Pacific Northwest Wine Trail: San Francisco, Napa Valley, Portland & More
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,675
MODERATE | SELF DRIVE: Approach this trip with grape expectations. Napa will be the most recognizable name to many, but wine connoisseurs will also know about Rogue Valley and Willamette Valley in Oregon. The possible wine tastings on this trip are endless. Tasting rooms are on outdoor terraces, chateaus, on the Napa Valley Wine Train, in historic hotels and on splendid lawns, but wherever they are breathtaking views are always on the menu. So are gourmet cheeses, spreads, salamis, charcuteries, truffles, and fresh baked breads that invariably accompany wine pairings. Yes, there are other pursuits to make this journey to remember. The mineral hot springs and historic mud baths of the Silverado Trail, a hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena, a visit to stunning Crater Lake National Park and lunch in Sausalito.
This comprehensive 13-day wine and food trail tour takes you from San Francisco, California, to Portland, Oregon, with many memorable and tasty highlights along the way. You’ll drive across the famed Golden Gate Bridge, go winery-hopping in Napa Valley, dine aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, explore Southern Oregon's wild and scenic Rogue Valley, visit Crater Lake National Park, enjoy dinner at one of the world’s largest organic wineries, and experience the sights and sounds of the bustling riverside city of Portland.
Upon arrival in San Francisco, pick up your rental car and head out for the short drive to Napa Valley wine country, crossing over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. Stop at the quaint Mediterranean-inspired town of Sausalito, where fresh seafood is always on the menu.
Continue on to Napa, in the heart of California’s wine region. Check in to your hotel, then stroll First Street’s three city blocks, home to excellent boutiques and restaurants. Take a peek inside the glamorous Archer Hotel, then have a drink at the rooftop oasis, Sky & Vine Rooftop Bar, for a view of Napa’s humming downtown and the verdant valley beyond.
Begin your exploration of Napa Valley’s fabulous vineyards the next day by heading to Yountville. Start at Domaine Chandon, in a gorgeous valley setting, for a wine tasting or their Monday Bubble Bar experience. Next, it’s a short journey to St. Helena. V. Sattui Winery is a destination in its own right and features its own artisan deli with a choice of more than 200 cheeses to add to your picnic basket.
After lunch, head back toward Napa for another wine lover’s must-see, the Opus One Winery in Oakville. (appointments required). End with dinner at one of Napa’s finest: thirteen consecutive Michelin Star awards makes The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil one of the valley’s top cuisine choices (reservations required).
Your third day in Napa involves a French-style chateau and a historic wine train, so rise early to first visit the famous Domaine Carneros, inspired by an 18th-century French chateau. Try a sparkling wine sampler with a smoked salmon plate, or cheese and charcuterie platter – all with a view of the vineyards and scenic rolling hills of Carneros. Later, climb aboard the historic Napa Valley Wine Train, featuring an unfolding view of 36 miles of California’s most beautiful wine country. Take your journey to new heights with a memorable dinner in the elegant mahogany-panelled 1952 Pullman dome railcar.
Depart Napa the next day via the Silverado Trail: this eastern hillside route includes dozens of pretty, envy-inducing family-owned wineries. Visit Calistoga’s Old Faithful Geyser of California (bring a picnic) or the romantic Castello di Amorosa (Castle of Love), a remarkable 13th-century Tuscan-inspired castle and winery set on three acres. Reservations will secure a wine tasting or tour, and even a chance to explore the castle’s mediaeval-style moat, drawbridge, towers, and antique brick courtyards.
If time and energy allow, take a 10-mile, round-trip hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena, or break up your journey to Redding with a stop at New Clairvaux Vineyard in Vina. The historic vineyard is home to Trappist-Cistercian monks, famed for their wine-making skills. Overnight in Redding. Enjoy a steak dinner at Cattlemens’ Steakhouse for the “Best Steak In The West” or savour Redding’s vibrant craft beer scene.
Indian Peak Vineyards in the historic town of Manton makes a good start to your next day. Sample the Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, or Petit Verdot. Back in Redding, visit Moseley Family Cellars and, if you’re lucky, catch some live music on their sunny lawn. Head back into Redding for your reserved dinner at a restaurant like Moonstone Bistro, known for its organic, sustainable menu.
