Best Hotels in California Wine Country

California is blessed in many ways, and when it comes to the wines produced here you can taste this state’s blessings. Whether supping a drop grown in north, around the Napa Valley and the Sonoma Valley, in the central regions around Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and the Carmel Valley, or in the south, around the Temecula Valley, you’ll get all the benefits of the sunshine and rain California is known for. Our independent experts at The Hotel Guru have searched all across this varied state, considering vineyard hotels overlooking the vines and the river, and vineyard hotels overlooking the vines and the mountains, criss crossing between the ocean and the desert. What they've come up with is a list of California Wine Country hotels to suit all tastes and budgets, from luxury properties to family friendly resorts and chic little B&Bs.

For a Wine tasting Weekend

The Emerald Iguana Inn in central Ojai is an iconic place to stay, an epic imagining of Art Nouveau style and craftsmanship from the owner and artist, Marc Whitman, who has brought these 19 rooms, studios, cottages and treehouses to life. As well as being surrounded by wineries, Ojai is close to the Sespe Wilderness, known for its hiking, biking and kayaking opportunities. There’s no restaurant on site, but there are plenty of bars and restaurants within a short walk.
The Tallman Hotel in pretty Upper Lake, is a charming white-wood building encompassed by verandahs on both floors, giving the look, and feel of a southern mansion. The 17 rooms and suites are decorated with an air of country chic — think well chosen antiques and patterned, but unfussy wallpapers and throws. The Garden Rooms have private patios with outdoor tubs. The property is just opposite Lake County Wine Studio, perfect for a spot of tasting!
The H2Hotel in Healdsburg is an eco-hotel with decor inspired by organic materials, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There are 36 rooms and suites, all with private balconies, and chic, minimal decor. There’s a lovely courtyard and pool, and the bar and restaurant have an excellent wine list — not surprising, really, this is the middle of the Sonoma Valley.

For a Wine Tasting Long Weekend

The Allegretto Vineyard Resort overlooks its own vines, growing on the outskirts of Paso Robles. But you’re overlooking them from a very comfortable spot, whether you’re on the balcony or terrace of one of the 170 odd rooms and suites, in the sun-trap of a courtyard beside the elegant olive trees and fountains, by the pool or fire-pit, or in the beautiful Mediterranean restaurant. As well as around 200 local wineries there’s a lot to do and it’s a great pick for families.
The River Terrace Inn is on the Napa River in central Napa, the perfect spot for a rural atmosphere, but with easy access to the highlights of town. There are 114 rooms and suites, all spacious and decorated in contemporary style neutral colours. If you want romance you’ll find it in the private hot tubs and romantic bar, but you’ll also find a family-friendly welcome, a 24 hour gym and lots of activities.

For Romance Among the Vines

The Inn at Europa Village is a resort situated between three wineries, each growing wines inspired by a different European nation. The resort has just ten suites, all of them unique, decorated with antiques and original artworks; some have private terraces with vineyard views, some have hot tubs, and all are beautiful, luxurious and intimate. There’s no restaurant but there are many within a pleasant stroll.
The 12 room Milliken Creek Inn is right on the banks of the Napa River in central Napa, perfectly positioned for relaxing, and exploring the region’s best food and drink. You can start with ‘Magic Hour’ each evening, when complimentary local wines and cheeses are served. Milliken Creek raises the romance bar with an impressive list of spa treatments, and adults only policy.

For Foodies

You can probably guess from the name that the Gaige House + Ryokan has an impressive spa, heated pool and hot tub set up, and Eastern twist to the decor. But it’s also worth knowing that it’s Michelin recommended, and can be found in the pretty Sonoma Valley hamlet of Glen Ellen. It has 23 rooms and suites, is very welcoming of families, and runs a cooking school as well.

For Families

The Calistoga Motor Lodge is A LOT cooler than the name sounds, because while this 50 room property started out as a motor lodge, it’s since been converted into something much chicer. The rooms are still simple, but the bold designs really liven them up, as do the refreshed pool facilities and wonderfully retro spa fittings — though the treatment list is entirely contemporary! While the adults enjoy the wines the kids can make the most of all the fun activities on site from hula hoops and bocce ball to traditional board games.
The Landsby is a Scandinavian-esque boutique-feeling hotel in Solvang, in the Santa Barbara Valley wine region. 51 rooms and suites make up the property, along with the excellent onsite restaurant Mad & Vin, the bar and terrace and lovely gardens. They offer a wine tasting discounts and tours too, but there are plenty of other activities to tap into as well, and it’s that, and the family suites, that got it onto the families section of the list.
Hanford House Inn is in Sutter Creek, a gold prospecting town turned wine centre. The inn has 16 rooms, and a separate bungalow for families, and it’s unfussily dressed in a contemporary chic style. This is a great choice if you want to do some exploring, or adventuring as well as wine tasting, because you’re on the doorstep of the Sierra Nevada, where you can ski, hike, bike, white water raft, fish, or play golf. And you can uncover some of the local gold rush history.

