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Napa valley and sonoma coast.

Our founder Joe Phelps had remarkable foresight. Today, we farm 11 vineyards in the acclaimed AVAs of Napa Valley and the western Sonoma Coast. Both sites are run by full-time staff, some of whom have worked for the winery for over 40 years.

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“Not a grape on the property. Lots of nice-looking cattle.”

— joe phelps, napa valley vineyards.

Our Home Since 1973

That’s how Joe Phelps recollected his first encounter with the Napa Valley property that would become the home of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. It was well over 600 acres, more land than he originally intended to develop, but when he saw it, he fell in love. Its oak-studded hills and golden valleys spoke to the Colorado-bred farm boy in him.

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Banca Dorada

El Venadito

Larry Hyde & Sons

The History

Joe had been looking for a place to make a little wine. Since his years in the Navy, he’d grown his father’s Greeley, Colorado-based construction business into a multi-state powerhouse, expanding to northern California in the mid-1960s to work on bridge and dam projects and the infrastructure for BART. Wine was a fast-growing side interest, something he’d developed a taste for in college. He began collecting, and even did some home winemaking in Greeley using grapes shipped by air overnight from Napa Valley.

In time, Joe’s work in California and his interest in wine merged, leading to connections with growers and winemakers in Napa Valley and a contract to build the Souverain Winery. It wasn’t long before the idea of starting his own winery took hold. A trip to Italy in 1970 clinched it, and Joe began looking for property in Napa Valley.

On March 1, 1973 Joe took possession of the 600-acre cattle ranch on the east side of St. Helena. He wasted no time, laying out and planting 100 acres of vineyards with the help of founding winemaker Walter Schug. They planted everything: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Johannisberg Riesling, Gewurztraminer. The property was a blank slate, and Joe was willing to try anything.

Joe oversaw the building of the winery, a feat accomplished in time for the 1974 harvest. Designed by architect John Marsh Davis and built by Joe’s firm, Hensel Phelps Construction Company, the redwood building featured a fermentation and aging room, a bottling area, and a few offices. Joe’s son, Bill, worked on the construction crew during a college summer break. His daughter, Leslie, helped with bookkeeping, payroll, and taxes for a few years. She recalls there was no tasting room at first; retail sales were handled out of the Dutch door to the reception area.

Over the next four decades Joe ran his namesake winery with vision, an unwavering commitment to quality and a strong taste for innovation. In 1974 he produced California’s first varietally-labeled Syrah, a wine fashioned after the Côte Rotie and Hermitage wines he admired and collected. He was one of the first California vintners to embrace Rhone-style wines, experimenting with Viognier and creating Rhone blends that were most certainly ahead of their time.

Also, in 1974 Joe created what is arguably his most important legacy: California’s very first proprietary red Bordeaux-style blend – Insignia. His idea, to blend the finest wine lots of the vintage into one bottling, was revolutionary for its time, though it was a model quickly adopted by other prominent Napa Valley producers. The wine brought recognition not only to Joseph Phelps Vineyards, but ultimately to Napa Valley as a whole.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards owns and farms some 425 acres of vines in Napa Valley on nine estate vineyards in St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville, Stags Leap District, Oak Knoll District, South Napa and Carneros. Strategically chosen over many decades, each vineyard has its own personality and brings a different characteristic to the wines.

The Home Ranch in St. Helena that Joe fell in love with so many years ago features 130 acres of wine grapes, olive orchards, fruit trees, and a hillside winery offering incomparable hospitality and panoramic vineyard views. Joe also donated a conservation easement over most of the Home Ranch to the Land Trust of Napa County in 1999. As a result of this gift, hundreds of acres of Napa Valley will forever be preserved as open space. The legacy of Joseph Phelps Vineyards continues as one of Napa Valley’s preeminent wine estates.

“People said the region was too cold, too wet, too windy for grapes.”

— justin ennis.

Winemaker Sonoma Coast

Sonoma Coast

Finding Freestone

In the mid-1990s the Phelps family renewed a quest to find a suitable place to grow Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Joseph Phelps Vineyards had a long history with both varieties, producing a Napa Valley Pinot Noir from 1973-1983, and Chardonnays from Napa Valley and Carneros, starting in 1974. But Joe had never been entirely satisfied with the results. A search for vineyards led further West to the town of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast, where few vineyards existed in the late 1990’s.

PASTORALE VIneyard

QUARTER MOON Vineyard

In 1999, land in Freestone was purchased for vineyards and a winemaking facility. +Better known for cattle, pasture and forest land, the region – just eight miles from the Pacific Ocean – was socked in by fog that lingered into the early afternoon on most summer days. For grapes, this cool area was relatively untested. But with its Goldridge soils and rumored potential for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, it was a region that Joe wanted to explore. 

