Just 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of San Francisco, California's premier wine country beckons, inviting travelers to slow down and savor the good life. Together, the Napa and Sonoma valleys offer many miles of rolling vineyards, biking (and tasting) trails, and an extravagance of eateries—from gourmet pop-ups at local wineries to multi-course, Michelin-starred dining experiences. European settlers planted Napa Valley's first grapes in the 1800s, and today, its wines compete with the best in the world. The once-sleepy city of Napa has been transformed into a hub of high-end shopping, cafes, and fine restaurants. Though proud of its equally long winemaking history, Sonoma is better known as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, which elevated farming to a craft and fresh, local food to an art form. From the leafy, central plaza of ""Slow-noma"" town to trendy Healdsburg, you'll sample some of the county's best food and wine on a tasting tour. Between the two neighboring valleys, there are far more wineries than even the most dedicated oenophile can take in (more than 800), and nearly as many options for exploring the countryside: Ride the historical Napa Valley Wine Train; cruise the Silverado Trail in the back of a chauffeured, air-conditioned limo, bike through Yountville or Dry Creek Valley; canoe down the Russian River; or float above it all in a hot-air balloon. If you somehow overdo it, head to the spa town of Calistoga for a well-deserved break.
Local Currency US Dollar ($) | Time Zone PST (UTC -8) | Country Code +1 | Language(s) English | Attractions 32 | Tours 160 | Reviews 5,517 |
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 County has a unique coastal influence with its sauvignon blancs and smaller private vineyards where you can truly interact with winemakers.
...MoreNapa Valley tends to be pricier, but it does offer higher-end winery experiences 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 through wine country, four or five days will provide a balance of learning, relaxation, and tasting. This allows ample time to fully soak up the stunning scenery, explore different wineries, try delicious local dishes, and venture outside with a variety of activities 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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