Next is Oregon and the beautiful Rogue Valley. Ashland, your first stop, boasts a vibrant arts culture and thriving culinary and wine scene. Not far from town, the Irvine & Roberts Vineyards awaits. The high-altitude vineyard produces award-winning estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, enjoyed in the soaring estate winery, or on the terrace. Continue north to Paschal Winery and its hilltop tasting room. Overnight in Ashland.
On Day 7, continue to explore the beautiful Rogue Valley, starting with a picnic at historic Del Rio Vineyard Estate on the Rogue River. Enjoy a tasting and lunch at Schmidt Family Vineyards, before heading to Wooldridge Creek Vineyard and Winery overlooking the Applegate River Valley. View the sunset from River’s Edge Restaurant as you dine on Pacific Northwest-themed cuisine such as deep-fried trout, braised lamb shank, or steamer clams.
The next day, detour to Crater Lake National Park, the deepest lake in the USA. Your personalised wine trail continues in the Umpqua Valley, with a stop at Abacela Winery in Roseburg, producer of unusual wines like Tempranillo-Malbec and Albarino. Continue north to Eugene, an attractive hub with lots of farm-to-table and healthy eating options. Try the Cornbread Cafe for a tofu-based “Eugenwich,” Beppe & Giannis Italian restaurant (set in a historic house), or one of Eugene’s downtown wine tasting venues.
Silvan Ridge Winery is next. Famous for its pinot noir and pinot gris, their welcoming natural grass amphitheatre becomes a stage for live music in the summer. Next on the agenda? Shop Eugene’s 5th Street Public Market, visit the Museum of Natural and Cultural History, or explore the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. The 30-acre King Estate Winery estate (one of the world’s largest organic wineries) is a fine place to end the day with a tour and dinner.
Day 10 takes you to Pfeiffer Winery, a boutique winery and tasting room north of Eugune. Continue on to Walnut Ridge Vineyard and its scenic French Colonial-style tasting room. Enjoy a glass of Pfeiffer Black Eye Chardonnay or Blanc de Noirs in the calming surrounds of the soothing water garden and tiki bar. Continue on to dinner at The Painted Lady, a sweet little farm-to-table fine dining restaurant in a Victorian house near downtown Newberg.
Still in the expansive Willamette Valley (home to 600 wineries), your tour continues at Dundee’s Erath Winery, a leading producer of Oregon Pinot Noir. Visit Red Hills Market and restaurant for lunch, then head across to the Argyle Tasting House for a glass of Nuthouse Riesling or Cowhouse Pinot Noir. Stop in at the nearby Four Graces historic farmhouse tasting room, then dine at Joel Palmer House Restaurant in Dayton, featuring fixed-price tasting menus with an emphasis on local mushrooms.
Your final full day takes you to the family-owned Sokol Blosser Winery just northeast of Dayton, known for its Pinot Noirs. Next, the sunshine-hued French-style Clubhouse at Domaine Serene is a perfect place to enjoy exquisite pinot noir and chardonnay, featuring wines from Domaine Serene’s six local estates and vineyards
After lunch, drive onward to the riverside city of Portland. Check in, then explore the markets, funky shops, and high-end coffee shops. Portland is known as a “foodie” city so you won’t lack for dining choices. End your night with dinner at Olympia Provisions Southeast, known for innovative interpretations of rustic Spanish and Mediterranean cooking. Try the mussels and clams, Spanish salami board, spaghettini, or cauliflower and black truffle soup accompanied by – what else? – a glass of Oregon wine.
The next day, return your rental car and check in for your flight home.
- Duration
- 13 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,675
Itinerary View Trip Map
San Francisco - Napa Valley
Following your arrival at San Francisco International Airport, take Highway 101 North which takes you across the Golden Gate Bridge and on towards Napa Valley. This route offers wonderful views as you cross the bridge, and you might stop for a photo in front of it at Battery East Vista. Once across, take the opportunity for a second look at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point in Sausalito before entering the quaint Mediterranean-inspired town for lunch. Enjoy more spectacular views of San Francisco Bay before continuing onto the town of Napa. In the heart of the wine region, downtown Napa offers a wealth of dining and nightlife options, as well as local arts and craft stores to explore.
