Napa and Sonoma Valley: an Overview

Whether you are a wine connoisseur or just simply enjoy a drink, you will not be short on vineyards to choose from. Enjoy tours and tastings, sampling the finest Cabernet Sauvignon from Hall Rutherford's 500 acres, or organic Pinot with unbeatable views at Robert Sinkeys, travelling by foot, car, train or bicycle.

The valleys' restaurants offer exceptional dining, and restaurants such as the French Laundry, Terra and the Auberge du Soleil are known as among the best restaurants in the world, let alone California. Sonoma valley also offers a more low-key gastro scene, with goats cheese farms, pick-your-own orchards, and artisan honey producers. This is real pitch up and picnic stuff.

The wine averse need not despair, as the surrounding countryside offers beautiful walking opportunities, through rolling farmland and carpets of wildflowers in spring time. The Napa and Sonoma Valleys are in fact such a pretty area, that people come just for the views and the clean mountain air - there is no need to have an interest in viniculture, though by the end of a short stay even the most ardent vinophobes will know their Syrah from their Cabernet Franc.

Original Travel can tailor make a fabulous Napa and Sonoma Valley holiday, including activities from wine tastings and winemaking classes, to horse riding, guided biking and hiking tours.