Northern California Wineries with Lodging
When visiting wine country, I can’t think of a better way to truly immerse yourself than staying at a few of these Northern California wineries that offer lodging. There’s something special about waking up to the rolling hills of vineyards each day.
Whether you’re looking to stay in the famous Napa Valley, the beautiful Sonoma County, or that lesser-known incredible hidden gem, Lake County, there are many Northern California Wineries that offer overnight stays.
Though there are more places to stay in these three counties, the locations I’ve chosen make it convenient to follow our trip and the Northern California wineries we explored. I’ve also included some best bets for where to eat, as well as activities that everyone can enjoy.
Where is Northern California?
What is considered Northern California really depends on who you ask. In general, though, areas north of San Francisco or Sacramento tend to be thought of as Northern California.
This area has a much smaller population than the southern part of the state, and the farther north you go, the fewer cities you’ll find. Instead, this region has areas of farming and many National Forests.
This part of Northern California has a moderate climate and gets a lot more rain than the southern part of the state, essential for the wineries throughout the area. Like other parts of the state, however, the main interstate is I-5, which goes up through the center of Northern California.
Northern California Wineries with Lodging in Sonoma County
Sonoma County is less than an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, but it feels like a world away from the busy city. In this heart of Wine Country, you’ll find more than 425 wineries. From redwood forests to the breathtaking Pacific Coast to the wineries themselves, there’s so much to see in Sonoma County.
Geyserville Inn
With a population of less than 1,000, Geyserville is a small town in Sonoma County, perfect for getting away from it all. At the Geyserville Inn, you can choose from a variety of accommodations. Whether you’re looking for a cottage accommodation, a snug guest room, or a spacious suite, you’ll find a comfortable place to relax.
Our king suite had a gas fireplace in a small living area, which warmed up the space nicely. The bedroom was spacious, with a bench at the window and two chairs facing the vineyard. The view is in the first photo above.
The bathroom had a fantastic shower with two showerheads and a tub. We also had a coffee maker and a small fridge.
The rooms have balconies or patios and look over the surrounding vineyards. It was so relaxing to wake up to this view of the vineyard.
It had been raining and was chilly still—it was not quite spring yet—so we didn’t really take advantage of it. I’m sure in the summer, this resort and hotel are hopping with families and friends exploring Lake County!
Other resort amenities include a pool and hot tub, an on-site restaurant, and even a bocce ball court. Geyserville Inn is located at 21714 Geyserville Ave in Geyserville.
Artisan Lodges: deLorimier
The Wilson family of Sonoma County has a passion for vineyards and farming. Under their Artisan Lodges brand, they have four different Farmstay and Vineyard locations. One amazing option is the deLorimier Winery.
On the grounds of the winery, there is a three-bedroom guest house, along with two additional king suites. What makes this stay extra special is that you get an estate tour from one of their winery educators, included with your stay. After you’ve learned all about the process of winemaking from vine to bottle, you can relax with a tasting session.
Ten Cabernet Sauvignon varieties are among the winery’s signature wines. They also produce Malbec, Primitivo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, and many of their wines have won prestigious national and international awards. You’ll find DeLorimier at 2001 Highway 128 in Geyserville.
Cline Vineyard Estate
The Cline Vineyard Estate offers a great location to stay for larger groups. The house on site has four bedrooms and can sleep 10 guests. Other amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, a BBQ area, and space to dine outdoors in a lovely garden setting.
Of course, a stay at a vineyard wouldn’t be complete without the wine. With your stay, a wine tasting experience for up to 10 people is included.
Other unique amenities are also on site, including a self-guided tour around the historic property, a garden cabana for rental, and a pondside picnic option. Cline is very family-friendly and is located at 24737 Arnold Drive, Highway 121 in Sonoma.
Lynmar Estate
Nestled within 100 acres of vineyards is the beautiful Lynmar Estate. This vineyard offers the Bliss House, aptly named because it is a blissful setting for some relaxation. With floor-to-ceiling windows in many rooms, you’ll love the serene vineyard views.
In addition to wine tastings, you can also book lunch with gourmet wine and food pairings from Estate Chef David Frakes. Seasonal foods are highlighted and expertly paired with delightful wines from the estate. Lynmar Estate is located at 3909 Frei Road in Sebastopol.
Things to Do in Sonoma County
Explore Geyserville
Even though it is a tiny town, Geyserville has some hidden gems. The downtown area is only about a block long, but it has some must-visit locations. At the Locals Tasting Room, you can sample wines from a number of wineries in the surrounding area.
