Honeymoons

Honeymoon Itinerary: Napa and Sonoma

When you're walking through redwoods, dining at Michelin-starred gems, and drinking some of the most celebrated vintages in the country, you'll wonder why it took a little thing like your honeymoon to get you to Wine Country. Get set for six days in Napa and Sonoma!

By Elizabeth Woodson

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Redwood Trees in Armstrong Woods near Guerneville, California

Day 4: Sonoma

MORNING Sonoma strikes a wilder, more boho note than Napa Valley, attracting hipster wine lovers from L.A. and San Francisco as opposed to the higher-spending Silicon Valley crowd. (Sonoma's also bigger—1,500 square miles compared to 150—but still easy to explore by car. The drive between the two takes about an hour, tops.) The idyllic, 'life would be perfect if I lived here' north-country town of Healdsburg is ground zero for the indie crowd. Seth Rogen housed his wedding guests at the green-leaning H2Hotel, which has 36 minimal-style rooms; an undulating, grassy roof; and water "bars" on every floor (still and sparkling on tap). Rooms from $195.

AFTERNOON Walk to Topel Winery's tasting room for pours of biodynamic vintages, and make friends at the stunning copper-inlaid mahogany bar. Or drive 15 minutes to Arista, famous for producing some of the best pinot noirs in the Russian River Valley. Call ahead and request a tasting in the Japanese garden.

EVENING You're in for an out-of-this-world meal at the Farmhouse Inn & Restaurant—an 1872 farmhouse, barn, and cluster of cottages close to Healdsburg. Ingredients for dishes like spring vegetable–topped ricotta gnocchi come from the on-site garden and its farm just down the road. (P.S.: The hotel itself is total country-chic. Splurge on one of the eight spacious barn rooms, which have vaulted ceilings, indoor/outdoor fireplaces, and steam showers. Rooms from $595.

Photo: Andrea Artz/IAIF/Redux