As in Napa Valley so many years ago, pastures were turned into vineyards. The Pastorale Vineyard, a former dairy farm, was planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines in 2000. When another property just down the road became available the same year, it too was added to the portfolio, and the Quarter Moon Vineyard was planted entirely to Pinot Noir in 2001. Joe’s vision of one day producing a Pinot Noir to stand side by side with the French Burgundies he so admired was taking shape. But as in Napa Valley, the ground had yet to be proven.

The challenge of farming wine grapes on the Sonoma Coast became rapidly apparent, and as in Napa Valley, the first years involved a learning curve as steep as the hillsides on which vines were planted. The environment, climate and soils were utterly different from Napa, and after the first growing seasons several vineyard blocks were grafted over to more favorable clones. Additionally, the team adjusted trellising, pruning and canopy management techniques. It took the winery five years to bring in its first crop.

As in Napa, Joe knew that building a winery near the vineyards in Freestone was imperative for maintaining quality. Completed in 2007, a dedicated winemaking facility was built by Hensel Phelps Construction Company as a favor to Joe and a nod to the past. With the Pastorale Vineyard rising steeply above it, the three-story building of redwood and steel is designed so that grapes and wines can be moved by gravity, an ideal way of gently working with thin-skinned Pinot Noir.

2007 was also the first year single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Quarter Moon Vineyard along with a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Pastorale Vineyard were produced. Joining the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards bottlings, these limited-production wines are sourced from two or three blocks in each vineyard, vines that produce wines of exceptional depth, purity and finesse.

In 2015, the winery’s first sparkling wine was produced using Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Pastorale Vineyard estate called Ovation, to honor the extraordinary life of Joe Phelps. In 2018, singular block and clonal expression wines from both the Quarter Moon and Pastorale Vineyards were also introduced. These new wines called Proem, are the beginning of a new and distinctive story to tell about our Freestone estate.

Since those first few vintages the reputation of Joseph Phelps’ Sonoma Coast wines have grown in tandem with the stature of the growing region itself. Today, dozens of vineyards share the landscape with dense forests and open pastures, and some of California’s most respected Pinot Noir producers source grapes in this sparsely populated but burgeoning winegrowing region. Joe’s fearlessness and infectious vision – his willingness to put a stake in the ground – proved once again to be prescient.

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Napa Valley Wineries

Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Virtual tastings offered!

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Information

Appellations.

• Los Carneros
• Napa Valley
• Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley
• Stags Leap District
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Late Harvest / Dessert
• Sauvignon Blanc

Export Countries

• Netherlands
• Panama, Republic of
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Switzerland
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

Wine Club Membership

Wine clubs are a great way to stay connected to your favorite wineries.

Phelps Preferred offers new releases, rare library wines and limited-production wines to our valued club members at a 20% discount. Phelps Preferred members have exclusive access to our Insignia Futures program and Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and many other Joseph Phelps Vineyards wines. Club members may choose one of four levels that include a mixture of white and red wines or reds only. We offer a variety of educational wine seminars, culinary experiences and tastings. Please visit our website for complete details.

To join our wine club, visit ', 'Winery Profile']);" target="_blank" rel="external noopener">www.josephphelps.com or call 707-963-2745.

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Our Makers' Story

Ashley Hepworth

— In order to succeed, you need to understand excellence, so I live those words every day.

200 Taplin Road Saint Helena, CA 94574

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Winery Features

Tasting Experience

Welcome to Joseph Phelps Vineyards. We offer outdoor wine and tasting experiences Wednesday – Sunday by prior appointment with enhanced safety protocols. Please call the winery at 800-707-5789 or email a request to schedule. To provide a safe, relaxing, and intimate experience for our guests, all visitors must be at least 21 years of age. Infants and children are no longer permitted at the winery. Also, please note that only certified service animals are allowed on property. We cannot accommodate pets. Thank you for understanding.

In-house chef,

Tod Kawachi

Join us for an outdoor Bountiful Table wine and food experience.

Wine Education

A relaxed, outdoor seated Terrace Tasting featuring a selection of our current release wines, including Insignia.

Virtual Tastings

We invite you to join us online for a virtual private tasting. Purchase one of our 3-bottle Tasting Packages and a senior Wine Educator will guide you through your tasting, give you insights into the growing season, and more. Virtual Private Tastings offered by prior appointment. Dates and times are limited. Please allow 60 minutes for this tasting experience. Visit our website to learn more and request a virtual tasting.

• Virtual tastings available
• Tasting fee
• Seated tasting available
• Outdoor tasting area
• Historical landmark
• Unique architecture
• Sustainable practices

Napa Neighbor Offer

10% discount on all purchases. A visit to Joseph Phelps Vineyards requires an appointment.

Offers listed are valid for all Napa Valley residents age 21 and over.

