High-elevation views & bold, mountain-grown red wines

Perched at one of the highest points on Howell Mountain, Outpost offers sweeping, unobstructed vistas of the forested ridgelines below. Their estate focuses on minimal-intervention winemaking and intensely expressive Cabernets, Zinfandels, and Grenache. Tastings are private, relaxed, and perfect for guests who want a pure expression of mountain terroir paired with spectacular scenery.

2. O’Shaughnessy Estate Winery

Website: https://www.oshaughnessywinery.com

Best For: Architectural beauty & elegant mountain-grown Cabernets

O’Shaughnessy combines dramatic modern architecture with some of the most refined Howell Mountain Cabernets. The estate is serene, thoughtfully designed, and surrounded by forested slopes. Tastings are intimate and appointment-only, offering a premium, peaceful experience.

3. Cade Estate Winery

Website: https://www.cadewinery.com

Best For: Sustainable luxury & high-end Cabernet Sauvignon

At 1,800 feet above the valley, CADE offers a striking mix of sleek architecture, sustainability, and world-class Cabernet. As Napa’s first LEED Gold-certified winery, CADE is modern yet welcoming, delivering an elevated tasting atmosphere with some of the best views in Howell Mountain.

4. Arkenstone Vineyards

Website: https://www.arkenstone.com

Best For: Ultra-premium wines & exclusive, high-end tastings

Arkenstone embodies luxury. Known for its rare, small-production Bordeaux blends and meticulous winemaking, this private estate offers a quiet escape into Howell Mountain’s most refined side. Tastings are personalized, educational, and deeply connected to the vineyard’s volcanic soils.

5. Robert Craig Winery — Estate Vineyard

Website: https://www.robertcraigwine.com

Best For: Classic mountain Cabernets with exceptional balance

Robert Craig’s Howell Mountain Estate showcases everything the AVA is famous for: structure, depth, and stunning high-altitude purity. Their Cabernets deliver power without compromising elegance, making this a must-visit for guests who appreciate age-worthy wines with mountain intensity.

Book Your Howell Mountain Wine Tour

NV Wine Tours specializes in curated mountain AVA experiences, offering luxury SUV transportation, custom itineraries, and premium hospitality for Howell Mountain’s top estates — including Outpost, O’Shaughnessy, CADE, Arkenstone, and Robert Craig.

👉 Book your Howell Mountain tour at: https://nvwinetours.com