From eco-friendly resorts to the best wineries in America, head to California’s Wine Country for an unforgettable getaway.
From Sonoma to Napa Valley, northern California’s wine country has everything you need for an unforgettable getaway — an array of Michelin-star restaurants, countless boutique hotels, and, of course, acres upon acres of luscious vineyards.
Arguably as iconic as California’s innate surf culture or colossal redwood trees, the bucolic region boasts more than 4,000 wineries. In total, the state is responsible for producing about 85 percent of all U.S. wines, according to The National Association of American Wineries.
But beyond its sweeping vineyards and decadent cuisine, Wine Country is rich with culture, historical architecture, and breathtaking views of mountain ranges.
And since viticulture isn’t without an environmental footprint—from its production to packaging and transportation—the area has made sustainability a major priority. In 1968, Napa Valley became the nation’s first Agricultural Preserve to preserve the land and prevent over-development.
Got a bad case of wanderlust? For the eco traveler, we’ve rounded up some of the best sustainable hotels, plant-based restaurants, and eco-friendly excursions for a relaxing trip to the countryside that won’t come at the expense of the planet.
Where to stay
Four Seasons Calistoga
Tucked into northern Napa Valley in Calistoga, the Four Seasons Napa feels more like a private vineyard estate than a resort, yet it offers all the refinement and service expected of the brand. Surrounded by mountains and rows of grapevines from the on-site Elusa Winery, the 22-acre property delivers immersive wine-country access from the start. Rooms and suites are expansive and tranquil, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, freestanding tubs, fireplaces, and private terraces that overlook the vines.
Guests can easily unwind without ever leaving the property. An adults-only pool looks out over the vineyards, while families have their own dedicated pool nearby. Dining is a highlight — Campo offers fresh California fare poolside, while Auro, the resort’s fine dining restaurant, holds a Michelin star for its seasonal tasting menus. Spa Talisa features treatments with local mud and grape seed oil, plus steam rooms and outdoor soaking tubs.
This Four Seasons leans into a slower, more grounded rhythm. The resort blends indoor-outdoor living with attentive service, offering firepits, bikes for nearby trail rides, and curated tastings led by the Elusa team. Whether visiting as a couple, family, or solo guest, it offers understated luxury rooted in place and refined in every detail.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Nestled in Napa, this idyllic resort offers views of the rolling countryside and vineyards. It has three restaurants on-site, a luxury spa, and private cottages fitted with their own gardens. To reduce the impact that guests have on the environment, the resort offers complimentary bicycles. The restaurants also feature locally-grown produce for a true farm-to-table dining experience.
Bardessono Hotel and Spa
For a quintessential Napa experience, book a stay at the Bardessono — which carries extensive green initiatives, from its guest garden to its water conservation fixtures, and recycling and composting program. Rest easy in the private haven of a villa or luxurious suite. Indulge in a dinner prepared by produce and herbs from the on-site organic culinary garden. Soak in a botanical hot bath or get a salt stone massage courtesy of the spa.
Auberge du Soleil
Inspired by the south of France, immerse yourself in nature at this iconic property. From private maisons to deluxe suites, the accommodations are a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Best of all, the establishment is true to its commitment of “living in harmony with the environment.” The resort opts for renewed sources of energy and partnered with the nonprofit Napa Valley Vine Trail to develop a 47-mile stretch of scenic biking and walking trail.
Where to eat
La Toque
Book your table in advance at this Michelin-starred restaurant that features a vegetable-tasting and wine-pairing menu. You’ll enjoy seasonal, fresh eats from local farms and wineries as well as foraged morel mushrooms.
Cozy Plum Bistro
Located in Santa Rosa, this plant-based eatery has all the best comfort food fixings to please any grumbling belly. Veggie-filled bowls, juicy, meat-free burgers, salads, tacos, and more. Trust us, you’ll want to go back for seconds.
Little Saint
Nestled in Healdsburg in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country, this restaurant features an entirely plant-based menu that puts local farms first. The eatery’s menus change seasonally depending on what products can be sourced locally, but you can expect to dine on the likes of fresh, raw veggies, dips like hummus and cashew spread, and stuffed chard greens.
What to do
Visit a sustainable winery
The obvious can’t be overstated. You can’t truly experience Wine Country without partaking in a wine tour. For a sustainable, vegan option, check out La Belle Vie Tours. The locally owned and operated wine company takes guests on tours of a number of Green-Certified wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valley.
For a special outing featuring wine and adorable animals, opt for the Charlie’s Acres Farm Sanctuary & Vegan Wine Tour, a six-hour tour of historic downtown Sonoma Valley and a local farm sanctuary that’s home to more than 140 rescued farm animals.
Explore Sonoma and Napa Valley
Featuring mountains, forest landscapes, and a warm Mediterranean climate, Sonoma and Napa Valley have more to offer than just vineyards. The former’s regional park system includes more than 50 parks, which include nearly 60,000 acres of open spaces and hiking trails.
You can also visit Sonoma Botanical Garden for a relaxing day spent in nature. Rent a boat or kayak for a day spent on the waters of Lake Berryessa, the largest lake in Napa Valley.
For a bit of small-town charm, head to Calistoga for a balance of rustic allure and elevated experiences. The town is famous for its natural geothermal springs, and a visit to one of its historic mud bath spas — like Dr. Wilkinson’s or Indian Springs — is practically a rite of passage. Downtown Calistoga is walkable and relaxed, lined with tasting rooms, independent boutiques, and old-school cafés that hint at its frontier-town roots. For art lovers, the Ca’ Toga Gallery showcases whimsical frescoes and sculpture by local artist Carlo Marchiori, whose Venetian-meets-wine-country aesthetic adds unexpected color to the valley.
Vineyard-hopping here feels more intimate than in other parts of Napa Valley. You’ll find cult-favorite wineries like Schramsberg, Chateau Montelena, and Tamber Bey offering tastings in settings that range from historic castles to working horse ranches. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking in the nearby Oat Hill Mine Trail or biking along Silverado Trail provides a stunning look at the region’s volcanic hills and golden terrain. And if you time your visit right, Calistoga’s harvest season events — like the Lighted Tractor Parade in December or the Harvest Table dinner in fall — give a festive, community-driven glimpse of wine country at its most local.
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