| ON THE ROAD: NAPA AND SONOMA, CA |
California Dreamin’:
by MELISSA DOWLING
I f you’ ve got wine on your mind, Northern California is the place to go— specifically, Napa and Sonoma. But there’ s more to these storied regions than wine, such as small-batch beer and artisan spirits, along with the excellent food, beautiful landscapes and gorgeous weather.
In fact, there’ s so much to do and see in California’ s core wine country that it can be overwhelming. Here are a few things to try when visiting the area.
Spectacular scenery in Napa Valley wine country.
NAPA
A number of Napa wineries and institutions are celebrating big anniversaries this year. For instance, Beringer Vineyards, California’ s longest continuously operating winery, marks its 150th year in 2026 with a calendar of immersive experiences, seasonal festivities and participation in marquee wine events across the country. The St. Helena, CA, estate, which in 1934 was the first local winery to open for public tours, helped set the standard for modern Napa Valley hospitality.
Domaine Carneros, known for its sparkling wine and estate pinot noir, has a new visitor offering called Scent & Savor: A Wine Tour of Aromas and Taste Transformations. One of several distinctive food and wine pairing experiences offered to visitors at the property, Scent & Savor is a 90−minute guided journey from vineyard to glass.
The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx serves as the home for an expansive selection of Napa Valley wines. Located just outside Yountville since 1994, the Silverado Trail estate welcomes visitors to enjoy a range of culinary-focused wine experiences.
For an entertaining immersion in the area’ s offerings, Festival Napa Valley is held at resorts and estates throughout the valley. The festival, which runs from July 4−19 in 2026, turns 20 this summer and boasts a lineup featuring international stars and emerging talent.
In addition to the Taste of Napa event showcasing the valley’ s wines, cuisine and hospitality, this year’ s Festival Napa Valley will include the world premiere of a opera called The Judgment of Paris. The new opera celebrates the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, the blind tasting in which two Napa wines beat out the French contenders and helped put California wines on the map.
Left: The Taste of Napa event in July, part of Festival Napa Valley, showcases the valley’ s wines, cuisine and hospitality. Middle: Domaine Carneros provides several distinctive food and wine pairing experiences for visitors. Right: The Duckhorn Collection at Paraduxx estate offers a range of culinary-focused wine experiences.
12 | SUMMER 2026 • CHEERS @ HOME WWW. CHEERSONLINEATHOME. COM