There are over 600+ vineyards and wineries in Napa and Sonoma. Where to begin and how to choose?
Here are the basics:
- When traveling from San Francisco, you can expect the weather to be 10-20 degrees warmer in wine country! But it still gets chilly and the fog rolls in at night. This is part of the dry Mediterranean climate, considered one of the ideal conditions for grapes.
- 95% of wineries are family owned, which means that the tasting experiences are often personal and authentic with fun facts, stories and the history of the vineyard.
- Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular wine, but you can really find anything you want!
- Transportation: There is a shuttle that goes to Napa from San Francisco Airport, a ferry that goes to Vallejo, as well as the bus Vine, that traverses wine country. However, if you’re leaving from the city, I think it’s worth hiring a private car if with a group, or selecting a DD.
Napa: ~1 hour 30 minute drive
Sonoma: ~1 hour 10 minute drive - In general, Sonoma is less expensive than Napa.
- Tastings usually range from $25-$50, which are often waived if you buy wine or subscribe to a membership.
- Memberships are pushed at most vineyards, but don’t feel obligated. The wineries are used to people being in and out just for tastings. However, if you love the wine and feel like you could benefit from the tastings, events etc.
- Some tastings require reservations, so it’s better to call ahead just in case.
Sonoma and Napa are just two of the amazing winery destinations near San Francisco. For those short on time, stick to Sonoma. It’s less of a drive and just as beautiful as Napa. I can personally attest to the below:
SONOMA
Ram’s Gate – winery focuses on small-lot Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with the aim to create the finest possible wines that only Sonoma’s climate and terroir can produce. Tastings are in available in an inspiring setting with a modern interpretation of the weathered farmsteads of old Carneros.
Tip: this is literally the first vineyard you come across when you’re driving from SF. I had always passed it thinking you never want to spend time at option #1 out of 600. But I was actually very impressed with the tasting room and views.
Gloria Ferrara – This is a more contemporary tasting room with an outdoor Vista Terrace. Offering table service with a variety of glasses or flights of their award-winning sparkling and estate varietal wine.
Chateau St. Jean – Nestled in the heart of the stunning Sonoma Valley, the Chateau St. Jean estate offers wine lovers an idyllic getaway to soak in the Sonoma wine lifestyle. With incredible vineyard views, a dramatic mountain backdrop, lush gardens and the elegant 1920s chateau, guests are invited to experience the award-winning Chateau St. Jean wine collection at their leisure, while enjoying the breathtaking ambience of the estate.
St. Francis – For more than four decades, the wines of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards have reflected the finest mountain and valley vineyards in Sonoma County. Our founder, Joe Martin, fell in love with Sonoma Valley and established St. Francis Vineyard in 1971, planting 22 acres of Chardonnay and the first 60 acres of Merlot in Sonoma Valley.
Tip: Their wine and food pairing was rated #1 on OpenTable in 2015 and the experience lived up to the honor.
Scribe – Andrew and Adam believe that the best wines are a result of a healthy relationship between man and nature, and that a vineyard managed in harmony with the greater ecosystem results in more site-specific wines that represent a sense of time and place. When vinified with non-interventionist methods, the result is a distinct wine that faithfully reflects what the vineyard naturally expresses.
Tip: Most guests bring blankets or sit at picnic tables, it’s a too cool for school, no-frills spot.
Buena Vista – Sonoma’s oldest commercial winery and just minutes from Sonoma’s famous plaza square, Buena Vista Winery’s Historic Press House is open for tasting year-round. Buena Vista offers a wide selection of new releases, as well as a library of older wines for your enjoyment. A designated Historic Landmark, the shaded picnic grounds are a favorite Wine Country spot.
Tip: For a unique Sonoma evening, purchase a bottle of wine and bring picnic fare to Shakespeare Under the Stars set against the backdrop of the historic Champagne Cellars.
NAPA
Chappellet – A visit to Chappellet’s Pritchard Hill is a very special experience, affording a stunning setting in which to taste the wines. Chappellet offers a variety of tour and tasting options tailored to suit your interests.
