Depending on how much time you have to spend – a Napa or Sonoma weekend getaway versus a week’s vacation in Wine Country – it’s important to know the lay of the land so you can maximize your time here.

Napa and Sonoma differences

It’s easy to think of Napa and Sonoma as one. While they are next to each other and share the wine thing, they differ dramatically in how they feel and what they have to offer. Napa Valley is small, flat and bracketed by two major roads. It’s easy to get around. You are never far from your next glass of wine. However, with notoriety comes popularity. It can get crowed in the valley.

Sonoma County, by contrast, is more than twice the size of Napa. While there are a number of well-travelled wine trails, so much of it is off the beaten path. You can get lost in Sonoma. Some people move here to do just that. the Mayacamas Mountain range separates the two. The roads that cross it are few and tortuous. Driving them is far from carefree. You need not choose between one region and the other, but geography should definitely play a role in planning your wine country vacation.

What Varietal do you prefer?

Another consideration for wine enthusiasts is varietal specialization and how much time you have to sample everything available.

In Napa Valley Cabernet is king and the quality of Cabernet from Napa is arguably the best in world. Fans of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are better served in Sonoma County, which has the greatest diversity of wines of any region in California.

And of course, you will want to balance how much time you spend on other Napa, Sonoma highlights. There are the restaurants, shopping and spas. Gems can be found in both Napa and Sonoma on all these fronts. Really, the only thing that Sonoma has that Napa doesn’t is a coastline. You should also plan around that, if a coastline is something you think you might enjoy.

Whatever time you have to spend in Napa and Sonoma, California’s Wine Country will not disappoint you. We promise you that!