County seven times, a testament to its quality and local popularity.
Rancho Solano Golf Course Located in Fairfield’ s Suisun and Green Valley wine regions, Rancho Solano is a par- 72 course designed by Gary Roger Baird in 1990. Playing 6,632 yards, it may not stretch long, but it challenges golfers with large, undulating greens, elevated tees and scenic rolling terrain that showcases the region’ s vineyard-lined landscape.
BONUS STOP
Purefect Golf Club If the weather doesn’ t cooperate, Napa County’ s first indoor golf facility offers a perfect alternative. Purefect Golf club features full-swing simulators that let you play some of the world’ s most famous courses in climate-controlled comfort. Bring your own clubs and reserve a hitting bay by the hour for up to four players, with instruction available from top regional golf teachers.
PAIRING YOUR ROUND WITH A POUR
IN NAPA AND SONOMA, wine tasting is an experience as varied as the courses themselves. Tasting rooms range in size and style, from grand estates to cozy, family-run operations— and prices can vary just as much.
While Napa Valley is often seen as more upscale and in demand, Sonoma Valley tends to offer a more casual atmosphere, with some tastings under $ 40 and walk-in availability at select wineries.
With more than 800 wineries combined between the two valleys, you’ ll find no shortage of options. And if you venture beyond the main hubs, towns like Calistoga, Glen Ellen, St. Helena and Yountville offer delightful alternatives— often with fewer crowds and equally impressive pours.
It’ s a good idea to make tasting reservations in advance, especially at popular spots or after your round. You can choose by location, grape variety or simply whatever vintage you’ re in the mood for. This region is particularly known for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Rosé, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Merlot.
You’ ll also find variety in the settings themselves. Some wineries operate out of sprawling vineyard estates, others out of more modest tasting rooms— or even, in the case of Jarvis Estate Winery, from inside a cave carved into the side of a mountain, where wines are barrel-aged underground.
If the sheer number of options feels overwhelming, Compline in downtown Napa offers a perfect jumping-off point. The relaxed wine bar serves over 600 wines from around the world, plus a diverse food menu. Start with a glass of something you love, and let the exploration begin.
Whether you’ re chasing birdies or bold reds, Northern California wine country offers the perfect pairing— with scenic fairways, world-class wine and more than a few unforgettable views along the way.
Sonoma Golf Club ABOVE: Eagle Vines Golf Club
THINGS TO DO
Charles M. Schulz Museum: Located in Sonoma, this charming museum houses the world’ s largest collection of original Peanuts artwork by Charles Shulz // schulzmuseum. org
Getaway Adventures: Book a guided“ Sip‘ n’ Cycle” bike tour along scenic Napa backroads, with wine tasting stops along the way // getawayadventures. com
Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours: Take off at sunrise for a breathtaking aerial view of the valley on a smallgroup hot air balloon ride departing from Napa or Yountville // nvaloft. com
Napa Valley Wine Trolley: Hop aboard a replica San Francisco cable car for a day of winery stops, complete with a family-style lunch // napavalleywinetrolley. com
Sonoma Botanical Garden: Explore 47 acres of native California oak savanna and a serene Asian woodland garden— ideal for hiking or a quiet stroll among rare and regional plant species // sonomabg. org
TOP PLACES TO EAT
Downtown Joe’ s: Classic brewpub with valley hospitality, craft beer and casual dining in a laid-back Napa location // downtownjoes. com
The Girl & The Fig: A relaxed farm-to-table restaurant serving California-meets- Mediterranean cuisine in downtown Sonoma // thegirlandthefig. com
Morimoto Napa: Upscale sushi and Japanese cuisine by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, paired with an extensive sake list
// morimotonapa. com
Stella: A Sonoma Valley favorite known for house-made pasta, elevated Italian dishes and its burrata bar // stellakenwood. com
TORC: A fresh, seasonal, contemporary American menu served in a stylish but approachable downtown Napa setting // torcnapa. com
Valley Swim Club: Casual roadhousestyle dining in Sonoma Valley, with smashburgers, seasonal plates and a parking-lot coffee truck that locals love // valleyswim. club
Zuzu: Vibrant Spanish-inspired tapas and small plates in the heart of downtown Napa— perfect for sharing // zuzunapa. com
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