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Joseph Phelps Vineyards

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Joseph Phelps Vineyards - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Joseph Phelps Vineyards | Napa Wine Tasting Review

Joseph Phelps Winery in Napa, Photo by Bruce Damonte

Joseph Phelps Vineyards is next on my series of day trips from Marin County . Just about every time I drive up to Napa I remark how lucky we are to have a world-class wine region just 45 minutes drive from Marin. I was excited to tour Joseph Phelps as I have been a big fan of their  Insignia and Backus blends for quite some time.

Paul and Bonnie Edwards In The Tasting Room At Joseph Phelps Vineyards

We were invited as the guests of Paul and Bonnie Edwards of  Marin Vineyards , long-time members of Joseph Phelps’ wine club. They shared many stories about the founding of Joseph Phelps and of the famous (or is that infamous?) wine club receptions the winery throws every year. Estate-grown wines include Insignia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Cabernet Sauvignon Backus Vineyard (the single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from Oakville) and Eisrébe, a dessert wine made from the Scheurebe grape. Additionally, they began producing estate-grown Syrah in 2012.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards produces world-class wines, with thirty-one of thirty-seven vintages rated 90 or more points by various wine publications, including three perfect 100 point scores for the 1991, 1997 and 2002 vintages from Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate . 

Robert Parker on Joseph Phelps...

“Joseph Phelps was one of the great visionaries of Napa Valley. His legacy is one of extraordinary quality. He was one of the first to see the merit in blending, which his legendary Insignia, which first debuted in 1974, has proven year after year. It remains one of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blends. He also wasn’t content to just stay at home in Napa, but branched out with cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards on the Sonoma Coast. Joe Phelps was a leader, and one of the greats of the wine world.” -Robert Parker

The Gorgeous Entrance Hall at Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Having recently completed a renovation of the original winery building which now serves as a collection of tasting rooms and also houses an impressive commercial kitchen, Joseph Phelps Vineyards provides a luxurious tasting experience that is reminiscent of a visit to a boutique hotel. The family commissioned  Baldauf Catton Von Eckartsberg (BCV) Architects and Brandenburger Associates AIA to completely re-design and re-imagine the building, completing the project in late 2015. Regrettably, Joseph Phelps died just before completion.

Another Magnificent Space At Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Wine Educator Francoise Larum

Our “wine educator” for the morning was Françoise Larum, who impressed me with her knowledge and sense of humor. She seated us in one of the intimate tasting rooms which resemble luxurious dining rooms, and served us a flight of wines starting with a 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, a 2013 Viognier, a 2012 Pinot Noir, their flagship 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, and stars of the morning and of the winery, the 2012 Insignia and the 2012 Cabernet Backus. All of the wines were delicious but the Insignia and Backus lived up to their world-renowned reputations.

If you are looking for a great winery in a beautiful setting, Joseph Phelps should be on your list. To schedule a visit, call +1-800-707-5789 or outside the USA dial +1-(707) 963-2745.

As always, as a top Marin real estate agent  I am happy to help with any questions you might have about the luxury home market. Please call / text me at 415-847-5584 or complete the contact form at the bottom of this page.

A Tasting Room At Joseph Phelps

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Thanks for the article. My wife and I are planning a visit to Napa and will add this to our list.

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What do you think please leave your comment here.... cancel reply, thomas henthorne.

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Joseph Phelps Vineyards

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Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Review by Dave 1 Comment

The oldest winery in the LVMH portfolio is Domaine des Lambrays in Burgundy which dates back to 1365. This global empire is not only limited to wine; under company ownership are numerous iconic and well-known fashion, perfume, jewelry and other lifestyle products. LVMH was formed in 1987 between Louis Vuitton (founded 1854) and Moët Hennessy (founded 1971 as the result of a merger between Moët & Chandon and Hennessy); the company’s reach is global in scope.

After purchasing Joseph Phelps, LVMH made a number of additional upgrades to the hospitality space.

Like a number of other vintners in the valley, Joseph came to wine from another industry. For nearly 20 years he ran and built one of the largest private construction companies based in the USA, Hensel Phelps Construction (still very much in operation and today an employee-owned company). The company was founded by Joe’s father Abe Hensel in Greeley Colorado in 1937 with an early focus on home building and remodeling. Over the decades contracts have become bigger and bigger and now they are involved in large scale commercial projects covering a wide variety of industries in both government and the private sector. Their corporate headquarters are still based in Greeley but now with 9 offices/branches located throughout the United States.

Joe joined his father at the company in 1952 and was the company president and general manager by 1957. One of Joe’s projects was to work on building the BART system in the San Jose Bay Area (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Other projects included building a launch pad for NASA and a protective exterior for the Pentagon post 9/11. During his time in the Bay Area, he would often visit Napa Valley.

