A Toast to Northern California

If your team thirsts for perfect weather, adventure, and natural beauty, NorCal is ripe for savoring. With an endless blend of high-end cultural delights and outdoor activities, there truly is something for everyone in this world-class destination. The local terroir isn’t just fertile ground for wine districts, it is also bursting with opportunity when planning your next corporate event. I collaborated with our Director of Sales, Emilie Lynch to put together an exciting list of can’t-miss activities during your next group adventure.

1) Where to Wine & Dine

Napa & Sonoma

First, we’ll tip our glasses to the elephant in the room: Wine. The newly opened Arch & Tower in the historic Borreo Building of the Robert Mondavi Winery is an up-and-coming place to sip and taste in the area. Another of our favorites in Sonoma County is Dry Creek Vineyard . They offer many options for groups large and small, including off-road ATV vineyard tours from March through October. The restaurants in the area are sizzling as well; our destination fam’s Napa favorites include: the authentic Mother’s Tacos and farm-to-table Truss at the Four Seasons. In Sonoma, you’ll find us cleaning our plates at the girl & the fig, LLC or the sophisticated El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen .

San Francisco

The Golden Gate City’s culinary scene is experiencing a rebirth, with exciting new options popping up everywhere. The FiDi, local slang for the Financial District, is in the midst of a restaurant revival. Everyone is buzzing about @holbrook house Holbrook House in The Conservatory at One Sansome and their menu of luxe cocktails and Cali-chic cuisine. Dalida in the Presidio is a must-try if your group is hungry for modern Mediterranean cuisine. If your agenda leads you to the Union Square area, celebrity chef Tyler Florence has just opened a pair of cafes as an extension of Miller & Lux Provisions in the iconic neighborhood.?

2) Where to Stay

Napa & Sonoma

Downtown Napa is no stranger to luxurious accommodations. To put your group within walking distance of a plethora of dining and wine-tasting options, we recommend the boutique Archer Hotel . If you want to stick near Sonoma, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is just minutes from downtown. Steep in luxury by soaking in the Fairmont Spa's natural Boyes Hot Springs.

San Francisco

This Beaux Arts architectural landmark will start any stay off on the right foot. The Fairmont San Francisco lives up to all five of its stars, and its meeting and events space has been home to illustrious events like the drafting of the UN Charter in 1945. Nestled on top of Nob Hill, your attendees will be wowed by sweeping views of San Francisco and the Bay from the comfort of their rooms.

3) Where to Play

Napa & Sonoma

All-aboard! One of our favorite Wine Country activities is hopping on the Napa Valley Wine Train . Inspired by the golden age of train travel, this locomotive has been serving up memorable vino experiences for over 160 years. Looking to get up close and personal with the vines? Gundlach Bundschu offers a variety of experiences, including off-road excursions on their Pinzgauer (“pinz-gower”), a vintage Swiss Army transport vehicle. Check out Fieldwork Brewing at the Oxbow Public Market to switch up your sips.

San Francisco

Looking for the ultimate group selfie spot? Look no further than the Tunnel Tops in the Presidio. This area of the famous national park offers unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge. This really is the perfect group picnic spot year-round!

4) Hottest Local Happenings

Napa & Sonoma

If your group wants to dip their toes into the Sonoma cultural scene, don’t miss the Art Walk. Running October through April, this community-wide celebration of Sonoma’s outstanding local artists starts on the first Thursday of the month. While the East Coast hibernates, wine country is in full bloom! January to March is mustard season, and the vineyards come alive with vibrant, yellow, wild blooms. This golden explosion concludes with the “bud break” or the start of the wine-growing season. Time your visit with the Napa Valley’s Mustard Celebration to make the most of the harvest. Next up, the annual BottleRock Napa Valley uncorks uncommon experiences May 24-26. This year’s line-up has just been announced; you won’t want to miss what’s coming in 2024!

San Francisco

There’s no better way to start spring than at the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival runs April 13–14 and April 20–21, 2024, and is one of the country's most prominent celebrations of Japanese and Japanese American culture. Hundreds of thousands flock to NorCal each year to wonder at the vibrant and unique displays of Japanese pride.

Well, that’s just a taste of what NorCal has in store. From the traditional to the unexpected, Northern California provides the perfect place for your corporate attendees to uncork the unexpected. Questions? Contact our Napa & Sonoma team today!