This September, Mary and Chris Cockerill, along with their good friends Arlene and Lyon Hebert, took a weeklong trip to California’s premier winemaking regions—Napa and Sonoma. With beautiful weather and a packed itinerary, they set out to explore some of the best wineries the area has to offer.

The couples stayed in a cozy two-bedroom, two-bath rental home in Glen Ellen, which gave them easy access to both Napa and Sonoma. Over the course of the week, they enjoyed dinners at local favorites like The Girl and The Fig in downtown Sonoma, Goose & Gander in St. Helena, and Bouchon in Yountville.

Their wine adventure started with a visit to Taylor Family Vineyards, a small, family-run operation that has become a favorite of the Cockerills over the years. This was their only repeat visit of the trip, as they were eager to explore new wineries and expand their palates.

Their exploration of Napa's famous Silverado Trail took them to Dariōush, Stags Leap, Regusci, and Titus Vineyards—each one offering a unique tasting experience. A visit to Sterling Vineyards added a little excitement to their journey, as the winery sits atop a 300-foot hill. The breathtaking views from the top were a highlight of the trip.

The group also made time to visit Groth Winery in Oakville, Robert Biale in Napa, and Gundlach-Bundschu in Sonoma, selecting each winery based on its reputation for offering delicious varietals. The wines they tasted ranged from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon to Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

Throughout their stay, the weather was perfect for vineyard hopping—sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures in the low 80s and cool, mid-50s evenings. By the end of the week, the Cockerills and Heberts agreed it had been a wonderful trip filled with great wine, delicious food, and plenty of relaxation. They're already looking forward to their next visit!