A banker informed him of several potential winery projects in Napa and Sonoma. One of the projects was to build Souverain Winery in Napa Valley (now Rutherford Hill Winery). After this project Joseph became interested in purchasing his own property in the valley. He initially acquired about 15 acres on the corner of Zinfandel Lane and the Silverado Trail in 1972. In 1973 he acquired 600+ acres of land which at the time was a cattle ranch and no grapes were planted on site at that time. A clear remnant of this ranch is the metal cattle guard visitors cross when first entering their driveway off of Taplin Road.

Joseph Phelps began planting grapes including varieties such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Noir among others. Long time wine enthusiasts of Joseph Phelps will remember early bottlings of Johannesburg Riesling. Their first vintage of this in 1973 was made from purchased fruit, from the Stanton Vineyard in Yountville. They ultimately discovered these grapes were not suited to the particular climate of this part of the valley and they changed over to other varieties – namely Bordeaux based red varieties. Initially their production was a majority white wines but over the years that changed and today they focus on wines produced from Bordeaux red varieties.

The first vintage of Joseph Phelps in 1973 was not made on site (the winery was not yet completed), rather it was made at Heitz Cellars located at the end of Taplin Road, a short drive past the Phelps driveway. Pioneer, Walter Schug, the founder of Schug Winery in neighboring Sonoma County was hired and played an instrumental role in the early vintages of the Phelps’ wines and oversaw the planting of their first vineyards. Phelps has had only several wine makers in their history including Craig Williams. Despite only 50+ years since the winery was built, this era was the “early” days in Napa’s modern wine history when there were few physical wineries located in the valley. Joseph Phelps received Napa winery permit number 26.

After an impressive career both in construction and the wine business – Joseph Phelps passed away in April of 2015. Today his son Bill Phelps is Chairman of the winery.

In late Spring 2015 the winery unveiled a new hospitality center located in what was the original winery building. This winery was built with high ceilings to house tall tanks – during the remodel the ceiling was lowered, a second floor was added for offices and hospitality was expanded from one private tasting room to seven private tasting rooms. Much of the focus of the remodel was tied to hospitality, elevating the tasting experience for visitors and making these visits more personalized.

The distinctive original redwood trellis outside the building has not changed, visitors still enter the hospitality center underneath the shade of this.

In addition, a large commercial kitchen was built; this was christened during Auction Napa Valley 2015. In mid 2017, the winery launched a culinary program featuring seasonal cuisine paired with current Phelps wines and some of their Sonoma Coast wines. Cuisine options vary from small bites to a full lunch. And in 2020, a 30,000 square foot barrel chai was built – expanding the footprint of their production facilities. Visitors can see this building to the west from outside at the visitor center. The actual winery is somewhat hidden behind the hill to the west although one can see glimpses of these buildings if one knows where to look while driving by on the nearby Silverado Trail.

Joseph Phelps is known for providing excellent wine education seminars across a variety of topics ranging from vineyards, terroir, to the actual steps of how to smell and taste wine. In fact, this was the first Napa winery education seminar we went to – well before we began the Napa Wine Project. These are *highly* recommended for someone new to wine or wanting to further expand their knowledge of wine.

Groups are kept small and are held in their wine education room. Your “wine guide” will discuss a variety of topics relating to wine including how to properly taste, identify color, aromas and flavor with an overview of both Napa and Sonoma terroir and wine growing regions. Seminars also provide insights into how wines are made and are ideally suited to those who come prepared with plenty of questions.

One of the most popular seminar topics is the Insignia blending session in which you are given the components of what makes the final Insignia blend. You get to create your own blend and then compare how your blend tastes against the current vintage of Insignia.

Other seminars include Barrel Aging Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (exploring how types of barrels contribute to aging wine, Napa Valley Rocks (exploring the diversity of soils in Napa Valley), Wine Aroma Challenge , Single Vineyard (exploring how terroir contributes nuances to wine) and several limited tasting options including Wine & Cheese pairings, a Library Tasting and the rare Insignia Vertical Perspective Tasting.

All visits are strictly by reservation. The popular Terrace tasting experience includes a walk through and overview of the hospitality center and then weather permitting you are split into smaller groups for a highly personalized tasting outside on the terrace. During a recent visit, our wine educator asked us, “how do you like my office?”. With views like this, the group was silent, simply absorbing the expansive vistas – there was absolutely nothing to complain about.

Tastings will typically include 5 or 6 wines including several balanced white wines (Chardonnay and Viognier) and several Pinot Noir wines from their Sonoma County vineyards. At the end of our tasting during one of our visits, our wine educator asked, “how is everyone feeling” – the unanimous answer was “pretty awesome”!

Other tasting areas inside the hospitality center include the Backus, Insignia and Founder’s rooms along with a Great Hall centrally located inside. A library contains older vintages including a vertical of Insignia and their Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Oval Room (facing the vineyards) contains sizable wooden tanks which are merely for decoration – these were once used to ferment Riesling but now make good conversation pieces. This “tank” room also contains an impressive collection of empty bottles that line the walls. From the size of the collection and quality of the labels it appears the Phelps family and friends have enjoyed some remarkable wines over the decades (case in point are the 1927 Château Margaux and the 1959 Château Latour bottles)!

