One of the perks of living in California is the wide variety of wineries and their accessibility. After moving to the Bay Area from my hometown in Riverside, I aimed to explore as much of Northern California wine country as possible.
Below I’m sharing my favorite romantic getaways in Northern California for wine lovers. (Wine drinking is not required!)
Carmel-by-the-Sea
About two hours south of San Francisco, you’ll come across Carmel-by-the-Sea, a dreamy seaside town with European-inspired architecture. Garden-covered archways, secret alleyways, and stores that look like cottages, make it feel as if you’re wandering a European countryside.
This quaint town is packed with boutique department stores, Michelin-star restaurants, art galleries, and seventeen tasting rooms. Carmel-by-the-Sea is also 1 square mile in size, a huge plus for wine drinkers since tasting rooms are within walking distance of hotels and inns (no designated driver needed)! Me and my partner loved being able to walk off our buzz between wine tasting, perusing art galleries, and shopping.
If you need a break from eating, drinking, and shopping, walk down Ocean Avenue where you’ll arrive at the white sands of Carmel Beach. The beach is well maintained. You can enjoy a scenic walk or run on the beach pathway or pick a spot under the many Monterey Cypress trees to read a book, have a picnic, or watch the sunset.
Where To Stay
Monte Verde Inn
I specifically chose Monte Verde Inn because of its proximity to the beach and on-site self-parking, (most places in this town have street parking or valet). I highly recommend booking the Ocean View Condo. (The other rooms are small and no frills in my opinion).
The condo is on the second story with two balconies that have a peek of an ocean view- one in the living room area and one in the bedroom. The condo also includes a kitchenette for those who prefer to cook a meal at home and a fireplace, which is much needed for chilly nights by the coast. Me and my partner would sometimes purchase wines from tasting rooms and bring them back to our room where we spent time soaking in the scenery and sounds from the balcony.
One of the perks of staying here is that you’ll receive a complimentary decanter of sherry and breakfast delivered to our front door in the cutest picnic basket.
L’Auberge Carmel
If you’re looking to splurge, then book the ultra-luxury L’Auberge Carmel which is across the street from Monte Verde Inn. It’s a full-service hotel with beautiful amenities.
Where To Drink
Dawn’s Dream Winery
What I loved about this tasting room is the relaxing vibes and the welcoming staff. My memory is a bit fuzzy but I believe the owner said some of their wines are named after their daughters. There’s also a bathtub you can take photos in, which reflects their logo. When you’re here, try their Nugget Chardonnay.
Galante Vineyards Tasting Room:
A fun fact about Galante is that it is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s first tasting room. Another fun fact is that it’s Western/cowboy-themed! Walk through a garden archway and along a cobblestone path and you’ll reach this tasting room outfitted with Western decor. You’ll want to try their red wines!
Albatross Ridge Tasting Room
Albatross Ridge tasting room is all elegance with its stone accents. You must try their Rosé.
Where To Eat
There are TONS of restaurants and bakeries in this area!
A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar
A.W. Shucks Cocktail & Oyster Bar is the best place to indulge in oysters and other seafood. They also have a large menu of beers, mocktails, and cocktails if you want a break from wine tasting. The vibe here is more chill than romantic but still a fun place to visit and dine.
La Bicyclettee
Get transported to Paris at La Bicyclettee. This restaurant which serves French-inspired cuisine and has a weekly rotating menu. I went for breakfast and lunch because it was so delicious. The farmhouse interior decor makes this restaurant feel extra cozy.
Dametra Cafe
This Greek restaurant has a laid-back vibe yet is still busting with energy with its live music. The interior feels warm and homey with hanging drapes, bold artwork, and bright linens.
Where To Explore Near By
Complete the 17-Mile Drive
Take a drive through the 17-Mile Drive, a scenic road that winds along the coast through Pebble Beach. I took this drive starting in Monterey and ended in Carmel-by-the-Sea. It costs $12 to enter per vehicle. Once you enter, you’re free to take your time touring 17 different must-see points of interest. During my drive, I pulled over to admire the Restless Sea, Bird Rock, and Seal Rock.
Downtown Sonoma
Let me start by saying there is Sonoma Country, Sonoma City, and Sonoma County. Sonoma County is vast with over 425 wineries. Sonoma Valley is the birthplace of California’s wine industry with three distinct regions: Northern, Central, and Southern.
Downton Sonoma (Sonoma City) is in the Central Valley about one hour north of San Francisco, making this location the perfect place for a day trip. Staying in Downton Sonoma grants you access to a bustling town square filled with boutiques, restaurants, tasting rooms, and several wineries on the outskirts of town.
