Things to do in  Napa & Sonoma

Just 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of San Francisco, California's premier wine country beckons, inviting travelers to slow down and savor the good life. Together, the Napa and Sonoma valleys offer many miles of rolling vineyards, biking (and tasting) trails, and an extravagance of eateries—from gourmet pop-ups at local wineries to multi-course, Michelin-starred dining experiences. European settlers planted Napa Valley's first grapes in the 1800s, and today, its wines compete with the best in the world. The once-sleepy city of Napa has been transformed into a hub of high-end shopping, cafes, and fine restaurants. Though proud of its equally long winemaking history, Sonoma is better known as a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement, which elevated farming to a craft and fresh, local food to an art form. From the leafy, central plaza of ""Slow-noma"" town to trendy Healdsburg, you'll sample some of the county's best food and wine on a tasting tour. Between the two neighboring valleys, there are far more wineries than even the most dedicated oenophile can take in (more than 800), and nearly as many options for exploring the countryside: Ride the historical Napa Valley Wine Train; cruise the Silverado Trail in the back of a chauffeured, air-conditioned limo, bike through Yountville or Dry Creek Valley; canoe down the Russian River; or float above it all in a hot-air balloon. If you somehow overdo it, head to the spa town of Calistoga for a well-deserved break.