Nestled in the coastal ranges of Northern California, Sonoma and the Napa Valley are equally beautiful and bountiful.  Famous throughout the world for superlative wines, this lush fertile countryside is a playground for those seeking a perfect life balance – a place for delicious food and wine, pampering and the great outdoors.

Just 45 minutes drive from San Francisco is the charming Spanish style town of Sonoma. Surrounded by more than 70,000 acres of vineyards it provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.   There’s miles of well mapped trails and cycle ways where you can spend days, or just a few hours, cycling, hiking or take to the water in a kayak along the mighty Russian river.

If that’s all too strenuous, perhaps a round of golf, fishing or a guided birding tour might take your fancy.   Pack a picnic lunch (gourmet fresh produce stores sell perfect picnic fare) and head off down a quiet country road to enjoy the pleasure of eating and drinking with friends and fellow adventurers under the Californian sun.

Closer toward the heart of the ranges you’ll find yourself in the Napa Valley, where charming B&B’s, extravagant resorts, Michelin-star restaurants and luxurious spa hotels are dotted amongst world class wineries. In Napa, pampering is a must, where every nuance of a spa experience is on the menu.  After all that outdoor activity and fresh country air, what could be better than a long soak in a mineral hot spring tub.

Napa or Sonoma, what’s the difference?  Picture Napa and Sonoma as sisters.  Sonoma is a free-spirited woman comfortable in t-shirt and jeans, loves a BBQ and fresh tasty produce, she lives for the great outdoors.  Napa is a beautifully manicured sophisticated woman, who moved from the city to the country.  She’s always up for an elegant party or degustation dinner.  Whatever your style, Sonoma and Napa both love to entertain and when guests arrive both produce extremely fine wines.

Noteworthy:
Although Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay are the most widely planted, the Napa Valley holds many surprises for wine lovers looking for varietals. From Albarino to Zinfandel, more than three dozen different wine grape varieties flourish in the Napa Valley

Luxury Bound loves: The best kept secret of this area may be its artistic side.  Art is popping up all across the valley with more than 70 wineries showcasing 10,000 works of art.