Written by Santorini Dave
Our Favorite Hotels
A luxury accommodation is available at the Auberge du Soleil hotel.
β’ Midrange Hotel: The River Belle Inn
β’ A cost-effective hotel option is the Bel Abri Napa Valley Inn
β’ γ» Honeymoon Hotel: Gaige House
β’ B&B: Beltane Ranch
β’ Best in Napa: Candlelight Inn β’ Best in Sonoma: A collection of small buildings 313
Table of Contents
The Best Areas to Stay in Wine Country
Known for producing some of America`s finest wines, especially Cabernet Sauvignon but also Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir, Northern California is anchored by the sunny hills of the parallel Napa and Sonoma Valleys located an hour north of San Francisco. California`s Wine Country is renowned for its gourmet restaurants, unique hotels, and charming small towns in addition to its quality wines.
The Napa Valley region lies approximately 80 kilometers northeast of San Francisco and is home to over 375 wineries that welcome visitors for tastings. The city of Napa itself has transformed greatly in recent years, with an abundance of urban tasting rooms located downtown and a growing culinary scene. From Napa, there are two main roads that run north along the valley floor: Highway 29 is the primary route, while the less busy Silverado Trail runs along the east side. The first significant town is Yountville, known for renowned restaurants such as The French Laundry and wineries like Domaine Chandon, as well as upscale boutique hotels. Next is St Helena, with its charming central street and assorted vineyards. At the northern end of the valley lies Calistoga, offering hot springs and numerous cultural attractions in addition to wineries.
On the western side of the Mayacamas Mountains (and somewhat nearer to San Francisco), the 17-mile long region of Sonoma Valley boasts over 100 vinyards and a rich history: this is where viticulture began in California, and in the 1820s was where California`s final Spanish mission was built. From the historic city of Sonoma, Highway 17 runs north through rolling vineyards and the smaller communities of Boyes Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, and Kenwood, eventually arriving in Santa Rosa, the region`s most populous city.
Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley, renowned for Pinot Noir wines, lie just north and west of Santa Rosa. Healdsburg is considered one of Americaβs most attractive small towns, packed with shops, galleries, and tasting rooms where visitors can sample products, while the Russian River communities to the west exhibit a more rustic, outdoor-oriented culture.
Exploring the Wine Country is best done by vehicle (wine tasters will require a dedicated driver). San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are just short drives away. Sonoma County Airport lies just north of Santa Rosa, 9 miles south of downtown Healdsburg. Schedule two or three winery visits each day. Appreciating the full experience at each location necessitates spending around one to two hours, and travel time must be accounted for. There are some clusters, particularly the urban tasting rooms in Napa and Sonoma, where wineries are walkable and a few additional spots can be fit in. Wine Country encounters Mediterranean weather year-round, but thanks to microclimates, daily conditions can diverge dramatically between the valleys and even within communities. Itβs also accurate that the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures can reach as much as 17Β°C (30Β°F). Winter is the rainiest season, but the region generally benefits from radiant blue, sunny skies throughout the year. In summer temperatures range from a gentle 55Β°F to 82Β°F. The grape-growing period spans from May to August, with harvesting through to October.
The Best Places to Stay in California Wine Country
- Best Luxury Hotels in Wine Country
The fine establishments ” Auberge du Soleil“, ” Bardessono“, ” Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn“, ” Francis House“, ” Hotel Les Mars“, ” North Block Hotel“, ” Meadowood Napa Valley” offer high-quality accommodations for visitors - Best Boutique Hotels in Wine Country
Gaige House – h2hotel – Harmon Guest House – R Inn Napa – Rancho Caymus Inn – Sonoma Bungalows – Wydown Hotel - Best 3-Star/4-Star Hotels in Wine Country
River Belle Inn,Candlelight Inn Napa Valley,Cottage Grove Inn,Lavender,Petit Logis Inn - Best Cheap Hotels in Wine Country
Home of the Magnificent Mile, the Streeterville and River North districts represent the obvious choices for serious shoppers. Mag Mile (officially Michigan Avenue) has been one of the most famed shopping regions in the world for years, and stays packed with a huge array of stores, ranging from Leviβs and Burberry to Louis Vuitton and Neiman Marcus. The street itself concludes at the southern end of Gold Coast, where shoppers will delight in the assortment of luxury boutiques and designer stores in Chicagoβs most affluent neighborhood. En route, there are plenty of attractions in between the shops, particularly the John Hancock Building and the Historic Water Tower - Best B&Bs in Wine Country
Beltane Ranch – Churchill Manor – Embrace Calistoga – The Inn on First – Bella Luna Inn – Bear Flag Inn – Camellia Inn
Best Areas in Wine Country forβ¦
- Best Place to Stay in Wine Country for First Timers: Calistoga