For shopping, the Bosworth & Son Mercantile Store has been serving customers since 1911. It is still run by the Bosworth family and sells apparel and gifts. Stop by to pick up Western wear, like an authentic Stetson hat. The store also has a variety of artifacts on display from the history of Geyserville.
If you’re looking for a quirky place to do some shopping, stop by Gin’ Gilli’s. This “vintage home shop” has unique antique items to accentuate your home. Make sure to check out that old-time cash register at the counter, too!
In the evening, stop by the Geyserville Gun Club for a bite to eat and a drink. Some nights, they have live music and many nights, you’ll find locals stopping by this favorite watering hole.
Explore Healdsburg
The city of Healdsburg is a short 10-minute drive away. Although it is considerably larger than Geyserville, at only 11,000 people, it still retains that small-town charm.
The downtown area’s main focus is on vintage items and stylish fashion. Clothing stores include Tamarind (for fashion with a global twist), Ooh La Luxe (with its beachy boho vibes), and Ereloom (with its collection of contemporary men’s clothing).
If you love going antiquing, you will find several options to enjoy. Saint Dizier Home features antiques from around the world alongside the works of local artisans and craftspersons. Antique Harvest and Modern Antiquarium both feel like stepping back in time with vintage pieces and antiques. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, it is still a fun place to browse.
The downtown area also features small restaurants, bookshops, and other shops. You can spend a day just wandering around the town to see what Healdsburg has to offer.
You must also stop at Dry Creek General Store. My husband and I would go out of our way to this store! Established in 1881 (yes, you read that right), Dry Creek General Store has amazing sandwiches, other foods, and gifts. Don’t miss it!
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
The ancient redwood forests of California almost feel like you’ve entered another world. The trees can grow to be over 350 feet tall. Because this area gets a lot of rain, there are often foggy conditions that add to the mystical feeling.
Unfortunately, that frequently rainy weather impacted our plans. We had hoped to visit Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, but it had been raining and was pretty chilly. We hope to go back and explore to see the ancient coast redwood–the tallest living thing on our planet–and suggest you make time to check it out. Just make sure to bring rain gear! You’ll find the reserve at 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd in Guerneville.
Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center
Who doesn’t love Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest of the Peanuts gang? The Charles M. Schultz Museum and Research Center celebrates the life and work of cartoonist Charles Schultz and Peanuts, his world-famous comic strip.
Several friends told me to try to stop by to explore this museum, but we just couldn’t make the time on this trip. It has the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world. It’s a great family activity featuring an ice rink and programming for kids of all ages. Kids can even draw their own cartoons. As a parent of two professional animators, I know my kids would have loved this. Visit the Museum at 2301 Hardies Lane in Santa Rosa.
Geyserville Sculpture Trail
If you’re a fan of public art installations, the Geyserville Sculpture Trail should be on your list. This park contains 27 outdoor sculptures, which are a great place to get some Instagram-worthy shots.
We had hoped to stop here to wander around, but the rain wouldn’t give us a break! We did see the collection of sculptures from the road. If you’re going North, get off the 101 at the Highway 128 exit. If going South, simply reverse the order getting off at the Canyon Road exit. The Sculpture Trail is at 20355 Geyserville Ave in Geyserville.
Where to Eat in Sonoma County
Rustic Restaurant at Francis Ford Coppola Winery
At the world-famous Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Rustic is an homage to traditional Italian family food. Fresh produce and herbs from the property’s garden are featured prominently on the menu.
We were so hungry when we arrived after flying all day and driving an hour and a half that we ordered an appetizer right away. The Fritto Misto was a huge portion but so good we almost devoured the whole thing.
We came to our senses just before our server placed the gorgeous Grilled Salmon and special of Seafood Linguine.
We paired our dishes with glasses of one of Coppola’s Cabernets suggested by our server. One thing was for sure: we would not be hungry for a while! Visit Rustic Restaurant at 300 Via Archimedes in Geyserville.
Barndiva
As a three-time Michelin star awardee, you know that Barndiva is going to be amazing. Working with local farmers to find both familiar and unique ingredients, food here is a work of art.
Barndiva also excels in cocktails, with a special crafted cocktail menu. Ingredients like turmeric spirit, kumquat aperitif, and various essential oils make cocktails that are unique and flavorful. They also specialize in making any of these drinks as a mocktail with a variety of zero-proof spirits.