Select Wines Pinot Noir In the late 1990s Joseph Phelps began to look further afield with the intent to create wines in a Burgundian style (namely Chardonnay and Pinot Noir). This necessitated he locate property in a much cooler growing region. That turned out to be along the Sonoma Coast. In 1999 Joseph Phelps started developing 100 acres of vineyards in western Sonoma County. About 80% of the vines on this property are planted to Pinot Noir and 20% to Chardonnay from the Quarter Moon Vineyard and the Pastorale Vineyard.

Joseph Phelps purchased a stand alone building on Bodega Highway, formerly the space of a clothing store called Pastorale in the tiny community of Freestone. The winery used to see visitors here but closed their hospitality operations in 2016. Their modern winery continues to produce the Freestone wines in the hills just north of Freestone – appropriately constructed by Hensel Phelps Construction company.

The Freestone name has an interesting name evolution, beginning with Napa Valley based vintner Rudy von Strasser. In the late 1990s he began a second label called Freestone, reflecting Rudy’s love of fishing. The name refers to a ‘freestone stream’ one that is seasonal generally fed by rain and snow melt. Rudy later sold the trademark right to this name to Joseph Phelps.

For many years Phelps focused on a much wider range of wines but beginning in the 1990s they focused their efforts on a handful of core products. Astute followers of the winery will know that they still produce a sub-brand called Innisfree focused on affordable ready-to-drink now Cabernet Sauvignon.

The 2012 Joseph Phelps Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir shows an elegant nose with layered fruit, raspberry and cranberry – with some subtle notes of cedar. As the wine opens the bouquet becomes more elegant and reveals additional fruit complexities as well as chocolate cherry aromas. It shows a nice softness on the entry. The tannins are very well integrated with very good acidity – mouthwatering on the finish with a nice tartness that lingers.

The 2012 Joseph Phelps Pastoral Vineyard Pinot Noir offers an earthy and slightly dusty note on the bouquet with underlying notes of white pepper. The aromas are slightly more restrained than the 2012 Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir. It is a more robust wine with noticeable somewhat dusty tannins starting on the front of the palate and moving towards the rear and lingering softly.

During the early 1970s it was a challenge to find certain Bordeaux varieties as wineries were not making single varietal wines from varieties such as Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot or using these varieties to blend with as wineries do today. Phelps worked with several growers to source the fruit for these early Insignia wines. Putting out a notice to friends, family and employees to come up with a name, Joseph Phelps ultimately decided on the word Insignia himself – to signify a wine of excellence and superior quality.

This wine changes in percentages of varieties from year to year – somewhat dramatically at times. Tech sheets on site list information about each of these wines including varietal percentages dating back to the first vintage. The fruit for this wine comes from Phelps’ own vineyards in several of Napa Valley’s most well-known Cabernet Sauvignon producing districts including Stags Leap, Oakville, and Rutherford. Bottlings of Insignia should be in the cellar of serious Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon enthusiasts and collectors.

The 2019 Joseph Phelps Insignia is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Malbec. This is the first ever vintage to include some grapes from the Phelps owned El Venadito Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District. This wine is deep ruby and opaque in the glass; the bouquet is ripe fruited and reveals aromas of dark cherry, plum, hints of vanilla and mocha, a quick scent of jerky tack, and a lingering sweet tobacco spice. The fruit dominates this bottling both on the bouquet and the palate. This wine offers flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and boysenberry. Its texture is somewhat creamy with well-integrated, supple and rounded tannins. Their presence is distributed across the palate evenly and lingers with a light chewy sensation. Sometimes one assumes that flagship wines from iconic Napa Valley wineries will be crafted to be robust bottlings with a heavy grip of tannins. This wine is not one of those. It does however offer mouth filling richness without crossing into the territory of being opulent.

The 2011 Joseph Phelps Insignia is a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec, 2% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. This wine is dark ruby in the glass; initially it shows a pleasing slight herbal note on the bouquet which quickly disappears and does not reappear as this wine opens. Dark notes, tar, black fig and blackberry show on the layered bouquet. The palate boasts a richness of fruit along with plenty of tannins (not overly course in nature) which anchor a very long finish.

The 2008 Joseph Phelps Insignia is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot, and 4% Merlot and was aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels. This wine is aging quite well (we tasted 7 years post vintage); the nose shows a sweetness of fruit with subtle notes of chocolate and baking spices. The palate is somewhat soft on entry, but quickly gains in complexity – voluptuous if you will. The palate is well layered with tannins similar to the 2011 vintage but slightly shorter in length. This is a delicious wine. With 2012 through 2014 being stellar growing years in Napa Valley collectors will want to look at the Insignia wines from these particular vintages. Club members can pre-order futures of Insignia before it is even bottled.

