Earlier this week, we dropped the 2026 update to our Top Napa Valley Wineries list.
Previously, this list — as well as our Top Sonoma Wineries and Top Bay Area Wineries lists — was the domain of former Chronicle senior wine critic Esther Mobley. For my first year helming the list, I haven’t made sweeping changes, largely because many of the wineries I’d choose are already on it. I did, however, add four spots: Robert Mondavi Winery, Canard Vineyard, Goosecross Cellars and Whitehall Lane Winery.
Robert Mondavi Winery was, to me, the most obvious addition to the 2026 list. This spring, Napa’s most famous winery reopened following a meteoric transformation, and the results are truly impressive. Last month, I wrote that it’s “the most exhaustive, expensive and beautiful transformation Wine Country has ever seen.” When making your reservation, I recommend requesting Mark as your host; he’s a winemaker and superb educator…