Summer in wine country isn’t just a season—it’s a sensory escape. Think golden light spilling through vine-covered hills, hands-on adventures in rustic cellars, and secret garden tastings that feel like something out of a dream. Whether you're craving connection, adventure, or just a moment to breathe, Napa and Sonoma are home to some of the most unforgettable, camera-ready experiences anywhere.

As a photographer, I’m always chasing the in-between moments—the wind through your hair on an ATV ride, the laughter echoing off a cave wall, the quiet clink of glasses under the oak trees. These are the stories worth capturing.

I’ve gathered a list of truly special experiences—each one immersive, personal, and made to be remembered.

Off the Beaten Vines: Wine Country for the Wild at Heart

Winding roads, lily pad-dotted ponds, and arched bridges set the tone for something truly special. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and take it all in.

This is not your typical tasting room. It’s a subterranean sanctuary where every drop of wine is crafted, aged, and bottled without ever seeing the light of day. The result? A lineup of ultra-premium, estate-grown wines that are as refined as the setting itself.

The tour winds through candlelit tunnels, past a cascading underground waterfall and into the Cuve Gallery, where massive French oak vessels stand like sculptures. It all culminates in an intimate seated tasting in the Tasting Chamber—a space that feels more like a secret society than a winery.

If you’re looking for a wine country experience that’s equal parts luxurious, mysterious, and unforgettable, Jarvis is the one you don’t want to miss. Behind that magic door is a world unlike anything else in Napa—and it’s waiting for you.

But the real adventure begins underground. Rutherford Hill’s mile-long wine caves are among the most extensive in Napa, and their Cave Tour & Tasting is a must for anyone who loves a little mystery with their Merlot. Want to take it up a notch? Their ATV Vineyard & AJT Cave Lounge experience includes a ride through the estate vineyard, a cave tour, and a reserve-tier tasting with cheese and charcuterie in a luxe private lounge.

From the first pour to the final view, Rutherford Hill is where elevated meets unforgettable—and every corner is a photo waiting to happen.

Their ATV Vineyard Tour takes you off the beaten path—literally—through rugged terrain with panoramic views stretching from Napa to the San Francisco Bay. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a curated tasting paired with seasonal bites or artisan cheeses, crafted by their in-house culinary team.

And then there’s the art. The Hess Art Collection, housed on-site, is one of the most significant private contemporary collections in the country. It’s bold, thought-provoking, and completely unexpected—making this estate a dream for creatives and curious minds alike.

Whether you come for the wine, the views, or the visual inspiration, Hess Persson Estates is a place that invites you to slow down, look closer, and savor every detail.

Vines, Views & Velvet Saddles: Shadybrook Estate Winery

Tucked into the rolling hills of Coombsville, Shadybrook Estate Winery is where wine country elegance meets ranch-style adventure. From horseback rides through Cabernet vines to private cabana tastings with panoramic views, every experience here is designed to surprise, delight, and photograph like a dream.

Their signature Ultimate Ranch Experience begins with a 45-minute guided trail ride through the historic Rapp Ranch vineyards—yes, on horseback—followed by a curated tasting of Shadybrook and Rapp Ranch wines paired with seasonal bites on the Grand Terrace. It’s the kind of experience that feels straight out of a Napa daydream

Looking for something more elevated? The Cave Series Experience invites guests into their 16,000-square-foot wine cave for barrel tastings and a multi-course food and wine pairing, crafted in collaboration with La Toque’s Chef Ken Frank. It’s intimate, immersive, and unforgettable.

Even their Overlook Experience, set in a private cabana with sweeping valley views, is a masterclass in relaxed luxury—perfect for slow sips, golden hour portraits, and letting the moment linger.

Bottle It, Brand It, Barrel It: Reid Family Vineyards

Nestled in the redwood-lined hills of Dry Creek Valley, Lambert Bridge is a Sonoma sanctuary that feels like a secret garden. Known for its small-lot Bordeaux-style wines and warm hospitality, this family-owned winery is all about slowing down and savoring the moment.

Choose from a range of elevated experiences:

• The Barrel Room Tasting offers a cozy, seated flight among rows of aging oak barrels.
• The Cellar Room Experience pairs limited-production wines with curated bites from local purveyors.
• Or opt for the Garden Wine Experience, a picnic-style tasting in their serene outdoor space, complete with charcuterie and shaded teak tables.

Every detail—from the architecture to the wine to the setting—feels intentional, elegant, and deeply rooted in Sonoma’s sense of place. Lambert Bridge is where rustic charm meets refined indulgence.

Guests can choose from a suite of refined, thoughtfully curated experiences that showcase Lambert Bridge’s signature blend of intimacy and elegance:

• The Barrel Room Tasting invites you to settle into their beautifully appointed redwood-paneled cellar, surrounded by rows of aging French oak barrels. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided flight of red and white wines—each one small-lot, expressive, and poured with care—accompanied by light bites and stories that bring the wines to life.
• The Cellar Room Experience is Lambert Bridge’s most elevated offering: a private, seated tasting of five limited-production wines, each paired with a seasonal menu of curated bites from local purveyors. It’s intimate, immersive, and perfect for those looking to deepen their connection to Sonoma’s terroir and craftsmanship.
• The Garden Wine Experience is a serene, al fresco escape. Nestled beneath the redwoods and surrounded by lush landscaping, this picnic-style tasting includes a thoughtfully prepared basket of artisan cheeses, charcuterie, and gourmet treats—ideal for lingering afternoons and golden-hour portraits.

Whether you’re escaping for the afternoon or celebrating something special, Lambert Bridge is a masterclass in refined hospitality—welcoming, unhurried, and unforgettable. Every detail—from the architecture to the wine to the setting—feels intentional, elegant, and deeply rooted in Sonoma’s sense of place. It’s where rustic charm meets quiet indulgence.

The Magic of Wine Country Goes Far Beyond The Glass

From winding through the vines on horseback to hearing your laughter echo through candlelit caves… from blending your own bottle to pausing beneath redwoods with a perfectly paired flight… each experience offers something far more lasting than flavor, a moment carved out of time, meant to be savored. These wineries offer far more than tastings—they offer a collection of experiences crafted not just to taste, but to feel.