We were honestly so tired from being up at 5:30 a.m. to fly across the country that we did not have the energy to fully explore the menu at Michelin-starred Barndiva. We shared their deliciously creamy deviled eggs with Russian dressing and the seriously amazing Mt Lassen Trout Rillettes that came with pieces of brioche to dip in the egg yolk jam.
This is one we are definitely going to visit again the next time we’re in Sonoma. Don’t miss it. You’ll find Barndiva at 237 Center St in Healdsburg.
The Barlow
The Barlow Market District in Sebastopol features 40 artisan producers of food, drinks, and goods.
Though we were only in the area for a couple of days, we had lunch at Blue Ridge Kitchen, part of The Barlow Market District. I had the Ahi Tuna tartare (which I will almost always order if it’s on the menu) and it was fabulous with smashed avocado and puffy rice chips.
It was a huge portion, too, so time it right if you have dinner plans. My husband had the crispy cod sandwich, which he devoured.
We moved on to meeting friends at Region, where you can taste more local wines! We spent a couple of hours at Region, where you can taste 50 different wines at the Self Serve WineStation (think of a brewery with tasting taps). A more traditional tasting room is connected. Either way, you can sit outside if the weather is nice (it was!) and enjoy tastings with friends.
If you’re looking for activities, there’s a lot more to do at The Barlow. You can shop, have lunch at a number of local restaurants, have a beer at the brewery, and more. To make a unique souvenir on your visit, Dickinson Glass offers studio classes from expert glass artists. And for a wonderful gift to bring home, Il Fusti offers a tremendous assortment of local olive oil and vinegars. The Barlow is located at 6770 McKinley Street in Sebastopol.
Diavola
Whether you try their house-cured salami, handmade pasta, or Neopolitan-style pizza, the hearty food at Diavola is a little slice of Italy in California. Located in a historic building from the early 1900s, this restaurant is a Geyserville classic.
We shared the Oven-Roasted Beet Salad and one of Diavola’s famous pizzas, the Bee Sting. It’s made with fresh mozzarella, basil, Serrano Peppers, ricotta, pepperoni, and hot honey, with their house ranch and tomato sauce. It’s spicy and so flavorful! The menu is long, so take your time choosing or pick two and share! We enjoyed a glass of local wine and watched the pizzas go by for a while before ordering. The Bee Sting won! Check out Diavola at 21021 Geyserville Avenue in Geyserville.
Northern California Wineries with Lodging in Lake County
Lake County may not be as well-known as Sonoma County or Napa Valley, but that just means that many of these options are hidden gems.
The Cottage
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, The Cottage offers the perfect private cottage for two. With views of the Red Hills Vineyard and mountains in the distance, you’ll want to take some time to relax and enjoy the view while you’re there.
The bedroom was huge with a comfortable bed and stylish decor. The bathroom had a large shower and plenty of room so we could even get ready in the morning at the same time.
It’s so nice to have an entire house when you’re traveling, even if it’s just the two of you. With a large living area and open full kitchen, we had full-sized appliances, a coffee maker, and plenty of coffee, which I always appreciate.
There was an enormous patio with access sliders from the bedroom and living room and a good-sized gas grill at the end. Though we didn’t use the grill, it would have been great if we’d had more time. The Cottage is located at 8255 Red Hills Road in Kelseyville.
Huttopia Wine Country
Love getting close to nature but still want to be comfortable? Glamping is a great way to have the best of both worlds.
At the Sigma Six Winery, Huttopia Wine Country offers solar-powered tents with many of the comforts of home. Some offer features like a king-size bed (with a real mattress – no sleeping bag on the floor here!). Most have a private bathroom and kitchenette, and a private BBQ is included.
This location also offers a variety of activities, like movies in the outdoors, nature yoga, a swimming pool, and a variety of games for all ages. And of course, it wouldn’t be camping without s’mores night!
At the Six Sigma winery, there are biking and hiking trails and even an all-terrain tour on a Pinzgauer. You’ll find Huttopia at 13372 Spruce Grove Road in Lower Lake.
Bed & Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars
Way down the end of Old Long Valley Road in Clearlake Oaks is the Bed & Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars. There are four types of accommodations here: a King Room, Suite, the Ranch House, and the historic Stonehouse. This makes it an ideal location for parties of all sizes.
This is the perfect staycation spot when traveling with other couples. Make sure to check out the options for add-on Experiences. These include a farm-to-table breakfast, picnic lunch, or chef-prepared dinner. Over at the winery, enjoy wine tastings from Stonehouse Cellars. Check it out at 500 Old Long Valley Road in Clearlake Oaks.
