Remote Surveillance Trailer in Napa, CA

When most people think of California wine country, Napa likely pops to mind first. But just about 20 miles southeast, you’ll find rolling hills and a rustic oasis where friendly vintners at family-owned wineries pour flavorful, top-quality varietals at reasonable prices—and with fewer crowds.

Each year, asks a panel of experts to pick their best wine-producing regions, “considering the collections of wineries and vineyards within each region, as well as the climates and terroirs that lend themselves to distinctive flavors.” Readers then vote to pick the winner. In 2025, the top spot in the country went to Northern California’s Suisun Valley.

Only eight miles long by three miles wide, the small wine region established its AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1982, just one year after Napa Valley. It’s only one-tenth the size of its famous neighbor, yet the diversity in tasting rooms is impressive. You can travel from a blue Victorian house to gorgeous gardens, a vintage gas station-turned-tasting room, and even an award-winning modern architectural masterpiece all within minutes.

Locals, myself included, have always known Suisun Valley is an underrated wine destination. One reason for the recent USA Today accolade might be the addition of world-renowned Caymus-Suisun. The Wagner family, who founded Caymus Vineyards in Napa’s Rutherford in 1972, opened Caymus-Suisun in 2022, putting the valley into the national spotlight as a home for excellent wines.

The tasting room’s award-winning architecture—designed by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, who also designed Pixar Animation Studios—features gorgeous floor-to-ceiling glass walls and 30-foot-wide sliding doors. While sipping their signature Grand Durif, you’ll feel like you’re sitting among the valley’s vines and fruit trees.

While Caymus might have put this wine region on the map, the story of Suisun Valley’s wine country stretches back much further. Wooden Valley Winery, Suisun Valley’s oldest operating winery, opened after Prohibition in 1933.

“Wooden Valley Winery is everybody's winery, meaning there is something for everybody, and everyone is welcome,” says Ron Lanza, whose family has owned the winery for three generations.

According to Lanza, the attraction of Suisun Valley is that it’s “monetarily accessible and also physically accessible.” Tasting fees aren’t as expensive as they are in more well-known wine regions. Plus, Suisun Valley is easy to reach—it’s only five minutes from I-80. And accessibility extends to its people, too. In Suisun Valley wineries, it’s common to see owners pouring samples and mingling with guests.

Nearly every winery in Suisun Valley is family-owned, and because of this, “when you visit, you're supporting a family, not a corporation,” Lanza says.

Inside Wooden Valley Winery’s spacious tasting room or outside at picnic tables with vineyard views, you can try anything from dry to sweet and heavy to light. Popular choices are the sauvignon blanc and the Exit Forty One, a petite sirah and cabernet sauvignon blend named after the freeway exit to Suisun Valley.

Over the decades, more wineries followed, likely because the region has the ideal climate for great wine.

The word “Suisun” means “where the west wind blows” in the area’s Indigenous Patwin language. The region’s breeze, combined with warm days and cool nights, slows the grape ripening process and allows the grapes to retain their freshness on the vine.

The balance lets winemakers create “big, bold, rich reds” and “extraordinary aromatic white wines,” according to Lisa, a second-generation farmer and owner of Tolenas Winery.

Tolenas is a good starting point for a day of wine tasting in Suisun Valley. Here, you can taste local varietals and snack on a charcuterie cone under the shade of a giant walnut tree and scattered red umbrellas.

More Suisun Valley stops should include the beautiful blue Victorian house at Vezér Family Vineyard. They’ve self-proclaimed Suisun Valley as the “Petite Sirah Capital of the World,” and they have a sign at the entrance to prove it. Bally Keal Estate, a sustainably minded Irish-owned winery, has an on-site vintage car museum, an 11-hole putting green, and, in addition to estate-grown and bottled wines, beer and spirit tastings. At Mangels Vineyards, winemaker Gina Richmond is growing her great-grandfather's legacy, who immigrated from Italy to Suisun Valley in the 1890s. And at the Suisun Valley Filling Station, a vintage gas station-themed tasting room, you get a kick of nostalgia while sipping local wines and craft beer.

Perhaps one of the most unique Suisun Valley tasting rooms is at the famous candy maker, Jelly Belly. Here, you can sample six local Suisun Valley wines paired with chocolate made in-house.

Aside from wine tasting, Village 360 (also home to BRV Winery) has a coffee shop, a restaurant serving seasonal selections and wood-fired pizzas, and a wellness studio. At Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company, you can taste freshly milled olive oils, tour the property, and enjoy a farm-to-table meal, complete with gelato drizzled with olive oil. To stretch your legs, the 600-acre Rockville Hills Regional Park and the neighboring 1,500-acre Patwino Worrtla Kodoi Dihi Open Space Park offer stunning scenery for hiking and picnicking.