Overnight Napa Valley
| Duration | 3 nights |
|---|
Napa Valley
Throughout this winery-hopping trip, only drive if you have a designated driver. Alternatively, hire a car and driver, or use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Lyft. Start your day in the town of Yountville at Domaine Chandon, one of the most beautiful locations for sipping wine in the valley. The lawn and terrace offer natural landscaping, strewn with native oak trees, an ideal environment for relaxing in the sun while enjoying the selection of sparkling wines. Depart Yountville for the short journey to St. Helena, passing such famous wine brands as Cakebread Cellars and Rutherford Estates along the way to V. Sattui Winery. As well as having three tasting rooms, V. Sattui features an artisan deli, offering a charcuterie selection from their own salumeria and more than 200 cheeses. Combine these local delicacies with V. Sattui's wine selection and more than two acres of outdoor space, and you're ready to experience the ultimate Napa Valley picnic. Before you depart, take the opportunity for a self-guided tour, and explore the estate gardens, underground wine cellars and museum caves. After lunch, head back toward Napa for another must-visit for wine connoisseurs, the Opus One Winery in Oakville. Sitting amid lush vineyards and a grassy lawn, the Opus One building rises gradually from the landscape, immersing visitors in the gorgeous setting. Appointments are required to visit Opus One. Dining options are plentiful in the Napa Valley.
Overnight Napa Valley
Napa Valley
Begin your second day in Napa Valley at one of wine country's true landmarks, the famous chateau at Domaine Carneros, inspired by the classic 18th century Chateau de la Marquetterie in Champagne, France (home of the legendary Champagne Taittinger). Enjoy a brunch of sparkling wine, caviar, and smoked salmon from your private table on the terrace overlooking gardens, a lake, and the vineyards. Next, follow the lesser-trafficked Silverado Trail for a tasting at Luna Vineyards. Once again, reservations are required due to the personalized nature of this experience, whether you choose to sit on the wrap-around porch or indoors. Luna Vineyards also has a beautiful tasting room in the Village at Vista Collina. End your Napa Valley experience in vintage-luxury style with dinner aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train. Ride in 100-year-old railcars along a 150-year-old rail corridor on a 36-mile route from downtown Napa to St. Helena and back, stopping at celebrated Napa Valley wineries along the way. To pair your elegant meal with panoramic views, choose the elevated Vista Dome car featuring special windows that get you closer to the landscape.
Overnight Napa Valley
Napa Valley - Redding
Depart Napa along the Silverado Trail, which winds its way northwest to Calistoga, home to famous mineral hot springs and historic mud baths. Visit the Old Faithful Geyser of California or the awe-inspiring Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-inspired castle and winery. For a more energetic side trip, get an early start and visit the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park just outside Calistoga. Take the 10-mile, round-trip hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena (an 1,800-foot elevation gain), which offers breathtaking views of Napa Valley, the San Francisco Bay region and even Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak on clear days. This is a strenuous hike, which will take 2.5 hours to summit and another 1.5 hours to descend. Break up the rest of your journey to Redding with a stop at New Clairvaux Vineyard, located in the small town of Vina. The historic vineyard is a unique wine destination: It's home to Trappist-Cistercian monks, an order with a wine-making history that dates back nearly a thousand years. A visit to the tasting room is a must, but the peaceful grounds also include a church, bookstore, and chapel.
Overnight Redding
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Redding
A short distance from Redding, is Indian Peaks Vineyards in the historic town of Manton. Visit the tasting room to sample the winery's full selection of wines, finishing with a dark chocolate truffle and signature ‘Donna's Dessert’ wine. Lunch is also available most weekends. If you can, time your summertime trip with a Friday or Saturday evening for live music. Head back into Redding for a visit to Moseley Family Cellars, where you can both taste and learn about their wines. They'll tailor the tasting experience to your level of wine knowledge.
Overnight Redding
Redding - Rogue Valley
Next, your wine tour route takes you to the beautiful Rogue Valley in the state of Oregon. Your first stop in Oregon will be Ashland, sitting at the base of the Cascade and Siskiyou Mountain ranges and home to a vibrant arts scene, which includes the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Just a short distance from town, visit the Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, open for wine tastings Wednesday through Sunday. Take in the spectacular views of the surrounding valley and mountains from the outdoor terrace, while enjoying pinot noir and chardonnay. Continue north to Paschal Winery, with its hilltop tasting room overlooking pear orchards and the local mountain ranges. Take time to relax over lunch and enjoy a custom tasting of wines, paired with a cheese and charcuterie selection.
