California Uncorked: Napa and Sonoma Wine Adventure
This luxury tour is a culinary road trip through the USA's northern regions of California, including cooking classes at Cavallo Point, meet-the-wine-maker experiences in Sonoma and Michelin-star restaurant reservations in the renowned Napa Valley.
Journey highlights
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Possible year-long but best May through November with Autumn being wine harvest
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Indulge in chef-led cooking classes in San Francisco and the Napa Valley
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Reservations secured for you in advance at the best restaurants
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Stay in luxurious, intimate hotels in the heart of world-famous wine country
- Culinary itinerary:A gastronomic delight, our Culinary Journeys take you on a cultural voyage, sampling everything from traditional bites to fine dining delicacies
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
Like most California destinations, you can’t go wrong when picking a time of year to visit. San Francisco is warmest from May through to October although does experience some cool fogs during the summer months that usually clear fairly quickly but can bring a chill to the air for a while.
Being inland, Sonoma and Napa Valley benefit from much higher summer temperatures than the cool coast, and is a year-round destination but best from April to October.
At the vineyards, September is typically the harvest month, although some varieties may be picked through October and November. Vineyards will be bare from December through February, with new buds returning in March and coming into full bloom by June. Summer temperatures reach up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit / 26 degrees Celsius during the day, and cool off to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit / 26 degrees Celsius in the evenings, so you’ll want to bring a variety of clothes and dress in layers. The region averages around 200 days of sunshine per year, so you should have plenty of good weather to enjoy the outdoors.
Itinerary
Culinary Immersion in San Francisco
Your journey begins with an elegant introduction to Northern California’s delights, with a stay at Cavallo Point, a charming historic property nestled beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Here, the sophisticated ambiance is complemented by uninterrupted views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay. From this exclusive base, embark on a privately guided culinary tour, savouring the rich tapestry of flavours that define San Francisco’s vibrant neighbourhoods. Sample exquisite local specialities from the artisans of the Ferry Building Marketplace to hidden gems in the Mission District, guided by a local epicure with unmatched insider knowledge.
In the evening, revel in the refinement of Michelin-starred dining at Saison or the legendary Benu, where multi-course menus are meticulously paired with rare vintages. For a more relaxed yet equally remarkable evening, dine at Murray Circle Restaurant at Cavallo Point, indulging in seasonal dishes while admiring the sweeping panorama of the Golden Gate Bridge, dramatically lit at dusk.
Accommodation: Cavallo Point Lodge ( 3 nights )
Unveiling Napa Valley’s Exclusive Wine Scene
Transition to the heart of California’s wine country, where Napa Valley awaits with open arms and refined elegance. Your stay at the plush Auberge du Soleil or the illustrious Meadowood Resort ensures the ultimate in luxury and privacy. Here, we’ve curated exclusive experiences, starting with private access to Hall Rutherford, famed not just for its exceptional wines but also its impressive art collection and exquisite cave dining room. Continue to Robert Mondavi Winery, where an exclusive tasting of their most coveted vintages will be arranged, offering a glimpse into the legacy that defines this Napa icon.
Elevate your visit with an after-hours tasting at Domaine Carneros, where you’ll sip their distinguished sparkling wines in the serene setting of their French-inspired château. For a sunset treat, Inglenook provides an intimate, curated tasting in their private salon, accompanied by stories of the vineyard’s storied past and acclaimed wines.
Culinary enthusiasts will be enchanted by an evening at The French Laundry, where a bespoke tasting menu awaits, crafted to tantalise the most discerning palates. Supplement this with a private, chef-led class at the Culinary Institute of America, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in creating gourmet dishes, followed by a tour of Oxbow Market’s finest offerings.
Accommodation: Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection ( 3 nights )
The Hidden Charms of Sonoma Valley
Your journey culminates in Sonoma Valley, a region where rustic elegance meets refined luxury. Settle into the tranquil sanctuary of the Farmhouse Inn, renowned for its impeccable service and Michelin-starred dining. Begin each day with a sumptuous three-course, farm-to-table breakfast, served amidst the bucolic beauty of the inn’s gardens.
We’ve arranged for an exclusive day with an esteemed wine expert who will take you to some of the valley’s hidden gems. Experience a personalised tour at Littorai Wines, where the owner will guide you through their biodynamic practices and introduce you to vintages reserved for the world’s most esteemed wine lists. Continue to a private tasting at MacRostie Estate House, where you’ll savour exceptional wines paired with sweeping views of the vineyards as the sun dips below the horizon.
Your culinary journey in Sonoma will be crowned by an indulgent dinner at Farmhouse Inn’s acclaimed restaurant, where each dish tells a story of the region, enhanced by expertly matched wines. Conclude your adventure with a bespoke caviar and sparkling wine pairing, a fitting farewell to your extraordinary exploration of Northern California’s wine and culinary treasures. Return to San Francisco with a collection of fine wines and cherished memories, perfect reminders of your bespoke journey through this enchanting part of the world.
Accommodation: Farmhouse Inn ( 3 nights )
Call us on 020 3813 3729 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £6,600 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £6,600 | GBP £1,000 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £7,400 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £7,400 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £7,400 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £7,400 | GBP £1,100 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £5,800 | GBP £900 | plan your trip |
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December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £6,600
Deposit from*GBP £1,000
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £7,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,100
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £5,800
Deposit from*GBP £900
- plan your trip