arrow-left arrow-down arrow-right arrow-up bookmark bookmark-outline checkmark chevron-left chevron-down chevron-right chevron-up chevron-double-left chevron-double-down chevron-double-right chevron-double-up clock compass departure-return devices email forum globe globe-alt guest-services heart info loading lp-diamond marker-flag minus mobile open pin play plus pop-out price share shop sight star triangle-left triangle-down triangle-right triangle-up trip-type umbrella apple facebook facebook-block instagram pinterest pinterest-large twitter facebook-messenger whatsapp 0 rating 1/2 rating 1 rating 1-1/2 rating 2 rating 2-1/2 rating 3 rating 3-1/2 rating 4 rating 4-1/2 rating 5 rating airplane bear bed book-pencil car health lamp lgbt money safety suitcase umbrella vespa visa wheelchair map-default map-drink map-eat map-play map-see map-shop map-sleep map-transport hamburger loading magnify-grey magnify-white open pop-out loading-40px share-13px pop-out-16px twitter-21px facebook-21px facebook-9px email-18px email-21px
Skip to Content
Search Lonely Planet
Search
Video
Best in Travel 2019
Best in Travel 2019
Featured
Adventure travel
Art and culture
Beaches, coasts and islands
Explore every day
Food and drink
Journeys
Tokyo Modern | Classic
Browse Videos
Destinations
Best in Travel
Best in Travel
Featured
Africa
Antarctica
Asia
Australia & Pacific
Caribbean
Central America
Europe
Middle East
North America
South America
See All Countries
Bookings
Insurance
Hotels
Flights
Adventure tours
Sightseeing tours
Car rental
Shop
Sign in

,,

Tripping California Wine Country

Featured article
Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet Writer
share

Hankering for biodynamic wine, farm-fresh food and miles of toasted-oat hills? Sounds like California Wine Country's calling your name?

Northern California is home to some seriously alluring winery-laden valleys, most famously Napa and Sonoma, but also Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys.

Valley guide

  • Napa Valley is chock-a-block with wineries and five-star restaurants (the hub of the region). Hwy 29 gets backed up, so head down the Silverado Trail instead.
  • Sonoma is more laid-back and spread out, although Hwy 12 is not the prettiest drive and can get backed up too
  • Picturesque Dry Creek is the best choice for biking between tastings (bucolic West Dry Creek Rd< is a good bet)
  • Russian River is a local favorite, with wineries along Westside Rd and canoeing in summer and fall
  • Alexander is the quietest valley, with an Old West aura and fab red wines.

Best time to visit: Tasting rooms tend to stay open all year (around 10am to 4pm), but come in spring, or better yet fall, for warm weather and 'the crush' (wine-pressing season).

Tasting tips: Unless you actually spit out wine, you should plan on visiting only three or four wineries a day. Tastings generally include four to six different wines and range from free to US$25.

Whites or reds? The valleys specialize in different varietals (many of them organic or biodynamic):

  • Napa Valley – cabernets and meritage
  • Sonoma Valley – syrah and zinfandel
  • Dry Creek – sauvignon blanc, syrah and sangiovese
  • Russian River – pinot noir
  • Alexander Valley – zinfandel and chardonnay

Where to stay: Most of the wineries are clumped near small towns without a ton of lodgings. There are several options, but finding an affordable place to stay can be tough in summer and fall. If all else fails, there's Vallejo, about 20 minutes from downtown Napa with plenty of cheap chain motels off the highway, or Santa Rosa to the north.

Where to eat: Farm-to-table cuisine, diners, you name it. Food is big here and many wineries have luscious eating options attached. If you're looking to lash out though, the fine French Laundry might suit - but you'll have to book a few months out.

Nightlife: Think small-town bars with microbrews - and early closing hours.

Further information:

  • Napa Valley
  • Sonoma Valley
  • Russian River and Dry Valleys
  • Alexander Valley

This article was updated June 2012

Published

More from Lonely Planet

facebook pinterest twitter flipboard

Subscribe

Get 20% off at our online shop.

I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Contact Lonely Planet here. Lonely Planet Privacy Policy.
Thank you for subscribing.

Destinations

  • Africa
  • Antarctica
  • Asia
  • Caribbean Islands
  • Central America
  • Europe
  • Middle East
  • North America
  • Pacific
  • South America

Shop

  • Destination guides
  • eBooks
  • Pictorial & gifts
  • Phrasebooks
  • Lonely Planet Kids
  • Special offers

Community

  • Country forums
  • Interest forums
  • Travel companions
  • Talk to Lonely Planet

Interests

  • Adventure travel
  • Art and culture
  • Backpacking
  • Beaches, coasts and islands
  • Family holidays
  • Festivals
  • Food and drink
  • Honeymoon and romance
  • Road trips
  • Travel gear and tech
  • Travel on a budget
  • Wildlife and nature

Travel booking

  • Hotels
  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • About us
  • Work for Us
  • Contact us
  • Press, trade and advertising
  • Blog
  • Terms & conditions
  • Privacy policy

© 2019 Lonely Planet. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.