Napa wine country is overrun by tourists, so people are abandoning it for Sonoma - we visited both to see who does it better
Melia Robinson/Business Insider
For many years, Sonoma County was the kid-brother of wine country. Napa County's elite wineries, trendy restaurants, and globally-known brand long overshadowed Sonoma's charms.
But Sonoma County, which stretches across nine cities and three times the land area of Napa County, is stealing visitors thanks to its laidback atmosphere and affordability. In 2016, travelers spent a total of $1.9 billion in Sonoma County, compared to $1.3 billion in Napa County, according to an annual economic impact report. The area attracts approximately double the three million visitors who come to Napa County every year.
Comparing the two is like apples and oranges - or Pinot Grigio and Merlot, if you prefer - because they vary so much in size. A wine blogger put it best when he said, "Napa Valley is a wine Disneyland, while Sonoma Valley is a wine region."
With the harvest season nearly upon us, I visited Sonoma and Napa to figure out which offers the best experience for first-timers in wine country. In both areas, I visited two to three wineries and tried a Chardonnay and a house specialty at each.
Here's how it went.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- One of the world's only 5-star airlines seems to be considering asking business-class passengers to bring their own cutlery
- From terrace to table: 8 Edible plants you can grow in your home
- India fourth largest military spender globally in 2023: SIPRI report
- New study forecasts high chance of record-breaking heat and humidity in India in the coming months
- Gold plunges ₹1,450 to ₹72,200, silver prices dive by ₹2,300
- Strong domestic demand supporting India's growth: Morgan Stanley