Be sure to check out the Western Region page for other ideas around the best things to do in Wine Country and California!
*Last updated 9/5/2023
California Wine Country
California wine country includes a lot of places other than Napa and Sonoma counties. Also, both counties are part of the North Coast wine region of California north of San Francisco. However, those are the only areas I visited, so this page only covers those areas.
Napa
Napa and Napa Valley is what comes to mind for a lot of people when you mention California wine. It has been made famous through some premier vineyards and movies like “Sideways”.
The first time I went was with my brother in 2004 on a road trip from Portland to San Diego. We stopped into the Napa visitor center and asked “what do you recommend for someone with 3 hours?” and the woman replied, “you do realize people come here for a week”. However, she was very helpful and we visited a couple of beautiful wineries in the area. One was the Coppola Winery, which has a museum for the movies.
Sonoma County, Santa Rosa and Russian River Valley
We spent 4 days with a group of friends in Sonoma County near the Russian River Valley. The largest town in Russian River Valley area is Santa Rosa. Also, we stopped at the local brewery, Russian River Brewing.
There are probably a hundred wineries in Sonoma County. However, we visited about a half dozen. First we went to Martin Ray, which has a nice outdoor area and wood fired pizzas. Next, we visited Emeritus, which, if I remember correctly, focuses on Pinot varietals and employs a special aquafer system. Lastly we visited Christopher Creek, which was a smaller family-owned operation. Lastly, we stopped into Korbel, which is one of the leading producers of California champagnes.
Armstrong Redwoods Preserve
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Preserve is a good hiking option if you need a break from all of the area’s wineries. Also, it is a small park with the a cluster of redwoods remaining in the area.
Jenner Headlands Preserve
Jenner Headlands Preserve is a nearby coastal preserve. Additionally, there is a short overlook trail with views of the coast line.