Calistoga lies towards the northern end of Napa Valley but itβs still just an 18 mile (30 minute) drive from Yountville and only 8 miles from St Helena. It has a charming, relaxed downtown area, with numerous wineries and tasting rooms of its own, plus there are plenty of non-wine related activities and attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser of California is a real crowd pleaser, and several hotels have hot spring water pools on site; thereβs also family friendly local history at the Sharpsteen Museum and numerous hillside trails around town. Finally, Calistoga has a much greater variety of lodging than affluent communities like Yountville but also provides significantly more character than Napa (city). - Most Romantic Places in Wine Country: Yountville and the Russian River Valley
The boutique hotels in Yountville, such as Bardessono and Maison Fleurie, provide an luxurious weekend getaway in the Napa Valley enhanced by candlelit dinners and champagne samples at Domaine Chandon. Many lodgings offer packages including in-room couples` massages, hot air balloon rides for two, roses, candles, and champagne bottles. Nature-loving pairs might appreciate the more rustic Russian River Valley, where scenic countryside pathways lead to smaller, more intimate wineries, ancient redwood woods, and shaded riverside beaches offering seclusion - Best Location in Wine Country for Nightlife: Napa (city)
The ideal locale in the Wine Country after dusk is the burg of Napa. Open-air concerts occur inside the storied hall of the Napa Valley Opera House, while the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club holds nightly performances below. Further live music takes place at the Art Deco styled Uptown Theater and neighborhood alehouse Downtown Joeβs. Napa additionally boasts a major urban winery scene, with producers such as Blackbird Vineyards,Brown Downtown, and Acumen operating core tasting quarters within staggering distance of one another ` - The towns of Yountville and St Helena in Wine Country are especially renowned for top-notch cuisine.
- Top Locale for Purchasing: Napa and St Helena
The city of Napa undoubtedly provides the best shopping opportunities in the region, starting with the First Street Napa Mall located in the heart of downtown. First Street Napa Mall. Situated at the opposite end of First Street is Oxbow Public Market, offering an assortment of small-batch food, snack and gift stalls like Napa Valley Distillery and Napa Bookmine. Just south along the river, the Riverfront development and Historic Napa Mill present a modest selection of independent stores. Napa Farmersβ Market is available on Saturdays year-round and Tuesdays from April through October at Napa Valley Expo, just across the river. Finally, shoppers can find Napa Premium Outlets a short distance away on Hwy-19 on the western side of town. For a more leisurely shopping experience, browse the stores along the “Main Streetβ of downtown St. Helena, which showcases an eclectic assortment of local boutiques, galleries, shops, and wine tasting rooms. Be sure to visit Woodhouse Chocolates and Napa Soap Company - Best Place for Local Atmosphere: Russian River Valley & Healdsburg
The small communities and wineries of the Russian River Valley are far less busy than the internationally renowned Napa and Sonoma. We especially love Healdsburg, a delightful small town on the Russian River itself, with a 19th-century plaza lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries, and bars. Some favorite hangouts are local produce champion Barndiva,Costeaux French Bakery, an institution since 1923, Japanese restaurant the Taste of Tea,Noble Folk Ice Cream & Pie Bar,Mr Moonβs gift shop, and Yasuko. - Best Area to Visit Vineyards on Foot: Kenwood (Sonoma Valley), Napa, and Sonoma Plaza
Visitors with a taste for fine cuisine will find ample options in the Wine Country region of Napa Valley, home to over 150 restaurants and several Michelin star establishments. The city of Napa itself has an emerging culinary scene, but the neighborhoods of St Helena and Yountville consistently stand out for their gourmet dining selections. St Helena especially boasts an impressive number of top-rated restaurants within walking distance on Main Street, including Italian cuisine at Cook St. Helena, the nearby gastropub Goose & Gander, New American dishes at Farmstead, the famous burgers from Gottβs Roadside, the hip cafΓ© Station, and some of the best English muffins ever crafted at Model Bakery. Yountville is home to the most famed restaurant in the region, Thomas Kellerβs The French Laundry, where Keller also operates Bouchon Bakery, serves legendary buttermilk fried chicken from Ad Hoc + Addendum, and offers Mexican fare at La Calenda. There`s also French cuisine at Bistro Jeanty and the highly-rated Mustardβs Grill just outside of town
The compact rural town of Kenwood, situated at the northern end of Sonoma County`s wine region, is an ideal place to leave one`s vehicle and tour the local wineries on foot, especially along Highway 12. B Wise Vineyards βTasting Loungeβ provides a good starting point, as it shares a building with En Garde Winery, founded by the Hungarian winemaker Csaba SzakΓ‘l. Next door is VJB Vineyard & Cellars, while two blocks north, the Kenwood Village retail complex contains several additional tasting areas, including the highly-rated Ty Caton and Spann
An alternative approach is to visit the urban wineries located in major urban centers like Napa and Sonoma. The tasting rooms in downtown Napa provide similar wine sampling experiences, but without on-site wine production facilities or vineyards. You`ll find a cluster of them along First Street. Similarly, the streets surrounding Sonoma Plaza, which is at the heart of Sonoma city, are packed with tasting rooms such as Rancho Maria Wines and Westwood Estate Wines.
