The Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Why visit: Even as wintry weather is the slow season in northern California, it makes for an extra laid-back, less crowded vacation to enjoy. On new year’s eve, many large resorts and wineries provide their personal wine-fueled parties in cellars and wine caves, such as the black and white gala at Etoile at Domaine Chandon, a candlelit multicourse dinner within the Trinitas cellars wine cave at the Meritage hotel, and a five-course dinner and masquerade ball within the grand barrel room at Castello di Amorosa winery. The Napa Valley wine train hosts a blackjack ball in its restored Pullman Cars as they make their way up and down the valley. For a more low-key party, make reservations at one of the location’s famed restaurants, along with Redd, Bottega, or Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc or Bouchon in Yountville, after which retreat to a luxury inn for a private nighttime toast by the fire.

Where to stay: In Sonoma, the inn at Sonoma Renaissance Resort & Spa (marriott.com) offers an on-site dining experience and a quick shuttle to the close by Sonoma plaza. Napa’s resort Yountville (hotelyountville.com) is an ultra-luxury oasis simply steps from the hot dining spots of charming Yountville.