A California Vineyard Adventure Awaits

Whether it’s a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, get out in search of fine wine, world-class cuisine, and postcard-perfect scenery. Your adventure will begin in California’s wine country, where you can enjoy spas, attend seasonal festivals, cycle along trails, and admire the (fermented) fruits of centuries of the art of winemaking.

To make the most of your California hillside vineyard tour, we’ve gathered the best recommendations for your stay as you head to wine country while keeping you close to the main attractions in each region. Choose a new town to explore, or plan a road trip, slowly, valley by valley. Whatever you choose, treat yourself to a well-deserved trip, sit back, relax, and enjoy life one glass at a time.

Sonoma County

Located along the Russian River Valley, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco, you’ll find it home to organic and artisanal cuisine, a natural landscape of forests, valleys, vineyards, and of course, heritage winemaking. Sonoma Wine Country tops the must-visit list, with more than 100 wineries and vineyards where you can sample the region’s famous Pinot Noir wines, take a sightseeing trip to California, and sample farm-fresh meats and produce from the restaurant. While Sonoma County has a rustic charm and abundance of outdoor activities between tasting rooms, finding a holiday home or guest lodge in neighboring towns like Sonoma, Windsor, and Bodega Bay is also worth a visit to get you close to the tasting room.

Napa valley

If you’re looking for a romantic getaway to wine country for a little more money, look no further than Napa Valley. From St. Helena’s famous Bellinger vineyard wineries to Michelin-starred restaurants in downtown Napa, you’ll find spas, golf courses and art galleries to liven up your vacation, including family-friendly events like the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival. Own residences in Santa Rosa and Guernanville, bathed in rolling green hills and stunning sunsets over the region.

Mendocino Valley

Add a coastal touch to your wine tour and try new things. The Mendocino Valley, which includes the towns of Fort Bragg and Albion, blends Northern California’s breezy coastline and redwood forests with fertile soil to power local winemakers and microbreweries. In between afternoon wine tastings, enjoy delicious crepes at Raven’s, kayak through sea caves, watch the sunset at Mendocino Headlands State Park, or bring a bottle of wine to a vacation rental with a private balcony overlooking the valley.

Temecula Valley

Located at the southern tip of California, the Timechola Valley is known as a hidden gem of wine country with a warm year-round climate and access to the state’s most popular beaches. From towns like Oceanside and Carlsbad, sit back in the hot tub and enjoy the views of the sea, ride (or motorbike) through the vineyards, stroll through the old town of Temecula, or sip wine by the pool in Bottaia Winery. Enjoy the slower pace of your holiday while admiring the 3,000 acres of picturesque vineyards in the valley.

California Wine Country FAQs

Which California cities are considered wine country?

California has several different wine country valleys. Major cities in Sonoma County include Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Galnanville, and Windsor. In Napa County, you’ll find Napa, Yountville, Rutherford, St. Helena, and Callistoga. The Mendocino Valley is home to Hopland and Ukiah, and the main city of the Temecula Valley is its namesake Temecula.

What is the best month to attend California Wine Country?

For warm weather and picturesque vineyard views, visit the wine country during the harvest season (August to September) in late summer and early autumn. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip in the spring (March to May) or low season (December to February) when there are fewer crowds and everything is in full bloom.

Is there wine country in Southern California?

The hidden gem of California wine country is located in the Temecula Valley at the southern tip of the state. With nearly 50 unique wineries, Temecula offers as many wine tours as its northern competitors, plus year-round sunshine and access to popular Southern California beaches.