Beyond Napa: Northern California’s Other Wine Regions
Northern California has numerous wine regions, although many visitors only have eyes for the Napa Valley. With more than 20 other American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) within a two-hour drive of San Francisco, why not sample and savor?
Explore these lesser-known wine regions to find the places with which even Bay Area natives may not be familiar. Take a trip along winding country roads lined with vineyards and old oak trees to family-owned wineries, where you will receive a warm greeting and sample delicious wine.
With planning and reservations, you can take advantage of intimate winery tours with winemakers or sample appetizers while sipping wine on the terrace. Taste sparkling wines from one of California’s best producers, or enjoy a winery tour where you can learn about Methode Champenoise. And as you would expect, we have included suggestions for restaurants and comfortable accommodations with luxurious touches. Let’s get started!
DRY CREEK VALLEY
Dry Creek Valley is reminiscent of Europe, with winding country roads which lead to small, intimate vineyards where the person pouring your wine might be the winemaker. Read more
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
The Russian River Valley is an AVA in Sonoma County that receives less press and tourists than other winemaking regions, making it a perfect destination for those in the know. Read more
AMADOR COUNTY WINE REGION
Amador County is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills in California’s Gold Country – made famous by the Gold Rush of the 1850s. Fortunately for us, the prospectors planted vineyards to produce wines reminiscent of those from Europe. Read more
LODI WINE REGION
Located two hours east of San Francisco, the Lodi Wine Region is in California’s primary agricultural area. While many of these wineries have been growing grapes for decades, most have only been producing their own wines for a short time. Read more
Getting there and around Wine County:
Unless you really love driving, why not leave it up to the professionals? Bauer Limousines will transport you in grand style.
Another way to experience the wine country is on a Wine Country Vespa Tour, featuring private tastings at wineries not open to the public. Getting there is half the fun!
