Now that winter is long behind us, it’s time to start planning a fun adventure this spring—one that will leave you rejuvenated and ready to take on summer. What better way to lean into a little R&R and the start of sunny, warm weather than a trip to Napa or Sonoma? Wine Country is the perfect place for pampering and self-care, so we’ve created a helpful guide to planning a wellness weekend in Napa or Sonoma centered around hotels, spas, yoga, fitness, meditation, and other activities that will get you back on track and ready to take on a new season. Where to Stay Alila Photo courtesy o ..read more

California has always been at the forefront of the wellness movement, from pioneering fitness innovations to championing locally-sourced cuisine. It’s no surprise, then, that the first wellness center in the U.S. opened up here in the 1970s, setting the stage for a thriving culture of holistic health and mindful living that continues to flourish today. When it comes to wellness retreats and health-focused experiences, California’s offerings are as diverse as its landscapes. So, if you’re seeking a rejuvenating escape (aren’t we all?), then look no further. Below, we’re sharing just a few of ..read more

Tucked away less than an hour east of the vibrant city of San Francisco, Livermore Valley Wine Country remains one of Northern California’s best-kept secrets. Here, wine tasting is a leisurely affair—a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of California’s more popular wine regions. Surrounded by picturesque canyons and just a stone’s throw from bustling Bay Area cities, Livermore Valley is the perfect retreat for wine enthusiasts seeking an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Photo courtesy of Concannon Vineyard | Harrison Miller Livermore’s Wine Heritage What you may not realize is tha ..read more

Alright, wine connoisseurs, weekend sippers, and all you “I-only-drink-on-days-that-end-with-y” folks. Buckle up, because it’s time to hit the road for Paso Robles, California, just a breezy 3.5-hour drive from either San Francisco or Los Angeles. (For the road-trip averse among you, there’s always the SLO airport just a hop and a skip away). Lucky for you, we’ve got the scoop on the top Paso Robles wineries you simply shouldn’t pass up when visiting. But before we dive in, we do want to mention that while we love us some urban tasting rooms, we’ve kept this list to strictly those wineries o ..read more

Though it has picturesque scenery, ocean views, and plenty of sunshine all year long, Santa Barbara is much more than just another coastal beach town. This Southern California gem boasts historic charm, impressive sights, and a booming food and wine scene that all make it stand out as an idyllic vacation destination. While each of Santa Barbara’s luxury hotels and resorts offers a slightly different high-end experience, don’t expect a stay to feel stuffy. Santa Barbara’s laid-back vibe extends to all of these top Santa Barbara hotels, where luxury, sophistication, and “California cool” sensi ..read more

Organic, sustainable, and biodynamic: these buzzwords are frequently tossed around in the wine industry, but we understand it can sometimes be hard to understand what they actually mean. More than just casual terms, they define an ethos that many mindful winemakers follow. While they may heed to different principles, at the core, each of these practices is built on a similar foundation that puts environmental responsibility as top priority. To Certify or Not to Certify Photo Courtesy of Silver Oak Certification, particularly for organics, is a long and expensive process, which is why more ..read more

With its misty coastline, cool climate, lush forests, and scenic mountain ranges, folks from all over flock to Oregon as an adventure destination—many times not realizing that they’re also in the midst of world-class Wine Country. Today, Oregon boasts 23 distinct American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) within six principal regions, more than 100 wine varieties, and north of 1,000 vineyards. Here we’ve compiled some of Oregon’s top wineries, from the great northern Walla Walla Valley to the famed Willamette Valley, and everything in between. Quintessential Willamette Cave at Archery Summit. Phot ..read more

If my extensive cookbook collection has anything to show, it’s that I have a passion for good food and find a lot of joy in cooking for family and friends. I have spent years adding to this collection, relishing each book as if it were a novel (just me?) and eagerly experimenting with different recipes each season. So, when a new cookbook hits the shelves, I can’t wait to explore its pages, even if that means squeezing one more book into my already overflowing shelves! “People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child This year has seen a plethora of great cookbook re ..read more

The world is teeming with scenic wineries, but let’s be real: Napa Valley has a certain je ne sais quoi. Here, beauty isn’t just in the bottle—it’s in every sun-kissed vine and stately château. From tucked-away wineries with unforgettable views to the iconic estates boasting architectural marvels, we’ve ventured far and wide (30 miles long and 5 miles wide, to be exact) to bring you the best of the best in Napa Valley. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time fan, hold onto your wine glasses, because we’re about to whisk you away on a tour of the 10 most beautiful wineries in Na ..read more

Whereas the beautiful city of San Francisco is known for its renowned culinary experiences, the stunning wine region known as Napa Valley, just an hour north of the city, has always received most of its accolades for its wineries. That is until recent years when Napa’s restaurant scene exploded, making Napa not just a destination for those looking to sip their way through some of the best tasting rooms in Wine Country, but a destination for those eager to enjoy restaurants comparable to those in San Francisco—and and oftentimes even better (don’t tell anyone we said that!). Of course, in a re ..read more