Where else can you find peaceful Pacific coastlines, dramatic desertscapes, and lush vineyard sites all in one place? We know we may be biased, but California truly has it all. No need to hop on a plane to fulfill your dream weekend getaway! Whether looking for salt-tinged days spent on the beach or long hikes scouring through majestic Redwood forests, California has something to offer every type of long weekend traveler. Though one thing’s for sure—no matter where you choose to spend your down time, you’re definitely going to need some wine.
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California Wine Regional Breakdown
Napa Valley
Location / How to Get There: Approximately a one hour drive north from San Francisco, immediately north of the San Pablo Bay
Terroir: Foggy, hilly, and very susceptible to fires
What to Know: Despite its small size, there are 16 sub-AVAs in Napa: Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Chiles Valley, Coombsville, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Mount Veeder, Oak Knoll District, Oakville, Rutherford, Spring Mountain, St. Helena, Stag’s Leap, Wild Horse Valley, and Yountville
Not to Miss: For foodies, The Restaurant at Meadowood, French Laundry, and PRESS are absolute musts!
Sonoma County
How to get there: Approximately a one hour drive from San Francisco Airport (SFO)
Terroir: Cool-climate, foggy, and heavily influenced by Pacific ocean breezes
What to Know: Sonoma is broken down into three sub-regions (Sonoma Valley, Northern Sonoma, and Sonoma Coast) and is home to 18 sub-AVAs.
Not to Miss: Downtown Healdsburg is a great place to stroll around, grab a coffee / beer break, and play a round of Bocce – did you know that more than seven local wineries have courts?
Paso Robles
How to get there: Drive from San Luis Obispo airport (approx. 35 mins) or hop a one hour flight from LAX
Terroir: Warm, vast (coastal / beachy to the west to more desert-like conditions inland), diverse soils (alluvial and sandy to calcareous and clay-based)
What to Know: This is hands-down red wine country! If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Rhône blends, this region’s for you.
Not to Miss: Picnic in Barney Schwartz Park, shop the downtown boutiques, and cool off for an afternoon at Ravine Water Park.
Santa Barbara
How to get there: Fly directly into Santa Barbara airport, located just 7 miles away from downtown Santa Barbara. Alternatively, land in LAX and drive / take the coach bus to downtown SB (approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes).
Terroir: Nestled between two mountain ranges, with elevations ranging from 200 – 3,400+ feet; lots of soil diversity, from limestone to clay loam to diamtamaceous earth (DE)
What to Know: Unlike most valleys that run north to south, Santa Barbara actually runs east to west–in other words, sideways (yes, as in the inspiration for that Sideways!)
Not to Miss: Head down to the beach and check out Breakwater, Char West, Longboard’s Grill, or Santa Barbara Shellfish Company for some of the best (and freshest) seafood delights. Don’t forget to hit up San Ynez Valley, a hidden Santa Barbara gem.
