Nickel & Nickel
Napa Valley's Nickel & Nickel winery offers exquisite single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in a stunning Oakville estate.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience
Nickel & Nickel
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Napa Valley's Nickel & Nickel winery offers exquisite single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay in a stunning Oakville estate.
"Exceptional wines and a beautiful setting make Nickel & Nickel a must-visit for serious wine lovers."
🎯 Book Ahead for Cabs
Their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wines are a must-try. Book your tasting well in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss a walk through the beautiful gardens after your tasting. It's a serene escape.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting Room
Experience the nuanced flavors of their acclaimed, single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Beautiful Winery Grounds
Estate
Stroll through the picturesque grounds and admire the charming architecture and serene atmosphere.

Knowledgeable Sommeliers
Tasting Room
Engage with expert hosts who share in-depth knowledge about the wines and vineyards.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tasting in Advance
Understand the Tasting Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I know they are sister properties but help me understand Nickel and Nickel vs Far Niente. Thanks.
🎯 Book Ahead for Cabs
Their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wines are a must-try. Book your tasting well in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss a walk through the beautiful gardens after your tasting. It's a serene escape.
Oakville Grocery + Nearby Small / Family-Owned Winery Recommendations
2019 Nickel and Nickel Branding Iron
✨ Ask About Special Occasions
If celebrating, mention it when booking. Some guests felt overlooked on special days.
🍷 Consider Wine Club
If you love their wines, inquire about wine club membership for exclusive benefits.
Nickel and nickel tastings?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ahead for Cabs
Their acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon wines are a must-try. Book your tasting well in advance!
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Don't miss a walk through the beautiful gardens after your tasting. It's a serene escape.
✨ Ask About Special Occasions
If celebrating, mention it when booking. Some guests felt overlooked on special days.
🍷 Consider Wine Club
If you love their wines, inquire about wine club membership for exclusive benefits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nickel & Nickel is celebrated for its exceptional single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and beautiful estate. While many visitors rave about the quality of the wine and knowledgeable staff, a few have noted that the hospitality could be more personal, especially for special occasions. The winery's commitment to showcasing vineyard-specific character is a major draw for wine enthusiasts.
"1- Review for Nickel & Nickel Winery – Disappointed on a Special Day / 2- Response to the review
1- I don’t usually write reviews like this, but I felt it was important to share our experience at Nickel & Nickel, especially because it was meant to be a special moment during our anniversary trip through Napa Valley.
We were truly excited to visit, having admired the winery and its reputation for producing great wines. Unfortunately, what we hoped would be a beautiful memory turned into the most disappointing stop of our trip.
We arrived just 2 minutes after our scheduled time, a little rushed but still full of anticipation. From the moment we stepped in, though, it felt like we were being hurried along. Our host, while knowledgeable, made the entire experience feel transactional like he was more interested in making a sale than in offering us a warm, memorable visit.
Before the visit, we added a cheese plate to our reservation at the time of booking, something we were really looking forward to. When we arrived, we were told it wasn’t on the reservation, even though I showed proof that it was. The initial response was that it would be taken care of, but minutes later, we were told we’d be refunded instead. It felt dismissive, and to be honest, there was no real attempt to make it right.
What hurt most was that we were celebrating our anniversary. Every other winery on our itinerary made us feel welcomed and celebrated. At Nickel & Nickel, we felt rushed, overlooked, and frankly unwelcome. It’s unfortunate, because we genuinely respect the quality of the wine. But hospitality is about more than what’s in the glass it’s about the experience, the people, the effort.
Because of how the visit was handled, I’m kindly requesting a full refund, not just for the cheese plate, but for the tasting experience as a whole. We came in with excitement and left feeling disappointed on a day that was supposed to be special. I hope this feedback is taken in the spirit of sincerity with which it’s written.
