There are so many wonderful places to discover wine within a long weekend from the Bay. While you know how much I love Napa, sometimes it’s just a little too expensive or busy, especially during the summer. Here are six alternatives regions to explore, all of which are worthy of trips in their own right.
Paso Robles
California’s Central Coast isn’t usually the first place that people think of when it comes to wine, but this up-and-coming region is quickly becoming just as popular. It has a much more laid back vibe than its northern neighbours, and still maintains much of the wild west feel from when it was a region known primarily for its sprawling ranches and almond orchards.
Taste —- Shale Oak Winery, Tablas Creek Vineyard, Booker Wines, Daou Vineyards
Stay —- Croad Vineyards Inn
Eat —- Six Test Kitchen
How Long —- 3 nights
Mendocino
This idyllic coastal region forces you to slow down and connect with nature. It’s renowned in the wine community for being one of the most sustainable wine regions in the world. It’s a region full of world class wine and dining options, an adorable walkable downtown, stunning natural panoramas, and far fewer crowds than you’ll find further south. I recommend taking some time outside of wine tasting to dedicate to exploring the abundant nature with hikes through Mendocino Headlands State Park and Russian Gulch State Park
Taste —- Goldeneye Winery, Navarro Vineyards, Phillips Hill Winery, Roederer Estate
Stay —- The Apple Farm
Eat —- Albion River Inn
Stay —- 2 nights
Livermore
Just a stone’s throw outside San Francisco, I’ll often come here during the week for a mini trip out to visit the vines. The region’s wine making history dates back to the early settlers, with some of the historic vineyards in operation by the same family since the late 1800’s. To make it a full day out and also get some sun, I like to go for a hike in the nearby Del Valle Regional Park or play a round at Wente’s on site golf course.
Taste —- Wente Vineyards, Murietta’s Well, Retzlaff Vineyards & Estate, Cedar Mountain Winery
Stay —- The Purple Orchid
Eat —- The Grill
How Long — Daytrip
Monterey
A long, thin viticultural strip that stretches from Monterey Bay all the way down to Paso Robles. More than half of the wine production here is chardonnay, although riesling and pinot noir are also popular varietals in the north. I like coming here because, well, I love just about everything nearby. You can easily make the trip to charming little Carmel-by-the-Sea, play a round at Pebble Beach, and take a quick journey into the northernmost parks Big Sur.
Taste —- Wrath Wines, VDR Winery, Hahn Family Wines, Seabold Cellars
Stay —- Tickle Pink Inn
Eat —- Mission Ranch
How Long —- 2 nights
Lodi
I was surprised by how much I liked Lodi the first time I visited, which I hear is pretty common. Many of the top wineries in Napa and Sonoma source grapes from this region for their blends, but the wines and tasting fees have remained extremely affordable. While the rather flat terroir lacks the more dramatic panoramas of other regions, it makes up for it with its friendly charm and history – Lodi is one of the nation’s oldest winemaking regions, with several estates still producing from what are known as ancient vines, and is still home to some of the best port production in the world.
Taste —- Oak Farm Vineyards, Prie Winery, Peirano Estate, Harney Lane
Stay —- Wine & Roses
Eat —- Moo Moo’s Burger Barn
How Long —- 1 night
Snake River Valley
This one requires hopping on a short flight to Boise, but honestly doesn’t require any more travel time than some of the Central Valley regions. Snake River Valley is one of the country’s most up-and-coming wine regions, with phenomenal wines and tastings that won’t break the bank. Boise is a cool little town with a similar vibe to Boulder (and a lot of post-pandemic Silicon Valley transplants) with great bars and restaurants. I like to make a trip of it with some time in the outdoors exploring the nearby Sawtooth Mountains National Forest, Craters of the Moon National Preserve, or Snake River Birds of Prey Conservation Area.
Taste —- Scoria Vineyards, Hat Ranch Winery, Ste Chapelle, Sawtooth Winery
Stay —- Trinity Ranch Bed & Breakfast
Eat —- Epi’s Basque Restaurant
How Long —- 3 nights
