Sonoma Vs Napa: Which Is Better For You
Posted on Last updated:
Home»USA & Canada»USA»Sonoma Vs. Napa: Which Is Better for You?
Americas premier wine sensations, the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, are also the second most visited attractions in California after Disneyland, awaiting wine aficionados with plenty of surprises while promising two different experiences.
With around 400 wineries, most of them clustered in the 35 miles between the city of Napa and the town of Calistoga, and covering almost 800 square miles, Napa Valley is Californias Tuscany. More than 4 million wine enthusiasts visit Napa yearly, making this region the most glamorous of the USAs wine scene.
Lesser known and visited, and considered by many what Napa Valley was like 30 years ago, Sonoma Valley hosts a similar number of wineries, spread over twice the land. This makes the valley feel less crowded, an aspect that attracts more tranquil wine lovers.
The two destinations are different, but to decide which one is more your style, continue reading and learn about all the key differences between them.
Napa Vs Sonoma: Where You Should Visit In California Wine Country Between Napa Valley And Sonoma County
Napa vs. Sonoma : Which part of California wine country is right for your next vacation? These two gorgeous areas of wine country are buzzing with amazing food, stunning countryside, and of course, great wine. Separated by only a mountain range, youd think Napa and Sonoma would be somewhat similar, but, like any siblings, these two beauties could not be any more different.
But what makes them so different? And should you do both Napa and Sonoma in one trip? In this post, Ill break down all my favorite parts of each area of California wine country, and just what makes them SO different, so you can choose the trip thats right for you.
If you guys have been following me for awhile now , you know my undying love for good wine. I can almost always be spotted with a glass of chardonnay in hand, and if you invite me over I will 100% be bringing my favorite California pinot noir or Cab Sauv. Growing up an hour from Napa Valley and the Sonoma Coast afforded me the ability to go California wine country a ton. I have memories being a little kid and getting served grape juice at a wine tasting and I loved it. You better bet I swirled that grape juice and pretended like I knew what I was talking about. Napa must have known they were already wrangling in their biggest lifetime customer, at age 6.
And now he loves them just as much as I do.
Here Are Some Of The Best Wineries In Napa:
Inglenook A splurge of a tasting that, in my opinion, is completely worth it if youre only in Napa once. this is Francis Ford Coppolas winery and is a beautiful property with fantastic wines. My favorite? The Rubicon. Incredible bottle.
Grgich Hills Fantastic wines in a great atmosphere. Mike Grgich was the winemaker at Chateau Montelena in the 1970s and soon after his famed win of the Paris Tasting, he went off to create his own label. He and his croatian family are fantastic and it is immediately evident that this winery is run with the love and care of a family-run venture.
Promontory One of the most expensive and exclusive tastings in the Valley, Promontory is worth every cent. This STUNNING property sits on just one tiny part of owner a Bill Harlans more that 900 untamed, rugged acres of land dubbed Napa Valley Territory. The family only began growing grapes here in 2008, and immediately knew they had something special. Promontory wine makes less than 2000 cases of this Cabernet magic , most of which are only available at the winery itself, that just opened last summer for private tours only.
If youre looking for a Napa valley wine and tasting experience to truly blow you away, this is it.
Caymus Vineyards Great wines! Some of my favorite in Napa. And a super picturesque outdoor tasting area during the warm weather months. I love all of their wines, but their pinot noir is one of the most famous around the nation.
Read Also: Places To Stay In Moab
Napa City Where To Stay In Napa Valley For First Time
Known as the heart of Wine Country, Napa City is famed for having one of the loveliest historic downtowns in California.
Downtown Napa City is centered on a riverfront promenade thats buzzing with restaurants and shops. You can even rent kayaks to paddle along the Napa River for a nice change of pace.
Some highlights of downtown include the famed Oxford Public Market and the historic Napa Valley Opera House. However, Napa City is best known for its collection of wine-tasting rooms.
While this city has a small, intimate feel, youll find no shortage of hotels to choose from. If youre staying near the promenade, youll have your pick of major hotel chains right in downtown.
If youd like to find something slightly cheaper, you can save up to a $100 by staying somewhere located within a five-mile walk of the citys center.
Youll also find a number of resort hotels peppered all throughout the citys outskirts that offer views that are more open to the hills surrounding you.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN NAPA
Go Birding At Doran Regional Park In Bodega Bay
If you enjoy birding, do the flat and easy Bird Walk Coastal Access Trail in Doran Regional Park. The walk is about 1.2 miles along a saltwater marsh. It goes around two large freshwater ponds, and along the walk you may see waterfowl as well as land birds.
A view from the bird walk trail
Even if you do not see many birds, the walk is scenic and relaxing. The trail also connects to Doran Regional Park, which offers recreational opportunities such as sand play, strolling on the sand, picnicking, sunbathing, and kite flying.
