The Best Things to Do in California Wine Country in 48 Hours
One of the best perks about living in San Francisco is being able to escape from the city for the weekend and spend time in the beautiful Napa Valley countryside. California Wine Country was pretty much made for relaxing weekend escapes, you can easily get your fill of scenic sights, good wine and gourmet food in a compact 48 hour weekend. Even if you donβt live in the Bay Area, because Napa is centrally located itβs a breezy drive from most Northern California cities. This guide includes where to eat, what sightseeing stops to plan, our favorite wine tasting spot and a Napa Valley hotel and tour guide (plus some of our travel photos to serve as inspiration!).
The Best Things to Do in California Wine Country
Where to Drink Wine in California Wine Country: The Famous Chateau Montelena Chardonnay
If you're a connoisseur of wine making and are interested in the history of Napa Valley, the famous Chateau Montelena is a must-visit. The Hollywood all-star cast movie Bottle Shock tells the story of how scrappy Napa farmers made their mark on the world in the 1970's. The Barrett family winemakers lead the pack with their 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, which currently sells at auction for almost $12,000. The Chateau Montelena Winery is open to the public for tastings. The estate's grounds include rolling hills with vineyards and a reservoir filled with swans and willow trees.
It takes a village to make vineyard magic and Mike Grgich was another key player in crafting the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay. He offers trains tours of his own vineyard at the scenic Grgich Hills Winery. Do your homework before visiting and watch the film Bottle Shock beforehand, it will give you a great frame of reference and make your trip even more memorable.
Where to Eat in California Wine Country: Brunch, Lunch and Dinner
Brunch - Boon Fly Barn is a favorite brunch spot for both the modern country atmosphere and fresh eats.
On Location Picnic Brunch - The best way to enjoy lunch in Napa Valley is outside among the grapes and the vineyards. Iβve got a complete blog post outlining the best picnic and food tours.
Patio Dinner - Enjoy the warm Napa evenings with a patio dinner at The Girl & The Fig. The menu offers a lengthy wine list which you can enjoy under twinkling lights alongside a gourmet dinner.
Sonoma Lavender Barn
Last weekend we headed out to the Lavender Barn open house in Sonoma to take in the views and cut some fresh lavender. This was my first time visiting the Lavender Barn in Sonoma. It is only open two weekends a year and it is extremely popular with visitors from all over Northern California.
We were lucky to arrive early before all the crowds started to roll in and got a chance to stroll through the grounds and surrounding vineyards. I cut a large bunch of lavender to take home and it currently adorns our kitchen in a large mason jar. On the drive home the lavender was so fragrant that our whole car smelled like a spa. There's nothing better than the smell of fresh cut flowers! You can find similar Wine Country outdoor adventures on Trip Advisorβs Viator.
Top Stylish Napa Valley Hotels:
See more tours filled with wine and adventure in Napa Valley:
Visit some of the top wineries in Napa and Sonoma counties on this private wine tour from San Francisco. Traveling by private vehicle with your own chauffeur, you'll discover the best of California wine country as you enjoy wine tastings at select wineries.
Experience Nappy Valley's world-famous wine country from the air on a sunrise hot-air-balloon ride. Start the day off right with coffee and pastries at the renowned Domaine Chandon Winery, and then climb into a comfortable basket to take to the skies as day breaks across the valley.
Spend the afternoon exploring a hidden gem of Napa Valley on this walking tour of the Rail Arts District.
Get to know this up-and-coming neighborhood in a small group, with your guide on hand to give you recommendations for places to go and things to see.
Stop at a series of local wineries and eateries and sample the tastes of the Rail Arts District, too: locally-sourced wine, beer and produce, all provided free of charge.
Take in the scenery of California wine country on a horseback ride in Sonoma County.
With a guide, you'll have the chance to admire the vineyards of Dry Creek Valley and the waters of Lake Sonoma as you traverse the rolling wilderness on horseback.
Roll through Northern Californiaβs famous wine country on the renowned Napa Valley Wine Train. Pass charming towns like Rutherford and St. Helena, and soak up the scenery of rolling hills, vineyards, and estates through large picture windows on the trip.
Explore the restored vintage train cars, and then take a seat for a gourmet lunch or dinner freshly prepared by the trainβs acclaimed on-board restaurant.
Visit an organic winery in Sonoma County and a second winery in Napa County on this day trip from San Francisco.
With a guide, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and look out on the vineyard-covered hills that make up this famed California wine region.
Take an open-air tour of Benziger Family Winery to taste award-winning wine, learn about its biodynamic winemaking operation, and have a picnic lunch.
Experience the beauty of Napa Valley on a guided bike tour that stops into local wineries for tastings. The roughly 4.5-hour bike tour visits two wineries and finishes in the early afternoon, leaving you free to explore Napa further on your own.
Sample Sonomaβs best bottles and bites on a this wine-and-food pairing walking tour through Healdsburgβs charming downtown.
Join a small group of food lovers as you follow your foodie guide to bakeries, wine shops, and cafΓ©s, and taste local fare along with wines from three distinctive cellars.
Try creative dishes, artisan cheese and charcuterie, learn about wine country's thriving culinary scene and hear the stories behind Sonomaβs family vineyards.
Paddle your way through Californiaβs gorgeous wine country on a guided kayak tour. Paddle your way down the Russian River that winds through Sonoma County.
Enjoy the leisurely pace that kayaking affords while soaking up the spectacular scenery. No experience is necessary, and you can choose to paddle in a single kayak or ride tandem with a friend or family member.
The guided tour includes a gourmet picnic lunch.
Let the vineyards of Northern California serve as the backdrop for stunning vacation photos with this professional photo shoot, in Napa or Sonoma Valley.
During your private shoot, let your personal photographer snap photos, and offer tips on the best things to do in the area. When you're done, expect dozens of high-quality images that you'll be proud to show off.