Guide to the Best California Vineyards and Wineries

While "California vineyards" and "California wineries" are often used interchangeably, the vineyard is where the grapes are grown, whereas a winery is where the vinification process happens and where tours and tastings usually occur. Many wineries have vineyards in multiple locations. For example, check out our recommendation of Nickel & Nickel.

Pro tip: Gone are the days when most California wineries offered walk-in visits and tastings. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to mandatory reservations. Fortunately, many California vineyards and wineries are easily bookable online. Additionally, many wineries operate only from Thursday to Sunday, so it definitely pays to plan in advance.

We believe visits to wine country should be unique and tailored to your specific interests. Having visited a vast number of wineries, we can design a custom trip to make your visit to California vineyards and wineries unforgettable. In the meantime, here’s some inspiration to get your planning started. And by no means is this an exhaustive list, but rather a primer on major regions that offer a fantastic visitor experience!

Napa Valley

Napa Valley, the most famous wine region in California, is known for its high-quality cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. The region offers a sophisticated blend of scenic beauty, gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations.

Ideal for: Luxury seekers and gourmet enthusiasts looking for world-class dining and high-end accommodations.

Closest major airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

Recommended wineries and visitor experiences:

• Nickel & Nickel: If it’s your first visit to Napa, start your exploration here. Nickel & Nickel, a partner of Far Niente, is dedicated to producing 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines. This means you can truly appreciate the distinct personality of the terroir of each vineyard. The winery is set on a historic homestead with a beautiful barn from 1770, offering a glimpse into the past before moving on to modernity at our next recommended stop.

• Opus One Winery: Located next door to Nickel & Nickel, Opus One is a must-visit. The partnership between Philippe de Rothschild of Château Mouton Rothschild and Robert Mondavi resulted in one of California’s most iconic wines. Opus One's Left Bank-style Bordeaux blends are consistently excellent, and a vertical tasting at the winery is a luxurious experience. The winery itself is an architectural masterpiece. Prepare to be amazed.

• Domaine Carneros: Perfect for sparkling wine fans, Domaine Carneros brings a touch of France to California. The winery — modeled after the Château de la Marquetterie in Epernay, France — was founded by Champagne Taittinger. Leave extra time for this visit, as the elegant tasting is paired with stunning views you won't want to leave.

Sonoma County

Sonoma County is renowned for its diverse terroir, producing an impressive array of wines, including pinot noir, chardonnay and zinfandel. Unlike the more commercialized Napa Valley, Sonoma offers intimate and boutique wine-tasting experiences at smaller, family-run estates. Spanning nearly twice the area of Napa Valley, Sonoma boasts 18 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), making careful planning essential for visiting multiple wineries in a day. We recommend basing yourself in Healdsburg, a charming town in the Russian River Valley AVA, conveniently close to the Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill and Dry Creek AVAs. Alternatively, the town of Sonoma is another excellent option.

Ideal for: Those seeking a laid-back atmosphere with diverse wine offerings, a focus on local and sustainable practices and an interest in exploring the area’s abundant farms, creameries, distilleries and breweries alongside its wineries.

Closest major airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately a 1.5-hour drive.

Recommended wineries and visitor experiences:

• Unti Vineyards: This small, family-owned winery specializes in Mediterranean-style wines and was the first to introduce several new grape varieties to the Dry Creek Valley. The unique varietals and the setting will transport you to Italy, the inspiration for many of the wines. You’ll also find varieties from Spain and the Rhône Valley in France, making for a truly unique tasting experience.

• Jordan: Jordan offers some of Sonoma’s most refined hospitality experiences. One favorite experience takes you into the heart of its best California vineyards, where you'll enjoy tastings amidst the sprawling estate and be treated to stunning vistas. And, of course, the wine is fantastic, too!

• Three Sticks Wines: Named after founder Bill Price's nickname, this winery focuses on small-lot, estate-grown wines with an emphasis on sustainable farming. Enjoy a superb food and wine pairing in the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe, dating back to 1842.

Paso Robles

Moving away from California’s most-visited regions, let’s delve into one of California's gems: Paso Robles. Among California vineyards, those in Paso Robles stand out thanks to their calcareous soil with high pH levels. In simpler terms, the soil here is quite similar to that of France’s legendary Rhône Valley, making Paso Robles a haven for Rhône-style wines. After a day of exploring nearby wineries, Paso Robles’ downtown green park square, surrounded by delightful restaurants and bars, offers a perfect spot to unwind.