Now that Suisun Valley is getting the recognition it deserves, what surprises first-time visitors most is “that it's even here,” Lisa says. “It’s so easy to get to, but you feel like you’re worlds away.”

So, take exit 41 and linger a while in the number-one wine region in the country. There’s plenty to explore.

NAPA VALLEY, CA — The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots will meet Sunday, Feb. 8, in a rematch of one of the greatest NFL championship games in history. It’s not too early to scout the best places to watch the big game here in Napa Valley.

The battle for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy takes place this year at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. In their last big game meeting in 2015, the Patriots secured a 28-24 comeback victory over the Seahawks. The contest was decided in the final seconds, when a Patriots interception in the end zone halted the Seahawks' late-game drive.

If you want someone else to make the snacks or serve the beer, several sports bars in Napa Valley are primed for the handoff. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET, but you’ll want to get there early to make sure you get a spot.

Here are some local sports bars with enough screens that you won’t miss a play:

Dos BotellasWebsite: https://dosbotellass.com/Address: 3427 Broadway, American Canyon, CA 94503Phone: +1 707-558-059

Vibe: Fresh Mexican food and margaritas, this taqueria shows soccer, football, and baseball on TVs in the main dining room.

Napa Palisades Saloon — Classic Sports Bar VibeWebsite: Address: 1000 Main St, Ste 100, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-492-3399

Vibe: A local favorite with multiple big screens, 40+ craft beers on tap, classic pub fare, and a comfortable casual feel — perfect for cheering on the Seahawks or Patriots with fellow fans.

Downtown Joe's Brewery and RestaurantWebsite: Address: 902 Main St, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-258-2337

Vibe: TVs in abundance, and hearty comfort dishes paired with locally brewed beer, a classic place to catch NFL action.

Stone's Sports Bar & Lounge Website: http://stonessportsbar.comAddress: 1679 W Imola Ave, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-255-1633

Vibe: A neighborhood spot with TVs tuned to the game — easygoing and local-oriented for fans who want a traditional sports bar feel.

Crush LoungeWebsite: Address: 875 Bordeaux Way, Napa, CA 94558Phone: +1 707-251-3066

Vibe: This venue pairs multiple high-def TVs with bowling, games, and a broad menu — great for groups who want more than just the game on screens.

Barnhouse Napa BrewsWebsite: http://barnhousenapa.comAddress: 1004 Clinton St, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-690-6272

Vibe: A fun pub setting with large TVs, craft beer, wine, and mead — ideal for a relaxed, friendly environment to enjoy game day.

The Garden Website: https://www.tannerybendbeerworks.comAddress: 1500 First St, Ste 150, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-320-637

Vibe: Featuring TVs and plenty of outdoor space, this beer garden is a lively and social setting for watching the game with craft beer and food options — good for larger groups and social viewing.Napa Yard Website: http://www.napayard.comAddress: 585 1st St, Napa, CA 94559Phone: +1 707-815-0398

Vibe: A garden-style outdoor venue that often hosts watch parties with big screens.

R+D Kitchen -- Casual bar seating with great beer, snackable bites, and small TVs along the bar.

Hotel Villagio at Estate Yountville – Lobby Bar -- Polished hotel lobby with wings, drinks, and a relaxed game-day vibe.

St. Helena Pizzeria Tra Vigne -- Wine-country sports watching with beers, wings, oysters, and lively bar seating.

Charlie’s -- Neighborhood bar energy with fried chicken, hearty specials, and sound-on football.

Erosion Tap House — St. Helena spot for craft beer hub with big screens, wings, pretzels, and an unfussy game-day crowd.

Susie’s Bar — A classic locals bar with big TVs, stiff drinks, and no-frills football watching.

Lincoln Avenue Brewery (LAB) — A high-energy brewery with multiple big screens, plenty of taps, and a spacious patio.

The Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery — A riverfront hangout offering in-house brews and a lively social scene built for long game days.

The Calistoga Depot — A lively distillery bar with multiple TVs, great cocktails, and a buzzing crowd.

Johnny’s Restaurant & Bar — A true sports bar vibe with five HDTVs, house brews, and late-night football energy.

