Napa and Sonoma are California Wine Country stars, a region with more in common with Tuscany than most of northern California. From the picture-perfect towns of Napa and Sonoma to Cloverdale and Calistoga in the far north of the Bay Area, these twin valleys overflow with world-class wineries and Michelin-starred restaurants. But things to do in Napa and Sonoma go far beyond wine tasting. After a few glasses of vino, choose from hot-air balloon rides and Segway and bike trips to hiking in some of California’s most underrated state parks.
The most popular (and best) time to visit California Wine Country is during harvest season, which starts in August and ends in October. This time of year, you can enjoy pleasant temps, harvest events, and picturesque fall foliage—but be prepared for peak crowds and costly accommodation.
To enjoy favorable weather without the crowds, aim to visit Napa and Sonoma in April or May when the wine region springs to life with blooming flowers and budding grapevines. If you’re traveling on a budget and don’t mind chilly weather, consider planning your trip between December and February.
Exploring Napa and Sonoma is best with a car, as you can tour all the wineries, tasting rooms, and towns according to your own schedule. However, if you want to visit the vineyards without a designated driver, there are other options. There are guided wine tours that will take you around Napa and Sonoma by bus, bike, trolley, and even limousine, although you can rent your own bike to explore the rolling vineyards at a more leisurely pace.
Or hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which takes you on a 36-mile (58-kilometer) round-trip excursion to and from St. Helena, stopping at wineries along the way. Public transport is limited, but buses run along major thoroughfares on a restricted timetable.
While you might have come for the wine, you should leave time to take in and explore the beautiful scenery around the region, which has a number of state parks where you can hike, bike, and kayak. Visit Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve or Sonoma Coast State Park near Sonoma, or Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or Skyline Wilderness Park near Napa for your nature fix in between wine tastings.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PDT (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 32 | Tours 163 | Reviews 6,368 |
Napa and Sonoma both provide picturesque landscapes, top-notch wine tasting experiences, and incredible culinary finds. Napa Valley offers rolling hills from Alexander Valley to Rutherford and contains many notable varietals, including cabernet sauvignon. Sonoma Valley has a unique coastal influence with its sauvignon blancs and pinot noirs and smaller private vineyards where you can truly interact with winemakers.
...MoreNapa Valley tends to be pricier, but it does offer higher-end winery and dining experiences such as famed The French Laundry restaurant and quieter lodging options like boutique spas and luxury resorts. On the other hand, Sonoma typically has more budget-friendly options with smaller, family-run wineries and more outdoor activities such as biking trails and farmers markets.
...MoreWithout rushing your adventure, four or five days will provide enough time for you to check off all the things to do in Napa and Sonoma. This allows ample time to fully soak up the stunning scenery, explore different wineries, try delicious local farm-to-table dishes, and venture outside with a variety of outdoor things to do in Napa and Sonoma such as cycling.
...MoreMay and September are the two most popular months for visiting Napa Valley—and for good reason. The weather is ideal in both months—sunny but not uncomfortably hot, so perfect for being outdoors. There are also plenty of festivals happening in May, while September kicks off the wine harvest.
...MoreTo fully appreciate the beauty of each estate, it’s best to keep it to two to three wineries per day of touring. Whether you’re exploring on your own or as part of a winery tour, quality over quantity is the best strategy to keep in mind when planning your tastings.
...MoreWhile the dress codes vary from winery to winery, comfort is key for this type of adventure. Breathable clothing that won’t restrict your movement, paired with comfortable sneakers for walking is ideal. As for color palettes and patterns, lighter colors are recommended to help beat any potential heat during the warmer months.
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