Doran Regional Park is open from 7 a.m. until sunset daily. Dogs are allowed on leash. At the time of writing, vehicle parking is $7.00.
Recommended Reading: Places To Stay In West Ocean City Md
How Many Days In Napa & Sonoma
2 or 3 days are ideal to spend in Napa and Sonoma. This grants you plenty of time to see everything that makes these valleys special. Consider spending one day in central Napa and one day in central Sonoma.
If time grants you a third day, venture out further to where wineries have been built on top of the hills, some straddling the line between Napa and Sonoma. The further you get from downtown Napa and Sonoma, the more beautiful views youll get to enjoy while sipping the regions most delicious wine.
Carneros Resort And Spa
Why it made the list
This southern Napa Valley stalwart caters to upscale travelers& mdash families, wedding parties, couples seeking romance& mdash with stylish, privacy-oriented rooms that make the most of the 28-acre resort’s pastoral setting. There’s plenty to do on property and the concierges can arrange visits to exclusive area wineries, or you can just sit by the hilltop infinity pool and bask in the vineyard views.
Freestanding board-and-batten cottages with rocking chairs o Read More
Also Check: Best Places To Stay In Placencia Belize
Stanly Ranch Auberge Resorts Collection
The Napa Valley has long been associated with wellness thanks to Calistoga, which has been luring pilgrims to its healing waters for over a century. But when Stanly Ranch opens later this winter, it will usher in a new age of self-care. The centerpiece will be Halehouse, a sprawling well-being center with cutting-edge treatments like cryotherapy and a huge, multilevel sauna. The resort, with 78 cottages surrounded by 700 acres of active ranch land, is set just 45 minutes from San Francisco in the southernmost part of the Valley near the border with Sonoma, making it easy to check out both counties’ stellar, yet distinct, wine scenes.
How We Selected The Best Sonoma And Napa Valley Hotels
You May Like: Areas To Stay In La
Best Hotel In American Canyon: Fairfield Inn And Suites
This hotel offers a great mix of a good location, top amenities, and a great price. It has an outdoor pool, gym, hot tub, barbecue facilities, and a business centre on-site. The rooms are comfortable and simple but have fridges, microwaves, and work areas. And, to top it off, theres a free continental breakfast offered each morning.
Day 2 Calistoga & More Vineyard Tours
Explore Calistoga
Located on the northern tip of Napa Valley is Calistoga.
If youve heard of Calistoga before it was probably in conjunction with mud baths. The area around the town is volcanic. Many spas have transformed this natural feature into volcanically-heated mineral springs and mud baths. Downtown Calistoga is filled with shops, restaurants, and bars.
There are several spas with a variety of relaxing packages for you to enjoy. Try sitting in a mud bath followed by a massage and mineral pool soak. You can also opt to stick with just a classic massage, manicure, or pedicure. If you want to spend a night in Calistoga, that option is also available to you.
From Calistoga you can also hop on a hot air balloon for an unmatched view over wine country. You can visit a geyser, explore Calistogas Petrified Forest, go for a hike on Palisade Trail, as well as visit the nearby Castello di Amorosa.
Visit St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
As one of the few certified sustainable wineries in Napa and Sonoma, St. Francis Winery is one to add to your itinerary. Not only is the wine delicious, but the estate is also stunning and the views from the back tasting patio are unbeatable.
While sipping from your flight of wine, youll look out over rows of vines toward rolling hills. St. Francis also accommodates dinner parties, large groups, and other kinds of visits aside from a classic tasting.
Chateau Montelena
Read Also: Places To Stay In Laguna Beach
Las Alcobas Napa Valley
Why it made the list
A full-service St. Helena resort with a spa that wows, a vineyard-view pool, and a destination restaurant helmed by a Food Network star, Las Alcobas pampers guests from the second they arrive. The best rooms include two second-floor vineyard-view suites with fire pits on their L-shaped balconies, but all the options here satisfy.
Upscale-casual luxury is the goal of this hillside beauty th Read More
The Best Hotels In Napa And Beyond: Our Favorite Wine Country Boutique Hotels
When it comes to jaw-dropping scenery, Napa Valley and the rest of Californias wine country is hard to beat. While the area suffered devastating fires in the fall of 2017, the resilient region has bounced back and tourism is in full swing, with hotels and vineyards happily welcoming guests. Whether you want to soak up the summer sun, experience the busy harvest season, or relax with the locals once all the Cabernet has been barreled, there’s never a bad time to visit wine country. Before you start planning your vino-filled getaway, take a look at the best hotels in Napa, Sonoma, and beyond, from winery-owned guesthouses and suites to luxury boutique hotels.
You May Like: Best Area To Stay In Louisville Ky
Frequently Asked Questions About Hotels In Sonoma
Is it better to stay in Napa or Sonoma?