The Green Door — Classic dive bar with TVs and spirited atmosphere.Billco's Billiards and Darts — A bar with games and plenty of screens.Armistice Brewing — Napa brewery with beer and a relaxed setting (call ahead to check screen availability)

Whether you're planning a vacation with friends or a romantic getaway, Northern California's Wine Country has so much to offer beyond its renowned vineyards, from yoga under the stars and hiking in the Mayacamas to bathing in the famously healing Calistoga mud. Arguably, the best time to visit Napa Valley is between November and mid-May. Outside the high season, you'll find a slower pace, lower rates, and increased access to winemakers and popular restaurants.

Visiting in the spring is especially advantageous, given the scenery of the bud break and mustard season, but every time of year has its draws. The fall harvest gives visitors a special inside look at the wine-making process. Summer is great for long, warm days and an incredibly stacked calendar of concerts and family-friendly festivals. And winter is quietest, with deals in abundance. In general, these are the most and least popular months:

Whether your priority is to avoid the crowds or learn all there is to know about vino, here's a look at the best times of the year to visit Napa Valley—and when you should avoid it.

Best Times to Visit for Smaller Crowds

January, February, and March are particularly slow, partly because they fall within the area's rainy season. But there's still enough sunshine in Napa Valley to warrant a trip to the nearest winery. During these months, the average daytime highs are between 57 and 64 degrees, dropping into the 40s at night. It's an attractive time to visit since it tends to be quiet and relaxed, with good rates at Napa Valley's best hotels.

The shoulder season, April to mid-May, is another time you'll see fewer crowds than in the summer and fall, but you get the added benefit of warmer days.

When it comes to good weather in Napa Valley, spring is ideal. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the vines are waking up after winter. Daytime temperatures typically range from 64 to 76 degrees, and the winter rains die down. This glorious moment is known as bud break, when the vines glow in a neon green hue and unfurl new leaves.

Crush season, which lasts from mid-August through October, is also a lovely time to visit the valley. This early-fall grape harvest period is marked by vines heavy with juicy fruit—about as photogenic as it gets—and it's an exciting time to be in the middle of all the action when vintners kick off the fermentation process. The weather is near perfect: It rarely rains, and while it can still rise above 80 degrees during the day, the temperatures tend to drop into the 50s after the sun sets. That's why the best rule of thumb for a Napa trip during any month is to pack layers.

Best Times to Visit for Lower Prices

One of the area's sleepier times happens from November until about April. This is the cabernet season, which follows the Napa Valley harvest and occurs when the wineries release their new cabernets. For those in the know, it's a favorite time to be in the valley. During this stretch, hotel rates are at their lowest—more specifically, the best prices can usually be found from November to mid-February, and midweek. There's also more access to winemakers, and reservations at sought-after Michelin-starred restaurants like Kenzo and The French Laundry are easier to get.

The Winter in the Wineries Passport is a great deal that includes free tastings at 21 wineries, complimentary corkage at certain restaurants, and discounts at select Calistoga hotels, spas, and shops from December to March. Napa Valley Restaurant Month is another wintertime draw, featuring discounts at coveted restaurants throughout January.

If you're staying in St. Helena, the Little Book of Big Experiences wine passport offers private tastings, food and wine pairings, and samplings of rare-batch wines all for one price. It's only available for purchase for a limited time each year and is valid from November through March, so make sure you book as early as possible.

Best Times to Visit for Wine Tours

If you’re interested in the wine-making process, plan your visit during the harvest season, which typically occurs from mid-August through October. At this time of year, you can expect to see winemakers picking grapes from the vines. Some places offer behind-the-scenes tours, so check with your preferred winery before you go.

During mustard season, from January to March, the vibrant yellow cover crop explodes into tiny blooms that carpet vineyards throughout the valley. Spring is a great time to see the bud break, when the vines emerge from their winter slumber, and new shoots that will soon produce grapes can be seen throughout the vineyards. The region is also rife with wildflowers from late March through June.

For the best experience, plan ahead. Although some tasting rooms take walk-ins, most wineries only accept visitors by appointment. Having a reservation helps to make your experience more personalized and enriching.

Worst Times to Visit

If you're hoping to avoid the crowds, don't visit Napa Valley during the summer, when the kids are off from school, or at the height of the harvest season in the fall. There are also some other weather-related risks to be aware of throughout the year, though they're not necessarily deal breakers if you plan ahead and stay vigilant.

The area accumulates roughly 27 inches of rain each year, most of which falls from December to March. The region also experiences landslides when heavy rains cause the soil to become dangerously oversaturated. Unfortunately, this can be a real risk in the rainy season following a major wildfire, as there’s more debris on the ground that can be swept up in the flow.

