Beringer Vineyards, St. Helena: An autumn drive through the historic elm tunnel on highway 29, en route to Beringer Vineyards in St. Helena, should definitely be on your Wine Country bucket list - if it isn't already. As the elm tree leaves turn yellow, stop by the winery for a reserve pairing on the porch, complete with artisan cheese and sweet treats. (Courtesy photo)
Red red vine, various locations: In wine country, fall paints wineries and vineyards orange, yellow and red. A few favorite spots to enjoy this scenery include Chateau Montelana Winery in Calistoga and Jordan Winery in Healdsburg (pictured) where ivy vines cover winery buildings. If you'd like to appreciate the warm hues from afar, check out our favorite fall vineyard views.
Above Bennett Valley, a vineyard basks in late fall light. In the background, Mt. St. Helena touches the sky. For more Instagram-worthy fall vineyard views, click here. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa: To see the fall foliage from above, hike through Annadel State Park in Santa Rosa. Oak trees surround the walking paths leading to the hills. You're rewarded for your efforts with breathtaking views of autumn sunsets. (Photo by Kent Porter)
Spring Lake, Santa Rosa: For those who prefer a leisurely autumn stroll - with family, friends or alone - follow the paths around Spring Lake and see the fall colors reflected in the water. Dress in layers and enjoy the park with less people - thanks to the cooler temperatures. (Photo by Christopher Burns)
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The Girl and the Fig, Sonoma: Local farm-to-table restaurants celebrate the flavors and colors of fall on their menus. Each fall, the girl & the fig showcase their namesake fruit in unique ways. This year, they serve it in three distinctive ways with their "Fig Flight" dish: candy stripe fig with salted fig caramel; brown turkey fig with chevre, honey and candied pine nuts; black mission fig stuffed with pancetta and roquefort, with a port reduction. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
Backyard, Forestville: Rustic farm-to-table restaurant Backyard puts wild mushrooms on the menu this fall. The mushrooms make an appearance in the "Lemon Thyme Roasted Maitake Mushroom" dish, featuring grilled ronde de Nice zucchini, roasted spring onions, Romesco sauce, and salsa verde paired with a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Like everything else here, the mushrooms are sourced locally - in this case from Sebastopol farm Mycopia mushrooms. (Courtesy photo)
Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa: This luxury destination takes fall foliage excursions to the next level: think vineyard views from the pool, beignets and s'mores by the fireplace, or just taking in the splendor of the changing seasons from an adirondack chair, mimosa in hand. Find out more here. (Courtesy photo)
Pumpkin Spice, Sonoma style: Fans of fall usually have an affinity for pumpkin spice and, come autumn, there are plenty of ways to spice up your life in Wine Country. Whether sprinkled on lattes and donuts, or adding flavor to soups, the spice makes an appearance in a variety of Sonoma and Napa spots. Get the details here. (Stock photo)
The days of Dungeness, Bodega Bay: As we move into November, take a trip to the coast for a Sonoma specialty. Savvy locals make a beeline to Fishetarian Fish Market, where the daily catch of Dungeness crab is displayed in ice-filled glass cases framing the order counter. Meaty crab cakes are the star at the casual cafe. There are, of course, more places to sample and buy these particular crustaceans. More info here. (Photo by Christopher Chung)
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Highway to fall, various locations: As the seasons change, fans of fall and Instagram photographers join wine-lovers on Highway 12, taking in the autumn scenery from their car before making pitstops at tasting rooms and restaurants. It doesn't get much better than that. Don't miss this oft-photographed Valley of the Moon barn. (Photo by Kent Porter)
A visitor to Stonestreet Winery makes their way through a full display of fall colors in the Alexander Valley near Jimtown north of Healdsburg. (Photo by Chad Surmick)
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Wine Country is a traveler’s dream destination all year round but autumn might very well be be the best time to visit – at least if you’d like to pair wine-sipping with some leaf-peeping. While the end of summer means we say goodbye to pool days at Coppola and playing in the ocean by Salmon Creek, fall paints vineyards and parks in a golden hue while wineries ramp up for harvest festivities. If you love fall as much as we do, click through the above gallery for the best Sonoma and Napa spots for taking in the change of seasons.
Did we miss one of your favorite spots? Let us know in the comments.
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