Vacations in Napa & Sonoma Valleys, California

Pampering and wine-tasting are a relaxing mix.

The wine country of northern California consists primary of the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Visitors come to taste legendary food and wine parings in a relaxed atmosphere, and to witness the breathtaking seasonal changes in the vines. Family friendly trips to the area are a possibility, as are more intimate getaways. Couples often choose the area for small weddings or romantic retreats and celebrations. Spa services of nearby Calistoga invite women's groups or "girls only" trips, which pair pampering with wine tasting as a popular vacation option.

Family Friendly Trips

Sonoma Train Town and Castello di Amorosa Winery are family friendly.

Napa and Sonoma offers family friendly attractions for entertaining children and teens. Toddlers will enjoy a day at Train Town in Sonoma. It is open daily from June through labor day with free admission and parking. September through May they remain open Friday through Sunday. Rides and games are all kid friendly, and the train replicas are educational for older kids. As of January 2011, prices for a train ride are $4.75 per person and tickets for the Ferris wheel and other rides are available in packages of five for $10.

Teenagers will enjoy a visit to a castle complete with a medieval torture chamber at Castello di Amorosa Winery. They offer a variety of wine tasting and tour packages for adults, and a dedicated young adult tour for teens. As of January 2011 entrance fees for anyone under the legal drinking age of 21 are only $7 with full tours offered for $22 each.

Couples Retreats

Couples can plan tasting tours and even hot air balloon rides in Napa Valley.

Romantic couples retreats are a natural part of a trip to Napa or Sonoma valley.

Live music events and festivals, golf, an annual wine auction, fall harvest wine releases and holiday celebrations all bring couples to enjoy the area and taste amazing wines at the local wineries. Vacation packages, including accommodations, wine-tasting tours and dining are available for couples with many different interests.

The Napa Valley Lodge near the famous French Laundry Restaurant in Yountville offers VIP tour packages with a driver, daily champagne breakfast and a deluxe terrace room with a vineyard view. They also offer packages for couples including hot air balloon rides or spa services. As of January 2011, the VIP tour package runs $349 to $499 per person, double occupancy.

Small Wedding Celebrations

Napa and Sonoma is a great place for small ceremonies.

Napa and Sonoma each have unique venues for vacation weddings. Elopement packages are a popular way to turn a vacation into a special occasion. The Wine Country Inn, the first bed and breakfast in the Napa Valley, offers packages for elopement, vow renewal or commitment ceremonies. The package include a two-night stay, ceremony, flowers, photos, cake and champagne. As of January 2011 package prices range from $1,655 to $3,155.

The Honor Mansion in the Sonoma Valley area offers a similar package with a two- to four-night stay and a ceremony with appetizers, cake and a toast for up to four people. As of January 2011, the package ranges from $ 3,000 to $4,400.

Just the Girls

Explore the spas and wineries with girlfriends in Napa and Sonoma.

When a group of ladies wants to take a short vacation together, Napa and Sonoma welcome them with relaxing arms. The Silverado Resort and Country Club in Napa has a package starting at $199 per lady as of January 2011. This package includes a shared, two-bedroom fireplace suite for up to four ladies. Each receives a spa treatment at the Silverado Spa, wine tasting at a local winery and free gift.

Busy women cannot always stay overnight. Beau Limousine Service offers four, six or eight hour tours of the Sonoma Valley area wineries. Trips are customizable, so ask for a sparking wine tour of the area's best starting at $80 per hour as of January 2011.

References

• Napa Valley Vitners: Visit Napa Valley
• Sonoma Train Town
• Castello Di Amorosa
• The Napa Valley Lodge: Special Packages
• The Wine Country Inn: Weddings
• The Honor Mansion: Elopement Package

Resources

• The Napa Valley Vitners Association
• Sonoma Train Town: Ticket Info
• Castello Di Amorosa: Contact Info
• The Napa Valley Lodge: Contact Us
• The Wine Country Inn: How to Find Us
• The Honor Mansion: Contact & Maps
• The Silverado Resort: Friends Getaway
• The Silverado Resort: Info and Directions
• Beau Limo: Sonoma Valley Wine Tours