The ultimate guide to California Wine Country

From Napa's manicured estates to Sonoma's rugged beauty, a road trip through California wine country should be on your travel bucket list.

Perhaps you've seen the 2004 comedy Sideways and want to follow in Miles and Jack's footsteps, or you're keen to try some of the wines that trumped the French in the legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris tasting, either way, an exploration of California wine country is a must for oenophiles. Just over an hour's drive northeast of San Francisco lies the Napa Valley, home to more than 400 wineries. It's cabernet country, so expect big, bold, velvety reds.

An hour to the west, Sonoma County's rolling hills and rugged valleys produce world-class chardonnay. Take a scenic six-hour drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway to Santa Barbara, a pinot noir paradise that's well worth the detour. Whether you want to discover Napa's ancient cellars, feast your way around Sonoma, or unwind in the same cottage as the Kennedys in Santa Barbara, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to first-rate hospitality.

Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley

Phelps Vineyards owns and farms 525 acres of vines across 11 estate vineyards

Founded on a former cattle ranch by Colorado-born visionary Joe Phelps in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is one of the jewels of St. Helena. At Home Ranch you'll find 130 acres of vines, olive orchards, fruit trees, and a hillside winery with panoramic views. Visitors can pick from the relaxed Founder's Tasting of new releases on the terrace; the private Collector's Tasting of library wines; or the new Phelps Table experience featuring a curated selection of Joseph Phelps wines alongside a seasonal menu. Mycophiles should book a spot at The Forager's Table in November, which kicks off with a guided foraging expedition followed by a mushroom-filled harvest lunch.

Don't miss: The flagship wine Insignia, a plush Bordeaux-style red blend.

Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley

Robert Mondavi Winery is widely considered the first major new winery built in Napa Valley following the end of Prohibition

Known as 'the godfather' of Californian wine, Robert Mondavi was one of the first to tap into the importance of winery tourism, creating a Napa Valley hotspot in 1966 that combined his love of wine, food, art and architecture. Set within the To Kalon vineyard in Oakville, visitors to the recently reimagined estate can enjoy immersive tours, educational tastings and curated culinary pairings. Savour a tasting of To Kalon Reserve Cabernet while drinking in the views of the Mayacamas Mountains, book a spot at The Mondavi Table, a family-style dining experience designed to spark conversation, or go behind the scenes with the Legend Tasting for exclusive access to private cellars.

Don't miss: Kicking back for a leisurely lunch on the terrace.

The French Laundry, Yountville

Culinary institution The French Laundry is as synonymous with the Napa Valley as Cabernet Sauvignon. Run by chef Thomas Keller since 1994, it has retained its three Michelin stars for 20 years and was named The World's Best Restaurant in 2003 and 2004 before its induction into The 50 Best Restaurants 'Best of the Best' hall of fame in 2019. The contemporary French fine-dining venue with California twists continues to champion Keller's ethos of using sustainable ingredients grown in his kitchen garden. Having recently undergone a $10 million modern makeover inspired by the Louvre, the restaurant remains classic in its approach, serving dishes like salmon tartare, butter-poached lobster and herb-roasted lamb.

Don't miss: The signature umami-packed custard dish, Oysters and Pearls.

Beringer Vineyards, Napa Valley

The Rhine House, a 17-room Victorian mansion at Beringer Vineyards, was modelled on the Beringer family's ancestral home in Germany's Rhine Valley

The oldest continuously operating winery in California, Beringer Vineyards was an early adopter of winery tourism and the first Napa winery to open its doors for public tours. Its ornate Rhine House, which is listed on America's National Register of Historic Places, features stained glass windows, fairy-tale turrets and intricate wood panelling. Celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, visitors can sign up for the new Knights Valley Tour & Tasting, which includes a vineyard and cellar tour followed by a tasting of five wines. Afterwards you can enjoy live music and al fresco wine cocktails or take a tour around the estate's gorgeous gardens. 

Don't miss: Taking part in 'Rave in the Cave', a silent disco in the Beringer cellars.