2- Response to the review
After we shared our honest feedback with the winery, we were truly surprised and incredibly grateful for the thoughtful and heartfelt response we received from their Hospitality Manager, Dominika. She not only acknowledged our concerns with sincerity and care but also went above and beyond by refunding our tasting fees and offering a bottle of wine as a gesture of appreciation.
This response was completely unexpected and really changed the way we felt about It, it showed us the true character and values of the people behind the wines.
We still believe in the quality of Nickel & Nickel and, the integrity of their team. When we return to Napa Valley, we’re open to giving them another chance and experiencing the hospitality they’re clearly committed to delivering.
Thank you again to Dominika and the team for handling the situation with such grace. It meant a lot."
Jefferson Souza
"We were up here for a wedding and had time for only 1 winery. And we picked a GREAT one! They were so nice to fit us in. We had SO many tastes and they were all great. We even bought 9 bottles to ship home! SO good."
Jennifer T Lerner
"We reserved the uncork and unwind tasting experience and it was nothing short of incredible. The winery is beautiful and our host Andrea provided such a great experience. She knew what we all liked by the end of the tasting and that is what we ordered. Definitely recommend becoming a wine club member as we also visited Bella Union that day and we will be back to visit Far Niente next time. Save time to walk around the gardens there as they are beautiful."
Lisa NESSLER
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nickel & Nickel is located in Oakville, Napa Valley. It's best accessed by car. Many visitors drive from San Francisco (approx. 1.5-2 hours) or other parts of Napa. Ride-sharing services are available, but can be less reliable in certain areas of the valley, so confirm availability beforehand.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the winery. You'll typically find designated spots upon arrival.
While possible, visiting without a car can be challenging. Consider hiring a private driver or using a wine tour service that includes Nickel & Nickel on their itinerary for a more seamless experience.
From San Francisco, take US-101 North to CA-37 East, then transition to I-80 East towards Sacramento. Take exit 44 for CA-29 North towards Napa. Continue on CA-29 North, which becomes Highway 29 through Napa Valley. Nickel & Nickel will be on your right in Oakville.
Public transportation directly to Nickel & Nickel is very limited. The Vine Transit bus system serves Napa Valley, but it requires multiple transfers and is not ideal for a winery visit. Driving or arranging private transport is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, reservations are absolutely required for all tastings and tours at Nickel & Nickel. They do not accept walk-ins. It's advisable to book your appointment as far in advance as possible, especially for weekend visits.
Nickel & Nickel offers various tasting experiences, often including a tour of the facilities and a focus on their single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Specific offerings can vary, so check their website for the most current options.
Tasting fees at Nickel & Nickel can vary depending on the experience chosen. Expect prices to be in the premium range, reflecting the quality of the wines and the estate. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
Nickel & Nickel typically operates daily, with tasting appointments usually available from late morning through the afternoon. It's essential to check their website for the exact operating hours and last appointment times for the day you plan to visit.
Nickel & Nickel is primarily an adult-oriented wine tasting experience. While they may accommodate well-behaved children in some circumstances, it's best to confirm their policy when booking. Pets are generally not permitted on the estate during tastings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A tasting experience at Nickel & Nickel, often including a brief tour, typically lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows ample time to enjoy the wines and learn about the estate.
Napa Valley has a Mediterranean climate. Smart casual attire is generally recommended. Consider layers as temperatures can change throughout the day. Comfortable shoes are a good idea if you plan to walk the grounds.
There isn't a strict dress code, but guests usually opt for smart casual. Avoid overly casual attire like athletic wear or flip-flops. The focus is on enjoying a refined wine experience.
Yes, you can purchase wine directly at Nickel & Nickel. Many visitors find the wines so exceptional that they buy bottles to take home or ship.
Nickel & Nickel is known for its beautiful estate and a generally refined atmosphere. While some guests have reported feeling rushed, others describe it as a wonderful and welcoming experience, especially when hosted by knowledgeable staff.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Nickel & Nickel does not have a full-service restaurant. However, they often offer optional cheese and charcuterie pairings that can be added to your tasting reservation. It's best to inquire about these options when booking.