Don’t trust those Apple maps to find Joseph Phelps Winery!

Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is their most produced wine with production amounts dependent on the vintage. This is their only wine that sees both French and American oak during the aging and incorporates fruit from several of their own vineyards.

The 2021 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is a blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot and 1% Malbec. This wine is deep ruby and opaque in the glass with an amaranthine rim; the bouquet is well-endowed with both opulent dark fruits and darker baking spices. These aromas include ripe blackberry, dark plum and black cherry along with notes of chocolate, coffee grinds, butterscotch, cloves, nutmeg, toast and charred wood. It is immediately gratifying from the instant this wine hits the palate for those who prefer their Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings supported by plenty of oak. This wine’s darker character somewhat mirrors it’s aromatics with flavors of dark cherry, blackberry and boysenberry complemented by union of chocolate, tobacco spice, coffee and a noticeable woodsy spice, all persisting for some time on the extended finish. The tannins are grainy and lightly gravelly.

The 2012 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley is aromatically generous with both black and red fruit; the bouquet sports a definite sweet note with aromas of vanilla and underlying notes of toasted cedar. The tannins are chalky, dusty gripping and course in their youth – lingering on the sides and back of the palate for some time. We have since tasted newer vintages; this particular wine is always very approachable in its youth.

Eisrebe And a very unique wine is the Eisrebe, made from 100% varietal Scheurebe that was later bottled under the name Delice. This is a white variety that is a hybrid crossing of Sylvaner and Riesling developed in 1916 by Dr. George Scheu, a German botanist. We are aware of no other Napa Valley winery growing or producing wine from this variety and perhaps there are only several producers of this variety in the United States. In the spirit of ice wine, every year the grapes from these vines were harvested late in the year and then frozen at -5 degrees Fahrenheit, then partially thawed, pressed and fermented in stainless steel tanks. This wine was always bottled as 375ml.

After decades of production, these vines were removed after the 2023 harvest. However the story doesn’t quite end there; the Scheurebe grapes from 2023 were sold to winemakers Scott Schultz of Jolie-Ladie Winery and Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson wines, who both made a dry one-off wine from their 50/50 share of the grapes.

The 2018 Joseph Phelps Delice Scheurebe (100% varietal) is deep gold in color; the bouquet offers aromas of honey, ripe pear, apple and mango. One immediately notices the significant richness and sheer amount of flavor on the entry and then across the palate including apricot, peach, nectarine and freshly pressed apple. This wine offers ripe and rich flavors; on their own they would be perhaps linear, but these are complemented nicely with a brightness of acidity which keeps the palate lively and fresh. The finish is supple, long and intense. This wine is only 8% alcohol so one can drink more of this beautiful nectar without getting too tipsy.

Freestone Winery, Sonoma County This is a production facility only and does not see visitors as their permit does not allow for hospitality. Formerly a dairy farm until the early 1990s, ground was broken for the winery in 2005 and Freestone Winery was completed in time for the 2007 harvest. Tom Shelton who joined the Joseph Phelps team in 1992 and eventually became president of the winery, oversaw the creation of Freestone vineyards and winery. He was with Phelps through 2008, just before he passed from brain cancer. Incidentally his wife Laurie owns and operates a wine brand called CAMi Vineyards with a vineyard near St. Helena and a tasting room in Calistoga.

The winery is merely a 4 minute drive from Freestone, a community founded in 1853 and best known for two businesses: Wild Flour Bread (there has often been lines during our visits) and the Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary.

Freestone used to maintain a stand-alone tasting room in the community of Freestone, but this has been closed for many years. As of our latest update to this review, Joseph Phelps was trying to sell the building that housed their former tasting room.

We would love to see a stand alone space for hosting guests interested in trying the Freestone wines either at the winery (if permitting could be changed) or perhaps somewhere less remote like in Healdsburg or Sonoma or even Sebastopol. Alternatively, a partnership tasting room in a fancy resort in Sonoma County would also be of interest.

Phelps has long been involved in charitable endeavors – one prominent donation was land for the nearby River Ranch Farm Worker Center which provides housing to seasonal workers.

In 2013 critic Robert Parker tasted through all vintages of Insignia and assigned each vintage a scored rating. Upon conducting this re-tasting he rated the 1974 much higher than his original score! (See video below).

And in 2018, the book The Best We Can Be: The Life and Wisdom of Joseph Phelps highlights the lives of Joseph Phelps and his children. Written by the Phelps family with Napa based author and publisher, Paul Chutkow. This is an educational and an inspirational book.

And a bit of local trivia – Joseph Phelps used to own the iconic Oakville Grocery in Oakville.

Phelps’s granddaughter, Kelsey Phelps continues the family tradition of producing wine. Her own brand is called Seppi, the name she used to call her grandfather (short for Giuseppe). Seppi focuses on producing sparkling wines.