Meadowood, Napa Valley

Offering the perfect woodland retreat for those keen to explore all that California wine country has to offer, the 250-acre Meadowood hotel reopened in August 2021 with 36 lodge-style rooms and suites with private terraces that make the most of the lush landscape. At Forum, Meadowood's light-filled restaurant, chef Alejandro Ayala crafts contemporary Californian dishes with ingredients from the farm. Swing by the Wine Center where Kelli White will take you on a deep dive into the region's terroirs and flagship grapes, then unwind at the in-house spa with a CBD oil massage followed by a herbal tea by the pool.

Don't miss: Playing tennis on the hard court with complimentary equipment

Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Sonoma County

Jordan Vineyard & Winery in Healdsburg, California has a French-inspired chateau built in 1975

Just over an hour's drive west of Napa lies Sonoma County, home to redwood forests, rustic valleys, and the Pacific coastline. Nestled among the vineyards of the Alexander Valley AVA is the French-inspired Jordan Vineyard & Winery, complete with burgundy shutters and a sunshine yellow façade. Keeping things simple, Jordan specialises in three things: cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay and next-level food whipped up by executive chef Jesse Mallgren, who incorporates the estate's own honey and olive oil into his dishes. Get the most out of your visit by staying in one of three antique-filled suites within the château, or book yourself into Jordan's cosy Wildwood Cottage for a night among the oaks.

Don't miss: Touring the estate's vineyards in a Mercedes Sprinter.

Aperture Cellars, Sonoma County

At the centre of Aperture Cellars' visitor centre is a massive, hexagon-shaped ceiling oculus skylight (Image: Aubrie Prick)

Shining a light on Bordeaux blends from the Alexander Valley, Aperture Cellars was founded in 2009 by Jesse Katz, who cut his teeth at Screaming Eagle. Inspired by the physical aperture of a camera, the eye-catching winery was designed by Signum Architecture to make the most of the natural light, and pays homage to Jesse's father, acclaimed photographer Andy Katz. Amateur snappers can join Katz on a photography masterclass in the Russian River Valley, which ends in a private wine tasting, while budding winemakers can take part in hands-on blending sessions, creating their own bespoke bottlings before enjoying lunch in the cellar. Every visit is personalised and guests can choose from a trio of wine and food pairing experiences.

Don't miss: The photography at Aperture's in-house gallery.

SingleThread, Healdsburg

The pesticide-free farm at SingleThread uses no tilling, hand-farming and closed-loop composting

If all that wine tasting has left you hungry then head to SingleThread in Healdsburg, one of California's most inventive restaurants. Sustainably run by husband-and-wife team Kyle and Katina Connaughton, the restaurant boasts a five-bedroom inn and its own 24-acre farm, where much of the restaurant's produce is grown. Inspired by the Japanese concept of omotenashi – going above and beyond to anticipate guests' needs – the tasting menu begins with light bites, then moves onto 10 courses of kaiseki-style dining. Expect the likes of Dungeness crab with kohlrabi and lime, and wagyu beef with nettle and sunchoke. The Connaughtons will open a 10-room, Victorian-inspired inn called The Selvedge late 2026.

Don't miss: SingleThread's legendary breakfast if you stay overnight.

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

The Kennedy Cottage at San Ysidro Ranch has two bedrooms, each with a four-poster king canopy bed and a wood-burning fireplace

End your California wine country tour with a scenic six-hour drive south along the Pacific Coast Highway to pinot noir paradise Santa Barbara, a picturesque region made famous by the film Sideways. While you're there you can check into San Ysidro Ranch in the Montecito foothills, where JFK and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned. Fans of the couple can follow in their footsteps by booking the cottage where they stayed during their visit, then saddling up for a horse ride along the coast, followed by a game of croquet back at the ranch and dinner under the stars. All 38 cottages are uniquely designed and have porcelain pigs to bring good luck.

Don't miss: A classic cocktail at The Speakeasy, a cosy stone-clad bar with live music 

Discover more fantastic restaurants, bars and hotels with The 50 Discovery, and start planning your next adventure.