For wine lovers, there’s no better way to spend a weekend, or a week, than a California wine country vacation. Russian River, Sonoma and Napa Valley offer great farm-to-table food, delicious wine and relaxation in a gorgeous setting.
California is one of the leading winemaking regions in the world. More than 600,000 acres of the Golden State are dedicated to growing over 100 grape varieties.
The result accounts for more than 80 percent of all U.S. wine production making California the 4th largest producer of wine in the world.
In Napa, Sonoma and Russian River, visitors can taste some of the world’s best wines. Varietals like rosé, prosecco, pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and merlot are all on point.
California wine country is an easy drive from cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles. But if driving isn’t an option, travellers can fly into Charles Schultz Sonoma Airport and rent a car when they land. This is the closest airport to California wine country.
PLAN YOUR CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY VACATION
WHERE TO STAY IN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
FARMHOUSE INN
This rustic romantic resort located in the heart of Russian River Valley is comprised of several yellow buildings containing 25 country-chic guestrooms, a spa, a lounge and a fantastic restaurant. Rooms range from the original 1870s farmhouse to the newer and bigger rooms with forest views.
We loved the two-sided fireplace, heated bathroom floors, huge comfy beds and freshly baked treats left at nightly turndown. We also enjoyed the huge outdoor Jacuzzi, complimentary s’mores bar and the resident friendly cat.
The Farmhouse Inn is the perfect place to stay when visiting Sonoma, Russian River and Healdsburg on your California wine country vacation.
ARCHER HOTEL NAPA
The Archer Hotel Napa is impressive for many reasons. One reason is its great location in the middle of downtown Napa within walking distance of restaurants and shops. Furthermore, it has an amazing rooftop with fire pits and gorgeous views.
Plus a beautiful stone and wood lobby and rooms with private balconies and fireplaces. We loved the open-air rooftop Sky & Vine bar serving bar bites and cocktails.
Also the beautiful water deck with panoramic views of Napa, water loungers and cabanas with firepits.
HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO
San Luis Obispo is a great halfway point if driving to Napa from Los Angeles. The new 78-room resort is modern, bright and airy. Rooms reflect the young beachy vibe of the city.
They are decorated in a boho-chic style with white oak floors, hand-made rugs and original artwork. Our rooms featured a pretty balcony and tall floor-to-ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light.
We loved the huge 50-foot terrace swimming pool, on-site Sol Spa and delicious Ox + Anchor steakhouse.
WINERIES TO VISIT ON YOUR CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY VACATION
HAMEL FAMILY WINES, SONOMA
A good place to start sipping in Sonoma on your California wine country vacation is the elegant modern Hamel Family Wines. This winery has panoramic picturesque views of the beautiful vineyards and mountains from their expansive patio.
They also offer biodynamic wines and an extensive Collector’s Experience tour. The tour includes a private tasting with culinary accompaniment in their Cave Reserve Room.
We sampled four beautiful wines and especially liked the Pamelita Reserve. It’s a great spot to view the sunset with a glass of their Nun’s Canyon 2017. Tastings: $100
JORDAN WINERY, HEALDSBURG
Head to Healdsburg to the pretty Jordan Winery which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Inspired by the great wine estates of France, it houses a chateau, sustainably farmed vineyards and a chef’s garden. Winery members can stay in an on-site Estate House with three suites.
Take a tour and tasting and explore the 1200 acres of vineyards and enjoy a seated wine and food pairing. We opted for the winery tour and had a wine and cheese pairing.
Our favorite was the 2019 Chardonnay. Tastings: $75
CHARLES KRUG, ST. HELENA
Charles Krug in St. Helena is the oldest winery estate in Napa and was California’s very first tasting room. Their winery tour and tasting lets visitors learn about the legendary history of the estate. It was opened in 1861 by Charles Krug and was purchased by the Mondavi family in 1943.
We took the tour and tasting and enjoyed visiting the vineyard and viewing the three homes that the Mondavi family grew up in. The charcuterie, cheese and wine tasting in the beautiful Redwood Cellar were also wonderful.
Our favorites were the Limited Release Merlot and the Family Reserve Vintage Selection. Tastings: $75
DAVIS ESTATES, CALISTOGA
At the top of Calistoga in the Napa Valley is the picturesque Davis Estates. The family-owned and operated winery is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but also produces Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs.
The property covers 155 acres and includes a historic barn with vintage artifacts and trailers and an antique windmill. There is also an impressive cave and dining room and a gorgeous tasting lounge with a kitchen.
