Destination: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country
Updated: April 04, 2002
Not far from the city's bright lights and gridlock traffic exists a land of rolling hills, world-class dining, and--believe it or not--great deals and non-pretentious wine guzzling. Whether you prefer formal tastings at pedigreed Napa wineries or experiencing a piece of quiet wine country off Highway 29 and away from the crowds, there are gems to be discovered and vineyards that deserve marveling at. Be prepared to embrace off-season discounts and revisit the classic spots offering a bit more for the wine lover.
On this page:What to Do, Where to Eat, Where to Stay.
What to Do
-
Martin Ray Winery
Read Reviews2191 Laguna Rd, Santa Rosa, CA 95401 (map)
Old-time pinot noir fanatics can?t pass this stop up; Martin Ray was the granddaddy of the grape in California long before "Sideways" decided that Merlot was a faux paux.
-
Nickel & Nickel Single Vineyard Winery
Write a review8164 Saint Helena Hwy, Oakville, CA 94562 (map)
This single-vineyard winery is one of the best in the area, and their appointment-only tour is as educational and eye-opening as it is romantic.
-
Preston Vineyards & Winery
Write a review9206 W Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (map)
You?ll have to drive a little farther, but when the friendly winery dog shows up to greet you and the olive trees start to sway in the breeze, all else will fade away.
-
Indian Springs
Read Reviews1712 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (map)
Pleasantly tranquil and hip simultaneously, this resort-spa seals the deal with a geyser-heated pool and comforting yet modern-retro architecture
Hess Collection Winery
Read Reviews4411 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA 94558 (map)
Sterling Vineyards
Read Reviews1111 Dunaweal Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515 (map)
Di Rosa Preserve-Art & Nature
Read Reviews5200 Sonoma Hwy, Napa, CA 94559 (map)
Where to Eat
-
French Laundry Restaurant
Read Reviews6640 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)
Martini House
Read Reviews1245 Spring St, Saint Helena, CA 94574 (map)
The name conjures up visions of Frank Sinatra, but you?ll find more than classic plates here; Himalayan truffles and mushroom tasting menus served in style await your arrival.
The Restaurant at Meadowood
Read Reviews900 Meadowood Ln, Saint Helena, CA 94574 (map)
La Toque Restaurant
Read Reviews1140 Rutherford Rd, Rutherford, CA 94573 (map)
El Dorado Kitchen
Write a review405 1st St W, Sonoma, CA 95476 (map)
Hotel restaurant proffers sophisticated California plates on the tourist-laden Sonoma square.
Diavola Pizzeria
Read Reviews2102 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville, CA 95441 (map)
Estate Restaurant
Write a review400 West Spain St, Sonoma, CA 95476 (map)
Artistic Italian fare is enhanced by Sonoma's culinary bounty at this countryside manor.
Ubuntu Yoga Studio & Rstrnt
Read Reviews1140 Main St, Napa, CA 94559 (map)
Bottega
Read Reviews6525 Washington St, Ste A9, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)
Food Network star and Napa Valley restaurateur Chef Michael Chiarello gets in touch with his culinary roots at this farm-to-table Italian restaurant in Yountville.
Taylor's Automatic Refresher
Read Reviews933 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574 (map)
Because sometimes you just need a parchment-wrapped, juicy burger or deep-fried fish taco before hitting your third winery.
Tra Vigne
Read Reviews1050 Charter Oak Ave, Saint Helena, CA 94574 (map)
An old classic that delivers the basics right and celebrates the bounty of the region, Tra Vigne is a Wine Country no-brainer.
Bounty Hunter Rare Wine
Read Reviews975 First Street, Napa, CA 94559 (map)
Reasonably priced wine flights from Napa and around the world, beer can chicken, and a relaxed atmosphere make this a favorite to locals and tourists alike.
Bouchon Restaurant
Read Reviews6534 Washington St, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)
When the French Laundry's maitre d' doesn't owe you a favor but you still want to experience a piece of the Thomas Keller Empire's edible perfection, Bouchon is where to go.
Dry Creek Kitchen
Read Reviews317 Healdsburg Ave, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (map)
Cyrus Restaurant
Read Reviews29 North St, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (map)
If you haven?t been wowed enough by the countryside, prepare to be deliciously dined and pampered at this culinary Mecca.
AKA Bistro
Read Reviews1320 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574 (map)
Where to Stay
-
Cottage Grove Inn
Read Reviews1711 Lincoln Ave, Calistoga, CA 94515 (map)
Submit to pampering in this friendly, charming inn, which has fireplaces and jacuzzi tubs in every private cottage and in-house masseuse appointments available.
El Bonita Motel
Read Reviews195 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574 (map)
Bringing it back to the basics, this 50's style motel in St. Helena keeps it simple with streamlined rooms, easy access to Napa Valley's treasures and low prices.
Hotel Healdsburg
Read Reviews25 Matheson St, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (map)
A modern hotel in the heart of Sonoma, Hotel Healdsburg is a sleek yet comfortable establishment offering coveted luxuries such as Chef Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen restaurant.
Bardessono
Write a review6526 Yount St, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)
It's easy being green: This Napa Valley resort features all the luxuries imaginable (in-room and otherwise) without compromising Mother Nature.
Meadowood Napa Valley
Read Reviews900 Meadowood Lane, Saint Helena, CA 94574 (map)
Just east of St. Helena, this stunning luxury resort balances the raw beauty and seclusion of the Mayacama Moutains with the service and amenities of a four-star hotel.
Silverado Resort
Read Reviews1600 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa, CA 94558 (map)
A place to visit in the off-season, when their rooms aren't occupied by the resort's devoted golf following and their deal-of-a-century wine tasting packages are offered with a night's stay.
Poetry Inn
Read Reviews1473 Yountville Cross Rd, Yountville, CA 94599 (map)
Located on a hillside overlooking Cliff Lede's vineyards, this elite inn rewards whoever calls to inquire about prices (not listed on their website) with romantic luxuries and almost total seclusion.
Renaissance Sonoma
Read Reviews1325 Broadway At Leveroni And Napa Roads, Sonoma, CA 95476 (map)
An unusually cute offspring of the Marriott chain, the lodge offers creature comforts at a reasonable price in Sonoma.
AdvertisementCitysearch is a registered trademark of Bluefoot Ventures Inc., and is used under license. © 2009 Citysearch.com. All rights reserved.
©2009 MapQuest Inc. Map data ©2009 NAVTEQ or TeleAtlas.Partner Sites:
- Evite -
- Insider Pages -
- Expedia -
- Hotels.com -
- Hotwire -
- LendingTree -
- MerchantCircle -
- Match -
- Pronto -
- Urbanspoon
Join Us on Facebook
Follow Us on Twitter