Napa Valley and Sonoma - a must for wine lovers

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There are a few things about the US that appeal to us: the great outdoors and great wine. We've got tips on Napa Valley and Sonoma that we'd like to share with you.

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The Napa Valley wine region

Napa Valley is probably America's best known wine district. It is located north of San Francisco in California. Wine has been made here since the 19th century, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. If you are planning a wine tour through Napa Valley and Sonoma, it is best to start with car hire in San Francisco and drive northwards through the whole valley.

Travelling through Napa Valley and Sonoma are great with kids and family, but if you're really going because you love wine, it might be best to travel with like-minded people. Napa Valley is also popular with couples for wedding parties and honeymoons. Plan for multiple overnight stays as you won't be allowed to drive once you've been wine tasting. There is no single best time of year to travel. Everyone has their highlights and the cultural programme goes on all year round.

A show

In the United States, viticulture is not only the production of wine, but also - and no less importantly - a lavish show. Director Francis Ford Coppola's vineyard is located in Geyserville. Said to have been modelled on Copenhagen's Tivoli, Coppola runs it as a film set with a pool, restaurant and amusement park. The Wente family vineyard in Livermore Valley has its own golf course, considered one of the best in California. Concerts are sometimes organised at the site, including Earth, Wind & Fire, which has played here.

Don't miss St Helena, the most charming town in Napa Valley. Here you can feel the wine history that began right here in the 19th century. Modern touches make Main Street a dream for shopaholics. In Calistoga, at the northern end of Napa Valley, you can relax and enjoy yourself after an eventful day. There are several geysers, hot springs and spa hotels to take your mind off the hustle and bustle.

Environmentally friendly

Napa Valley is a tourist attraction on a par with Disneyland. But even those who come just for the wine will be satisfied. Wine production in California is environmentally friendly and often entirely organic. The wine is world-class, there are several exclusive restaurants and tasting is of course possible everywhere.

Although Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape in Napa Valley, wine is also produced from other grapes, including Zinfandel. Important blue grapes include Merlot, Syrah, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. Green grapes grown are mainly French Colombard, Chardonnay and the occasional Riesling or Chenin Blanc.

Sonoma Valley

Cities Sonoma and Sonoma Valley is located at the southern end of Napa Valley. Sonoma is fairly unfamiliar but the wine is just as fantastic as in the Spruce Valley. The Sonoma region is much larger than Napa Valley and offers world-class scenery from the Pacific Ocean through Redwood forests to the Mayacamas Mountains.

Sonoma Valley is a bit like Napa's underrated little sister. There's not as much emphasis on show and fun here. However, the range of leisure activities is just as wide: there are golf courses, spa hotels, beaches, restaurants - and above all, wine.

Plan a trip of at least three days to see at least some of the hundreds of wineries in Sonoma Valley. It's well prepared for those who arrive by car and intend to stay overnight. There is plenty of accommodation in all price ranges: hotels, motels, spas and campsites are open all year round.

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