Good Vibes Itinerary (North)

As a culmination of a career spent in the wine business as a Sommelier and now a Vintner, it is an honor to say that part of my daily life now is consulting with Napa Green in the realm of sustainability and climate action in wine. On this journey I get to visit many wineries and experience intimate behind the scenes tours & tastings with the decision-makers that run these legendary places. During this time, I’ve learned that sustainability is a beautiful way of life and business. These whole systems, regenerative practices are as essential and unique as the terroir we pride ourselves on here in Napa Valley. With that in mind, it’s truly inspiring to travel to different wineries and taste the fruits of their labor, to see all the hard work and distinct passion in what these wineries & vineyards do. What you may find is that it is unique from place to place and yet it is all connected in its endeavor to protect and preserve this beloved valley. 

Here I’ve created an itinerary that showcases a rich variety of regional efforts in the Stag’s Leap District, Oakville and northern St. Helena. What each place focuses on varies in accordance with their distinct microclimate. These three wineries also have a diversity of style, size, production and profiles. This itinerary is designed as a south to north tour around the valley checking in with some great winemakers along the way from names known globally to one star up and comer. Away we go!

Be sure to check out the second 1/2 of this itinerary! 

(Disclosure #2. I worked in the cellar and was winemaker for Larkmead for 15 years of my career in Napa. That said…) Larkmead is a family-owned winery with an epic history in Napa Valley. Known for its classic approach to winemaking, Larkmead produces premium wines that highlight the unique character of its 110-acre estate vineyard in Calistoga. The winery focuses on crafting balanced, elegant wines with a deep sense of place. There isn’t a Calistoga vineyard that expresses the appellation better than Larkmead.

Silver Oak is celebrated for its focus on Cabernet Sauvignon and its commitment to producing high-quality, age-worthy wines. That is one of the most press release statements I have ever written…. But Silver Oak is more than that. They are a family-run business and employ a team committed to one thing – the healthiest and best expression of Cabernet in Napa Valley. Silver Oak pushes the boundaries of terroir; they own multiple properties, spend decades getting to know them, and farm them at a quality second to none. The wines are on a pedestal with the rest of Napa’s iconic wineries founded in the 1970s.

V. Sattui offers a charming, historic winery experience with a strong emphasis on hospitality. The winery features a diverse portfolio of wines, from sparkling to classic Napa. It boasts a boisterous picnic area where guests can enjoy their wines and gourmet deli offerings in a relaxed setting. But the reality is, the team at V. Sattui is so committed to sustainable, green, organic farming, renewable energy, car-pooling, reducing waste, and so much more that I recommend you visit V. Sattui and its Castello for a good time and great feeling.

About the author

Dan Petroski | Winemaker, Massican Wine | Board Member, Napa Green

Dan Petroski was born in Brooklyn, NY, and has the swagger and the accent to prove it. After attending Columbia University, where he played football, Petroski went to work for TIME magazine. While there, he earned his MBA. When the Wall Street Journal tried to poach him, Dan took a moment to reflect. He jettisoned to Sicily for a year, where he interned at Valle dell’Acate. While Petroski’s intention was to return to New York to sell wine, a harvest invitation in 2006 brought him to California. After harvest, Petroski was hired as Larkmead’s cellarmaster, ultimately claiming the winemaker title in 2012. Petroski spent nearly 15 years at Larkmead, but during that period he launched a white wine only brand called Massican, an ode to the Mediterranean and Petroski’s time spent living in Italy. Petroski’s approach and ability to craft wines as diverse as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tocai Friulano earned him the recognition as San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017 and Food & Wine magazine’s Drinks Innovator of the Year in 2022. In 2023, E. & J. Gallo purchased Massican. Growing and developing Massican to become California’s greatest white wine brand is Petroski’s primary focus now.

more climate smart itineraries