Two electric vehicle charging stations are on site for Tesla vehicles to plug into. For more information about their unique tasting experiences please visit www.josephphelps.com

April 17, 2015 at 8:54 am

Sorry to see Joseph Phelps passed away a few days ago, one of Napa’s industry leaders and icons: http://www.decanter.com/news/wine-news/588212/napa-valley-leader-joseph-phelps-dies

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February 29 - March 2, 2024

Joseph phelps vineyards, wines pouring.

• 2021 Freestone Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Expand Fresh and lively with perfumed black raspberry and cherry aromatics wrapped in rustic forest floor notes. Juicy Bing cherry, savory herbs, and ripe dark berries create a complex and textured palate with acid structure and balance leading to a delightfully engaging finish. Suggested Retail Price: $70
• 2021 Pastorale Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Expand The 2021 Pinot Noir is an aromatically expressive offering with red fruit, violet and savory spices. Juicy and fresh upon entry with lively acid and polished tannins. The wine is filled with just picked ripe raspberries, classic red cherry notes, and hints of earthy dried herbs all culminating in a long and pleasing creamy finish. Suggested Retail Price: $100
• 2021 Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Expand The 2021 is a densely layered aromatically fragrant wine with dark fruit, cassis, clove, summer savory, and wild mush- room nuances. This latest vintage balances tension and freshness with aplomb setting the stage for a vibrant palate with a core of ripe blueberry and black cherry, followed by notes of dried lavender and black pepper along the finish. Suggested Retail Price: $100

Description

True to character, Joseph Phelps never stopped striving for excellence throughout his life. His quest to locate optimal growing conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay led him to the town of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast. In the late 1990s, Phelps played a pioneering role being among the vanguard of wineries to develop Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards on the Sonoma Coast, followed by a dedicated winemaking facility in Freestone that was finished in time for the 2007 harvest.

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Joseph Phelps Vineyards

There’s something unmistakably alluring about the fusion of fine wine with the art of gastronomy. On a recent sojourn to Napa Valley, I had the pleasure of exploring one of its treasures: Joseph Phelps Vineyards . This visit wasn’t merely about savoring wines; it was a holistic experience that tantalized every sense – from the sights of the beautifully designed winery, to the tastes and smells of a most exquisite food and wine pairing.

Upon arriving, you are guided to the front through a gorgeous trellis that’s woven with wisteria vines. The tasting room is adorned with exquisite woodwork, creating an inviting and elegant ambiance that mirrors the craftsmanship and attention to detail of Joseph Phelps’ renowned wines.

Our journey kicked off with Joseph Phelps’ Ovation, Sonoma Coast, 2017. We enjoyed it on the terrace of the winery offering panoramic views of rolling vineyards and the serene Napa Valley landscape. While doing so, our Wine Educator told us the story of this historic winery and the man behind the label, Joseph Phelps. His legacy is one of innovation, attention to detail, and a relentless pursuit of perfection in every project he undertook.

We then made our way inside to begin the Bountiful Table experience. Once seated at the elegantly set dining table, I reviewed the tasting menu set before me that showcased 5 courses of wine and food pairings to delight one’s senses. Each course was crafted by Executive Chef Tod Kawachi and thoughtfully paired with Joseph Phelps Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast wines, including the latest vintage of Insignia. 

Commencing the experience, a refined array of canapés graced our presence, inviting us to indulge alongside a glass of chilled Ovation. 

Subsequently, the wine educator poured the Joseph Phelps Viognier, Napa Valley 2022, a refreshingly crisp wine with delicate floral notes that elegantly complemented the seared Hokkaido Scallop. This culinary delight was accompanied by a velvety Summer corn coconut velouté and a lively zest of lime espuma.

A symphony of pinot noir and mushroom enchantment awaited us in the third course. The Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir, hailing from Bootlegger’s Vineyard in Sonoma Coast, vintage 2021, unveiled its luscious berry tones and silken culmination. It harmonized flawlessly with the Mushroom Assiette.

A delightful progression to the fourth course featured the Joseph Phelps Vin du Mistral, sourced from Central Coast in the vintage of 2021. It was an impeccable match for the sumptuous and savory Kurobuta Pork Tenderloin. Each succulent bite of the tender pork, infused with the intricate flavors of RG Marcella bean puree and roasted tomato red pepper coulis, unveiled the wine’s bouquet in even more exquisite detail.

Perhaps the most awaited moment of the evening was the uncorking of the Joseph Phelps INSIGNIA, Napa Valley 2019. Joseph Phelps’ INSIGNIA stands as a pinnacle of the winery’s artistry, a masterful blend that captures the essence of Napa Valley’s finest grapes. It paired beautifully with Binchotan grilled Snake River Farms Zabuton. Yukon gold potato pavé, périgueux jus, and sauce choron further elevated this dish.

