Decades ago, a blind taste test in Paris put Californian wines on the map by sweeping away French competitors. Travel to where it all began, to the heart of American wine country, around the lush valleys of Napa and neighbouring Sonoma. Weave your way around wineries that range from sprawling estates reigned by dramatic, European-inspired castles and mansions to more rustic and intimate eateries imbued with a laid-back spirit.
Visit Sonoma and Napa Valleys: get started
Ready for Californian wine country? Pencil in Napa Valley wine tours to explore legendary wineries like Chateau Montelena or Castello di Amorosa. Over in Sonoma Valley, visit California's oldest commercial winery, Buena Vista Winery. Beyond the best wineries in Sonoma or Napa, other attractions to check out include Safari West, Jack London State Historic Park and the gorgeous Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve.
Sonoma and Napa Valleys travel guide
Destination facts
Language
English
What to bring back
This one is a no-brainer: wine bottles from the famous vineyards of Sonoma and Napa valleys! But also: hand-made soaps from the Napa Soap Company, locally made olive oil and essential oils from Wine Country Botanicals!
What to eat
Treat yourself to meals at some of the Michelin-starred restaurants in both valleys (The French Laundry, La Toque, Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant, or SingleThread, amid many others), or dig into multi-cultural fare at more low-key spots, from Jewish delis to taquerias and pizzerias.
Fun fact
Legends claim that the Native Americans who once populated Sonoma Valley referred to it as the Valley of the Moon, because from certain sacred places, the moon appeared to rise and set seven times behind the Mayacama Mountain Range. Meanwhile, in Napa Valley, the man who planted the first grape is believed to be the area’s first European settler, George C. Yount. Yountville, the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country, is named after him!
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents, visa, taxes and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
