Fire Season In Wine Country
Fires are an increasing threat throughout California, and both Sonoma and Napa have been subject to large-scale blazes over the past several years. Wildfires are most common in the late fall and winter when dead vegetation and high winds can quickly spark flames.
With California’s wine country drawing more than 20 million visitors each year and employing 325,000 people, winemakers worry that the threat of fire will keep visitors away. In all reality, it shouldn’t. Even after the fires, most of the surrounding wineries, tasting rooms, hotels, and other businesses were open as usual.
California Wine Country Vacation Homes For Rent
California wine country vacation rentals offer the opportunity to enjoy the comforts of home and often more, with everything from an art and wine estate to an upscale home tucked In the vineyards. Browse a selection of beautiful properties available, youre sure to find something unique that meets your needs while providing amenities you didnt know you wanted.
Overwhelmed For Choosing What To Do In Wine Country
We are going to the San Francisco area/wine country in May. We love wine and are looking for a couple of great places that we absolutely cannot miss in either Sonoma or Napa. Any suggestions are much appreciated!! Any websites for planning would help too! Thanks! Erica
It depends in part if you are staying overnight or just going for the day.
If going for the day, Sonoma day could be quite fun if you had a car and did:
1) Got up early and got to Muir Woods just when it opens
Then continue up Highway 101 to the Sonoma Turn-off. This will take you to the wineries there. I’d recommend stopping at Viansa.
They have a public tour at 11:00 a.m.
2) Then drive to Sonoma Square and go to the cheese company there for lunch.
3) Then drive about 20 minutes from town to Benzinger. This is a great place for a tour….they take you out on a tractor wagon to the fields and explain the growing process; then show you how wine is made; take you to the wine caves; and also show you how wine barrels are made. They accompany this with wine tasting . There is also some very nice picnic area here if you decide to just buy your lunch and eat it here.
4) This is also close to Jack London State Park which is worth a stop…http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=478
5) Return to Sonoma Square and enjoy dinner at The Girl and the Fig
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Stolo Vineyards & Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Visitors to Cambria can now indulge in the complete winery experience, from vineyard to tasting room, just minutes from Downtown Cambria, along picturesque Santa Rosa Creek Road. We grow and bottle Coastal Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Our boutique winery and tasting room is family owned and operated. Come join us in our tasting room among the vines.
Reviewed By 825melg – Fort Worth, United States
We fell in love with this winery while staying in Cambria. To be honest, I just booked a here because it was the closet winery to our vacation rental. We loved it so much that we visited a total of three times. I made a reservation to sit at a picnic table in their grassy area next to the tasting room. From the moment we got there, Katie made us feel like family. She was delightful. Stolo has done such a nice job of practicing safety protocols . The view is amazing and the wine is great. I wish I was there right now enjoying a nice pinot noir and looking at the hillside.
Its Always A Good Time For Wine
Did someone say its wine oclock? Experience the wine country during cabernet season , when new vintages are aging, the weather is cooler and special rates and packages are offered at a variety of hotels and restaurants. Need more time? Smell the scent of fermentation in the air during harvest season , which is one of the most popular times of the year to visit.
Whether youre looking to have a romantic getaway or a family outing, there are endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Here are our recommendations for the best areas to stay in the wine country:
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The Complete Guide To California Wine Country For 2021
This article is part of a summer California winery series, California Dreaming.;Discover more articles here!
From redwood forests to star-paved sidewalks, California has something for everyone: spectacular beaches, world-class museums, towering mountains, and miles of rolling vineyards. This summer, the Golden State is calling every nature lover, culture craver, and, of course, oenophile to come take a spin across its sunny landscape.
California is a clear leader in the world of wine. Over 635,000 acres of prime California land is dedicated to over 100 different incredible grape varieties, accounting for over 80 percent of all U.S. wine production. With thousands of wineries to choose from, its not just the countrys top producer but fourth in the world.
While this is exciting, its also, understandably, quite overwhelming. To help you navigate this wine-filled wonderland, weve consulted with a few of our favorite California wineries to help you discover the finest spots for sipping, dining, sleeping, and more. Check out our list of some of the best wineries, restaurants, resorts, and activities in the states top wine regions.
Accommodation In Wine Country
California Wine Country can be a very expensive place to find accommodation, so choosing where to base yourself is key. If you want to splurge there are endless hotels, B&Bs and inns within Napa and Sonoma; but they will be rather costly as they will be close to everything in these areas.
On the flip slide, I always choose the cheaper option so I can enjoy myself a little more with the alcohol and cuisine available, as you really dont spend too much time in your room anyway.
How do I manage to do this?
Well, as a seasoned US traveller, I know how to use Tripadvisor and rather well. After a lot of research, I found the city of Santa Rosa to be the best value that was only a 30 minute drive from the main Wine Country areas I would be exploring.