The 8 Best Town and Regions in Wine Country for Tourists
1. Napa
Travelers had bypassed the city of Napa in the past, eager to reach the vineyards outside its limits, however in recent years the county seat of Napa County has undergone something of a revival, with redevelopment of the Napa River waterfront, First Street, Oxbow Public Market and historic Napa Mill. Now the largest city in the Napa Valley boasts a flourishing nightlife and culinary scene, stylish boutiques, and numerous βurban tasting roomsβ, allowing for tasting wines from various vineyards in a compact, walkable district. Though there are no major attractions, the city is the terminus of the Napa Valley Wine Train, which runs to St Helena and back, and serves as the base for Balloons Above the Valley, which offers early morning hot air balloon rides. The city has an immense range of lodging options, with all the major motel chains represented, as well as high-end brands and posh B&Bs.
- Top-Rated Places to Stay: Candlelight Inn Napa Valley – R Inn Napa – Churchill Manor – The Inn on First – Elm House Inn
Residents guarantee this is the optimal place to swim on Santorini. Request directions in Oia to access the seawall and enjoy an incredibly refreshing swim near Ammoudi Bay. There are a few seafood eateries in the tiny settlement at the base of precipices. It seems like a small fishing village and makes for a brilliant afternoon outing. Take the steps down, but save those little legs the trek back up to the top β have the restaurant call you a taxi after youβve had a snack.
2. Yountville
Yountville, a short distance to the north of Napa city, has traditionally functioned as an entrance to the renowned vineyards of the Napa Valley region and has developed today into an affluent destination with high-end amenities. Some of the finest boutique hotels in the area are located here, accompanied by several of the most celebrated restaurants, many led by award-winning chef Thomas Keller of The French Laundry fame. Numerous wineries have tasting spaces in the town; highlights encompass Silver Trident Winery, the Hill Family Estate, and Priest Ranch. The champagnes from Domaine Chandon are just on the other side of Hwy-29. Thereβs also the Napa Valley Museum, live shows at Napa Valley Performing Arts Center, and approximately 35 outdoor sculptures presently placed throughout the town.
- Highly Esteemed Hotels: Bardessono β’ North Block Hotel β’ Maison Fleurie β’ Lavender β’ Petit Logis Inn
3. St Helena and Rutherford
St Helena is right in the heart of the Napa Valley, home to some of its most celebrated wineries: Beringer Vineyards, with its gothic βRhine Houseβ, is here, as is Charles Krug, and the wildly popular V. Sattui Winery. It also boasts a burgeoning culinary scene (fast food chains are banned by ordinance) and a thriving boutique shopping scene, dubbed βNapa Valleyβs Main Streetβ. The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone lies just beyond the center (offering cooking demonstrations and tours), and thereβs also the small Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, dedicated to the famous writer who briefly lived here in the 1880s. The tiny village of Rutherford, just to the south, is best known for its famous βRutherford Dustβ Cabernet wineries and the Rutherford Grill, as well as historic wineries such as Inglenook and Robert Mondavi Winery.
- Higher Quality Lodgings: Auberge du Soleil – Meadowood Napa Valley – Rancho Caymus Inn – Wydown Hotel – Inn St Helena
4. Calistoga
Around 8 miles further north along the valley from St Helena, Calistoga is a guest-accommodating town that offers a considerable measure of lodging, mud baths and warm spring pools just as wineries. Simply out of town, the Old Faithful Geyser, shoots water 60ft into the air at around forty-minute spans. Lincoln Avenue, the principle boulevard, is stuffed with stores, tasting rooms, and eateries, while the Sharpsteen Museum outlines nearby history. Five miles to the west lies the Petrified Forest of substantial redwoods changed to stone after a volcanic ejection over three million years prior.