We especially loved the artwork throughout the caves and winery, the outstanding food pairings that accompanied our wine tasting and the stunning panoramic views.
Our favorite wines were the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and the Phase V Cabernet Sauvignon. Tastings: $100
LARKMEAD VINEYARDS, CALISTOGA
Located a short drive from Davis Estates is the quaint Larkmead Vineyards. Guest experiences are specifically curated to suit each visitor. Founded in 1895, the 110-acre vineyard houses a pretty, white country-designed tasting room.
We sat on the porch overlooking the vineyard and enjoyed the Estate Tasting including their 2015 Firebelle and 2018 Solari and Cabernet. Tastings: $125
CHANDON, YOUNTVILLE
Head to Yountville for some bubbly at the famous Domaine Chandon Winery. Set in the Chandon Hills, visitors sit amidst lushly landscaped grounds in an idyllic setting. Domaine Chandon consists of 1,000 acres of vineyards in Yountville, Carneros and Mount Veeder.
Our tasting began with questions about our favorite wines, which enabled our guide, Gabriel, to choose specific wines that would fit our palette.
We loved the al fresco relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to purchase sparkling wines that are only available at the winery.
Our favorites were the Blan de Pinot Noir and the Étoile Téte de Cuvée. Tastings: $50
JCB TASTING SALON, YOUNTVILLE
Make sure to book an appointment to view the luxurious JCB Tasting Salon in Yountville. Named after its curator Jean Charles Boiseet, this unique salon showcases one-of-a-kind jewelry, perfumes, candles, stemware, Lalique glassware, home furnishings and artwork.
We loved the Gala Champagne and Caviar Sparkling Wine. Tasting prices vary.
FAR NIENTE WINERY, OAKVILLE
Visit the idyllic Far Niente Winery in Oakville for its peaceful surroundings, excellent wines and beautifully landscaped gardens. Their caves store hundreds of wine barrels and the 13 acres around the winery contain a garden tasting area next to a Carriage House with vintage motorcycles and cars.
We loved the knowledgeable tour guides, delicious wine and gorgeous surroundings. Our Estate Tasting consisted of a cheese tasting with five wines.
Our favorites were the 2020 Chardonnay and the 2019 En Route Pinot Noir. Tastings: $90
WHERE TO EAT IN CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY
FARM, CARNEROS RESORT AND SPA, NAPA
Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the patio or inside next to the cozy fireplace at this farm-to-table-inspired restaurant.
Simple and elegant dishes fill the menu, including a beautiful vegetable crudité with hummus, a shaved fennel and beet salad, black truffle pasta, white asparagus Nicoise salad and chicken with chestnut jus.
HAZEL HILL, MONTAGE, HEALDSBURG
Featuring French-influenced California cuisine, the new Hazel Hill at the Montage Healdsburg is elegant and modern with beautiful views of vineyards and Mount St. Helena.
Local produce is showcased in dishes including smoked sturgeon with celery root and caviar, white asparagus with cured egg and hazelnut and pasta with black truffles.
Other delicious bites include tuna with fennel and farro, Wagyu strip with duck fat potatoes and mandarin creamsicle and milk chocolate cremeux for dessert. We loved the airy indoor and al fresco dining rooms and the huge open kitchen.
SKY & VINE ROOFTOP BAR, ARCHER HOTEL NAPA
Enjoy panoramic views of downtown Napa at the casual Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar. Visit the bar for craft cocktails, private barrel flights and draft beers.
Or relax in lounge seating or a rocker alongside potted olive trees and topiary and enjoy small bites or their Tuesday tacos and tequilas. We loved the lively atmosphere and delicious burgers.
OX + ANCHOR, HOTEL SAN LUIS OBISPO
Located next to Hotel San Luis Obispo, Ox + Anchor elevates traditional salads, steaks, seafood and side dishes with California farm-fresh ingredients.
Chef Ryan Fancher worked at Auberge du Soleil, The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s New York Per Se and Healdsburg’s Barndiva before heading up the kitchen at Ox + Anchor.
Diners can indulge in goat cheese croquettes, bone marrow tater tots and crab cakes. Plus a variety of signature steaks and sauces. Other dishes include mac and cheese, lobster risotto, grilled lobster, crispy duck and halibut.
Whether you plan to visit a few or many locations in California wine country, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, relax and sample some of the best wine and food in the world.