My choice of accommodation is always the Sandman Santa Rosa and I never regret it. I have stayed here twice for more than 50% less than what Napa and Sonoma accommodations charge, so it really is a no-brainer for me. The rooms are nice enough, and you get free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking.
I prefer my money goes towards actually experiencing everything a place offers, not splurging on luxury all the time. But this is a wonderful choice.
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California Wine Country Vacation Rentals: All You Need To Know
When you think of California Wine Country, you probably picture the Napa Valley and Sonoma. This is the worlds most densely concentrated winery region, with over 400 wineries in just a 30-mile stretch from Napa to Calistoga alone. In Sonoma County, which includes Healdsburg, there are 425.
With so many to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin when planning your stay. We can give you a great head start with this guide that will tell you all you need to know about wine country vacation rentals and how to create your own ultimate escape among the vines.
The Wine Stay is the perfect place to start, not only offering idyllic wine country vacation rentals, but curated vacation experiences you may not have even considered. This is a great way to make the most out of your time in Californias most popular wine region. Sommelier led wine tours? Check. A 5-star chef and sommelier that come together to create the perfect meal in your vacation rental home? Check. Private wine and food tastings with an expert? Yes, thats an option too.
For Glitz And Glam: Napa Valley
Often referred to as a theme park for adults, Napa Valley is home to some of the most respected wineries in the world, and is synonymous with Michelin-starred restaurants like The Restaurant at Meadowood. Step into the Italian Tuscan castle and winery Castello di Amorosa for an afternoon of medieval-themed wine tasting, or treat yourself to a day of relaxation at the many spas Napa Valley has to offer. The choice is yours. Find a hotel in Napa Valley.
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Where To Taste Wine With Food
Cabernet Sauvignon: Stags Leap helped put Napa Valley on the map when their bold cab won the Judgement of Paris in 1976, and these days, the winery also has a strong food program, serving pairings by the lake.
Sparkling Wine: The area is also known for sparkling wine, and Domaine Chandon not only has an over-the-top flower garden and crisp Cali sparklers, but you can also get a picnic basket stuffed with mini bottles of bubbles, charcuterie, cheese, and other snacks.
Pinot Noir: Flowers Winery in West Sonoma County edges closer to the coast, yielding fog-kissed and minerally pinot noir and Chardonnay, which you can sip and snack in open-air cabanas.
Natural Wine: With the growing natural wine movement, Valley Bar and Bottle Shop is the cool new restaurant and wine bar on historic Sonoma Plaza, from a couple of veterans of Scribe winery, now pouring favorite organic and biodynamic winemakers, and serving XO eggs and butter beans.
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Napa Valley: Historic Downtown And Riverfront
Napa is an awesome place, especially the historic downtown area.
The riverfront offers a relaxing walk, or sit down meal . There is also a massive chair that people can have photos on, which of course we did! So make sure you snap one of those too.
Napa is very big place with many wineries all over town, but if you are short for time, the historic district is all you need to get a feel for the place and have an enjoyable time. Its a really nice part of town!
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Savor Locally Made Olive Oil
Thought Wine Country only grew grapes? Think again. The areas climate also lends itself well to producing quality olive oils, and Napa Valley is home to one of the top spots for tasting this liquid gold. The grand, beautiful Round Pond Estate is not only an acclaimed winery, but also an olive millone of the only two in the regionthat crafts small-lot olive oils from imported Mediterranean olive trees. Owned and operated by the second generation of the MacDonnell family, Round Pond creates a variety of gourmet olive oils infused with everything from blood orange, to Meyer lemon, to garlic, to rosemary, to basil. Stop by the estate to tour the mill; learn about cultivation, harvest, and production methods; and of course, taste the final product . You can also savor Napas blossoming olive-oil renaissance at Long Meadow Ranch, Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing Company, and Olivier Napa Valley.
See All 14 Californa Wine Regions
Wine Country Getaways; Creators Janelle and Joe Becerra frequently travel throughout the year to California wine regions to explore and discover adventures in wine country.;;;wine country;expertise is apparent on these pages. This wine travel guide is a Mom and Pop operation that you will enjoy exploring. Happy trip planning!
What you find in these pages:; Designated wine trails in large and small wine regions in California. The wine trails lead to a mix of wineries and tasting rooms that will delight the wine country traveler. Find out which are the best wineries for visiting and learning about wine. Discover the best lodging and restaurants. Follow Insider Tips for discovering little-known backroads, picnic areas, hiking, and much more in wine country.
Wine country Getaways takes no advertising from wineries. The winery recommendations and blog reports are solely from the travel experiences of Janelle and Joe. Where else on the Internet is it possible to have this type of unbiased wine country information?
To stay in tune with the latest wine country travel information, sign up for our blog reports and articles. There is always something of current interest on Wine Country Getaways. Sign up is in the upper right column.
