#1: Stunning Napa Retreat

This stunning world-class retreat is the epitome of the indoor-outdoor Napa Valley lifestyle. Designed by award-winning architect Howard Backen with sliding doors and screens that open completely to the surrounding gardens and views beyond, this residence and separate two-bedroom guest house is arranged as three separate zinc-roofed pavilions floating above semi-enclosed porches, a magnificent pool, and the surrounding landscape gardens. Featuring extraordinary materials and workmanship, brilliant designs, and soaring high ceilings, this private compound is designed to capture magnificent views of nature and the 11 acres of prime Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Sited at the edge of a ravine, this home is oriented to frame and command views across neighboring vineyards and a watershed of the Napa River. Inside the main pavilion, the boundaries between living room, kitchen, dining room, and the surrounding terraces are blurred. The combination of openness and grand scale permits the home to feel at once expansive and yet comfortable for intimate entertaining. Radiant heating under the polished concrete floors provides year-round comfort. The flexible architectural layers of sliding glass, shutters, and screens serve to effortlessly control light, space, and temperature. Whether the walls of windows are open or closed, the calming architecture frames the natural and designed landscape. Spread across 61 acres of grounds, amenities include infinity-edge pool, spacious lawn, bocce court, two hot-tubs, olive grove, organic garden, stocked lake, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen with refrigerator, barbecue, and pizza oven. The basement level features a large wine cellar as well as a gym, powder room, and catering kitchen. A separate machine building houses a backup generator and well equipment, which includes a reverse-osmosis water filter. Perhaps more than any other home currently on offer, this home opens itself to the surrounding landscape and yet protects from wind and weather under its broad, shady eaves. This sublime place represents an artistic departure from the conventional and is one that truly must be experienced. It can inspire great thoughts and play gracious host to many extraordinary events to come. It is priced $13,500,000.

#2: Captivating ‘Villa Sorriso’ Atop the Mayacamas Mountains

"Villa Sorriso" is situated atop the Mayacamas Mountains between the Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Encompassing approximately 653 acres, the property borders the Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, allowing access to thousands of adjoining acres. The property features an approximately 20,000-square-foot main residence, an approximately 3,200-square-foot guest house, a seven-stall horse barn, a tennis court, hiking and riding trails, a spring-fed pond, 100+ olive trees, which can produce 30-50 gallons of oil per year, and 18.4 acres of vineyards producing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc wines. Featuring five bedrooms, six full baths, and five half baths, the main residence was constructed in 2003 and built with Portuguese limestone. A private tower and bridge, 65-foot infinity swimming pool, outstanding indoor-outdoor entertainment spaces, surrounded by antique European stone decking and extensive manicured lawns and multi-tiered sculpture gardens are also offered. Villa Sorriso, which is on the market for $22,900,000, is located at the end of a road offering abundant privacy, yet is easily accessible with close proximity to Yountville and is a quick helicopter ride from Napa’s private airport.

#3: Yountville Vineyard Estate

This spectacular, recently completed vineyard estate, resting on approximately 11 acres in the famed Napa Valley town of Yountville, represents the finest in design, materials, and craftsmanship. Beautiful grounds host a roughly one-and-a-half-acre, fish-stocked lake and a five-acre Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Hardwood and limestone floors, 14-foot ceilings, custom lighting and designer fixtures contribute to the home's ambiance of relaxed luxury. A gourmet chefs kitchen features top-of-the-line stainless appliances. An adjacent informal dining area opens to a spacious loggia. The enchanting dining room offers large, screened windows creating the delight of al fresco dining on a screened-in porch. The master suite hosts a fireplace, towering glass doors to a private patio, a luxurious bath, and a walk-in closet. There are three guest rooms with baths en suite. A one-bedroom apartment sits above the large two-car garage. This magnificent estate that is worthy of consideration for a winery venture by its future owner is available for $19,500,000.

#4: Cypress Hill Farm

This majestic, East Sonoma property located in Napa County is comprised of 12.34 acres to include over one-and-a-half acres of Syrah vines, 10 acres of olive trees, lavender fields, a seasonal creek, and several varietals of mature fruit trees. Sweeping views of five counties are boldly featured throughout, including vistas of Sonoma, Napa, San Pablo Bay, and Mt. Diablo. The Tuscan-style main residence offers 3,330-square-feet of living space with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths. Features vary from Venetian Glaze walls to salvaged Wyoming wood accents. A spacious, three-car garage with sunroom, kitchenette, and full bath lies beneath the 900-square-foot guest home with separate entry and incomparable views. The solar-heated, salt water pool, terra cotta tiled-roof pavilion, hot tub, outdoor grill, expansive view points, and indigenous rock walls combine to create a sprawling outdoor living space. Outbuildings include a lavender distillery, wine storage room, and steel barn. This property is on the market for $6,795,000.

#5: Winery Estate in Atlas Peak

On a 24.44-acre parcel lies this winery estate in the renowned Atlas Peak appellation. An 8,000-gallon-producing winery and Italian-style residence with detached studio is on 10 acres, planted in Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc. Just a short 3.5 mile-drive above Silverado Country Club on a unique plateau with its own micro-climate. Two gated entrances, two wells, and vineyard and winery equipment are included in this $5,975,000 property.