A Family Trip to Napa and Sonoma Counties: Wine, Scenery, and Memorable Experiences
In mid-October 2023, my siblings-in-law, their significant others, and my husband I packed our bags and headed from St. Louis to California for a week-long adventure in the heart of wine country - Napa and Sonoma Counties. We traded our boredom of the Midwest for the peaceful countryside of Northern California, where we indulged in breathtaking vineyards, scenic drives, and of course, some of the best wines in the world.
Locations
From above, on our descent into Oakland
Enjoying the countryside comforts of Wine Country
We flew into Oakland, CA, and from there, embarked on a scenic drive to Sonoma County, where we settled into a cozy Airbnb surrounded by lush vineyards. Sonoma’s charm was immediately apparent - rolling hills, rustic barns, and endless rows of grapevines greeted us as we arrived. It was the perfect place to unwind and slow down after a flight across the country.
The vineyard on our Airbnb property
Relaxing after our long journey across the country
Morning light cascades across the vines
A return visit to Muir Woods
Aside from the wineries, we made sure to carve out some time to explore the natural beauty of the area. One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Muir Woods National Monument, just north of San Francisco. Walking among the ancient coastal redwoods felt like stepping into another world - towering trees, moss-covered rocks, and the serene quiet of the forest. It was a peaceful break from the wine tours and gave us a chance to connect with nature.
My first visit to Muir Woods on our "mini honeymoon" was a bit disastrous. It was such a joy to return to Muir Woods to appreciate it fully, without the shroud of influenza over me. The reverent beauty of the land is grounding, humbling, and enchanting.
The tasting room at Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Exploring the vineyards: A week of wine tasting
Our trip was centered around the incredible wineries Napa and Sonoma are known for, and we visited several exceptional estates during our stay.
Our first stop was Gloria Ferrer, a Sonoma winery known for its world-class sparkling wines and stunning Spanish-style architecture. Set atop a hill with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards, Gloria Ferrer offered a perfect setting to relax and savor their exceptional wines. We loved their variety of sparkling wines, and the staff made sure we felt right at home. We all enjoyed our visit to Gloria enough to purchase an ongoing subscription to receive bubbly throughout the year.
We also visited Mumm Napa, where we got a taste of the region’s renowned sparkling wines. The views from the tasting room were nothing short of stunning, with vineyards stretching out before us and the crisp fall air adding to the magic of the moment.
Turnbull Wine Cellars. With its elegant tasting room and exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons, Turnbull has become a staple of Napa Valley's wine scene. The tasting experience was immersive and offered a great opportunity to learn about their meticulous winemaking process. We left with a few bottles of their signature reds to take home.
The next series of images are from Gundlach Bundschu, a family-owned winery with a rich history. The vineyard itself felt like a hidden gem—surrounded by towering trees and nestled in a valley, it had an intimate, welcoming vibe. We learned about the family’s 160-year history in winemaking, and of course, enjoyed a tasting of their elegant vintages. I might have been a tad overserved at Gundlach...
The entrance to Donum Estate
One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to Donum Estate, a renowned winery that combines art, architecture, and winemaking in one breathtaking location. The “Discover Experience” tour took us on a journey through their expansive property, where we explored vineyards, contemporary sculptures, and panoramic views. The tour culminated in a customized lunch overlooking the vineyards, paired with some of Donum’s finest wines. It was an unforgettable experience—a perfect blend of nature, art, and delicious wine.
Reflections
Our time in Napa and Sonoma was filled with good wine, great food, and even better company. Whether we were sipping bubbly at Gloria Ferrer, learning about the history of Gundlach Bundschu, or enjoying a delicious curated meal at Donum Estates, we felt immersed in the beauty and artistry of wine country.
The week flew by, but we left with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the land, the people, and the craft of winemaking that makes Napa and Sonoma so special. If you're looking for a relaxing getaway with stunning scenery, fantastic wine, and the chance to create lasting memories with family, I highly recommend a trip to this beautiful part of California.
