Drink in the sun
The first vines in California were planted by Spanish missionaries who needed wine for mass. Today, the state produces more than 90 per cent of the wine made in the United States, with its most celebrated regions being the Napa, Russian River and Sonoma valleys, and over 100 grape varieties producing mouth-watering whites, reds and rosés. In Sonoma Valley, check out the Chateau St Jean or the Ledson Winery, whose slightly surreal old-world feel is a reminder of the original style of California wines. More off the beaten track is Loxton. In the Napa Valley, there's a visual reminder of Tuscany at the Andretti Winery, modern art mingles with clinking glasses at the Hess Collection and the Duckhorn Vineyards offer outside sampling tables (appointment only). In Russian River, Paradise Ridge very much lives up to its name, with amazing views over the valley, while the Hook and Ladder Winery has the informal charm of a small family operation.
Foodie heaven
For great food with your Napa Valley wines, head to the Angèle Restaurant & Bar, run by a duo who formerly built the reputations of two other highly regarded Napa restaurants, the Auberge du Soleil and the French Laundry. For a more casual (and less French-inspired) meal, try the pork chops or lamb shank at Mustards Grill, or the chicken in chillies at Restaurant Pearl. In Sonoma, start the day at the Downtown Bakery and Creamery and later, take in seaside fish and chips on the coast at Lucas Wharf, or treat yourself to the extraordinary ambience and locally sourced food at Barndiva, which offers a daily changing vegetarian option. In Russian River Valley, the Farmhouse also prides itself on locally sourced food, and also offers accommodation.
Don't miss …
Built around a mountain and spanning a bay into the Pacific, San Francisco is the city that enjoys the most beautiful natural setting in the United States. It's also unusual in being one of the few American cities where – thanks to an efficient public transport system – life without a car is not just possible, but preferable: a seven-day travel pass costs $28. You can't miss the giant Golden Gate Bridge, which spans San Francisco Bay, but you should also take a trip to the world-famous island that sits in the bay – Alcatraz, whose grim jail is now a decaying tourist attraction. After taking the boat back, walk or take a tram right down the waterfront and take a cable car back over the almost-too-steep-to-walk Nob Hill. Until 2016, San Francisco Bay will house a number of open-air exhibitions and free tours in public sites by the Museum of Modern Art, whose building is currently benefiting from an overhaul. Check the website to find out what's happening and where. If time permits, hop on the underground Bart railway and head out to Berkeley for a taste of student life, alternative fashion and great music shops.
Book your California trip at expedia.co.uk. Prices start from £1,241 per person for seven nights, staying in a three star hotel in Napa Valley, including direct return flights from London to San Francisco.
