California's Napa and Sonoma valleys are two of the most famous wine-growing regions in the world, and two of my favorite places to visit in the state. In fact, I liked Napa so much that I moved there. The valleys that provide a way of life for thousands of vintners 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 reasons enough to visit. If you can, plan to spend a couple of days just to get to know one of the valleys. 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, unless you're regularly gluttonous.
While Napa and 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 valleys, 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.
Sonoma is often regarded as the "other" Wine Country, forever in the shadow of Napa Valley. The truth, however, is that it's a distinct experience. Sonoma still manages to feel like backcountry, thanks to its lower density of wineries, restaurants, and hotels; because it's far less traveled than Napa, it offers a more genuine escape. Small, family-owned wineries are its mainstay -- as in the early days of California winemaking, when everyone started with the intention of going broke and loving every minute of it. Unlike the rigidly structured tours at many of Napa Valley's corporate-owned wineries, tastings and tours on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains are usually low-key, with plenty of friendly banter between staff and guests.
