Things to do in  Napa & Sonoma

Napa and Sonoma both provide picturesque landscapes, top-notch wine tasting experiences, and incredible culinary finds. Napa Valley offers rolling hills from Alexander Valley to Rutherford and contains many notable varietals, including cabernet sauvignon. Sonoma County has a unique coastal influence with its sauvignon blancs and smaller private vineyards where you can truly interact with winemakers.

Napa Valley tends to be pricier, but it does offer higher-end winery experiences and quieter lodging options like boutique spas and luxury resorts. On the other hand, Sonoma typically has more budget-friendly options with smaller, family-run wineries and more outdoor activities such as biking trails and farmers markets.

Without rushing your adventure through wine country, four or five days will provide a balance of learning, relaxation, and tasting. This allows ample time to fully soak up the stunning scenery, explore different wineries, try delicious local dishes, and venture outside with a variety of activities such as cycling.

May and September are the two most popular months for visiting Napa Valley—and for good reason. The weather is ideal in both months—sunny but not uncomfortably hot, so perfect for being outdoors. There are also plenty of festivals happening in May, while September kicks off the wine harvest.

To fully appreciate the beauty of each estate, it’s best to keep it to two to three wineries per day of touring. Whether you’re exploring on your own or as part of a winery tour, quality over quantity is the best strategy to keep in mind when planning your tastings.

While the dress codes vary from winery to winery, comfort is key for this type of adventure. Breathable clothing that won’t restrict your movement, paired with comfortable sneakers for walking is ideal. As for color palettes and patterns, lighter colors are recommended to help beat any potential heat during the warmer months.