California's Napa and Sonoma are two of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, and two of my favorite places to visit in the state. The valleys that provide a way of life for thousands of vintners and farmers are also the ultimate retreat for wine and food lovers and romantics. Hundreds of wineries are nestled among the vines, and most are open to visitors. Even if you're a teetotaler, the country air, rolling countryside, and world-class restaurants and spas are reason enough to visit. If you can, plan to spend a couple of days just to get to know the area. No matter how long you stay, you'll probably never get enough of the romantic, indulgent way of life. It requires stamina, though; eating and drinking to excess can seriously wear you down.
While Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and northern Sonoma are close to each other (about 30 min. apart by car), each is attraction-packed enough that your best bet is to focus on just one of the areas, especially if your time is limited. I recommend that you read about each and then decide which one is right for you -- unless, of course, you're lucky enough to have time to explore both.
When considering the destinations, keep in mind that Napa is the most commercial, with elegant spas, a superior selection of fine restaurants and hotels, and fancy big-business wineries offering polished winery tours. Sonoma Valley is far more laid-back and small-town, with its charming town square, and a few dozen wineries -- which are often family-owned -- dispersed amidst winding country roads. Northern Sonoma, the most vast area to visit, combines a little of each valley, with extremely well regarded wineries, genuine country charm, the outstanding Healdsburg town square (with great shopping), and a growing number of destination-worthy hotels and restaurants.
Napa Valley is just 35 miles long, which means you can venture from one end to the other in around half an hour (traffic permitting). Most of the large wineries -- as well as most of the hotels, shops, and restaurants -- line a single road, Highway 29, which starts at the mouth of the Napa River, near the north end of San Francisco Bay, and continues north to Calistoga and the top of the growing region.
