California Wine Country Roads Less Traveled

Itinerary

• Hotel Paradox, Autograph Collection, Santa Cruz – 2 Nights

  On arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), collect your rental car and drive south to Santa Cruz. Hotel Paradox offers a stylish boutique stay close to downtown, beaches, and local dining. Explore Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard and Stockwell Cellars, enjoy sunset at Natural Bridges State Beach, and discover the Corralitos region’s vineyard estates, including Bargetto Winery and Windy Oaks Estate. Round off your stay with local cuisine and a visit to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

• Best Western The Inn of Los Gatos, Los Gatos – 1 Night

  Located at the gateway to the Santa Cruz Mountains, Best Western The Inn of Los Gatos offers a welcoming base for exploring one of California’s historic wine-growing regions. Drive through redwood forests and rolling mountain landscapes, stopping at Beauregard Vineyards and Big Basin Vineyards for estate experiences surrounded by natural beauty. Continue to Ridge Vineyards, renowned for its characterful wines and historic heritage, before heading to Saratoga for dinner at Plumed Horse. The surrounding area combines scenic drives, forest trails, and distinctive vineyard estates.

• La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Livermore, Livermore – 1 Night

  La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Livermore provides a convenient base for discovering Livermore Valley, one of California’s oldest wine regions. En route, stop at J. Lohr Wine Center in San Jose and enjoy lunch at San Pedro Square Market. In Livermore, explore historic estates including Murrieta’s Well, Concannon Vineyard, and Wente, each offering a glimpse into the region’s long agricultural and winemaking heritage. Round off the day with dinner at Range Life, a neighbourhood favourite known for its seasonal approach to California cuisine.

• Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lodi, Lodi – 2 Nights

  Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lodi offers a relaxed base for exploring Lodi’s distinctive agricultural landscape and vineyard estates. On arrival, stop at the Lodi Wine Visitors Center to discover the region’s wine trails and local producers, then unwind with a treatment at Wine & Roses Spa. Spend the following day visiting Acquiesce Winery, celebrated for its white and rosé wines, Peltier Winery & Vineyards, and Michael David Winery, known for its bold varietals and welcoming outdoor setting. Enjoy locally sourced food, authentic Mexican cuisine at El Pazcifico Mexican Grill & Cantina, and Italian specialities at Pietro’s Trattoria.

• Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites, Angels Camp – 1 Night

  Best Western Cedar Inn & Suites offers a comfortable stay in the heart of California’s historic Gold Country, with easy access to Angels Camp and the charming town of Murphys. En route from Lodi, visit Ironstone Vineyards, where vineyard experiences meet fascinating local gold-mining history at the estate museum. Spend the afternoon wandering along Murphys’ historic Main Street, discovering independent shops, family-owned tasting rooms, and small local producers. Enjoy dinner at V Restaurant, Bar & Bistro before settling in for the evening amid the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills.

• Best Western Amador Inn, Jackson – 1 Night

  Located in the historic town of Jackson, Best Western Amador Inn provides a convenient base for exploring Amador County and the Shenandoah Valley. Begin with coffee and pastries at Aria Bakery Cafe before heading to Sutter Creek, known as the Jewel of the Mother Lode. Browse antique shops and visit Bella Grace, Uphill Vineyards, and Baiocchi Wines to discover the region’s distinctive vineyard estates and local varietals. Continue to Plymouth to explore Deaver Vineyards and Andis Wines, where the Shenandoah Valley’s agricultural heritage and relaxed tasting experiences provide a different perspective on California wine country. Finish with dinner at Taste or Plymouth Hotel Kitchen & Bar.

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lincoln, Lincoln – 1 Night

  La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Lincoln offers a comfortable base for exploring Placer County and its scenic foothills. Start the day with breakfast at Marlene & Glen’s Dead Fly Diner, then stop at El Dorado Hills Town Center and Folsom Lake before continuing towards Lincoln. Explore the Placer Wine Trail with visits to Twin Rocks Estate Winery, Lone Buffalo Vineyards, and PaZa Estate Winery, discovering small-production wines and the character of this lesser-known region. Enjoy dinner at Wise Villa Winery & Restaurant, where vineyard surroundings and locally inspired cuisine create a memorable evening.

• Best Western Gold Country Inn, Grass Valley – 1 Night

  Best Western Gold Country Inn offers a comfortable base for exploring Grass Valley and nearby Nevada City. Visit Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery, discover historic downtown streets, artistic shops, and local wineries, then enjoy dinner at the historic Golden Gate Saloon in the Holbrooke Hotel. The following day, drive back to San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to return your rental car and conclude your California road trip.