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see + do
Napa + Sonoma see + do
Napa is famous for its regal cabernet sauvignon and other heat-loving varietals like chardonnay and merlot. Sonoma Valley is a little cooler; here zinfandels and syrah thrive. The summertime fog in the Russian River Valley and Napa Valley's Carneros District nurtures pinot noirs and long–hang time chardonnays. Below you'll find a selection of our favorite wineries.
Nearly all Napa wineries charge for tastings—expect $5–$40 per person—while those in Sonoma tend to be free or to charge a nominal fee of $2–$10. Call ahead for appointments, and don't try to see more than three wineries per day: You're bound to burn out, and those little tastes add up.
If you're short on time but want to sample some of Napa Valley's best small-production vintages, make a beeline to Vintners Collective. Located in an 1875...more
On the flanks of Spring Mountain, high above St. Helena and its madding crowds, Terra Valentine commands sweeping vistas of Napa Valley. Wood paneling and...more
Napa and Sonoma have few fine sparkling-wine producers. Though some (such as Jordan in Sonoma and Domaine Chandon in Napa) are exceptional, nothing compares to...more
Before he began running private wine tours in his luxury SUV, owner Dan Dolen was a psychotherapist. He still prides himself on reading people well, deducing...more
Preston is one of Sonoma County's flagship organic wineries. In 2000, Lou and Susan Preston cut their wine production from 25,000 cases to 8,000 in order to...more
A cult favorite, this medium-size boutique winery in Oakville is partially owned by San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom and billionaire Gordon Getty. PlumpJack...more
Nickel & Nickel is one of the Napa Valley's top cabernet producers. It also happens to be one of the most gentil and best-looking wineries along Highway 29....more
Carve out a couple of hours of non-wine time for a visit to Jack London State Park, named for the author who once owned the land. London constructed an enormous...more
Before Napa became famous for wine in the late 1970s, the valley was best known for the boiling hot springs bubbling up through volcanic mud in Calistoga. The...more
Frog's Leap provides a playful counterpoint to Napa Valley's stuffier wineries. Built around a big red barn, Frog's Leap feels like exactly what it is: a farm....more
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