Wine Country Archives - A Side of Sweet

Wine Tasting in Livermore, California

When you’re visiting California wine country, skip Napa and go wine tasting in Livermore Valley. First on your list should be Wente Vineyards. Here’s why…

Last weekend I finally had a few days off from the hospital, so Pat and I did the short drive from San Francisco to the Livermore Valley wine region. Our only agenda was a relaxing day at Wente Vineyards. Wente is honestly one of the prettiest wineries we’ve ever visited. The white buildings remind me of our trip to South Africa. The temperate fall weather and palm trees really made it feel like we were on vacation…. Read More »

Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California Wine Country

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique wine tasting experience check out Wente Vineyards in Livermore, California wine country.

Move over Napa Valley, Livermore Valley is the place to experience California wine country. Despite feeling off the beaten path for California’s wine scene, the region is actually the birthplace of California wine. Wente Vineyards opened in 1883, making it the country’s oldest, continuously operated, family owned winery.

Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide

My Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide. Here are all of my favorite restaurants, bakeries, and wineries for this charming city in one place!

Living in San Francisco, one of the most frequent things I get asked is for recommendations for what to do in wine country. My San Francisco friends, as well as people visiting, assume that I have a list of great things to do in Napa Valley ready to share! I actually do have a list that I send to people when they ask, and today I’m going to share it here.

Today I’m going to focus on things to do in Sonoma. Sonoma is super charming and slightly less touristy than Napa. The city itself is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous roses everywhere, cute cafes and amazing wineries. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to wine country…. Read More »

Viansa Sonoma Winery, California Wine Country

An exclusive wine tasting at Viansa Sonoma Winery in California Wine Country. Make sure to upgrade to a pavilion tasting and try their wood fired pizzas.

On our recent wine country weekend, Ally and I stopped at Viansa Sonoma Winery in Sonoma, California for a wine tasting. Always looking for a photo opportunity, we reserved one of their beautiful pavilions overlooking the grape fields in advance…. Read More »

White House Inn Napa

White House Inn in Napa is a gem in California wine country. It’s a gorgeous boutique hotel with a great location. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway.

A few weeks ago, Ally and I decided to get out of town for a girls’ weekend. What better place than wine country? We checked into the White House Inn in Napa which was the perfect home base for exploring the area.

The recently-renovated White House Inn is one of the most beautifully-decorated hotels I’ve ever stayed at. Every detail is completely thought out. From agate coasters to colorful coffee table books, it’s a design haven. It’s small, with only seventeen rooms, which make it feel really cozy…. Read More »

Babylonstoren Gardens Fraenschhoek, South Africa

You have to visit Babylonstoren if you travel to Cape Town, South Africa’s wine country. They have an amazing restaurant, beautiful hotel and their wine is tops!

Babylonstoren Farm & Gardens was definitely one of the highlights of our South African wine country trip. The farm was established in 1692, and many buildings still stand. Gravity feeds stream water into the garden by waterways, just like farming was done centuries ago. Ducks and chickens wander the properties and there are hives of bees nestled among the gardens…. Read More »