Yes, Nickel & Nickel is located in Oakville, which has several excellent dining options nearby. You can find restaurants in Oakville itself, or venture to nearby Yountville or St. Helena for a wider selection of culinary experiences.
Generally, wineries like Nickel & Nickel do not permit outside food to be consumed on their premises during tastings, as they often offer their own food pairings. It's always best to confirm their specific policy when making your reservation.
Nickel & Nickel may offer curated cheese and charcuterie boards to complement their wines. These are typically add-ons to your tasting reservation and are designed to enhance the wine-drinking experience.
Nearby dining options include The Restaurant at Meadowood (fine dining), Bouchon Bistro (French), and Ad Hoc + Addendum (casual American) in Yountville, or Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch in St. Helena. Oakville Grocery is a great casual spot for sandwiches and picnic items.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photos are generally allowed at Nickel & Nickel. The winery and its grounds are quite picturesque, offering many opportunities for great shots. Be mindful of other guests and staff while taking photos.
The charming architecture of the winery buildings, the serene gardens, and the vineyards themselves provide excellent backdrops for photos. The tasting room can also offer some lovely interior shots.
Professional photoshoots typically require special arrangements and may incur additional fees. It's best to contact the winery directly to inquire about their policies regarding professional photography sessions.
Both smartphones and dedicated cameras can capture beautiful images. Natural light is abundant, especially during the day. Consider a camera with good low-light capabilities if you're visiting later in the afternoon.
While general photography is permitted, be respectful of private areas and other guests. Avoid intrusive photography during the tasting experience itself, and always ask for permission before photographing staff members.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Alternatively, if you're looking for a winery experience that is more explicitly family-friendly, you might explore options with dedicated picnic areas or more relaxed tasting environments. However, if your family enjoys wine and appreciates a beautiful setting, a well-planned visit to Nickel & Nickel, with clear expectations set for children, can still be managed.
💰 Budget Travelers
However, if Nickel & Nickel is a must-visit for you, consider focusing on one tasting experience rather than multiple. Some visitors also find that purchasing a bottle to share can be a way to enjoy the wines without the full tasting fee for everyone. Look for wineries that offer complimentary tastings with wine purchase, though this is less common at top-tier estates like Nickel & Nickel.
🥂 Couples & Anniversary Trips
To ensure a memorable anniversary visit, communicate your celebration when booking and consider booking a weekday tasting for a potentially more intimate experience. The focus on single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon offers a sophisticated tasting journey perfect for wine-loving couples. Remember to also explore the beautiful grounds together for romantic strolls.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Single-Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Visitors often praise the opportunity to taste these distinct bottlings side-by-side, gaining a deeper appreciation for how geography shapes flavor. The winemaking team works closely with vineyard managers to ensure optimal grape quality, with meticulous attention paid to farming practices. This commitment to excellence from vine to bottle is what allows Nickel & Nickel to consistently produce wines of exceptional depth, complexity, and age-worthiness. Experiencing these wines is a journey through the diverse terroirs of Napa Valley.
Navigating the Tasting Experience
While many visitors have reported overwhelmingly positive and welcoming experiences, a few reviews have mentioned feeling rushed or that the hospitality could be improved, especially on special occasions like anniversaries. It's worth noting that the winery's popularity means they often have back-to-back appointments. To ensure the most enjoyable and relaxed visit, consider booking a weekday appointment or an earlier time slot. Communicating any special requests or celebrations when booking can also help the staff tailor your experience.
Beyond the Tasting Room: The Estate
Beyond the immediate tasting area, the estate provides a tranquil escape. Taking a moment to stroll through the gardens or simply admire the architecture can enhance your visit. While the focus is on the wine, the serene environment contributes to the overall sense of luxury and relaxation that many seek in a Napa Valley winery visit. It’s a place where the beauty of the landscape complements the quality of the wine.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit