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Napa & Sonoma Valley
California Wine Country
Cheers to a good time!
Why
The Napa & Sonoma Valley offer some of the prettiest landscape in the US with rolling hills, clear skies, and miles of vines. It has a very calming feel that's so inviting, you may not want to leave.
The Why, When & How to visit...
When
Fall is my favorite time to visit. There's nothing like the crisp air in Napa & Sonoma Valley on a nice Fall day. Temperatures are still comfortable during the day, but will drop 20-30 degrees (F) in the evening year-round. Spring is also a nice time to visit with flowers in bloom. Summer has the least rain, but is also the warmest. Winter temperatures are still mild, but is the rainiest time of year with 8-9 days / month.
How
The closest major airports are Oakland (OAK), San Francisco (SFO), and Sacramento (SMF). These are respectively 60-75 miles from Napa Valley. Driving time will vary based on traffic, but typically take 1.5-2 hours. From the airport, you can rent a car or reserve private transportation. Ride share is accessible and may cost ~$80+, but will vary based on time of day, traffic, supply & demand, etc. Options are summarized here.
Where
to stay...
1) River Terrace Inn - The River Terrace Inn is a great option, because it has that remote, cozy feel along the Napa River, but is still conveniently located a 10-15 walk from downtown Napa. It's also located down the block from the Napa Valley Train start, Oxbow Market, and beloved Model Bakery. Rooms are spacious and inviting, many with a balcony or terrace and/or river view. The hotel has a restaurant and a great terrace with fire pits to cozy up to after a long day at the wineries. Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
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2) Napa Valley Lodge - The Napa Valley Lodge is located on the north end of Yountville, a 15 min drive north of downtown Napa. It is also located down the block from my favorite RH Yountville Wine Vault and nearby French Laundry. The Napa Valley Lodge has cozy, spacious rooms with a balcony or terrace. The grounds include a large outdoor pool and hot tub with spa services available poolside, fire pits, and bocce ball. A continental breakfast is served, along with tea, coffee and cookies in the afternoon. The hotel also has cruiser bikes available for use and fitness room, all available with no resort fee charged. Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
3) Calistoga Motor Lodge - If you're looking for a trendy hotel and don't mind being further north, the Calistoga Motor Lodge is a fun option. The Calistoga Motor Hotel is located in Calistoga at the north end of the Silverado Trail, a 40 minute drive north of downtown Napa. The hotel describes itself as a classic roadside boutique hotel, but better, inspired by the Great American Roadtrip. The hotel and rooms have a retro chic vibe with a cool restaurant & bar, along with lots of games & activities. The hotel also has 3 geothermal mineral pools and spa & baths reminiscent of a classic Calistoga bath house from the 1880s. Pictures and more details with the ability to book is accessible here.
What
Do
to...
1) Book Transportation - In addition to transportation to reach Napa & Sonoma Valley, transportation is also needed to get around once there. Third Party transportation options include: a private car, van or limo, trolley, or train. The best transportation option for a winery tour is Laces + Limos.
Laces + Limos is described as the most unique and exciting way to tour wineries. Laces + Limos provides transportation to two distinct wineries via an open-air, electric tuk-tuk (pictured above). The tuk-tuk takes you off the beaten path to get up close to the vines. It's driven by a friendly tour guide providing insights on the area and doubles as your personal photographer for the day. An elevated picnic lunch is available to enjoy in a vineyard. Tours are available for private rental or small groups with pickup in downtown Napa. So don't worry about figuring out which of the 500+ wineries to visit, let Laces + Limos plan your day with a memorable experience.
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2) Visit Wineries - A trip to Napa & Sonoma Valley wouldn't be complete without visiting wineries. However, with hundreds of wineries, choosing which ones to visit can be overwhelming. Below are the ones I recommend. Most, if not all, wineries now require reservations, so be sure to book well in advance.
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a) Ram's Gate - Ram's Gate was one of the first wineries I visited in the area and immediately fell in love with it when I stepped on property. To me, it's quintessential California wine country with a gorgeous property that's RH meets RL. It's located on the south end of Sonoma and is one of the first wineries you'd hit coming from San Francisco. There are multiple tasting options to enjoy indoor, outdoor or both!
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b) Ashes & Diamonds - Ashes & Diamonds is more unique than most wineries in the area in that it has a mix of a modern and mid-century modern design. The interior feels like you've stepped back into a 1960s party and the exterior has a great sprawling lawn to enjoy wine and some bites. Ashes & Diamonds is a ~10 minute drive from downtown Napa. Take a picture in front of the giant, bright yellow door before you leave.
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c) Schramsberg - To get the full wine tour experience, add this sparkling winery to your list. Schramsberg was founded in 1862 and resurrected in 1965 by the Davies. They set out to produce a world-class sparkling wine and delivered their Blanc de Blancs, which came to be the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine. Schramsberg’s sparkling wines gained presidential attention in the 1970s and have been served at official State functions by every US Presidential administration since then. A visit to Schramsberg also provides the opportunity to tour their caves along with your tasting. Schramsberg is located on the south end of Calistoga, a 40 min drive north of downtown Napa.
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3) Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride - I can't say I've done this, but I have seen them and they look awesome. Taking a hot air balloon ride is a thing to do in the area to take in the views open-air from above. They take off early in the morning when temperatures and air conditions are best for the balloon and depart from Yountville and Sonoma. If you want to have a unique experience, click here for a few hot air balloon options.
Eat
A charcuterie board. If wine tasting, you'll likely have the option to add a charcuterie board. This is a good idea to have some food to complement and support the wine. Otherwise, those tastings can sneak up quick. Yountville has my favorite dining options, including RH Yountville, Bouchon, and of course the very famous French Laundry to attempt to book very far in advance.
Drink
Wine. It kind of goes without saying, if you're visiting Napa & Sonoma Valley, you're likely there to drink wine. Napa is predominately known for its Cabinet Sauvignon, while Sonoma is mainly known for its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but both provide a variety of varietals.
*If of legal drinking age.
Wear
Cozy Chic
Watch
Bottle Shock
by Randall Miller
Listen
"California"
by The Lagoons
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas