Napa Sonoma

Anywhere visitors go in Napa Sonoma they will find lush landscapes riddled with marvelous vineyards that create some of the world’s finest wines. These eight areas are particularly lovely:

American Canyon

American Canyon is at the southern tip of Napa Valley. The town is the closest to the San Francisco ferry in Vallejo. American Canyon offers something for every traveler, young and old. This is the gateway to many world-class wineries, delicious cuisine and tons of activities including many hiking and biking trails and areas for watching wildlife.

Angwin

Located just below the summit of Howell Mountain, Angwin is one of the most illustrious wine-growing regions in the world. At about 1,800 feet, the tiny town sits across a single crossroad and is home to a small shopping center on one side and the Pacific Union College campus on the other. Besides its incredible appellations, Angwin is known for its serene, rustic beauty. Wineries in the area are plentiful and worth the drive up.

Calistoga

Rustic, yet refined, perfectly describes Calistoga. At the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, Calistoga is surrounded by hundreds of acres of vineyards. The town has an easygoing, relaxed vibe. With its mineral-rich waters and geothermal hot springs, it is home to a number of spas where you can soak all your cares away. Lincoln Avenue, the main street, is dotted with shops, tasting rooms and eateries.

Healdsburg

If you want to digest everything wine country has to offer, you should head to Healdsburg. The charming town has it all: Top wines, farm-to-table fare, art, a compelling history, intriguing shops and serene spas. It’s also home to New Tree Ranch where LVH guests can stay during their visit to wine country. Be in the middle of tranquil wildlife, in a stunning ranch home on 120 incredible acres. This home has all the amenities including a heated, outdoor pool. New Tree Ranch is one of LVH’s most exquisite Napa and Sonoma vacation rentals.

Kenwood

Located in eastern Sonoma County at the north end of Sonoma Valley, Kenwood is loved by visitors for its nature trails and wineries. There are many in-town tasting rooms and unique shopping opportunities. Sugarloaf Ridge State Park has miles of trails, a waterfall and Bald Mountain. Villa Leanna fits right into the landscape. This meticulously-designed, new farmhouse also has a guest cottage. The main house is complete with every amenity including a media room, heated outdoor pool and a beautiful mountain view.

Lake Berryessa

Lake Berryessa is one the largest bodies of freshwater in California. As such, it offers some terrific water sports opportunities such as boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, kayaking, tubing and fishing, among others. In the summer, the water can reach a comfortable 75 degrees, the perfect temperature for cooling down after a hike or a walk through sun-drenched vineyards.

Rutherford

Rutherford is brimming with wineries. It’s a wine connoisseur’s Disneyland. It is most well-known for putting out some of the world’s most fantastic red wine such as its famed Cabernets. The unique soil in the area produces vintages in which fruity and herb finishes are tinged with an almost spicy element known as “Rutherford dust.” Go on a tasting tour and learn all about which foods pair best.

St. Helena

St. Helena’s Main Street is brimming with old world charm. Lovely shops, galleries and restaurants make for an interesting afternoon. The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greyston offers cooking demonstrations and tours. A few minutes away, Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park holds milling demonstrations every weekend, using its mighty 36-foot water wheel and grist mill from the 1800s.

The Napa and Sonoma areas are rich in farmland and local restaurants take advantage of the freshness. The region is lauded for its generous spirit and strong epicurean traditions where each bite is savored with zeal. Here, fine dining is revered. The California wine heartland brims with romantic dining establishments and boundless pairing options, set to give the most seasoned sommeliers a run for their money. These eight exclusive restaurants would make a lovely evening out for anyone who enjoys fine cuisine:

Auberge du Soleil

The seasonal French-California menu at Auberge du Soleil features artisanal ingredients and products from local farms. Dishes such as tomato risotto with wild shrimp, white corn soup with blue crab and roasted lamb with potato gnocchi round out a varied menu. The six-course tasting menu comes with wines to match from the large, locally well-rounded list of more than 15,000 bottles. This sun-soaked fine dining establishment sits on a hillside olive grove.

Bouchon Napa

Owner and chef of Bouchon Napa enlisted renowned designer Adam D. Tihany to create Bouchon’s interior featuring a French zinc bar, a vibrant mosaic floor, antique light fixtures, and an expansive hand-painted mural. Seasonal raw bar menus change, but there are the usual staples such as leg of lamb, roast chicken and trout amandine. The Michelin-starred restaurant also has a lovely patio where you can dine while enjoying the picturesque scenery.

Farmhouse Inn

Bring together two fifth-generation Sonoma farmers, a Michelin-starred chef, a world-class maitre d' and a team of sommeliers and the results can only be magical. The Farmhouse Inn uses only fresh, local produce to create its delightful dishes. With friendly, yet sophisticated and professional service, the restaurant has every detail established to give you an ideal dining experience.

The French Laundry

Tables are dressed with floor-length linens upon which sit fine Limoges china and crystal stemware. This is what you can expect at The French Laundry which gets its name from the building that used to be a French steam laundry in the 1800s. The nine-course French or vegetarian menus change daily. The ambiance is comfortable, yet refined. Dishes guests will find on the tasting menu are black truffle and ricotta Agnolotti and Monterey Bay abalone gratin.

Kenzo Napa

Kenzo Napa is located on the estate winery with the same name. Kenzo says its vision was to create “a truly transformative experience, one in which the people, place and flavors unite to create a singular moment in time.” Ingredients are flown in daily from Japan for authentic Japanese cuisine like chiba cutlassfish sashimi with daikon sprouts, radish and wakame seaweed puree and slow roasted A5 satsuma wagyu tenderloin with trumpet mushrooms, petit onions and yuzu pepper infused sesame coulis.

La Toque Napa

La Toque’s interior is the personification of sophistication with its beautiful fireplace, leather-topped tables and complimentary, warm lighting. Wait staff is well-trained and knowledgeable. You can choose from a four- or five-course à la carte menu featuring such dishes as braised squid with dates, almonds, cauliflower and a spoonful of thick yogurt and desserts such as butter-crunch cake with apple.

The Restaurant at Meadowood

This five-star restaurant is the height of luxury, yet formal jackets can be left at home and dressed up denim is welcome. Owners say the restaurant is meant to speak to and positively impact the Napa Valley. “What excites us most is garnering relationships with artisans, growers, foragers and other members of this dynamic place.” Expect to find dishes like wagyu beef cured in meadowood pine; goat poached in whey and charred bavette, morels, ramps and foie gras butter.

SingleThread Farm Restaurant & Inn

This lovely five-star Michelin restaurant is owned by accomplished husband and wife chefs Kyle and Katina Connaughton (who also happen to be farmers). Guests of the restaurant are treated to a tasting menu, showcasing the seasonal bounty from the couple’s farm. You can choose from dishes such as king salmon ibushi-gin with shio koli vinaigrette, steelhead roe and myoga or American wagyu with flowering komatsuna, nettle and sunchoke.

The arts are appreciated by those living in the valley. In fact, Napa Valley and Sonoma is where many artists make their homes. These six venues will give you a glimpse into the arts scene:

di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art

The center is on one of the first large vineyards in Carneros and is the legacy of the late Rene di Rosa and his late artist wife, Veronica. Sitting on more than 215 acres, the center combines the beauty of art and nature. Rene was a writer and a collector of contemporary art. He and Veronica used the proceeds from the sale of his vineyards to build an “art park” with an extensive gallery for the greater public to enjoy. You will be able to enjoy a two-hour private hike with a guide.

The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum

Art lovers who appreciate fine wine have the best of both worlds at The Hess Collection Winery & Art Museum. The Hess Collection, started by Donald Hess in the 70s, remains a family-owned winery. For more than 40 years, Donald Hess has acquired paintings and sculptures that moved and inspired him, and these works are on display in a stunning two-story gallery. You can choose from a number of experiences such as A Tour of the Palate where you can enjoy a walking tour of the property and art museum, followed by a tasting of limited-production wines expertly paired with exquisite culinary dishes from an executive chef.

Napa Valley Museum Yountville

The Yountville Museum is dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of the community through exhibitions, collections, educational programs and creative activities that promote knowledge and understanding of art, nature and history. Three separate galleries house west coast and world premieres, emerging artists and local culture and the region’s history. With hands-on exhibits and family-friendly activities, the museum has something to inspire visitors of all ages.

Robert Louis Stevenson Museum

This museum is a tribute to the prolific author in the valley he loved so well. This one-room museum pays homage to the writer of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, A Child's Garden of Verses and Treasure Island, among other classics. With more than 9,000 items on exhibit, including first editions and manuscripts, this is a visit any fan of the beloved American writer should have on the itinerary.

Sharpsteen Museum

Former Disney animator Ben Sharpsteen and his wife, Bernice, founded this museum which showcases the history of Calistoga in the Napa Valley. After working for Disney for 30 years, Ben retired in 1959 and moved with Bernice, to their family property in Calistoga. The museum is packed with displays, artifacts, and dioramas illustrating Calistoga’s history. In addition to permanent exhibits, the museum features two special showings each year.

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (SVMA) is a vibrant contemporary art museum located in the heart of California’s wine country. SVMA presents critically-acclaimed exhibitions and interesting programs. It's a museum with a big reputation but is small enough to be a great add-on to any art lover’s itinerary. Past exhibitions include: California Rocks! Photographers Who Made the Scene, 1960-1980 and From Fire, Love Rises.

The nightlife in Napa and Sonoma is like the surroundings, sedate, relaxed and sophisticated. Here are four venues visitors might find enjoyable when they want an evening out from their Napa and Sonoma vacation rentals:

Blue Note Napa

Blue Note Napa is a live music jazz club/gourmet restaurant on the first floor of the historic Napa Valley Opera House. The venue seamlessly blends the Greenwich Village jazz club experience, an intimate atmosphere where the stage is so close that the audience feels as if the performers are playing in their own living rooms. Blue Note is a mix of Northern California wine country ambiance and the historic architecture of the 19th century opera house. Regulars say The Blue Note Napa experience is one of complete creative immersion.

Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall

This hidden gem serves up live music, champagne, wine and other libations. Guests will enjoy the music, dancing and the magic energy of all who stand on its stage. The bluesy music is unbelievably good and even the bartender sings! The speakeasy is the hottest venue in Sonoma for southern rhythm and blues, New Orleans cultural music, zydeco, 1950s vintage rock and more. Spending time at the Sonoma Speakeasy and American Music Hall is a wonderful way to end an evening on a great note!

Uptown Theater

For live entertainment, locals head to the Uptown Theater. The beautifully restored art deco building showcases only the finest acts featuring music, comedy and more. Uptown offers a phenomenal, intimate live show experience, with excellent site lines and world class sound and lighting. Uptown has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Boz Scaggs, Merle Haggard, Pat Benatar, Chis Isaak, Wynonna Judd, BB King, Ziggy Marley, and many more. This is a must-see night spot for anyone visiting the Napa Valley.

The Wine Thief

The Wine Thief is a vintner-owned and operated tasting lounge featuring local wines from small, family-owned vineyards that make the valley so unique. Vintages found at The Wine Thief will rarely be available anywhere else in the world. Owners have carefully curated a collection of small production, hand-crafted wines, each with its own story of not just a place, but of a family. These wines have received high praise from some of the world’s most renowned wine critics and many awards from prestigious competitions.

There is never reason to be bored in Napa Valley and Sonoma. There are events happening year round. Here are seven of the most popular:

Auction Napa Valley

Auction Napa Valley combines Napa Valley wine, the region’s iconic scenery, vintner hospitality, creative culinary expressions and the chance for bidders to acquire rare collections of Napa Valley wine. Sponsored by the Napa Valley Vintners and founded in 1981 by a small group of winery owners, the four-day Auction Napa Valley has become the world’s most celebrated charity wine event. This is the event of the year in the valley.

BottleRock Napa Valley

BottleRock is a three-day music festival that features some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Miley Cyrus, Guns and Roses and Stevie Nicks. You can book the Platinum VIP experience to get the best of the festival. That includes meet and greets, an exclusive platinum entrance, private parking, air-conditioned spaces, daily signature dishes and gourmet bites, top wines, artisanal cocktails and signature craft beer, and more.

Country Summer Music Festival

Country Summer Music Festival is Northern California’s biggest country music festival and Sonoma County’s biggest party. It features more than 20 performers on two stages, including 14 nationally known entertainers on the Chevy Silverado Stage and popular up-and-coming artists on the Redwood Credit Union Stage between main acts. This festival attracts thousands of fans and features some of the best known country entertainers such as Tim McGraw, Eric Church and Kelsea Ballerini.

Napa Valley Marathon

The Napa Valley Marathon is dedicated to fostering and promoting quality road racing in an inspiring setting. The marathon has earned a reputation for outstanding runner support, attention to detail, and a beautiful point-to-point course. This is what Forbes Travel magazine had to say about the marathon: “The scenery? It’s simply stunning, with views of the valley, fruit trees and dormant vineyards flanked with gold-colored mustard flowers. Except for the last stretch into Napa, this is a rural race – just you, the road and wine country.”

Sonoma International Film Festival

An entirely walkable and clickable, five-day festival held each March, the Sonoma International Film Festival (SIFF) is dedicated to promoting the best in independent film and filmmakers from around the world, inspiring savvy film lovers, and introducing the power of film to student filmmakers. SIFF was named one of the 25 coolest festivals by MovieMaker Magazine and one of the country’s top 10 destination film festivals by USA Today.

Wine Road Barrel Tasting

Visitors can learn directly from the winemakers how they work with the wines after harvest, before the wine is bottled. Be the first to taste limited production wines and take the opportunity to purchase futures. Don’t miss the chance to get into the cellars, explore the vineyards and discover some new wines.

Yountville International Short Film Festival

This short film fest is a true celebration of cinema with more than 80 amazing world class short films at three distinct pop-up cinema locations throughout downtown Yountville. The festival features select VIP wine and cinema events with local Yountville wineries, plus other culinary events all within walking distance. You will have the opportunity to meet the filmmakers at exclusive Q&A sessions after specially-curated screenings.

Besides visiting the multitudes of incredible wineries in the area, Napa Valley and Sonoma have other activities that may appeal to visitors. These four sound amazing:

Hot Air Balloon Ride over Napa and Sonoma

Discover a perspective of Napa Valley and the surrounding scenery that most visitors miss and enjoy an intimate experience with an hours-long hot-air balloon ride. Revel in a bird's eye view of stunning agricultural surroundings and Mount Saint Helena. Be enchanted by the pleasant light and the peaceful sounds of early morning floating on a breeze. Be sure to have a camera since the views will be astounding.

Kayaking through the Russian River

Enjoy the luscious scenery on the Russian River by renting a single or double Kayak. This is an amazing, peaceful journey and the chance to see hundreds of bird species and other wildlife in their natural habitats. Some of the wildlife usually spotted include harbor seals, bald eagles, river otters, deer, cormorants, hawks, ducks, geese, pelicans, cranes and herons. Private, guided tours of the river are also available.

Napa Valley Wine Train

Travel back to an elegant age on the Napa Valley Wine Train in gorgeous 100-year-old railcars in a 150-year-old rail corridor. The railroad that once transported visitors to a spa resort in Calistoga now brings guests from around the world on a 36-mile round-trip discovery to St. Helena and back, stopping at celebrated Napa Valley wineries along the way. Have a meal prepared right on the train by a talented executive chef. After dinner, meet local vintners, partake in murder mysteries and enjoy wine tasting on board. Guests can shop and taste prior to boarding in the McKinstry Street Station. The wine shop features more than 200 kinds of boutique wine, while the gift shop offers an elegant variety of jewelry and other luxurious gifts.

Napa Valley Private River Cruise

Take a private catamaran yacht tour of the Napa River. The Kiwi Cat can accommodate up to 12 guests for this three-hour tour. The catamaran was designed and built in New Zealand by ESPN TV Network for the filming of the 2000 America’s Cup, Later, it was used again in the 2003 America’s Cup for its extreme stability, maneuverability, safety, and comfort. It is now at home in the San Francisco Bay and Napa Valley. Depending on the daily tides, you can choose from two departure times: mid-morning or a sunset/champagne cruise. You will see the river’s beautiful marshland ecosystem, especially waterfowl and wildlife.