Nestled among estate vineyards in the Carneros region of Napa Valley, Cuvaison Winery is a place where wine, design, and landscape come together seamlessly. That harmony has now earned international recognition, with Cuvaison named the 2026 Great Wine Capitals Regional Best of Wine Tourism Award winner in the Architecture & Landscapes category—a distinction that celebrates wineries whose built environments elevate the visitor experience as much as the wines themselves.
From the moment guests arrive, Cuvaison’s tasting experience feels thoughtfully curated. The contemporary Tasting Salon is surrounded by estate vineyards and flooded with natural light, featuring modern décor, soaring glass walls, and a wrap-around deck that opens directly onto the vines. Rather than a traditional tasting bar, Cuvaison offers seated tastings hosted by knowledgeable, welcoming staff who guide visitors through the wines while sharing insights into Carneros’ unique climate and Napa Valley’s diverse winegrowing regions.
Architecture plays a starring role in that experience. Designed by renowned wine country architect Douglas Thornley, the Cuvaison Tasting Salon blends clean lines with its natural surroundings. Highlights include a dramatic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall that connects the interior space to the expansive 2,500-square-foot Vineyard Patio, as well as an elegant Winemaker’s Lounge with a private patio designed for intimate tastings and special gatherings.
Cuvaison has continued to expand its architectural footprint in ways that deepen the connection to the land. Recently unveiled open-air boathouse pavilions, cantilevered over an idyllic pond, offer one of Napa Valley’s most serene tasting settings. Nearby, The VineYard, a new family-friendly outdoor tasting area, invites guests to enjoy wines at a relaxed, self-paced rhythm—proof that award-winning design can also feel welcoming and approachable.
All of this unfolds alongside wines that are just as site-driven as the estate itself. Cuvaison focuses primarily on estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with limited-production Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and a port-style dessert wine available for wine club members—each reflecting the cool-climate character of Carneros.
By seamlessly integrating architecture, landscape, and hospitality, Cuvaison Winery exemplifies the spirit of the Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards. The 2026 Architecture & Landscapes honor recognizes not only a beautiful winery, but a destination that invites visitors to slow down, look around, and fully experience the place where great wine begins.