Ideal for: Adventurous wine enthusiasts who appreciate a variety of wine styles and a blend of history and innovation.

Closest major airport: San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP), approximately a 40-minute drive.

Recommended wineries and visitor experiences:

• Booker Vineyard: Seeking a winery with a vibe? Look no further. The stunning architecture places you right in the heart of the vineyards. Booker produces organic-certified wines, with a strong focus on Rhône varietals.

• Niner Wine Estates: Initially, we visited Niner because a good friend goes by that nickname. Fortunately, we discovered an absolute gem. This family-owned estate is perfect for a lunch stop, where you can pair Niner’s wines with delicious food made from ingredients sourced from local farms and its own chef’s garden, which you can also visit.

• Top Winery: The name isn’t about ego but rather a nod to the balancing act of the child’s toy. This winery, known for its Rhône-style blends, is a favorite among winemakers who admire the owners’ dedication to building their winery from the ground up. Its Roussanne is also a cult favorite among industry insiders.

Santa Barbara County

The Santa Ynez and Santa Maria valleys, home to nearly all of Santa Barbara County’s vineyards, are uniquely influenced by the windy and wet Pacific Ocean. While Santa Barbara itself offers unique urban wine tasting experiences, we prefer to get out into the rolling hills and scenic vistas to really understand the region. While Santa Ynez was made famous by the film "Sideways," the valley retains a charming, laid-back atmosphere, perfect for leisurely explorations of the boutique wineries and quaint towns. Meanwhile, the Sta. Rita Hills sub-AVA produces some of our absolute favorite American pinot noirs. Make sure to also make a swing through Solvang, its architecture and windmills reflecting its Danish immigrant heritage.

Ideal for: Wine lovers seeking to combine both city sites and amenities with relaxed and intimate experiences in the nearby countryside.

Closest major airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), approximately a 40-minute drive.

Recommended wineries and visitor experiences:

• The Hilt Estate: A standout in the region, The Hilt Estate offers a truly exceptional tasting experience. Nestled in the Sta. Rita Hills, the estate focuses on crafting high-quality pinot noir and chardonnay. The Barn tasting room provides stunning panoramic views of the vineyards, making it a perfect spot to savor their wines.

• Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard: Founded by the late actor Fess Parker, this winery combines rich history with excellent wines. Enjoy a tasting of its renowned pinot noirs and chardonnays, and don’t miss the chance to explore the beautifully landscaped grounds. The winery also offers delightful picnic areas and cozy, rustic charm. And for you "Sideways" fans, this is the winery where Miles has his tantrum after getting bad news from his publisher.

• Peake Ranch: The winery’s outdoor patio is the highlight here, offering views of a beautiful part of the Sta. Rita Hills. Specializing in pinot noir, chardonnay and syrah, the winery’s vineyards can also be appreciated through one of its organized walking tours through its vines and beautiful surroundings.

Mendocino County

Mendocino County is renowned for its rugged coastline and cool-climate vineyards. The region exudes a laid-back atmosphere with a strong emphasis on sustainable practices. At the heart of Mendocino County lies the Anderson Valley, home to distinguished wineries, standout restaurants and charming accommodations.

Ideal for: Eco-conscious travelers and enthusiasts of cool-climate wines amidst stunning coastal scenery.

Closest major airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately a three-hour drive.

Recommended wineries and visitor experiences:

• Navarro Vineyards & Winery: Among the pioneering wineries in Anderson Valley, Navarro is celebrated for its Alsace-style wines, offering a relaxed tasting experience amidst breathtaking valley views.

• Roederer Estate: The California outpost of Champagne Louis Roederer, the estate is renowned for its exquisite sparkling wines and informative tours and tastings. The estate's rustic charm is quite the contrast from the bling of the Champagne house that created Cristal, but Roederer chose to highlight the nature of Anderson Valley instead of a showy tasting room.

• Pennyroyal Farm: Founded by the daughter of Navarro's founders, Pennyroyal Farm is dedicated to sustainable farming practices, including growing its own fruits and vegetables. The outdoor tasting patio offers a delightful setting to enjoy tastings paired with farm-fresh fare. Families will enjoy visiting the creamery and meeting the farm animals as well.

It was tough to narrow this primer down to just these regions, as there's so much more to explore when it comes to California vineyards and wineries. Have a niche interest when it comes to wines or visiting wineries? Want the ultimate foodie escape to go with your wine touring? Want to tour by bike? We live to curate trips to wine country, so let us know your interests and we will get started on planning your ultimate singular sojourn!