Whetstone – This blend of rich heritage, Southern charm, and warm hospitality amidst wine country luxury can be found in all elements of the Whetstone experience. It transcends not only the Whetstone’s home and the chateau, but into the vineyards as well. Jamey’s approach to farming aims to strike that same balance between richness and simplicity. And this is an attribute to where Whetstone Wine Cellars is today.
Beringer Vineyards – provides a unique glimpse into Napa Valley’s past. Graced with stately 19th century architecture and verdant gardens, Beringer is not only one of the most beautiful properties in California’s wine country, but as the longest continuously operating winery in Napa, it’s also one of the most historic. The entire estate was designated a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Castello di Amorosa – Today Castello di Amorosa is considered an architectural masterpiece with all the elements of an authentic medieval castle: a moat, drawbridge, five towers, high defensive ramparts, courtyards and loggias, a chapel, stables, an armory, and even a torture chamber. 107 rooms in total, no rooms alike. Containing some of the most beautiful vaulted wine cellars in the world, Castello di Amorosa has fulfilled Dario’s dream of producing superior quality wines with the same love and attention to detail that went into building his castle.
Mumm – The roots of Mumm can be traced back to GH Mumm, the leading international champagne brand in France. Established in California in the late 1970s, Mumm Napa follows traditional wine making techniques of its French heritage to create the finest, hand-crafted sparkling wines. The dedication to quality has been rewarded with accolades and awards over the decades.
Tip: Though I’m not the biggest fan of sparkling wine, I loved taking the tour and seeing a very different winery perspective at Mumm. It is much more of a lab environment because a priority for Mumm is consistency in every bottle.
Domaine Caneros – Domaine Carneros is a singular winery best known as a small grower-producer of methóde traditionnelle sparkling wine, Pinot Noir, estate vineyards, and a breathtakingly beautiful château. Domaine Carneros château is a stunning regional landmark. Join them for tableside service on the terrace or in the salon and savor the spirit of the Northern California wine country
Artesa – The iconic, modern, hilltop Estate, just 15 minutes from both downtown Napa and Sonoma, is surrounded by rocky mountains, rolling vineyards, and breathtaking views across the San Pablo Bay. They craft small-batch wines and artisanal guest experiences that express their incomparable California home and Spanish heritage.
LUNCH & DINNER SUGGESTIONS
The Girl and the Fig (Sonoma) features a wonderful antique bar with French aperitifs, unique and traditional cocktails, an award-winning Rhone-Alone wine list, a seasonal menu, cheese & charcuterie platters, and outdoor garden patio seating.
Boon Fly Cafe (Sonoma/Napa)- If you find yourself at Domaine Caneros or crossing between Sonoma and Napa during lunch time, you’ve timed it perfectly.
Gott’s Roadside (Napa) – a California staple. If your trip is about treating yourself, go for the burger and milkshake!
Oxbow Public Market (Napa)- for groups who have different tastes, this is the perfect stop. Find a table and let loose around the food stalls/ opportunity for some fun souvenirs.
The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil (Napa)- if you are feeling fancy and can get a spot on the terrace the delectable Mediterranean-inspired cuisine is perfectly complemented by the atmosphere and the extensive selection of wines from the hotel’s award-winning 15,000 bottle cellar.
French Laundry (Napa) – would be remiss if this wasn’t on the list. It’s the OG of California greatness and if you plan ahead and cash burning a hole in your pocket, it’s worth the experience.
V. Sattui (Napa) – a vineyard with an artisan deli that has everything you need to create the perfect picnic: two acres of shaded picnic grounds surrounded by giant oak trees, flowers, vineyards and the food: sandwiches, paninis, salads, pastas, and other specialty items made fresh every DAY. The charcuterie and cheese selection is overwhelming and the perfect way to cleanse the palate? Tastings and tours are also available.
TIP: I find my favorite vineyards are a good blend #winehumor of wine, scenery and experience. I wouldn’t recommend more than 3 vineyards in one DAY and it’s best to break it up with lunch in between! Make sure you’ve rocks paper scissor assigned a DD because those small tastings add up! Or if it’s a larger group, hire a car service.
Have a grape trip! #winehumor