From 11:30 a.m. until sunset, drinking alcohol is permitted in the Sonoma Plaza Park. Their weekly Farmer’s Market also takes place in the park on Tuesdays.
Where To Stay
MacArthur Place
Only four blocks away from Sonoma Plaza Park, MacArthur Place is a luxury hotel, with a farmhouse aesthetic. The grounds are lush with greenery and white roses. Rooms are designed with neutral colors and wood accents, giving a sense of tranquility and calm.
There are also several common areas and firepits throughout the property to enjoy a quiet place to unwind, read, or drink. One of my favorite amenities is their heated outdoor pool (where I spent nearly 3 hours recovering from a horrible hangover after doing a whiskey tasting).
We stayed in a standard suite. We took advantage of our outdoor porch where we eat breakfast or step out to read beneath the sunshine. If you don’t want to wander into town for food, you can book a table at their onsite restaurant, Layla.
Other honorable mentions:
Where To Drink
Roche Tasting Room
I visited the Roche tasting room and winery outside of town and both were phenomenal experiences. The tasting room in Downtown Sonoma is laid-back with a large outdoor seating area. It’s one of the few tasting rooms in the area open past 5 PM PT, with a closing time of 7:30 PM.
Prohibition Spirits and Distillery
Also located in Downtown Sonoma, what I love about this distillery is the wide selection of liqueurs, gins, and other spirits. We took home a bottle of cucumber gin and another liqueur. They have a tasting menu where you can select any 6 to try. Be careful! I should have known better to end my day tasting spirits after a full day of wine tasting. I had the worst hangover ever. (See note above about me recovering in the heated pool).
Pangloss Cellars
Set in a renovated 1902 building, Pangloss Cellars‘s aesthetic is inspired by Voltaire’s Candide. Their Pinot Noirs are a must to taste!
Where To Eat
- Tasca Tasca: If you like light bites and tapas, you’ll find a great mix of Mediterranean & Portuguese tapas and wine here. It’s a great spot for lunch between wine tasting.
- LaSalette Restaurant: Delicious Portuguese cuisine, local seafood, hearty stews and casseroles. Super romantic and I highly recommend it for dinner.
- El Dorado Kitchen: Explores seasonal California cuisine. This is another great spot for dinner and cocktails. We were seated at an inside table that was right next to a window nook overlooking the street which felt so much more intimate than the larger dining area.
Where To Explore Nearby
The Donum Estate
A 12-minute drive from Downtown Sonoma, you’ll find yourself at this gorgeous winery filled with art. They house the world’s largest accessible private sculpture collections. Our stay at MacArthur Place included a tasting at a local winery of our choice and the art concept piqued our interest. As we sipped our wine, we were given a walking tour of the grounds where we learned more about the art.
Livermore
Located in Tri-Valley, Livermore is California’s oldest wine region. It’s also the easternmost city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the gateway to the Central Valley. This a fabulous wine location for Californians who live deeper in the East Bay or for anyone in Northen California looking for a more laid-back vibe.
Where To Stay
Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa
Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort & Spa is THE place you should stay when visiting Livermore if you’re looking for the ultimate romantic escape. With only 10 rooms and suites, Purple Orchid truly is intimate. We stayed in the Vinter’s Estate and found the property was so peaceful. The only time we ever ran into other guests was during breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, a full-plated homemade breakfast is included with your stay.
They also offer an “Olive and Vino” hour where you can enjoy complimentary wine, cheese, and their signature olive oil. On the property, you can indulge in their gorgeous outdoor pool and hot tub (which I did not get the chance to do since we stayed during the winter months).
Note that check-in is between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. (I assume because of how intimate the hotel size is). However, if you plan to check in later you simply need to let them know in advance so they know to prepare for your arrival.
Where To Eat
Simply Fondue
Simply Fondue serves more than fondue here! You can also get cocktails only, dessert fondue, and additional entrees. I loved the Loaded Whiskey Cheddar fondue.
Where To Drink
Darcie Kent Estate Winery
If you love art, you must swing by Darcie Kent Estate Winery. The owner, Darcie Kent, has a lot of her art on display and you can see her art reflected on the wine bottle labels.
Lodi
Lodi, located in the Central Valley, is known as the Zinfandel capital of the world! With over 85 wineries, there’s plenty to see and drink through in this town.
