Visitors interested in intimate, comprehensive tours and a knockout tasting should schedule a tour at this winery. A quick turn off the Silverado Trail in Spring Valley (there’s no sign -- watch for Taplin Rd., or you’ll blast right by), Joseph Phelps was founded in 1973 and is a major player in both the regional and the worldwide wine market. Phelps himself accomplished a long list of valley firsts, including launching the syrah varietal in the valley and extending the 1970s Berkeley food revolution (led by Alice Waters) to the Wine Country by founding the Oakville Grocery Co.

A favorite stop for serious wine lovers, this modern, state-of-the-art winery with a big-city vibe is proof that Phelps’s annual 80,000 cases prove fruitful in more ways than one. When you pass the wisteria-covered trellis to the entrance of the redwood building, you’ll encounter an air of seriousness that hangs heavier than harvest grapes. Fortunately, the mood lightens as the well-educated $30 tasting class leader explains the details around samples of six wines, which may include viognier, chardonnay, syrah, merlot, cab, Rhone blends, and Bordeaux blends. The more casual terrace tasting is $20. Unfortunately, some wines are so popular that they sell out quickly; come late in the season, and you may not be able to taste or buy them. The three excellently located picnic tables, on the terrace overlooking the valley, are available only for Phelps wine club members (join and get wine shipped a certain number of times per year) by reservation. Mon-Fri 10:30am-3:30pm; Sat and Sun 10am-2:30pm. $30 seminars and tastings by appointment only; $10 per person for 2-oz. pour of Insignia.