- Highly Recommended Accommodations: Francis House – Cottage Grove Inn – Embrace Calistoga – Bear Flag Inn – Bungalows at Calistoga
- Midrange Hotels: Best Western Plus Stevenson Manor – Carlinβs Cottage Court
5. Sonoma
The city of Sonoma, known almost equally for its historic attractions and wines, anchors the Sonoma Valley. It was here in 1823 that the final Spanish-Mexican mission was established in Californiaβthe town developed surrounding it, and in 1845 it was the scene of the brief “Bear Flag Revolt” for an independent California. Today Sonoma Plaza features the original Mission San Francisco Solano, the former Mexican army barracks (the Presidio of 1836), and the old home of General Vallejo, built in 1850, all part of Sonoma State Historic Park. Just outside of town is the Buena Vista Winery, established in 1857 and credited with being the origin of California winemaking. Its founder, Colonel Agoston Haraszthy, built an elegant mansion nearby in the 1850s (rebuilt in the 1980s). Thereβs also Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery, which has roots in a Mission vineyard planted in the 1820s, and Gundlach-Bundschu, the stateβs oldest family-run winery since 1858. Today Sonoma city center is crammed with urban tasting rooms, restaurants, shops, and art galleries, making it the best base for exploring the valley. The Sonoma Cheese Factory is a standout shop, producers of the famous Sonoma Jack cheese since 1931.
- Highly Recommended Hotels:Bungalows 313 – Sonoma Bungalows – Cottage Inn & Spa – El Dorado Hotel – Inn at Sonoma – Ledson Hotel & Zina Lounge
- Mid-cost Lodging: El Pueblo Inn β’ Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn
6. Sonoma Valley
The crescent-shaped Sonoma Valley contains more humble, less crowded vineyards and is quite beautiful, curving between oak covered mountain ranges packed with small, family owned vineyards. Highway 12 runs northwest for 20 miles from the city of Sonoma to Santa Rosa, passing by multiple wineries and tasting rooms. Just two miles north lies the resort town of Boyes Hot Springs, where the natural geothermal waters can still be accessed in high-end hotels like Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, built in 1927 (also home to renowned French restaurant SantΓ©). Another six miles further is the small community of Glen Ellen, location of old-vine Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards. Glen Ellen is also known for once being the final home of author Jack London, now preserved as Jack London State Historic Park. Itβs another five miles north to the tiny town of Kenwood, jam-packed with tasting rooms along a walkable strip of Highway 12. Wine aficionados will appreciate Kenwood most, though nearby Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has hiking trails and waterfalls. There is less choice in terms of lodging in the Sonoma Valley compared to Napa, and it tends to be pricier β it is also a much quieter, less crowded experience.
- Best Hotels: Gaige House β’ Beltane Ranch β’ Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn β’ Kenwood Inn & Spa β’ Kenwood Oaks Guest House β’ Olea Hotel
- Reasonably Priced/Moderate Hotel:Westin Gaslamp Quarter β’ Sonoma Creek Inn
7. Healdsburg
At the northern section of the Russian River Valley lies Healdsburg, one of most pleasing small towns in all California. Established in 1857 and centered by the Spanish-style Healdsburg Plaza, it`s an enjoyable place to explore by foot, its leafy roads crammed with independent stores, cafΓ©s and eateries (wine and cuisine guided tours, like those provided by Wine Country Walking Tours, are a good way to get an debut). It even has its own beach on the Russian River, the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. The vineyards just northwest of town are extremely high quality, with Jordan,Mauritson Wines, and Michel-Schlumberger among them.
- Moderately Priced/Affordable Hotels: Best Western Dry Creek Inn – Hotel Vinea Healdsburg
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8. Russian River Valley
Stretching between Healdsburg and Guerneville surrounded by forests partway to the Pacific Coast, the large area covered by the Russian River Valley (and its tributaries) contains an especially intriguing section. Dotted with small vineyards (around 60) as well as apple orchards, redwood groves, and family farms, the region is also home to the river itself, accessible through several attractive sandy beaches. Highlights comprise Riverfront Regional Park, which extends a mile along the waterway and contains two kayaking lakes. Further along in the tiny town of Forestville, Burkeβs Canoe Trips provides a good place to get paddling, while Steelhead Beach Regional Park offers another enticing strip of sand. Here you can rent tubes and float along the river down to the Forestville River Access, better known as βMomβs Beachβ, superb for kids, or on to Sunset Beach River Park, which offers seasonal fishing and bird-watching. Nearby is the Korbel Winery, renowned for its champagne cellars, and the charming village of Rio Nido, home to Rio Nido Roadhouse, a favorite diner. Guerneville itself is a popular LGBTQ summer holiday destination featuring an eclectic assortment of shops, restaurants, and bars along its main thoroughfare River Road. Johnsonβs Beach remains at the core of activities throughout the summer.
- Noteworthy Hotels:AutoCamp Russian River – Farmhouse Inn – Fern Grove Cottages – Mine + Farm – Raford Inn – boon hotel + spa
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