Spend A Weekend in California Wine Country

What better weekend getaway then to head to Russian River, Sonoma and Napa to taste great farm to table food, drink delicious wine and relax in a gorgeous setting. Here is where to stay, eat and drink on your next trip to California wine country.

California is one of the leading winemaking regions in the world. More than 600,000 acres of the Golden State are dedicated to growing more than 100 grape varieties, accounting for more than 80 percent of all U.S. wine production and making California the 4th largest producer of wine in the world.

In Napa, Sonoma and Russian River, visitors can taste some of the world’s best rosé, prosecco, pinot noir, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc, merlot and many other varietals.

We chose to drive from Los Angeles in our new Cadillac Escalade Sport Platinum SUV which features semi-autonomous driving feature for hands-free driving. It was a perfect choice to hold all of the wine we purchased. When starting out in a location farther than a few hours drive, travellers can head to Charles Schultz Sonoma Airport and rent a car when they land. This is the closest airport to California wine country and has several rental car companies inside.

Stay

Farmhouse Inn

This rustic romantic resort located in the heart of Russian River Valley comprises of several yellow buildings that house 25 country-chic guestrooms, a spa, the lounge and reception and a fantastic restaurant. Rooms range from the original 1870’s farmhouse to the newer and bigger rooms with forest views. We loved the two-sided fireplace, heated bathroom floors, huge comfy beds and freshly baked treats left bedside at turndown service. We also enjoyed the huge outdoor Jacuzzi, complimentary s’mores bar and resident friendly cat. The Farmhouse Inn is the perfect place to stay when visiting Sonoma, Russian River and Healdsburg. 7871 River Road, Forestville, https://www.farmhouseinn.com.

Archer Hotel Napa

The Archer Hotel Napa is impressive for many reasons, including its great location in the middle

of downtown Napa within walking distance of restaurants and shops, it’s amazing rooftop with fire pits and gorgeous views, the beautiful massive stone and wood lobby and rooms with private balconies and fireplaces. We loved the open-air rooftop Sky & Vine bar serving bar bites and cocktails and the beautiful water deck with panoramic views of Napa, water loungers and cabanas with firepits. Located at 1230 First Street, Napa, https://archerhotel.com.

Hotel San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is a great half-way point if driving to Napa from Los Angeles. The new 78- room resort is modern, bright and airy. Rooms reflect the young beachy vibe of the city and are decorated in a boho chic style with white oak floors, hand-made rugs and original artwork. Our rooms featured a pretty balcony and tall floor-to-ceiling windows letting in lots of natural light. We loved the huge 50-foot terrace swimming pool, on-site Sol Spa and delicious Ox + Anchor steakhouse. Located at 877 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, https://hotel-slo.com.

Sip

Hamel Family Wines, Sonoma

A good place to start sipping in Sonoma is the elegant modern Hamel Family Wines. Providing panoramic picturesque views of the beautiful vineyards and mountains from their expansive patio, this winery offers biodynamic wines and an extensive Collector’s Experience tour including a private tasting with culinary accompaniment in their Cave Reserve Room. We sampled four beautiful wines and especially liked the Pamelita Reserve. It’s a great spot to view the sunset with a glass of their Nun’s Canyon 2017. $100, 15401 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, https://hamelfamilywines.com.

Jordan Winery, Healdsburg

Head to Healdsburg to the pretty Jordan Winery, celebrating it’s 50th anniversary. Inspired by the great wine estates of France, it houses a chateau, sustainably farmed vineyards, a chef’s garden and an on-site Estate House with three suites that wine members can occupy. Take a tour and tasting and explore the 1200 acres of vineyards and enjoy a seated wine and food pairing. We opted for the winery tour and had a wine and cheese pairing. Our favorite was the 2019 Chardonnay. $75, 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg, https://www.jordanwinery.com.

Charles Krug, St. Helena

Charles Krug in St. Helena is the oldest winery estate in Napa and California’s very first tasting room. Their winery tour and tasting lets visitors learn about the legendary history of the estate which opened in 1861 by Charles Krug and was purchased by the Mondavi family in 1943. We took the tour and tasting and enjoyed visiting the vineyard, viewing the three homes that the Mondavi family grew up in and the charcuterie, cheese and wine tasting in the beautiful Redwood Cellar. Our favorites were the Limited Release Merlot and the Family Reserve Vintage Selection. $75, 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, https://www.charleskrug.com.