Both places are just as beautiful. However, Sonoma is for sure more affordable than Napa Valley. Expect to pay less for wine and hotels in Sonoma.
Is it better to stay in Sonoma or Healdsburg?
It depends on what you prefer. Sonoma City is perfect for first-time visitors and people who want to explore the whole valley, while Healdsburg is great for those who just want to relax and stay in one place.
Which is the best hotel in Sonoma?
MacArthur Place Inn and Spa is one of the best accommodations in Sonoma Wine Country. The boutique hotel has excellent amenities and offers complimentary wine tasting and a spa.
Can you stay at a winery in Sonoma?
Yes, several wineries offer night-stays, like Enriquez Estate Wines and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Sonoma Wine Country!
The article has all the information you need to plan your trip, including the top towns in the region and great hotels.
I know the list is long, but its better to have all these options than none! If you need extra help, here are my two favorite options in Sonoma City.
- MacArthur Place Inn and Spa A fabulous inn & spa in Sonoma that has rooms with private outdoor patios and offers complimentary wine tasting
- Best Guest Cottages Cozy, comfortable, and affordable! This place comes with a garden and bbq facilities
Have a great trip,
Where To Stay In Sonoma
If laid-back Sonoma has won your heart in the great Sonoma vs Napa debate, then youre going to need to find an accommodation option in the California wine region. Fortunately, there are countless choices available for all kinds of travelers. If youre wondering where to stay in Sonoma, have a look at these suggestions:
Inn at Sonoma If youre looking for a quait but luxe stay in Sonoma, then look no further than this hotel. Centrally located, they have a number of wonderful rooms available, fantastic ammenities and a full breakfast and afternoon wine and hors doeuvres are served daily. You can also help yourself to freshly baked cookies each day!
Cinnamon Bear Creekside Inn This cosy, family-run bed and breakfast is a great choice for those looking for a more homey stay in Sonoma. They have a handful of clean and comfortable rooms on offer, a full English breakfast available each morning and a great location for exploring Sonoma.
Not quite what youre looking for?
Also Check: Best Hotel To Stay In Yosemite
Napa Vs Sonoma: Which Wine Region To Visit
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, see our privacy policy.
Napa and Sonoma Valleys might be two of the most well-known wine regions in the USA. After all, Napa Valley is home to some of the worlds most renowned vineyards. Visitors flock from across the country, and even the world, to taste the delicious wine being produced in these regions. While both wine countries live side by side, there are key differences that set them apart. That said, Napa vs Sonoma, which should you visit?
The good news is the two valleys run parallel to each other. If you have a few days to spend in the area, you can easily visit both. However, its a general rule of thumb that to make the most of your Napa or Sonoma visit, you should consider choosing one area of either valley to focus your attention.
This will allow you to visit more wineries without spending a large portion of your day driving. Ready to plan your trip to Californias wine country? Keep reading for everything you need to know about choosing between Sonoma or Napa.
Best Hotel In Napa: Upvalley Inn & Hot Springs
This hotel in Napa offers comfortable, modern rooms with stylish Theres no getting around the high prices of the Napa Valley, but we reckon this hotel offers great value for money. Its got modern rooms with all the usual amenities, but also boasts an on-site pool and hot tub that are heated by an underground hot spring. Its close to the Old Faithful Geyser, as well as other top attractions.
The Napa Valley is filled with rolling hills and small towns dotted throughout the green landscape. Some of these small settlements are pretty budget-friendly and offer great access to the wineries, food, and outdoor activities that this part of the world is famous for.
Yountville is the best place to stay if youre deciding where to stay in Napa for your first visit. This pretty town is close to some of the best wineries in the region, and it also has a rural vibe that will make your stay even more relaxing.
Those travelling California on a budget should check out American Canyon for the cheapest accommodation in the region. Its well-connected to San Francisco, wineries, and nature reserves, so youll have plenty to keep you busy.
If youre travelling for the nightlife, and who wouldnt when it comes with a distinct Napa Valley flavour, then you should base yourself in Napa Town. This is the buzzing capital of the region and is where youll find amazing bars and restaurants.
Recommended Reading: Where To Stay In Poblado Medellin
Wearing Heels Is A No
Learn from my mistakes my friends! It sounds romantic to frolic around wine country in a sundress, heels and hat but in reality, youll be spending a lot of time on your feet while wine tasting.
And let me tell you, by winery #2 on a warm day in heels when your tour takes you on a stroll through the vineyards or gathers you around standing next to a barrel for a special tasting, youll be wishing you had on flats or reallllly comfy baby heels. Ive made this mistake so many times before I learned.
Also, winter is cold. Everyone thinks California is sunny and warm all the time, but NOPE! If you are wine tasting in the winter, youll want to wear a sweater and maybe even a coat.