And just when we thought our journey was drawing to a close, the Joseph Phelps Delice, Napa Valley 2019 graced our tables. The following trio of desserts accompanied it:

• Creamy brillat savarin cheesecake with Summer peach
• Mochi churro with crème patisserie
• Gorgonzola dolce, paired with dukkah shortbread and cherry jam

Overall, each pairing and every nuanced flavor showcased Joseph Phelps’ dedication to crafting moments that endure. 

Joseph Phelps Winery stands as a testament to timeless excellence, where history and innovation intersect seamlessly. Beyond its iconic wines, it’s the embodiment of white-glove service, ensuring every guest is enveloped in a world of sophistication and warmth.

In an ever-evolving landscape, Joseph Phelps Winery remains a beacon of dedication to crafting not only exceptional wines but also unforgettable memories, making it a truly unique and cherished destination for wine enthusiasts.

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Vine is a wine bar and retail bottle shop in beautiful downtown Moscow. We offer wine by the glass as well as a carefully curated selection of wines by the bottle from all over the world. We also have specialty beer, cheese, and cider.  We look forward to helping you choose a glass to enjoy in our relaxing bar or a bottle to take home!

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The 10 Best Places for Panoramic Views of Moscow

The city on seven hills, Moscow is quite a view from above. No matter how much you walk around Russia’s capital, no Moscow experience is ever complete without a visit to one of the city’s observation decks. From Michelin-star restaurants , to 16th-century bell-towers – here are Moscow’s best places with panoramic views.

White rabbit.

Located on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage shopping mall, White Rabbit is a restaurant with Michelin-star winning menu and breathtaking views. Discover the latest food trends, while enjoying fantastic views of the Kremlin walls, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and two of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers – Hotel Ukraine and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

White Rabbit, 3 Smolenskaya Square, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 782 62 62

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVm-W8XgdB-/?taken-by=whiterabbitmoscow

Ivan Velikiy Bell Tower

Built in 1508, the Ivan Velikiy Bell tower had been Moscow’s tallest construction up until the 17th-century. To marvel at the views from the height of 25 meters, you’ll need to climb 137 steps, which might be quite challenging. The observation deck is open from April to October. Children under 12 are not allowed there, even when accompanied by adults.

Ivan Velikiy Bell Tower, Kremlin, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 697 03 49

Time Out Bar

One of the most famous panoramic bars in Russia’s capital, Time Out occupies the 12th and 13th floors of Peking Hotel Moscow. Apart from its glorious location, the bar is known for its unconventional cocktails, featuring a very eclectic combination of cold stock and vodka.

Time Out Bar, 5 Bolshaya Sadovaya, Moscow, Russia, +7 495 229 01 80

https://www.instagram.com/p/Si_rbQEBRE/?taken-by=timeoutbar

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Built in 2004, Patriarchy Bridge commands the magnificent vistas of the Kremlin, Moskva river embankments, the island of Red October, the Peter the Great statue and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour . The latter, in its turn, has four observation decks of its own, set 40 meters between the cathedral bell towers, 40 meters above the ground. Available only as part of a guided tour, they offer amazing views on Gorky park, Krymsky bridge, Poklonnaya tower and Kotelnicheskaya embankment building.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, 15 Volkhonka Street, Moscow, Russia

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-WHCll8fL/?taken-at=639573152

The highest altitude restaurant in Europe, Sixty is the pinnacle of Moscow’s panoramic places. Located on the 62th floor of the Federation Tower of the Moscow International Business Center, this place seems to have it all: head-spinning views, great food and vibrant atmosphere.

Federation Tower, 12 Presnenskaya emb., Moscow, Russia, +7 495 653 83 69

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYxlO2jF648/?taken-by=sixtymoscow

Imperia Tower

Another panoramic place of the Moscow city, this observation deck draws crowds looking for futuristic views. Here you can take a closer look at the skyscrapers of the Moscow International Business Center and enjoy the views of the Moscow State University, Ostankino Tower, Moscow’s White House and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Imperia Tower, Presnenskaya emb., Moscow, Russia, +7 495 236 72 90

Vorobyovy Gory

Opened in 1953, Moscow’s most famous observation deck is on every first-time visitor’s must-see list. Here you can spot almost every important landmark in the city: from all the seven Stalinist skyscrapers, to Ostankino tower, and Peter the Great statue – now you can take a closer look at each of them using free binoculars.

Observation Deck, Vorobyovy Gory, Moscow, Russia

Ostankino Tower

Completed in 1967, Ostankino Television Tower was the world’s highest building at the time of construction. The 540-meter-tall tower features two observation decks: the open-air one, which is open from May to October and the one with glass walls, which you can visit all year round.

Ostankino Tower, 15 Akademika Koroleva Street, Moscow, Russia

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