Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Courtesy of Calistoga Spa Hot Springs
Located in the heart of Calistoga, a stay at Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is all about finding time to relax and unwind in Wine Country. Rooms are simple yet well-appointed think kitchenettes with refrigerators, dishes, and utensils, flat screen TVs with premium cable, and free Wi-Fi but lets get real; you wont be spending that much time in your room. Instead, venture outside to take advantage of the four geothermal outdoor mineral pools, which range in temperature from 80 to 104 degrees and provide natural healing for the mind, body, and spirit. Spring for a mud bath treatment in the spa to really take your R&R to the next level.
WineCountry Perks: Use Promo Code NAPAVALLEY.COM and youll get 10% off guest rooms, 10% off on all spa treatments, 2-for-1 wine tasting passes to Picayune Cellars, and a welcome spa gift.
1006 Washington Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, 822-5772
Tour Other Sonoma State Historic Park Sites
Along the north side of Sonoma Plaza, you can tour four other Sonoma State Historic Park sites: the Blue Wing Inn, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, the Sonoma Barracks, and the Servants Quarters. The park sites are discrete, but collectively offer a great look back into Sonomas history.
Interpretive sign at Sonoma State Historic Park
The Blue Wing Inn is a long adobe building that dates from the Gold Rush era. The Toscano Hotel building dates from the mid 19th century, but it became a hotel in 1886. The family-owned operation ran all the way until 1955.
The two-story Servants Quarters adobe is part of La Casa Grande, General Vallejos first home in Sonoma. The family moved to a new estate in the early 1850s. The main home was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1867.
The Sonoma Barracks houses historical exhibits in several museum rooms. Here you will also find the park bookstore and gift shop. The buildings make for a nice wander, with several interpretive plaques offering information.
View historical exhibits at the Sonoma Barracks
Park sites are generally open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. everyday, other than major holidays. An admission fee of $3.00 per person covers all Sonoma State Historic Park sites for the day.
Sonoma And Sonoma Valley
Sonoma is a small town in the Sonoma Valley and despite only being 75 kilometres from San Francisco it is truly a different world. A recommended way to experience the joys of the town and the Sonoma Valley is to take a drive along Highway 12 where wineries line the road and are just begging to be stopped at.
Along the route Landmark Vineyards is set in the foothills of the Mayacama Mountains and offers food pairing and wine seminars while at The Imagery Estate Winery they have an on-site art gallery where you can peruse some great works while sampling the delicious wines. Californian sunshine and a glass of wine make perfect companions and at the Valley of the Moon Winery you can relax outside and enjoy the best of both worlds. Other wineries to consider in the area are Arrowood Vineyards and Winery, Chateau St. Jean, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard, Ravenswood, Loxton, Benziger and Gundlach-Bundschu.
Under a canopy of shady and majestic trees the Plaza in Sonoma is brimming with beautifully preserved buildings waiting to reveal their secrets. Surrounding the Plaza there are numerous chic boutiques, superb restaurants and quaint shops all just waiting to be visited. A short distance away from Sonoma in the village of Boyes Hot Springs is a Michelin starred restaurant as well as the springs that the town is named after.
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Go Birding At Doran Regional Park In Bodega Bay
If you enjoy birding, do the flat and easy Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail in Doran Regional Park. The walk is about 1.2 miles along a saltwater marsh. It goes around two large freshwater ponds, and along the walk you may see waterfowl as well as land birds.
A view from the bird walk trail
Even if you do not see many birds, the walk is scenic and relaxing. The trail also connects to Doran Regional Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as sand play, strolling on the sand, picnicking, sunbathing, and kite flying.
Doran Regional Park is open from 7 a.m. until sunset daily. Dogs are allowed on leash. At the time of writing, vehicle parking is $7.00.
Sonoma Valley Is Home To The Historic Towns Of Sonoma Glen Ellen And Kenwood Located Only 45 Minutes North Of San Francisco It Is Also Less Than 10 Miles From The Napa Valley
The passionately popular Sonoma Valley is best known for its award-winning Sonoma wineries. Sonoma Valley is also home to numerous small farms, fabulous Sonoma Wine Country restaurants, unique historical sites and attractions. The beautiful Sonoma Wine Country scenery, wonderful shops and boutiques, a Sonoma Square farmers market and world-class spas make this a perfect vacation destination. The Valley boasts a wealth of fine Sonoma Valley Wine Country lodging accommodations each one privately owned, inspected and certified to ensure that your stay will encourage you to return again and again.
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Best Combo Tour: Small Group Muir Woods And Sonoma Wine Tour
This packed, full-day tour starts with a pickup at your San Francisco hotel in a biofuel bus, which will take you across the Golden Gate Bridge to the stunning Muir Woods for a gentle morning hike. From there, youll zip up to Sonoma for guided tastings at several wineries and lunch at one of Sonoma Plazas many delicious restaurant offerings. On the way back into town to drop you back at your hotel, the bus stops at the Marin Headlands for a spectacular view of San Francisco over the water.