Where To Stay
Wine and Roses Hotel
This boutique luxury hotel has over 60 rooms and suites and has Tuscan-inspired architecture. The grounds are filled with many trees and gardens that blend into the hotel walkways. It feels like you’re walking through an enchanted forest. There are even parrots on the premises. Amenities include a spa, restaurant, and gorgeous outdoor pool.
We stayed in the Garden Loft the first time we visited and the Vinter Suite our second time. Both are beautiful accommodations. The Garden Loft is great if you’re looking for a simple yet sophisticated room. The Vinter Suite is a fabulous option if you value more space. It includes a fireplace, outdoor patio, kitchen, separate living area, and separate marble tub.
Where To Drink
- Michael David Winery – If you’re coming from San Francisco, this will be the first winery you’ll see as you approach Lodi. I love how their “Freak Show circus” branding. Their marketplace is filled with a great selection of cheese and other snacks and they have a large outdoor area that’s great to lounge in during the warmer months.
- Jessie’s Grove Winery – They are one of my active wine clubs. We learned that this winery has some of the oldest vines dating back to the late 1800s. If you visit here, you’ll also get to see some farm animals!
- Dancing Fox Winery and Brewery – Their name comes from a red fox the owner’s sons would sometimes have caught a glimpse of as they worked in the vineyards. What I love about the Dancing Fox is that they also brew beer and have a restaurant with a robust menu. They also have a lot of fox imagery throughout the winery and brewery.
- Scotto’s Wine and Cider – If you’re looking for a fun and upbeat day out, swing by Scotto’s. I drank the most delicious jalapeno-infused cider here.
Where To Eat
Towne House
Towne House is Wine and Rose’s on-site restaurant and is so enchanting, elegant, and romantic. The walkway leading up to the restaurant is outfitted with fairy lights that extend into the trees. Sit inside if you prefer the cozy feel of a roaring fireplace or request a table outside if you want to admire the fairytale-like scenery.
Anderson Valley
Anderson Valley is located in Mendocino County about 3 hours north of San Francisco. At 15 miles long, you’ll snake through a vibrant valley filled with Redwoods and nearly 40 wineries before you reach the coast. No longer California’s best-kept secret, this is the place to visit to get the most value for your wines on the West Coast.
Where To Stay
Little River Inn
I highly recommend booking one of Little River Inn’s cottages where you can have undisturbed views of the coast. Some cottages also include a hot tub on the patio, which I loved relaxing in while sipping a glass of local wine. On separate occasions, we stayed in the White Cottage and Van Damme cottages.
If you prefer a room, check out Room 102, also known as the “James Dean” room. It’s an Ocean View Deluxe room that James Dean stayed in while filming “East of Eden.”
MacCallum House Inn
This Victorian-style luxury boutique inn has several types of accommodations including rooms in the main house, separate stand-alone cottages, rooms in their historic board, and suites a short walk away from the main property. For the most romantic experience, I recommend booking a cottage or a suite.
On two separate occasions, we stayed in Abbey Flair cottage (again, I cannot resist a hot tub beneath the stars) and the Honeymoon Suite (the bathroom with the claw tub is especially gorgeous).
Where To Drink
Out of all of California wine county, I might be biased when I say Anderson Vally is my favorite.
- Yorkville Cellars: Also one of my current wine clubs, Their Sweet Malbec and Richard the Lion-Heart Bordeaux are both one of a kind!
- Husch: You can’t miss this quaint winery that looks like a wood cabin with beautiful flowers that scale its building. Try their Chardonnay or Gewurztraminer!
- Roederer Estate: This is the spot for sparkling wine lovers.
- Handley Cellars: The owners were so kind to let us try basically everything on their menu without extra charge!
- Gowan’s Heirloom Ciders: Must try the Spiced Apple and Rosé ciders.
Where To Eat
Most options below focus on Californian cuisine with local seafood. Because Mendocino is a small town, you can expect restaurants to also be on the smaller side. I highly recommend booking a table or calling in advance for availability.
- MacCallum House Restaurant and Grey Whale Bar: If you can attend for Breakfast and Dinner, both menus are divine.
- Luna Trattoria: An Italian restaurant with an upstairs and downstairs, and sculptures and archways in the garden. You will need to come back to try all their available pastas! You must call in advance if you want a seat as they only take reservations at 5PM or 7PM.
- Little River Inn Restaurant: We ordered in where dinner was delivered to our cottage but you can dine in for Breakfast or Dinner.
- Trillium Cafe & Inn: A reservation is highly recommended for dinner since they only have 10 indoor tables.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of romantic getaways in Northern California for wine lovers seeking relaxing and adventurous experiences. From the coast to the valley, Northern California promises unforgettable experiences for all couples.
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