Cruv

California wine region

Carneros Wineries and Tasting Rooms

Cooled by winds off San Pablo Bay, Carneros spans Napa and Sonoma counties and is known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.

35+ places in Cruv · 20+ upcoming events

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Rows of grapevines on a Carneros hillside, with rolling hills, a highway and distant mountains beyond.

At a glance

Places in Cruv
35+
Upcoming events
20+
Known for
  • Pinot Noir
  • Chardonnay
  • Merlot
Nearest city
Between the city of Napa and the town of Sonoma

Areas in Carneros

  • Carneros (Napa side)

    The part of Carneros nearest the city of Napa. Downtown Napa's restaurants and tasting rooms are close at hand, so you can pair winery visits here with a meal in town.

  • Carneros (Sonoma side)

    Reaches north to the outskirts of the town of Sonoma. The historic town, with many restaurants and places to stay, makes an easy base for tasting on this side.

Know before you go

Reservations
Whether you can walk in depends on the winery, so check each one. Book early in September and October, Napa Valley's busiest months.
Tasting fees
Tastings generally come with a fee, though a wine purchase gets it waived at some wineries.
Getting there
From the Golden Gate Bridge, allow about 45 minutes to downtown Sonoma, just north of Carneros, and at least 30 minutes more at rush hour.
Best time to visit
Winter and spring are quieter than the fall harvest season. Summer highs rarely pass 80 degrees, but afternoon breezes off the bay can be strong, so bring a layer.
Getting around
Highway 12/121 runs through the area, linking the Napa and Sonoma valleys. Plan a designated driver, a rideshare or a tour.

Napa Valley wineries host winemaker dinners, and fall brings crush parties and grape stomps.

Carneros on the map

Map of California showing Carneros north of San Francisco (California wine regions)

Nearby wine regions

  • Napa Valley

    California's first AVA centers on a narrow valley floor about 35 miles long and is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

    340+ places in Cruv · 100+ upcoming events

  • Sonoma County

    In northern Sonoma County, pick a valley: Russian River for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Dry Creek for Zinfandel, or Alexander for Cabernet Sauvignon.

    340+ places in Cruv · 100+ upcoming events

  • Suisun Valley

    Just outside Fairfield, southeast of Napa Valley, this Solano County valley is best known for Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

    15+ places in Cruv · 2 upcoming events

  • San Francisco Bay

    Urban wineries make wine in Berkeley and Oakland, with more tasting rooms in Contra Costa, on the Peninsula and along the coast.

    45+ places in Cruv · 55+ upcoming events