Our Most Relaxing Picks

The Ponte Vineyard Inn is so much a part of the Ponte Vineyard that the pool is surrounded by vines. And if you need more tasting variety there are three other Temecula Valley vineyards within a comfortable stroll. There are several wine courses you can take on this beautiful site, reminiscent of an old monastery, or you can relax by the pool, or in the hot tub, or restaurant. And you’re ten minutes from the golf course.
Wine & Roses is a 66 room hotel which ticks all the boxes when it comes to relaxation amongst the vines. The rooms, and especially suites, are light and airy and individually styled, with huge bathrooms and private terraces. The spa is award-winning, the restaurant is a farm-to-fork gourmet experience, and the wine cellar is extremely impressive.

For a Countryside Escape

The Babbling Brook Inn is just a short drive from Santa Cruz, but, because it’s surrounded by such lush gardens, it feels much more rural. It's intimate too, with just 13 rooms and suites, all with private balconies or terraces. There’s no restaurant, but the breakfast is impressive, and there are plenty of eateries close by.
The Victoria Inn is small, homely inn in Murphys, a former mining settlement now surrounded by wineries. There’s plenty of charm here, in the stone walls, working fireplaces, large windows and verandahs and antiques, and apparently Mark Twain was once a guest! There’s no onsite dining, but they do a continental breakfast, and there are lots of restaurants nearby.

For Great Value

The Rigdon House in Cambria benefits from wine country on one side and the beach on the other (albeit 45 minutes walk or five minutes drive). There are just 12 suites, all large and tastefully decorated, but unfussy, which matches the relaxed, unfussy vibe of the property. Bring your kids, explore the local region and enjoy the complimentary local wines by the fire pit of an evening.
The Boon Hotel & Spa is a hip-feeling hotel in Guerneville, in the Sonoma Valley, close to the Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and many, many wineries. 14 rooms are available all year, and in the warmer months you can also stay in one of three tent cabins. This is a luxurious spot, with relaxation in mind, and there’s a good list of spa treatments and a large pool area. The hotel has bikes you can borrow to explore the area.

Great Wine Country B&Bs

Calistoga’s The Bergson is an elegant B&B of the sort one might find in Cape Cod, with large verandahs and a beautiful courtyard garden. There are 21 rooms and suites, all individually decorated with four-poster beds, well chosen antiques, and bold wallpaper and carpet choices that really work.
The Hidden Valley Inn Carmel is a family-run B&B in the Carmel Valley, close to the valley’s wine trail. There are 25 rooms, suites and studios (the larger rooms have kitchenettes), with views of the mountains, the garden or the pool, and individually chosen classic decor. The heated pool is located on a sunny deck, and while there’s no restaurant they do offer a hearty breakfast, and Carmel is packed with great places to eat.
The Eden House at Carriage Vineyards is a three room B&B on a 100 acre working farm and vineyard in the heart of Paso Robles. The accommodation is spacious and contemporary, and located within an old farmhouse building, where you can also order an excellent breakfast, and supper if you need it. Rural and peaceful.

Still not sure where to book?

You could refine your search by location, and see just the best wine hotels in the Napa Valley or the best places to stay in the Sonoma Valley
Or refine your search even further and consider just Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, Calistoga, Sonoma or Healdsbur.
You could expand your search to include ALL the best places to stay in California,
Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.

20 Best Hotels in California Wine Country

Milliken Creek Inn

Napa (California)

This intimate adults-only inn is on the grassy banks of Napa River and the scenic Silverado Trail. The beautiful rooms boast stylish furnishings in white and greys, creating a sense of warmth and luxury. Fantastic gourmet breakfasts and a manicured riverside garden add to the idyllic setting.

Romantic Break - Adults-only, with romantic spa treatments and facilities and nearby vineyards for wine-tastings- perfect for a romantic break
Total relaxation - Unusual and luxury spa treatments on offer, beautiful gardens overlooking the Napa river, and peaceful surroundings.
Great walks - Explore the garden and beyond.
Romantic

from $203 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees

20 Best Hotels in California Wine Country

For a Wine tasting Weekend

For a Wine Tasting Long Weekend

For Romance Among the Vines

For Foodies

For Families

Our Most Relaxing Picks

For a Countryside Escape

For Great Value

Great Wine Country B&Bs

Still not sure where to book?

20 Best Hotels in California Wine Country

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