Napa & Sonoma Wine Regions

Sitting to the north of San Francisco, Sonoma, Mendocino and Napa Counties are home to a myriad of wineries, tempting visitors from across the globe to taste their award winning wines. Boasting a near perfect climate, soil and water supply speciality chardonnays and zinfandels are produced to exemplary standards. In addition you will find locally grown produce and cheeses in the charming markets and a scattering of small towns with big personalities.

Sonoma Wine Country is located just 45 minutes north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, provides a genuine and adventurous California wine country experience. With more than 425 friendly wineries, 40-plus spas, 55 miles of stunning Pacific Coast, farm-to-table restaurants, rivers to kayak or float down, redwood forests to explore, shops and galleries that entice, and hiking and biking trails that meander over oak-covered hills, Sonoma Wine Country beckons the adventurous, the curious, and the lovers of the laid-back Northern California lifestyle.

Here’s our top 5 winery recommendations for the California Wine Country region…

1. Jordan, Sonoma

Explore the architectural splendour of the iconic Winery Chateau in Healdsburg that has defined Jordan for four decades. We recommend their Winery Tour & Library Tasting where you’ll walk the cobblestone terrace and enjoy the scenic views overlooking the Sonoma wine country garden and vineyards, explore the iconic Jordan chateau followed by a seated tasting in the wood panelled library, where you’ll sample Jordan wines, hors d’oeuvre pairings, their home pressed olive oil and more.

2. Chalk Hill, Sonoma

The true essence of Chalk Hill is its estate. A unique corner of California wine country. Here, proprietor Bill Foley both preserves the nature of the land and honours it by producing wines reflecting its exceptional qualities. Sonoma County’s premier food & wine pairing experience! The ultimate experience is the Culinary Tour and Tasting. Your adventure will begin by touring the estate’s private culinary garden, where organically-farmed produce is the inspiration for their Executive Chef’s culinary artistry. Following a brief excursion through the vineyards, you will arrive at a gorgeous setting — a conservatory overlooking the equestrian centre with panoramic views of the Chalk Hill valley. There, you will enjoy a sit-down tasting of our exquisite estate wines paired with culinary offerings from our Estate Chef. This tour makes any visit to California’s wine region something special.

3. St Francis, Sonoma

For more than four decades, St. Francis Winery has consistently produced luscious, elegant, fruit driven wines so whether you’re visiting Sonoma for the first time or you’ve been many times before, make sure you include the Wine & Food Pairing experience at St. Francis on your next visit. Enjoy small dishes paired with fabulous wines hosted by a wine expert. You won’t regret it!

4. Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma

Before Napa and Sonoma were household names and before there was a California wine world at all, there was Buena Vista. Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colourful as it is proud. Just outside the town of Sonoma, the original winery is now a California Historic Landmark, and home to the winery, tasting room, and visitor’s centre. If you’re looking for a wine region experience with a difference, try their Be the Count Blending Experience. You’ll be guided through the art of blending and create your own personalised bottle with your customised label. An experience that’s educational as well as fun!

5. Trefethen Family Vineyards, Napa

One of Napa’s classic wine estates, Trefethen is still a hidden gem. Designated a National Historic Landmark, the 19th-century redwood winery is still a working cellar, and along with the gracious staff it provides a warm, comfortable environment in which to sample their distinctive, award-winning wines. Try the Reserve Tasting and savour a selection of special, limited release wines as well as the occasional older vintages from the cellar.

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The best way to explore Sonoma is biking through the vineyards and farmlands. It lets you slow down and appreciate the rolling hills of the wine country.

In the video, Randy Johnson of Getaway Adventures takes you on a ‘Sip and Cycle’ excursion with winery stops along the way for tastings. They start at Martorana Family Winery, picking grapes and learning about optimal harvest times.

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Napa & Sonoma Wine Regions

1. Jordan, Sonoma

2. Chalk Hill, Sonoma

3. St Francis, Sonoma

4. Buena Vista Winery, Sonoma

5. Trefethen Family Vineyards, Napa

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