Wine Country Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Ledson Winery and Vineyards showing heritage elements, tranquil scenes and farmland
Napa Valley showing a park and landscape views
Napa Valley featuring mountain biking, farmland and landscape views
California Wine Country which includes flowers
California Wine Country which includes wild flowers
Tour the picturesque vineyards of California’s valleys, where friendly viticulturalists grow some of the most acclaimed wines from the New World.

Taste the good life in California Wine Country, a long stretch of valleys lined with vineyards and backed by dramatic scenery. Walk through fields covered with vines beneath the warm California sun and sip on some of the finest wines in the nation. In between vineyard visits, find entertainment in the charming towns and cities scattered throughout the region.

The first vineyards in California were planted by Spanish missionaries in the late 18th century and commercial wineries started a few decades later. In Sonoma County visit Buena Vista Winery, which was established in 1857, to taste wines from the oldest-surviving premium vineyard in California.

Northern California is home of some of the most prestigious wine-growing regions. Stroll through the acclaimed vineyards of scenic Napa Valley. Fourteen different regions within the valley come with their own American Viticultural Area (AVA) appellation. Take tours of chic city wineries in places such as Yountville and St. Helena, where you can also dine on Michelin-starred food. One of the best ways to explore the region is in a hot air balloon soaring over the tranquil landscapes.

Neighboring Sonoma County regularly competes with Napa for prestige. The vast county has more than 400 wineries, many of which offer tasting sessions and tours. Take a tram tour around the grounds of Benziger Family Winery or cycle between fields on a bike tour from Sonoma.

Wine country stretches south of San Francisco into Central California. Explore scenic Monterey County, home of the dramatic coastal region Big Sur. Carmel Valley has big-hitting wineries, including vast Holman Ranch and atmospheric Joullian Vineyards.

Find a charming and unexpected pocket of Wine Country in hotter Southern California. The town of Temecula is surrounded by vine-covered hills, in a climate and atmosphere that recalls Tuscany.

Fly to San Francisco International Airport for quick access to the valleys of Northern and Central California. Tasting tours are available in the vineyards of California Wine Country throughout the year, although many visitors enjoy coming in fall to watch the harvests take place.

Where to stay in Wine Country

Napa featuring landscape views and a sunset

Downtown Napa

5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Napa is a destination visitors seek out for its ample dining options, fine wine and beautiful river views. You might also want to check out attractions like Napa Valley Wine Train or Napa River while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Downtown Napa
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Central Napa

While visiting Central Napa, you might make a stop by sights like di Rosa Art + Nature Preserve and Rockzilla.

Central Napa
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Soscol Gateway South

If you're spending some time in Soscol Gateway South, Napa River and Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park are top sights worth seeing.

Soscol Gateway South
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Fuller Park

When in Fuller Park, you can plan a visit to Napa Valley Wine Train and Napa Premium Outlets, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Fuller Park
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Alta Heights

While Alta Heights may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Napa Valley Wine Train and Napa Valley Expo.

Alta Heights
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McPherson

While McPherson may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Napa Valley Wine Train and Oxbow Public Market.

McPherson
Archer Hotel Napa
Archer Hotel Napa
4.5 out of 5
1230 First Street, Napa, CA
The price is NZ$523 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$523
includes taxes & fees
24 Mar - 25 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Napa. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,005 reviews)
"Great. Time and time again"

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2025

Archer Hotel Napa
Silverado Resort
Silverado Resort
4 out of 5
1600 Atlas Peak Road, Napa, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$500 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
NZ$500
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Napa. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"The unit was beautiful and huge. The negative was very poor wifi. It was in and out."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2025

Silverado Resort
The Meritage Resort and Spa
The Meritage Resort and Spa
4 out of 5
875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA
The price is NZ$529 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
NZ$529
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Napa. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Napa Valley Wine Train and Trinitas ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Beautiful spot"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

The Meritage Resort and Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mendo Bungalow
Mendo Bungalow
3 out of 5
44951 Larkin Rd, Mendocino, CA
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Mendocino. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
"Welcoming staff, good view, lovely room"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2025

Mendo Bungalow
Cottages at Little River Cove
Cottages at Little River Cove
2 out of 5
7533 California 1, Little River, CA
Stay at this cabin in Little River. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Van Damme State Park and Big River are located nearby.
9.4/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"The staff communication IF THE BEST ! They keep in touch with you till you arrive! They changed from keys to pin pad which was so convenient! Truly had an amazing stay , everything was clean and more stuff provided when asked . Suggested mats for kitchen and they took the suggestion . You are allowed ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb. 2025

Cottages at Little River Cove
Incredibly Beautiful, Private, Unique Home Perched On The Bluff At Ocean's Edge!
Incredibly Beautiful, Private, Unique Home Perched On The Bluff At Ocean's Edge!
The Sea Ranch
Stay at this cottage in Sea Ranch. Enjoy free WiFi, a sauna, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
10/10 Exceptional! (350 reviews)
Heaven on earth!
"This is as good as it gets! Stunning views! Quiet and private. My husband and I stayed here for my 50th birthday, and we will definitely be coming back."

Reviewed on 9 Mar. 2025

Incredibly Beautiful, Private, Unique Home Perched On The Bluff At Ocean's Edge!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Wine Country