How To Have A Perfect Girls Getaway In Sonoma Wine Country
Ive already told you that Sonoma Wine Country is one of my favorite places for a girls getaway in California, offering all those things that you need to make a weekend with your favorite girls a huge success: wine, good food, plenty of fun activities. Throw some shopping and some relaxing spa time in the mix and everyone will be happy.
To give you a better idea of what a perfect girls getaway to Sonoma Wine Country could look like, I put together an itinerary for a weekend in Sonoma County, including where to stay, what to do, and practical information, such as: How would you even get there?
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Saturday In Sonoma Wine Country
Breakfast in Santa Rosa
For breakfast in Santa Rosa, I have two suggestions. One is just across the street from The Flamingo Hotel: Jeffreys Hillside Café. The small, family-owned café uses local ingredients and offers brunch classics such as Huevos Rancheros, bagels & lox, chilaquiles and omelettes, but also a few breakfast items with their own twist added to them, such as a Sticky Bun French Toast and a Tex Mex scramble.
My other recommendation is Dierks Parkside Café, another small family-run café, and winner of Best Breakfast in Sonoma County in 2016. If you eat here, dont leave without trying Grandma Dierks Pull-A-Parts .
Head to Armstrong Redwoods
After breakfast, it is time to walk off some of these calories. Drive to the nearby Armstrong Redwoods, which are about 30 minutes west of Santa Rosa, which make for one of the most magical forest experiences youll ever have. This serene, tranquil forest with majestic Redwoods trees doesnt fail to impress, with trees that grow 200-250 feet tall and live to be 500 to 1,000 years old.
Tip: Park outside the State Park at the Armstrong Redwoods Visitor Center and save yourself the $10 fee for driving into the park. Walk instead, it is a gorgeous hike. Depending on your fitness levels, you can decide when to turn around, but it is a relatively small forest.
First Wine Tasting: Korbel Champagne Cellars
And the extended tour through the historic champagne cellars, which includes a tasting, is completely free .
Calistoga Ranch An Auberge Resort
Courtesy of Calistoga Ranch
Tucked into a private canyon just outside the town of Calistoga, this 50-room Napa Valley luxury retreat sits on 157 acres complete with ancient oak trees, streams, and a private lake. The pristine setting is rustic, yet refined, with rock and natural wood tones, indoor/outdoor living spaces, and private lodges amidst moss-covered trees. The Auberge Spa, with its restorative spa treatments, state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary yoga classes, and private soaking pools overlooking the natural surroundings, is not to be missed.
WineCountry Perks: One night here just isnt enough, which is why well throw in a $200 resort credit for a two-night stay if you book using promo code WINECOUNTRY.
580 Lommel Road, Calistoga, CA 94515, 947-6442
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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:
Silverado Resort & Spa
This resort, complete with tennis and a gorgeous golf course, is a great option for staying overnight in Napa. Just off the Silverado trail , its the perfect location for your getaway. Silveradoresort.comNapa is great any time of year. Ive been in the sunshine and Ive been in the rain and it is always a beautiful getaway. And, located just an hour outside of San Francisco, its easy to combine these two amazing places into one trip. If you have any questions, let me know!
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Luxury Accommodations In California Wine Country
Explore the beauty of Northern California from the comfort of The Cambria® Hotel Sonoma Wine Country. Enjoy a relaxing getaway at our pet-friendly Sonoma Wine Country hotel. Work and play from our atmospheric property with easy access to Sonomas best wineries, North Bay, and downtown Rohnert Park.
Napa Valley Fly Guides
Napa Valley Fly Guides are headed by Richard, who has been a fisherman all his life. Fishing is his passion, and he has been part of the team for around nine years. Having extensive experience of Yuba River, Putah Creek, and Stanislaus River, he recommends them as best for fly fishing, which involves the catch-and-release method.
Napa Valley Fly Guides offers a great way to spend a day outdoors and get to know Napas beautiful nature.
Napa, CA, Phone: 707-294-4738
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Officially Recognized Sonoma County Avas
Note that over 40 grape varieties are grown through Sonoma County. However, given the diverse terroir of each AVA, some are more recognized than others in certain regions. Below, well highlight the best-known grape varieties found in each individual AVA.
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Also keep an eye out of Old World grape varieties being grown by some innovative producers throughout the valley, especially within Southern Sonoma. These varieties range from Italian varietals such as Sangiovese, to Spanish varietals such as Carignan. Bordeaux blends and grape varieties are also commonly found and can be fantastic, such as those occasionally crafted at Benzinger Family Winery depending on the year.