Ripe Choice Barn Loft
The Ripe Choice Barn Loft is a great location for a secluded retreat. This accommodation is a studio space located in the loft of a 100-year-old barn. But don’t let that description fool you – this studio space is a fully updated, luxurious space with an open space including a dining table, seating area, and king-size bed. There’s also a relaxing walk-in rain shower.
Upon request, Chef Tammy, the owner and executive chef of The Ripe Choice Farm & Catering, can give you a quote for meals to take on the go. Ripe Choice is located at 2550 Soda Bay Road in Lakeport.
Things to Do in Lake County
Visit Clear Lake
The aptly named Clear Lake is an incredible destination for having fun in the outdoors. At Clear Lake State Park, there are wonderful options for swimming and hiking. You can also rent kayaks, fish, or take a boat out on the lake.
It is a bird-watcher paradise, with birds like blue herons and other waterfowl like coots, grebes, ducks, and geese.
At 68 square miles, it’s the largest natural freshwater lake contained completely in California, so there’s plenty of space to enjoy just about every type of water sport you can imagine.
For rentals, visit Disney Boat Rental (no relation to Walt), where you can take out everything from jet skis to pontoon boats to stand-up paddleboards and more.
Hike Mt. Konocti
The largest park in Lake County, Mount Konocti County Park is the site of a dormant volcano. The park has a variety of hiking trails with stunning views of the natural landscape.
The trails are also home to a variety of native plants and wildlife.
Boat on The Blue Lakes
The Blue Lakes are two separate lakes fed by spring water but were formed when a landslide caused water to spill over from Clear Lake. Because of their isolated nature and unique ecosystem, they have clean water that is perfect for recreation.
These low-wake lakes are perfect for swimming or just laying out on a raft to soak up some sun. You can also rent electric boats and other amenities at The Lodge at Blue Lakes. Stocked with trout, it’s a fishing paradise. And, of course, nothing beats just swinging out into the water from an old-fashioned rope swing.
Where to Eat in Lake County
Saw Shop Public House
Located in a Sears Roebuck catalog-ordered house from the 1930s, this house has been a private home, a paint store, and then became a gallery and bistro. In 2019, it became the Saw Shop Public House to reflect its status as a community gathering place.
The menu offers a variety of noshes, from sharable appetizers to burgers and salads, and even more hearty entrees, like the Overloaded Steak and Potatoes. The lamb lollipops were heavenly.
This was a fun and laidback spot located right on Main Street. It was hopping on a Tuesday night so I can imagine you might want to get there early on a weekend. You’ll find Saw Shop at 3825 Main St in Kelseyville.
On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront is a laid-back restaurant with a fun menu. It would be easy to make a meal out of their sharable appetizers with unique options like lumpia, lettuce wraps, asparagus fries, and Burmese crab rangoons.
There’s a good-sized menu of sandwiches and entrees, such as Pineapple-Glazed mahi and ravioli primavera. The Hot Honey Crispy Chicken Sandwich was fantastic.
For wine lovers, On The Waterfront has a bonus in that this is also the tasting room for award-winning Sol Rouge Wines. Sol Rouge doesn’t have a winery you can visit, but you can learn about the wines and see their many awards at the restaurant. On the Waterfront is located at 60 3rd Street in Lakeport and is open for lunch and dinner, plus Sunday brunch.
Northern California Wineries with Lodging in Napa Valley
Harvest Inn
One look at Harvest Inn of the St. Helena area of Napa Valley and you’ll be in love. This beautiful luxury hotel is where we stayed for my birthday. The guest rooms are elegant but cozy, with working wood fireplaces and a lovely sitting area. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxing stay.
Outside, the patio faces the vineyard. We had a hot tub and a couple of chairs to relax while watching the sunset. At night, the sky was spectacular, filled with stars. See this quick reel that shows our room.
For the ultimate splurge, look at the Vineyard Rooms which come with a multilevel room, private patio, and extra amenities like a Harvest Table restaurant credit, complimentary drinks, and more. Find Harvest Inn at 1 Main Street in St. Helena.
Chateau de Vie
Chateau de Vie prides itself on providing elegance around every turn. Complimentary continental breakfast is provided to help get your day started right. The views of the vineyard are so gorgeous that you may want to lounge around all day. But if you’re looking for a variety of activities, you’re in close proximity to all that Napa has to offer. Chateau de Vie is located at 3250 Highway 128 in Calistoga.
Poetry Inn at Cliff Lede Winery
The Poetry Inn at Cliff Lede Winery in Napa Valley focuses on luxury and wellness. Each of the suites is named for a poet and features high-end amenities, like heated bathroom floors, purified water station, soaking tub, and more.
