Summer in Sonoma & Napa Valleys

Photo: Out in the Vineyard

For our second installment on ‘where to travel now’—whether for an engagement, honeymoon or getaway—we are headed to Sonoma & Napa Valleys, where your ‘rosé all day’ dreams will come true. 

But lest you think California’s wine country is only about wine, think again. There are endless outdoor and cultural activities to compliment hours sipping wine at the region’s most famous wineries. That said, you can (and probably should) stick with your first thoughts about wine country! 

Once again, our partners at Valerie Wilson Travel have put together an ideal itinerary to make the most of both Sonoma and Napa. And Valerie Wilson Travel is ready to work with you on making this itinerary entirely your own. Just drop them a line here to book your trip this summer. There’s no better time to be in wine country than between June and October. And if make it to wine country in July, make sure to time your trip for the return of Gay Wine Weekend from July 15th-17th. Organized by Out in the Vineyard, this is a 3-day program of wine tasting, dinners with vintners, nighttime revelry and daytime pool parties.

After a flight to San Francisco or the winning Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa (the creator of Snoopy lived in nearby Santa Rosa for 30-years), you will be driven to the Montage Healdsburg for 3-nights. An afternoon spa treatment, a visit to the Charles M. Schultz Museum, or a stroll down Healdsburg’s charming main street, will make for an ideal start to your week. Dinner that night will be at Hazel Hill at the hotel. 

The following morning, a hike around Lake Sonoma, or swim, sail or boat on this impressive body of water will rid you of any guilt heading into days of fine wines and food! 

Photo: Lynmar Estate

A private car will take you to the J Vineyard and Wines for your first wine-tasting. You’re likely familiar with these wines, which will make for a great start to becoming a wine connoisseur. From there, you’ll head to Lynmar Estatefor lunch, which is one of the most picturesque wineries in the valley. Your final stop for the afternoon will be at the Hartford Family Winery where you will experienced the family’s unrivaled hospitality and exceptional wines. 

After some down time at the hotel it will be time for dinner at the 3-Michel Starred Single Thread. 

Photo: Wicked Sonoma

The next day, if you’re not still in a wine and/or food coma, a stroll along the coast at Goat Rock Beach. This is where the Russian River gives way to the Pacific and makes for treacherous swimming, so stay on the shore. 

Today you’re going to work a little harder at the wineries starting with a Farm-to-Table Interactive cooking luncheon at Jordan Winery. Having learned about the wines during your visit, why not learn about foraging, beekeeping and food-making, too! From here, you’ll head off to Hirsch Vineyards or the world-famous Francis Ford Coppola Winery. 

After an afternoon in repose, dinner will be served at the casual, Mediterranean eatery: Layla in downtown Healdsburg. 

Photo: Four Seasons

Having had your (wine glass) fill of Sonoma, you’re a short drive away from the Four Seasons in Napa Valley.Spend the afternoon on Napa’s outdoor Art Walk or, for the more intrepid, a bike tour of Napa Valley might be in order, especially since dinner awaits at FARM, where a cool beer awaits you. 

Your final day of wine-tasting will take you to Tamber Bey, Cakebread Cellars and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars where, again, you’ll become expert in some of the world’s most recognizable wines. Now, if you didn’t opt for a bike tour the day prior, you could bike your way through the various wineries. 

Photo: Stag’s Leap

And, to close out your stay in wine country, there is no better spot than French Laundry for a celebratory dinner. This world-famous culinary experience will no doubt become your favorite meal of all time. 

So, the world’s best wines and foods, along with stunning landscapes and impeccable hotels await you and are just one click away! If you don’t yet have summer plans, Sonoma and Napa should be in your immediate future.