- Alexander Valley
- Bennett Valley
- CarnerosSonoma
- Chalk Hill
- Dry Creek Valley
- Fort Ross-Seaview
- Fountaingrove District
- Green Valley
- Knights Valley
- Moon Mountain
- Petaluma Gap
- Pine Mountain-Cloverdale Peak
- Rockpile
- Russian River Valley
- Sonoma Coast
- Sonoma Mountain
- Sonoma Valley
While Sonoma may be best known for its wine production, dont forget that given the diverse landscape, small;towns, accommodation and cuisine found throughout the region there is plenty of hiking, biking, sailing, relaxing, shopping and exploring available to the enthusiastic traveler.
Where To Begin Your Napa Valley Wine Tasting Journey
Now its time to start exploring some of the best Napa Valley wine tasting experiences. Napa Valley has over 450 vineyards in 14 different regions , along with almost two dozen local tasting rooms . Where should you go?
Well, thats where we come in. Weve compiled a list of ten amazing tasting sitesfor your consideration. There are so many incredible locations from which to choose, but the following list is a great place to start!
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Option : Sterling Vineyards
Ride the famous tram to the top of the mountain where youll be greeted with wine, a self guided tour, and a patio with stunning views of the valley.
NOTE: As of 7/2021 Sterling is still closed due to fires from last year.
WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting, Save $35.
WALLY DEAL: Email me for free $10 Off Promo Code,
El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen
Travelers who want to experience the rural vibes of wine country but still crave a little downtown buzz will find their home away from home in El Dorado. The 27-room boutique hotel is situated smack dab on Sonoma Square, which allows guests to balance their itinerary between vineyard hopping excursions and chilled-out days exploring town. Everything you need is within walking distance of your comfy, modern digsdont miss a meal across the street at The Girl and the Figbut it’s worth staying put for at least one hearty dinner at El Dorado Kitchen. If you do, go for the local Petaluma chicken breast or house-made fettuccine carbonara.
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How To Visit Sonoma On A Budget
A visit to the wine counties of California is often a place to visit and splurge a little bit. Wine tasting by nature is a higher-end affair. Its easy to get caught up in the moment and a few too many samples and blow your budget, but it doesnt have to. Visiting Sonoma on a budget is possible and still very enjoyable. Here is how we visited Sonoma on a budget.
Gotts Roadside Napa Valley California
Whether you are a local or international tourist driving through Napa Valley, Gotts Roadside is the ideal place to relax for a snack, lunch, or even a chilling drink on a hot day. This burger joint has a way of giving hotdogs, onion rings, hand-spun shakes, and even cheese burgers that extra-special subtle taste that will leave you craving more.
Chinese chicken salads and crispy Ahi Poke Tacos are made using local ingredients, while California centric wines, such as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Anchor from San Francisco, add to the local American flavor.
933 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574
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Where To Eat In Napa Valley
Bottega This spot in Yountville ranks right up there with my favorite dinner spots anywhere. Celebrity chef Michael Chiarello brings his top notch chef skills to this amaaaazing contemporary californian-italian restaurant in an atmosphere so uniquely Napa. Check out their incredible wine list and think of me when you order a glass of Nickel & Nickel merlot. The Nickels are great friends with Bottega, and its actually where I had my very first glass of my now-favorite wine.
RH Yountville
RH Yountville This chic new contemporary restaurant in Yountville is an instant favorite. Each table is adorned with an over-the-top chandelier, and the beautiful ambiance and decor is matched with the delicious menu. Order the crispy artichokes, the burrata, and definitely try their signature bellini! I also recommend going a little early for a drink at their bar it is adorable! This is the perfect date spot in Napa.
Farmstead This farm-to-table restaurant in Rutherford is an amazing spot, and my go-to every time Im in Napa. Think all-american food with a contemporary California twist. I always start with the grilled artichoke appetizer or the meatballs, and I recently had their barbecued ribs with mac and cheese . You cant go wrong with anything on their menu. And save room for dessert here because it is delicious! Another one of my favorite things about this place- their outdoor bar area with fire pits at night. Not to mention wine on tap. Because, Napa.
Wearing Heels Is A No
Learn from my mistakes my friends! It sounds romantic to frolic around wine country in a sundress, heels and hat but in reality, youll be spending a lot of time on your feet while wine tasting.;
And let me tell you, by winery #2 on a warm day in heels when your tour takes you on a stroll through the vineyards or gathers you around standing next to a barrel for a special tasting, youll be wishing you had on flats or reallllly comfy baby heels. Ive made this mistake so many times before I learned.;
Also, winter is cold. Everyone thinks California is sunny and warm all the time, but NOPE! If you are wine tasting in the winter, youll want to wear a sweater and maybe even a coat.;
Need more ideas on what to wear wine tasting? Check out my packing guide here!;
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