While wildfires are possible any time of year, they can be particularly prominent in this part of Northern California from July through October, depending on the temperature, the dryness of the land, and how strong the winds are, among other factors. The Frontline Wildfire Defense website has a nifty map that tracks California wildfires so you can stay on top of things throughout your trip, just in case.

NAPA VALLEY, CA — Beginning today, Napa Valley will briefly trade Cabernet for something earthier as the Napa Truffle Festival returns, inviting food lovers to sniff, sip, and sample their way through black truffles, bubbly wine, and even a few enthusiastic truffle dogs — all in the name of one famously fragrant fungus.

The multi-day festival, anchored by an all-day marketplace and culinary experiences, brings together Michelin-starred chefs, truffle scientists, winemakers, and dog handlers to celebrate what organizers call a milestone year: the debut of ultra-fresh, American-harvested Périgord black truffles. With events ranging from tastings and seminars to vineyard lunches and live truffle-hunting demonstrations, the festival blends Napa indulgence with hands-on education — and a healthy dose of whimsy.

Today's schedule focuses on growers, beginning with the Scientific Truffle Grower Seminar and a day of “truffle cultivation 101." Saturday and Sunday are made for foodies. The festivities begin in Napa style at the Westin Verasa Napa, where sparkling wine flows during a barstool interview hosted by festival MC Liam Mayclem. There, a culinary all-star lineup spills secrets about cooking with truffles before heading into a weekend of what organizers cheerfully call “truffle alchemy.”

Education plays a starring role. Guests can savor black truffle canapés while learning how to select, store, and shave truffles with Chef Ken Frank, then dive into the science of cultivation with world-renowned truffle researcher Prof. Paul Thomas. Robert Chang, Chief Truffle Officer of the American Truffle Company, leads an interactive truffle experience separating fact from fiction — including the myths behind synthetic truffle products — with plenty of smelling, touching, and tasting along the way. Winners of a truffle identification contest will take home a whole fresh truffle, bragging rights included.

At the Oxbow Public Market, visitors can wander stalls sampling truffle gougères, grilled oysters with truffle butter, truffle fries, and dark chocolate truffles — yes, the dessert kind. Shoppers can enter to win a whole “black diamond” truffle, no jeweler required.

And then there are the dogs. At Joseph Phelps Vineyards, trained truffle dogs demonstrate how they sniff out underground treasure while guests sip wine, snap photos, and offer generous pets. The vineyard also hosts a truffle lunch: a multi-course feast prepared by four Michelin-starred and master chefs, paired with Joseph Phelps’ most exclusive wines, and featuring fresh truffles in every course.

The three-day festival ends Sunday. Details and tickets are available at http://www.visitnapavalley.com/.../napa-truffle-festival.

Travel 5 Great California Wine Regions That Are Not Napa

5 Great California Wine Regions That Are Not Napa

Everyone knows Napa Valley. But California's wine country stretches far beyond that famous name.

Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website, but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings. Our opinions are our own.

Updated Dec 16, 2025 9:42 p.m. PST · 3 min read

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Napa Valley gets the glory, but California produces 90% of America's wine across dozens of distinctive regions. From Sonoma's laid-back tasting rooms to Santa Barbara's beach-and-wine combo, these lesser-known destinations offer world-class vintages without Napa's premium price tags or tourist crowds.

Even better: Most of these regions pair wine tasting with other activities, like hot springs, coastal hikes and even a winter light show. That all makes them ideal for travelers who want variety beyond the vineyard.

1. Santa Barbara

Best for: Combining wine with beaches, walkable downtown tasting and a variety of activities.

Southern California's wine capital offers something Napa can't: ocean beaches within minutes of world-class wineries. Santa Barbara County's 275+ wineries specialize in cool-climate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, but the real advantage here is the sheer variety of experiences beyond wine tasting.

The main wine region, Santa Ynez Valley, sits about 45 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara. Tasting fees typically run $15-$30 at mostly small, family-owned boutique wineries. Many fees are waived with purchase.

Can't dedicate a full day to wine country? The Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail brings the vineyards to you. It's a collection of tasting rooms concentrated in walkable downtown Santa Barbara. You can alternate wine flights with beach time, courthouse tours and tacos.

The Santa Ynez Valley itself offers more than wine: Visit the Danish-themed village of Solvang with its distinctive windmills and thatched roofs. Don't skip the Aebleskiver (puffy Danish pancakes).

Best airport: Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) — one of the most charming airports out there.

Alternative: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 2 hours south.

