Chateau Montelena's chardonnay put California wine on the map in 1976 at the "Judgement of Paris" wine competition, where it beat out the French competition. Nearly thirty years later, a stop there is still essential, there's a reason that their wines are so celebrated. In addition to the delectable wines, the winery is housed in a stone castle at the base of Mount St. Helena, providing a gorgeous setting for sipping. The winery also offers a variety of different tasting experiences (some of which should be booked in advance) that allow you to taste in smaller groups, in the Library Tasting Room or to taste with the Cellar Master.