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Central Valley Wine Region
LodiWine
Though it may not be as popular as other wine regions, Lodi is worth your visit. Just four hours north of Santa Maria Valley, it has been producing grapes since the mid-1800s and is the largest appellation in California with more than 110,000 acres in production. Youll find hearty Zinfandels here as well as other popular California varietals. Sip and share conversations with the vintners and winemakers themselves, who are often found meandering around the tasting rooms.
Fresno County Wine
This county consists of 13 wineries, and each location in this quaint California wine region has a signature personality. A scenic, three-hour drive from Santa Maria Valley, with plenty of lively stops along the way, the Fresno County wine journey tasting rooms are locally-owned, and many are family-operated. Approximately one-fifth of the total wine grapes grown in California are here!
Rife with history and friendly faces, these wine regions will make your California wine tasting getaway unforgettable. Santa Maria Valley is here to keep this vibe going. Complete your day on the Central Coast with us. After all, what is a trip to California without a visit to inhale the coastal scenery? Let the fresh air softly lull you to sleep as you pass the night in one of our many hotels.
Visit Wineries That Offer More Than Wine
It may seem counterintuitive to visit a winery if youre not there to drink wine, but dont fret: Many properties offer a little something extra to appeal to visitors who are not imbibing. Nondrinkers can explore the Tuscan-inspired castle housing Castello di Amorosa winery, tour the historic wine caves at Schramsberg Vineyards, enjoy an Italian picnic at the gorgeous V. Sattui Winery, take in panoramic views from an aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards, or admire film memorabilia at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. And art buffs cant miss Hess Collection, Hall Wines, Robert Mondavi Winery, and Mumm Napa Valleywhich all boast world-class sculptures, contemporary paintings, awe-inspiring photography, and more stunning artworks.
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Get Your Map Ready For A Tour Of The Best Wineries In California
Nowadays, South California wine country is among the largest growing region in the world , with thousands of vineyards shipping up to 250 million cases of good California wine throughout the globe annually from one of the many So Cal wineries. The winding country roads attract visitors from all over the worldproviding a getaway full of good food, quaint towns, and of course, fine drinks! So, grab your California wine map and start planning a tasting tour of the Golden State, and indulge in a glass or two of some top stuff around.
California Wine Country: Where Should You Go
When one plans to take in the many sights of California, these usual places are always a must: Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County and San Francisco.
But one area that absolutely MUST be included in this list, is California Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma, Santa Rosa and surrounds. At just over an hour from San Francisco, to not experience these places is a crime in itself.
Whether you are a wine lover or just enjoy beautiful landscapes of endless vineyards, rolling hills and tree-lined streets, it really is a dream to drive around this countryside, even just for a few days.
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A Great Writers Grave An Oscar Winners Retreat And A Star Chefs Restaurant In Sonoma County
Im up early this morning to beat the line at another hallowed Wine Country breakfast spot: Thomas Kellers traditional French boulangerie, Bouchon Bakery, in Yountville. The smell of bread and the sight of the pastry display here are dizzying, but I keep it simple, picking up a chocolate croissant and a latte, plus a multicolored mix of macarons for the road.
I take the leisurely drive back down through the valley,;then west through the rolling hills of the Carneros region toward Sonoma. I have a trio of personal pilgrimages to make today, and the first is in Glen Ellen, at Jack London State Historic Park.;The author of The Call of the Wild and To Build a Fire is a literary hero of mine, and he lived on a Sonoma Valley ranch for the last few years of his life. That land is now preserved, and a short hike through the park brings me to the spot where Londons ashes were scattered following his 1916 death. Looking at the boulder that marks the grave site, Im reminded of a few lines he wrote: I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet.
The afternoon is getting on, and I have one more personal hero to pay a visit to. Just six miles farther up the road, in Geyserville, is the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The legendary filmmaker has lived in Napa since the mid-70s, when he bought the Niebaum Estate, and in 2010 he opened this Tivoli Gardensinspired property as a family-friendly resort.
Surprising Ways To Tour Wine Country
French-inspired chateaus, turreted castles, meticulously groomed vineyards, and wild RedwoodsâCalifornia Wine Country is home to countless sites that will take your breath away. Here are a few ideas to enjoy the area through a completely novel lens. Whether you want to channel your inner equestrian, thrillseeker, or Phileas Fogg, thereâs something to suit your particular taste. You will create long-lasting memories with these 11 unique experiences curated for those who prefer the path less traveled.
1. Float Through the Sky on a Hot Air BalloonThere is no form of transport more delightfully whimsical than riding in a woven basket hitched to a colorfully patterend balloon. Get a birdâs eye view of the rolling vineyards with Napa Valley Aloft or Napa Valley Balloons. Both companies offer group trips or exclusive flights .
2. Travel to Wineries in a Vintage Cable CarBoth the Napa Valley Wine Trolley and Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley whisk guests all around the region in an authentic replica of a turn-of-the-century California streetcar. The all-day tours stop at a few premier wineries and serve a gourmet picnic lunch. For more historical elegance in the evening, book a dinner reservation on the Napa Valley Wine Train.
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