FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Wander Wine Country

by Katie Skrzek

Aug 1, 2018
August 2018

LOCATED ABOUT 50 MILES OUTSIDE of San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma counties are known as prime wine destinations. However, both regions offer visitors ample opportunities for business and leisure activities.

There is no shortage of recreational activities in Napa and Sonoma. In Sonoma County alone, the tourism industry generates more than $1.99 billion annually. There are more than 425 wineries, 40 spas, 500 restaurants and 20 golf courses in Sonoma County, perfect for off-site team-building activities or leisure visits. In addition to year-round activities, each month brings annual festivals including the Artisan Cheese Festival and the Sonoma County Harvest Fair.

“Tourism not only powers the economy every day; but as almost every relocation and business site selection begins with a visit, it’s an important tool for cultivating the area’s long-term future,” said Claudia Vecchio, president and CEO, Sonoma County Tourism.

The tourism industry in Napa Valley employs more than 13,400 workers across hotel, retail, dining and other sectors.

“The tourism industry continues to provide a significant positive impact to Napa Valley’s economy,” said Clay Gregory, president and CEO, Visit Napa Valley. “Strategically managed efforts have seen visitor spending increase 17.5 percent from 2014 to 2016, with only a 6.3 percent increase in visitors over the same two-year period.”

In the fall of 2017, devastating wildfires ravaged California, including the Napa and Sonoma county regions. Following recovery efforts, the area welcomed back visitors within about six months.

Several airports service the Napa Valley area: San Francisco International Airport, San José International Airport, Sacramento International Airport and Oakland International Airport. Travel time to/from each airport is about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on traffic. Travelers can also fly into Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, where there is service from Los Angeles (LAX), Phoenix (PHX), Portland (PDX), San Diego (SAN), San Francisco (SFO) and Seattle (SEA). Sonoma County is also less than a two-hour drive from San Francisco, Oakland and Sacramento airports. Due to general increased popularity of the region, the county airport offers new routes often.

A winery in Sonoma

A winery in Sonoma © ALEXANDRE FAGUNDES DE FAGUNDES | DREAMSTIME.COM

To accommodate growing tourism, new and refurbished properties are cropping up. Look for new hotel openings in 2018 and 2019 throughout the region. Four Seasons Resort & Residences Napa Valley is set to debut in 2019. Recent openings for 2018 include The Francis House in Calistoga and Harmon Guest House in Healdsburg. Existing properties undergo renovations to keep up with the new openings. Bodega Bay Lodge on the Sonoma Coast saw renovations in 2017. The property at Indian Springs Calistoga expanded in 2015.

Venues look to sustainability and work toward green initiatives. Hotel Healdsburg and h2hotel, sister properties to Harmon Guest House in Sonoma County, feature environmentally friendly elements including electric car charging stations. Cakebread Cellars in Napa recently received the 2018 California Green Medal Award for Business. The award recognizes leadership of wineries and vineyards committed to sustainability through efficiencies, cost savings and innovation.

Throughout the region, venues offer opportunities for meeting planners looking for intimate team-building activities or large meeting spaces. From hotels to wineries, there are spaces for every type of event. Visitors can take part in culinary classes, outdoor adventures and — of course — wine tours. Wineries, restaurants, hotels, museums and galleries offer meeting space opportunities. For some, a meal at the iconic restaurant The French Laundry in Napa Valley is worth the trip alone.

SCENIC DRIVES

Travel about 80 miles south along California’s coast to Point Reyes National Seashore. The protected coastline boasts rocky headlands, sandy beaches, grasslands and hillsides. Expect to see wildlife including harbor seals and snowy plovers. Make your way to the Point Reyes Lighthouse for an ideal vantage point to watch migrating whales.
nps.gov/pore

Berkeley, situated on the east side of San Francisco Bay, is known in part as home to the University of California, Berkeley campus. You’ll find plenty of outdoor activities and cultural experiences to take in during your visit, from Tilden Park to the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive. The city is also known for its budding culinary scene.
visitberkeley.com

Many visitors will likely fly in and out of San Francisco (SFO), so carve out some time to explore the Golden Gate National Recreation Area before or after your stay. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the U.S. National Recreation Area sits on about 82,000 acres of land. The park is home to 19 distinct ecosystems and more than 2,000 animal and plant species. There is plenty to see and do, whether you have a few hours or the entire day. Be sure to take some photos with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
nps.gov/goga

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
Airlines
Apr 22, 2025

Air France Partners with Sofitel on New Long-Haul, Business-Class Cabin Offering

Air France invites business-class travelers to rest easy. The airline recently announced a new partnership with Sofitel, part of Accor hotel group, offering custom mattress pads on every long-haul, business-class seat. This new feature from Sofitel’s bedding collection will begin rolling out across long-haul flights starting in July.

Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive

Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.

Daily
Apr 22, 2025

Cabot Citrus Farms Opens as Florida’s Newest Resort Destination

Cabot Citrus Farms, on Florida’s Nature Coast, is now officially open. Representing Cabot’s first U.S. destination (the rest are in Canada), the property is set on 1,200 acres of pristine natural beauty and features two 18-hole golf courses, two unique shorter courses, luxury real estate and accommodations, curated experiences, and a host of amenities ranging from axe throwing to bass fishing to pickleball.

April 2025
Apr 22, 2025

Reach Ultimate Relaxation at The Spa at Vellas Vallarta

Staying at Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, guests enjoy access not only to that property and its amazing amenities but also to the amenities at its sister hotel, Velas Vallarta. During my recent stay at Casa Velas, I took full advantage of that perk, whether relaxing on the beach, enjoying various on-property restaurants or treating myself to a peaceful treatment at The Spa at Velas Vallarta.

Royal Air Maroc Introduces Groundbreaking Safety Video: A Captivating Invitation to Discover Moroccan Heritage

Royal Air Maroc continues to elevate the passenger experience with the launch of its new in-flight safety video — a cinematic journey that seamlessly blends essential safety instructions with a celebration of Moroccan cultural heritage.

Daily
Apr 22, 2025

Sister Property to Versace Mansion Opens in Miami Beach This May

This May, Donatella Boutique Hotel & Restaurant, the official sister property to Versace Mansion (now The Villa Casa Casuarina), debuts in Miami Beach. The new hotel and restaurant breathes life into a 1920s, Wallace Tutt-designed gem, with just six guestrooms for the ultimate intimate experience.

April 2025
Apr 19, 2025

This Course at Innisbruck Resort Tests Professional and Casual Golfers Alike

Palm Harbor might not be the first place you think of when checking out golf in the Sunshine State, but less than an hour from Tampa you will find a cozy golf nook.

A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways

This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.

April 2025
Apr 19, 2025

BermudAir Announces New Non- Stop Bermuda Routes

Sun, sea and sand beckon this year with new non-stop service to Bermuda via BermudAir. The airline expands its reach with the addition of services from Richmond, Virginia (RIC); Providence, Rhode Island (PVD); and Montréal, Québec (YUL).