Overnight Rogue Valley
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Rogue Valley
Continue to explore the beautiful Rogue Valley with a visit to Del Rio Vineyard Estate, located just outside small-town Gold Hill on the Rogue River. Its tasting room is situated in a historic hotel and includes an outdoor picnic area with vineyard views. Take a quirky side trip before heading back to Grants Pass to visit the House of Mystery at the Oregon Vortex. The house is situated on what is rumored to be a sort of ‘whirlpool of force’. It will have you questioning everything you see, maybe even your own height. Back in Grants Pass, enjoy a tasting and lunch at Schmidt Family Vineyards in the warm, elegant tasting rooms. The food is prepared fresh and incorporates seasonal ingredients from the winery's gardens. Take time to savor a wine pairing from a selection of red, white, rose and dessert wines. After lunch, visit the fully organic Wooldridge Creek Vineyard, Winery, Creamery & Charcuterie overlooking the Applegate River Valley. Sip hand-crafted wines while snacking on cheeses and cured meats, all produced on site.
Overnight Rogue Valley
Rogue Valley - Eugene
Take a detour from wine tastings to visit Crater Lake National Park. Formed by a volcanic eruption and eventual collapse of the volcano more than 7,000 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the USA and one of the deepest in the world. The strikingly blue, pristine mountain lake is well worth the detour. Rejoin your wine trail in the Umpqua Valley, and stop at Abacela Winery in Roseburg, which offers unique wines that include tempranillo, albarino and blanco dulce varietals, as well as delicious small plates served in a spectacular tasting room with gorgeous views. If the weather permits, do not miss touring the vineyards. Continue your journey north to Eugene, located at the south end of the Willamette Valley on the banks of the Willamette River. This picturesque, lively city offers a mix of arts, culture, outdoors and dining.
Overnight Eugene
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Eugene
Eugene has a diverse collection of wineries, and your day should begin with a visit to Silvan Ridge Winery, popular for its exquisite Willamette Valley pinot noir and pinot gris, as well as other micro-production varietals from the Rogue Valley. The property includes a photo-worthy clock tower and amphitheater, with tastings on the patio or around the indoor fireplace. A short trip from Silvan Ridge is Sarver Winery, which produces small lot runs of regional wines including pinot noir, pinot gris and chardonnay. Enjoy a tasting with gourmet cheeses, spreads, salamis, and fresh baked breads, while taking in the spectacular surrounding valley. Head back to Eugene and explore the 5th Street Public Market and its locally owned stores and eateries. For a culture break, visit the Museum of Natural and Cultural History or the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art before taking the 30-minute trip to King Estate Winery for dinner. One of the largest organic vineyards in the world, this beautiful estate also has 30 acres of organic gardens and orchards, including a full acre of lavender. Arrive early to enjoy a tour and tasting before dinner. The stately on-site restaurant is focused on pairing local wines with local ingredients. The gourmet menu features vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers grown on property. It's a truly memorable dining experience overlooking equally remarkable scenery.
Overnight Eugene
Eugene - Willamette Valley
Just north of Eugene in Junction City, is Pfeiffer Winery, a boutique winery and tasting room, specializing in small lots of high-end pinot noir and pinot gris that are only sold at the winery. If you are lucky, you might be able to listen as the winemaker discusses the varietals in his informal ‘Pinot Clinic’. The winery offers tasting experiences in its cozy Italian grotto-inspired tasting room, as well as in its water garden and tiki bar. A short distance away is Walnut Ridge Vineyard, housed in a unique French Colonial-style tasting room that features reclaimed timbers, gas lamps and a wood-burning fire place. Enjoy wine and small plates on indoor or outdoor seating areas in the heart of the vineyard amid breathtaking vistas of the Cascade and Oregon Coast mountains. Continue to Willamette Valley.