The views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains are amazing. For an even more incredible view, you can book hot air balloon rides over Napa Valley.
Unlike some other locations, Poetry Inn has an on-site spa where you can add on massages and other treatments. A three-course breakfast is included, and private dining options are available.
And of course, this location offers a tour of their winery, featuring their signature Cabernet Sauvignon, “Poetry”. Find Poetry Inn at 6380 Silverado Trail in Napa.
Inn at Salvestrin Winery
This historic Victorian inn from 1879 offers contemporary lodging in a historic setting. The winery itself is one of the oldest continually operated vineyards in all of Napa Valley, dating back to 1859. Guest rooms include private bathrooms, wifi, and an anytime coffee and espresso station.
A complimentary wine tasting is available with your stay, where you can learn the history about this family-run vineyard. Four generations have lived on the Salvestrin winery estate. The vineyards focus on sustainable agriculture, being certified Napa Green, ensuring responsible practices for generations to come. Inn at Salvestrin Winery is located at 397 Main Street in St. Helena.
Things to do in Napa
Looking for things to do in Napa? Here are some great options!
Visit the Rail Arts District
The Rail Arts District is, well, RAD. With a focus on contemporary art, this outdoor gallery can be explored as a walking tour or by bike. But one of the best ways to see it is by taking the Napa Valley Wine Train.
This train tour takes you on a journey on a luxury vintage rail car. A variety of excursions are available, including gourmet tasting tours and all-day itineraries. But one highlight is traveling along the RAD outdoor art gallery that runs adjacent to the track for two miles.
Check out the Walking Tours
One of the best ways to tour Napa Valley is with one of the local walking tours. There are tours specializing in different aspects of life in Napa. You can book historic tours, art tours, or a photography tour. There are also culinary tours, beer tours, and of course wine tours.
Getting out and exploring the area with a local guide allows you to truly appreciate all that this area has to offer.
Where to Eat in Napa
Napa offers a wonderful selection of restaurants, each with its own unique take on local flavor.
Harvest Table at Harvest Inn
As you’d expect with a name like Harvest Table, the focus here is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Although the menu is upscale, the relaxed environment of dining out on the terrace means that this isn’t a stuffy place for fine dining.
Highlights on the menu include dishes like Whole Roasted Trout, Duck Shepherd Pie, and Milk Braised Pork Cheeks.
Clif Family Winery Bruschetteria Food Truck
At first, it doesn’t seem like all that goes together – winery, bruschetteria, and food truck? But one look at the menu at the Cliff Family Winery Bruschetteria Food Truck, or one taste of the food, and you’ll see that it’s all perfectly paired.
The rotisserie chicken is famous and goes great with their polenta tots. You can’t go wrong with any of their bruschetta offerings, either. Whether you go with the Porchetta version with rosemary, fennel, and garlic or a seasonal offering, like the Spring Formaggi with charred asparagus, snap peas, sun-dried tomato, and hot honey peanut and cashew pesto, you’ll be astounded that this could be made in a food truck!
The menu changes daily, so keep an eye on their website to see what they have when you’re there.
FARM Restaurant & Bar
With a name like FARM, it is no surprise that this restaurant highlights the wealth of the Napa agricultural region. In addition, FARM works with regional seafood suppliers to provide fresh fish and shellfish.
While the dinner entrees, like Osso Buco with polenta and pickled kumquat and their Grilled Striped Bass with sundried tomato cream are wonderful, their small plate offerings really shine. Small Plates like Perigold Arancini with fresh black truffle to a delightful Beetroot Cannoli with whipped goat cheese highlight local flavor in an elevated way. For those who like oysters, their West Coast oysters on the half shelf are outstanding with their housemade hot sauce.
Next to FARM, there’s the Pavilion at FARM, a casual location with living room-style seating, lawn games, and outdoor fireplaces. It is the perfect place to unwind with a glass of wine and the company of good friends. Farm is located at 4048 Sonoma Highway in Napa.
Finally, if you want to take full advantage of all your time in Napa, I’d suggest staying at a hotel near SFO the night before you fly home. We stayed at the Westin, and it was fabulous. They have a shuttle, so just drop your car at the airport, grab a shuttle to your hotel, and take a shuttle back the next day. So easy.
Now that you have an itinerary, it’s time to start planning your visit to Northern California. Be sure to grab our free packing list so you don’t forget anything. And as always, we’d love to know what you find on your trip! Come back and share!