Davis Estates, Calistoga

At the top of Calistoga in the Napa Valley is the picturesque Davis Estates. The family owned and operated winery is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon, but also produces Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs. The property covers 155 acres and includes a historic barn with vintage artifacts and trailers, an antique windmill, an impressive cave and dining room and a gorgeous tasting lounge with a kitchen. We especially loved the artwork throughout the caves and winery, the outstanding food pairings that accompanied our wine tasting and the stunning panoramic views. Our favorite wines were the 2017 Sauvignon Blanc and the Phase V Cabernet Sauvignon. $100, 4060 Silverado Trail, Calistoga, https://www.davisestates.com.

Larkmead Vineyards, Calistoga

Located a short drive from Davis Estates is the quaint Larkmead Vineyards. Each guest experience is specifically curated to suit each visitor. Founded in 1895, the 110-acre vineyard houses a pretty white country-designed tasting room. We sat on the porch overlooking the vineyard and sampled the Estate Tasting including their 2015 Firebelle and 2018 Solari and Cabernet. $125, 1100 Larkmead Lane, Calistoga, https://www.larkmead.com.

Chandon, Yountville

Head to Yountville for some bubbly at the famous Domaine Chandon Winery. Set in the Chandon Hills, visitors sit amidst lush landscaped grounds in an idyllic setting. Domaine Chandon consists of 1,000 acres of vineyards in Yountville, Carneros and Mount Veeder. Our tasting began with questions about our favorite wines, which enabled our guide Gabriel to choose specific wines that would fit our palette. We loved the al fresco relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to purchase sparkling wines that are only available at the winery. Our favorites were the Blanc de Pinot Noir and the Étoile Téte de Cuvée. $50, 1 California Drive, Yountville, https://www.chandon.com.

JCB Tasting Salon, Yountville

Make sure to book an appointment to view the luxurious JCB Tasting Salon in Yountville. Named after its curator Jean Charles Boiseet, this unique salon showcases one of a kind jewelry, perfumes, candles, stemware, Lalique glassware, home furnishings and artwork. We loved the Gala Champagne and Caviar Sparkling Wine. Tasting prices vary, 6505 Washington Street, Yountville, https://jcbcolletion.com.

Far Niente Winery, Oakville

Visit the idyllic Far Niente Winery in Oakville for its peaceful surroundings, excellent wines and beautifully landscaped gardens. Their caves store hundreds of wine barrels and the 13 acres around the winery house a garden tasting area next to a Carriage House with vintage motorcycles and cars. We loved the knowledgeable tour guides, delicious wine and gorgeous surroundings. Our Estate Tasting consisted of a cheese tasting with five wines. Our favorites were the 2020 Chardonnay and the 2019 En Route Pinot Noir. $90, 1350 Arcadia Drive, Oakville, https://farniente.com.

Savor

FARM, Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa

Guests can choose to dine al fresco on the patio or inside next to the cozy fireplace at this farm-to-table inspired restaurant. Simple and elegant dishes fill the menu, including a beautiful vegetable crudité with hummus, a shaved fennel and beet salad, black truffle pasta, white asparagus Nicoise salad and chicken with chestnut jus. 4048 Sonoma Highway, Napa, https://www.farmatcarneros.com.

Hazel Hill, Montage, Healdsburg

Featuring French-influenced California cuisine, the new Hazel Hill at the Montage Healdsburg is elegant and modern with beautiful views of vineyards and Mount St. Helena. Local produce is showcased in dishes including smoked sturgeon with celery root and caviar, white asparagus with cured egg and hazelnut, pasta with black truffles, tuna with fennel and farro, Wagyu strip with duck fat potatoes and mandarin creamsicle and milk chocolate cremeux for dessert. We loved the airy indoor and al fresco dining rooms and the huge open kitchen. 100 Montage Way, Healdsburg, https://www.montagehotels.com.

Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, Archer Hotel Napa

Enjoy panoramic views of downtown Napa at the casual Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar. Visit the bar for craft cocktails, private barrel flights and draft beers or relax in lounge seating or a rocker alongside potted olive trees and topiary and enjoy small bites or their Tuesday tacos and tequilas. We loved the lively atmosphere and delicious burgers. 1260 First Street, Napa, https://www.skyandvine.com.

Ox + Anchor, Hotel San Luis Obispo

Located next to Hotel San Luis Obispo, modern steakhouse Ox + Anchor elevates traditional salads, steaks, seafood and side dishes with California farm fresh ingredients. Chef Ryan Fancher worked at Auberge du Soleil, The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s New York Per Se and Healdsburg’s Barndiva before heading up the kitchen at Ox + Anchor. Diners can indulge in goat cheese croquettes, bone marrow tator tots, crab cakes, a variety of signature steaks and sauces, mac and cheese, lobster risotto, grilled lobster, crispy duck , halibut and other seasonal dishes. 877 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, https://oxandanchor.com.

Whether you plan to visit a few or many locations in California wine country, it’s the perfect spot to unwind, relax and sample some of the best wine and food in the world.