2. Sonoma County

Best for: Relaxed atmosphere, accessibility from San Francisco and variety.

While Napa gets the headlines, many Bay Area locals prefer Sonoma. The county encompasses multiple wine regions, including the Russian River Valley (known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and Kenwood (offering full-bodied reds), all with a more laid-back vibe than its famous neighbor.

Sonoma County spans nearly 200 square miles with more than 400 wineries, ranging from family-owned boutiques to major producers. Tasting fees typically run $20-$40, often waived with purchase. Unlike Napa's Michelin-starred restaurant scene and luxury hotel rates, Sonoma offers excellent food and accommodations at more accessible price points.

Russian River Valley isn't just about wine. The river itself draws kayakers and beach-goers during summer months. Kenwood offers access to Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, featuring hiking trails, a waterfall and the Robert Ferguson Observatory for stargazing.

For something unusual, visit Wildwood Nursery's sculpture garden, where art installations wind through five acres of Japanese maples, dogwoods and bonsai-style trees.

Luxury without the Napa price tag: Kenwood Inn & Spa offers Mediterranean villa-style accommodations with gourmet breakfast (choose your entree — no buffet), evening wine hour with substantial appetizers and fresh-baked cookies throughout the day.

Points option: World of Hyatt members should consider the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa (Category 4). It's walkable to Historic Railroad Square and downtown, making it one of the best-value Hyatt properties in California.

About 1 hour from San Francisco; 1.5 hours from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

3. Calistoga

Best for: Hot springs and mud baths, a castle winery and quirky accommodations.

Calistoga combines two things: wine and wellness. This Napa Valley town at the northern end of the valley has carved out its own identity around geothermal hot springs and mud baths, making it the rare wine destination where you can soak away your tasting tour in mineral pools.

While technically part of Napa Valley, Calistoga feels distinct — less polished, more eclectic. The volcanic soil produces excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, but the real draw is the combination of wine, wellness and unusual attractions.

Castello di Amorosa: A 121,000-square-foot medieval-style Tuscan castle complete with a moat, drawbridge and torture chamber. Yes, it's a fully functioning winery. Tours and tastings are available (reserve ahead as castle tours sell out).

Spa and soaks: Calistoga built its reputation on volcanic hot springs. You'll find everything from upscale spa treatments to no-frills mineral soaks.

Quirky stay: Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs leans into mid-century nostalgia with a fun, retro vibe. The property offers mud baths (a Calistoga signature) and mineral pools alongside standard lodging.

About 1.5 hours from San Francisco; at the northern end of Napa Valley.

4. Paso Robles

Best for: Winter visits, large-scale wine region and a central California location.

Positioned between Los Angeles and San Francisco on California's Central Coast, Paso Robles spans 26,000 acres of vineyards producing more than 40 grape varieties. The region's size and diversity mean you'll find everything from intimate family wineries to large commercial operations.

Paso Robles produces bold, full-bodied reds (particularly Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel) primarily due to warm days and cool nights. The landscape ranges from river beds to rolling hills to dramatic mountains. Downtown Paso Robles offers upscale wine shops, restaurants and boutiques.

Most wine regions are best in summer or fall. Paso Robles has a winter draw: Sensorio, an immersive light art installation featuring tens of thousands of illuminated stems creating waves of color across rolling hills. The outdoor exhibition runs year-round but is especially magical during winter's early sunsets (roughly 5-10 p.m. depending on season). Book timed tickets in advance.

Roughly equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco (3-3.5 hours from each).

5. Valle de Guadalupe, Ensenada

Best for: International wine experience close to California, cruise excursions and overall value.

This isn't California, but at just 70 miles south of the San Diego border in Baja California, Mexico, Valle de Guadalupe deserves consideration for its proximity, value and more than 100 boutique wineries.

Often called "Mexico's Napa," Valle de Guadalupe offers a more rustic, farm-to-table wine experience. Many wineries double as restaurants serving innovative Baja Med cuisine (a fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean flavors). The region has positioned itself as an eco-tourism destination.

Don't want to drive across the border? Valle de Guadalupe is now accessible as a cruise excursion. Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas offers Ensenada port calls where you can book winery tours as shore excursions, making it possible to visit Mexican wine country as part of a broader cruise vacation.

Day trip option: It's easy to visit from San Diego as a day trip (bring your passport). The drive time is about 1.5-2 hours from San Diego, though border wait times vary.

Resorts like El Cielo Resort focus on eco-tourism, offering romantic getaways with grapevine cultivation tours and wine production education.

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