BEYOND SONOMA, A PERFECT DAY IN NAPA

Your journey from the City of Sonoma leads you directly into the Carneros AVA (American Viticultural Area). This fog-kissed, cooler region is a destination in itself, known for producing excellent Pinot Noir and Chardonnay—the perfect grapes for sparkling wine. This area sets a sophisticated tone for the day, with premier stops like Donum Estateand Etude Winery. If you plan your visit to Etude on a weekend, you might even catch a live jazz performance, adding a chic layer to your Napa adventure.

Heading north brings you into the heart of the Valley—the famed Oakville and Rutherford regions, home to iconic estates and fantastic food. For those new to Napa, the Essential Tour at Robert Mondavi Winery is a recommended starting point. Though popular, the experience is just great; passionate hosts lead an informative two-hour tour that culminates in a superb tasting. It remains the gold standard for learning the fundamentals of Napa Cabernet.(Reopening Spring 2026)

For lunch, you have two excellent options: For a classic, casual Napa pit stop, grab an incredible sandwich at Oakville Grocery. Right up the street, you can visit Elizabeth Spencer, whose tasting room is charmingly housed in Rutherford’s old post office building. If you prefer a proper seated meal, head to Bouchon in Yountville. This is the casually elegant French bistro concept by the legendary Thomas Keller (of The French Laundry) with an exceptional atmosphere and great food. After lunch, stop at Stewart Cellars, known for its beautiful, award-winning tasting room architecture and fantastic wines. In the same courtyard, Southside Cafe offers a perfect complement: great coffee, pastries, fresh salads, and smaller savory dishes.

If you need a change of pace from the large estates, a few minutes up the road offers a quieter experience. Corison Winery is a favorite, providing an incredibly intimate tasting often held right in the barrel room, hosted by truly knowledgeable staff. Our very favorite Napa wine is Mayacamas Winery. Sitting high above the valley floor it makes exceptional wines and offers a great tasting experience.(By appointment only)

Next, cross over along Zinfandel Lane to the Silverado Trail. This stunning, less-trafficked drive along the eastern side of the valley features gems like Miner Family Winery and Robert Sinskey Vineyards, both known for their quality wines and picturesque settings.

If time allows, continue north to the charming towns of Saint Helena and Calistoga. Saint Helena is excellent for boutique shopping and browsing, while Calistoga offers a slice of movie magic at Chateau Montelena. This historic winery was prominently featured in the film Bottle Shock, retelling the story from Chateau Montelena's participation in the famous 1976 Judgment of Paris.
Conclude your northern adventure with a delicious and relaxing lunch or late-day meal at Solage.

Beyond Sonoma: Your Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley

While Sonoma lays claim to California's winemaking heritage, just over the Mayacamas Mountains lies its famous neighbor, Napa Valley. A day trip here offers an entirely different, yet equally captivating, Wine Country experience, blending world-class tours, acclaimed dining, and intimate tastings.