Overnight Willamette Valley
| Duration | 2 nights |
|---|
Willamette Valley
Your Willamette Valley tour continues in Dundee at Erath Winery, one of the pioneers of the Willamette Valley wine scene and a leading producer of pinot noir for more than 40 years. A tasting at Erath brings classic Oregon pinots together with views of the surrounding Jory Hills. For a tasty and laid-back lunch break, visit Red Hills Market, also in Dundee. Here, you might meet local farmers, chefs, and winemakers as you browse goods from local farms and vineyards. The market is also a restaurant offering a locally sourced, hand-crafted menu; eat in or take out for a picnic. Across the street from Red Hills Market is the Argyle Tasting House, where you can enjoy intimate indoor or outdoor tastings of sparkling wine, riesling, chardonnay, or pinot noir selections. Another nearby winery is The Four Graces, named after the original founders' daughters whose names encircle the capsules on some of the wines they offer. Their son Nicholas is known as the ‘Keeper of the Four Graces’, and his name appears on the Dundee Hills Reserve pinot noir. The quaint tasting room is a historical farmhouse on the Foley Family Estate. Visitors can stroll through the demonstration vineyard and bring a picnic to enjoy with Four Graces wines.
Overnight Willamette Valley
Willamette Valley - Portland
The last leg of your Willamette Valley tour starts at Sokol Blosser Winery just northeast of Dayton. Another of Oregon's pioneering wineries, its founders first planted pinot noir vines on a 5-acre plot in 1971. Today, visitors can enjoy seated tasting experiences in a variety of distinct spaces - luxury or casual, indoor, or outdoor - all surrounded by vineyard views. For your final winery experience, visit the Clubhouse at Domaine Serene to enjoy exquisite pinot noir and chardonnay, surrounded by the picturesque vineyards of the Winery Hill Estate. Drop in for a tasting or schedule an intimate tour in advance. Combine your tasting with a culinary offering, whether a refined pairing experience or a more casual charcuterie board. After lunch, depart the Willamette Valley for big-city Portland, and arrive in time to explore the rich culinary scene. Housed in a restored industrial building, Olympia Provisions Southeast started as the city's first salumeria but has expanded into a restaurant with an innovative take on rustic Spanish and Mediterranean cooking.
Overnight Portland
| Duration | 1 night |
|---|
Portland
Return to Portland International Airport for your flight home unless you plan to extend your stay in Oregon.
Other Information
DEPARTURES:
Daily departures: April 1 - March 31, 2025
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 13 days Intermediate Car Rental with unlimited mileage (Mazda 3 or similar)
- Detailed day by day itinerary
- 3 nights moderate accommodations in Napa
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Redding
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Grants Pass
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Eugene
- 2 nights moderate accommodations in Newberg
- 1 night moderate accommodations in Portland
PRICE EXCLUDES:
- Car rental insurance
- Travel insurance
- International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes
- Entrances fees to sites not explicitly listed as included
- Meals and beverages not mentioned
- Road tolls
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
- Visa fees if applicable
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
- Drive across the famous Golden Gate Bridge
- Enjoy spectacular views on San Francisco Bay while possibly having lunch in Sausalito
- Take an optional winery-hopping trip in Napa Valley
- Explore the estate gardens, underground wine cellars and museum caves in Oakville (optional)
- Experience fine dining at The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil (optional)
- Visit the famous château at Domaine Carneros (optional)
- Enjoy dinner in vintage-luxury style aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train (optional)
- Drive along the Silverado Trail
- Take the 10-mile, round-trip hike to the summit of Mount St. Helena
- Visit Indian Peaks Vineyards near Redding (optional)
- Enjoy pinot noir or chardonnay on the outdoor terrace of the Irvine & Roberts Vineyards (optional)
- Explore the beautiful Rogue Valley
- Visit the House of Mystery at the Oregon Vortex (optional)
- Stop at the fully organic Woolridge Creek Vineyard, Winery, Creamery & Charcuterie overlooking the Applegate River Valley (optional)
- Visit Crater Lake National Park
- Enjoy dinner at King Estate Winery – one the world’s largest organic vineyards (optional)
- Explore Earth Winery in Dundee, located in Willamette Valley (optional)
- Experience big-city Portland
TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request. Additional terms and conditions apply for car rental - please inquire.
1 Oct 2024
