Platypus Tours

  While not part of the “30-mile long, 5-mile wide” Napa Valley proper, American Canyon is known as the Gateway to Napa Valley. Located in Napa County, it’s the most wallet-friendly. You won’t be surrounded by vineyards and vistas here, but you’re close to the Vallejo Ferry terminal for easy rides to and from San Francisco—and there are lodging properties within walking distance of the stunning Napa River and Bay Trail. This paved trail winds through wetlands with big-sky views and fantastic birdwatching—one of the valley’s most overlooked gems. American Canyon is a great value proposition with its own worthy offering of Napa’s nature preserves . Read More https://www.platypustours.com/which-napa-valley-town-is-right-for-you/

  Sonoma Valley is the real deal when it comes to   California wine country —authentic and unpretentious. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Sonoma offers a more relaxed vibe, thanks to its family-run wineries, diverse soils, and rolling vineyard-covered hills dotted with heritage oaks. Even the historic town plaza tells a story, centered around one of California’s original Franciscan missions. Many of the wineries here are family-owned for generations, offering wines that reflect personal stories, hands-on craftsmanship, and sustainable farming. You may even meet the winemaker during your visit. Diverse Microclimates and Varietals From coastal fog to warm inland sun, Sonoma Valley’s climate diversity makes it ideal for growing a wide range of grapes. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive in the cooler areas, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel flourish inland. Add in generations of sustainable and organic farming, and you get wines that are not only delicious but rooted in enviro...