An hour's drive NE from San Francisco, Napa Valley is dotted with over 400+ wineries that cater to every aspiring (and current) wine connoisseur. With 5 distinct towns in the region - Napa being the largest and Calistoga the most famous, the presence of quaint bed and breakfasts, a dynamic nightlife, and a serene natural setting that goes on for miles, makes the region a perfect combination for a vibrant yet relaxed vacation. A surprise to the world, the region is famous for delivering a blow to the French domination of wine, with the Chateau Montelena Chardonnay winning the 1976 Judgment of Paris in a blind-tasting competition. This brought the region and its people into the spotlight, making it "home-ground" to the some of the world's best wine-makers and tasters, chefs and restaurants. The Napa Valley of today is a culmination of culinary achievements and the permanent allure of its natural beauty.

The sea-facing sister of Napa Valley, Sonoma County desires not to be left behind. In close proximity to its more famous sibling, Sonoma offers a breathtaking sunset and untouched wildlife, along with world-class wines. Nestled in a region just a few miles north of the San Pablo Bay, Sonoma houses over 50 state and regional national parks with flourishing flora and fauna, 450+ wineries that offer some of the world's best Chardonnays and Merlots, 40+ spas/wellness centres, urban shopping-malls, rustic farmlands that work alongside its culture-traversing (and most importantly Michelin Starred) restaurants and the Sonoma Raceway; offering a getaway for everyone - families looking for some quiet time, couples looking to reaffirm the romance in their lives and singles willing to party it up. With a Mediterranean climate, Sonoma is a perfect getaway in the spring, when its natural beauty is blossoming and the holiday season is in full force.

A village stuck in time, Mendocino is an unincorporated community by the sea just 3 hours north of San Francisco. It boasts New England style architecture and holds a secluded, quiet control over the region; a testament to its cultural permanence and isolation from the hustle-bustle of the outside world. With dedicated cultural centres spread across the county, visitors can experience the American art renaissance of the 50's all over again. Large Redwood national parks give equal opportunity for both, the serious trekker and those just looking to hide away in the isolated palm of nature. A scenic yet dynamic beachfront - the focal point of Mendocino - is constantly working to entertain those who go there, with its family style BBQs and Michelin Starred restaurants. Along with its obvious natural beauty and high quality wines, Mendocino is also home to world-class breweries that crank out outstanding craft beers, that are central to many of its festivals and outdoor events, such as the Mendocino County Mushroom, Wine & Beer Festival, Potter Valley Spring Festival & Rodeo, Gualala Fine Arts Fair and even the Whale Festival, where one can spot whales along the shore with a beer in hand.

Situated bang in between Los Angeles and San Francisco there are three things that define Paso Robles - wine, hot springs and history. Currently designated as one of the best regions to grow wine, the Paso Robles Wine AVA has been and is still growing, with over 40,000 acres and 200 wineries dedicated to this industry. If you are looking to further your knowledge of wines, winemaking and tasting, Paso Robles is the place to be. No frills, no perks, Paso Robles' historic dedication to wine is not only reflected in the climate and geographical qualities of the region, but also in its range of premium and ultra-premium wines - Sauvignons, Merlots, Viogniers, etc.

Claimed to be one of the original counties of California, San Luis Obispo (or SLO-Town) is a well-known foodie destination, with its famous Santa Maria style BBQ that one will find offered in every nook and cranny of the beach town. SLO-Town checks all the boxes for a vacation spot by the beach - a burgeoning cultural scene, majestic scenery, expansive grape orchards, traditional farms and the weekly farmer's markets that come with it. And like any other beach town, SLO also offers a variety of outdoor events (a staple for any visitor given the fact that it is sunny all year round) - biking, trekking, boating, rock-climbing, kayaking and obviously surfing. While SLO-Town is known for its vistas, mountain ranges, tree-lined streets, traditional restaurants all contributing to its semi-urban, rustic look, the town has done everything in its power to remain quirky and enjoyable with the infamous Bubblegum Alley, the large Hearst Castle and the annual  "SLO Days" event run by the California Polytechnic State University that takes visitors around the campus' various attractions (the Architecture Grave, Shakespeare Museum, etc.). SLO-Town is for you, your family, your friends, and anyone you meet on the way.

The Ynez Mountains off the central bay of the California coast outline Santa Barbara, the town that welcomes you 24*7, everyday of the year. Santa Barbara is a must for any holiday-goer in California. With its grand mountains, large trees, natural grottos and clear skies that seem to merge into the Pacific ocean, Santa Barbara is augmented by luxurious hotels, state parks, world-class spas, sprawling colleges (that inject it with a youthfulness found nowhere else) and a hip nightlife. One can find herself either enjoying the wild and quiet beauty of the surrounding parks, farms and vineyards or with wine in hand, walking down the beach or sailing alongside the hundreds of boats in the bay, partying it up.

The cultural - and actual - capital of California, Sacramento is a reflection of everything Californian - music, art, architecture (both modern and rustic), agriculture, natural beauty, and finally, wine and craft beer. Situated right in the heart of the state of California, Sacramento has a climate that is both wet and dry, making it a great city to do business and to enjoy oneself. Sacramento has maintained its history well, with a large part of Old Sacramento (from the 1850s) still intact. Historic buildings such as the Sutter's Fort, the Eagle Theatre and the Big Four Building run parallel to the more modern look found in the heart of the city. But the greatest attraction of the "farm-to-fork" capital, as the name suggests is the food and drink culture present here, with internationally acclaimed restaurants and local farmers creating a symbiotic relationship to produce not only the highest-quality produce, but also groundbreaking foods and wines. While wine is now a staple of Californian culture, it is craft beer in Sacramento that is making heads turn. Pop down to the Jackrabbit Brewery or the Bike Dog Brewing Co. for a taste of California's culinary future.