In addition to regular stories on all things that make the Southwest shine, each month The Best of the Southwest is taking readers on an easy weekend getaway, sharing the ultimate itinerary for a destination either a quick drive or short flight away, in a column we call Field Trip Friday. Today’s field trip: Dry Creek.

In 2024, BOSW took readers on an adventure through Russian River Valley to explore the best of the Sonoma County gem. In follow-up to that piece, we are pleased to present a very special Field Trip Friday, whisking guests to the Passport to Dry Creek Valley Festival, which takes place just north of the Russian River Valley in the neighboring Dry Creek AVA, April 25-27, 2025. 

Dry Creek musts:

• Take your pick of an intimate vineyard-home or an extravagant mansion stay.
• Check out Chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House.
• Don’t miss the Passport to Dry Creek Valley, one of spring’s coolest wine and food events in Northern California

Destination: Dry Creek Valley, Northern California

Whereas nearby Russian River Valley’s cool climate is ideal for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, compact Dry Creek is significantly warmer with less fog and more sunny days overall, making it a dream for Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhone-style wines and Italian wines.

Why Italian wines? 

Certainly, the climate plays a role, but it was primarily Italian immigrants who migrated to the area in the 1800s, planting the original vineyards and pioneering winemaking style and techniques in the area. 

Getting there: Go for “Peanuts”

Dry Creek Valley is about 15 minutes from the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport. Yes, it is named after the creator of the “Peanuts” comics. And yes, there are Charlie Brown and Snoopy art installations — Peppermint Patty, too! — throughout the cozy airport. 

The airport has daily flights from several cities across the Southwest, including Phoenix, Dallas and Las Vegas, and even more from the West, notably Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, Seattle and Palm Springs. 

And while no flights are exactly peanuts these days, airlines that fly to and from the region have exceptional deals nearly daily to be had. 

Stay: Vineyard homes and marvelous mansions

There are dozens of amazing resorts and hotels in the area, but for something extra special, opt for a vineyard home or spacious boutique offering. 

Cast Wines 

Cast Wines has a spectacular guest house adjacent to the winery, surrounded in all directions by estate vineyard views. Natural light envelops the property, and its pristine location atop a hillside allows for breathtaking views. 

There are two bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the property as well as a loft with additional beds, allowing for six guests to stay comfortably together. There is also an epic lounge space, complete with a fireplace, dining area, breakfast nook and a covered patio complete with a grill. 

One simply needs to be a member of the winery to reserve a stay for an exceptionally discounted rate for a full home, and there are several curated experiences available for those who are guests, notably private tours and in-house tastings with amazing small bites. 

Jordan Estate

Similarly, Jordan Estate, technically in neighboring Alexander Valley — all of three to four miles from Dry Creek (if there is traffic) — is another fantastic option. The award-winning winemaker boasts three grand chateau guest suites on its estate, which is a marriage of Old-World sophistication and modern-day luxuries. They range in size from 575 to 800 square feet and feature striking architectural lines, antiques from the Louis XIII, XV and XVI periods, posh French-inspired custom furniture and — of course — Jordan wine to sample en suite to enjoy throughout one’s stay. 

Each room boasts a stunning view of the vineyard and a full balcony, fireplace, sitting area, king-sized bed, and a private bathroom. Suite guests have the option to enjoy both wine tasting and a full vineyard tour during their stay as well as breakfast delivered daily complete with French press coffee and Jordan Estate foraged tea. 

Courtesy transportation is available to suite guests to and from Downtown Healdsburg and the in-house concierge team can plan exclusive, intimate culinary and wine experiences across the region for an added fee. In addition, they offer a cottage on property. As with Cast, reservations are limited to Jordan Reward Members.  

*However, everyone is a member*  

When visiting the Jordan website, a screen appears showing there is an immediate reward balance available to use. The balance and offer may be collected upon agreeing to be a subscriber to Jordan emails. 

Once signed on, there is no annual fee or minimum purchase to remain a member. Instead, anytime members purchase wine from the online shop or in person, points increase exponentially. Members also gain access to invite-only events both at the winery and across the globe. 

The Ruse

Oh, and then there is the mansion option. Well, it is technically The Ruse, but the darn thing is a mansion if I’ve ever seen one!

The Ruse is a boutique experience at its best. It features just 11 rooms — seven in its main mansion and four suites off the main property near the putting green and heated pool — so team members can focus on providing an immersive, custom experience for every guest. 

Beyond the putting green and pool, the property features bocce, pickleball courts, badminton and an airy entertainment pavilion. Guests: Do not skip breakfast under any circumstance. All are given the opportunity for daily morning fare, and words do not do the feast justice. It rivals the top eateries anywhere else in wine country. 

Dine: Foodie nirvana

Speaking of food, Dry Creek is an oasis of epicurean adventure at the highest level. 

There are absolutely insane wine and food pairing options at several of the vineyards directly, notably Capo Creek (a true chef’s table experience!), Ferrari-Carano (including brunch!), Amista Vineyards (caviar, anyone?), Cast Wines (bottle sabering, caviar and small bites to delight!) and Williamson Wines (full luncheon with the winemaker, please!). 

And then there are the big dawgs in town. The region is home to Valette, an award-winning eatery that shines a light on local producers, both winemakers and farmers, on the plate and in the glass. 

The restaurant was founded by two brothers who wanted to share their hometown with the world through flavors and textures that will shock and awe the palate. If unfamiliar with Chef Dustin Valette’s story, it is extraordinary (and available here). The brothers also own farm-to-table focused The Matheson, which has the coolest wine wall in all of wine country, as well as Roof 106, a buzzy indoor-outdoor dining experience with pizza that rivals the best in New York. 

The Dry Creek area is also home to celebrity Chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen as well as a true hidden gem in The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House. It comes alive as the sun sets with firepits and views of downtown as well as Fitch Mountain, and of course vineyards, and is among the top spots for small bites and a nightcap.  

Do: Passport to Dry Creek Valley Festival

While the area is home to some of the preeminent wineries in the world, it’s also home to one of spring’s coolest wine and food events: Passport to Dry Creek Valley. 

Set for April 25- 27, 2025, this long weekend of world-class wine and hospitality provides attendees access to more than 50 of Dry Creek Valley’s most acclaimed wineries over three days, offering passport holders elevated wine and food pairings, barrel tastings, lively entertainment and unbelievable wine deals. 

The event kicks off on April 25 with a Twilight Welcome Party at Bacchus Landing, a collective of prized boutique wineries and local artisanal food — all walking distance — that boasts an expansive patio, multiple nooks and lounge areas, bocce courts and epic rooftop terrace. 

The event will welcome celebrity Chef Kevin O’Connor, most recently appearing on Hulu’s “Chefs vs. Wild,” who will dazzle guests with an open-fire cooking experience between wine tastings from over 20 Dry Creek Valley wineries.

On April 26 and 27, prepare to be wined and dined under the gorgeous sunshine as wineries offer a diverse array of gastronomic adventures. 

How cool are these wine and food pairings? The Dry Creek team just released a teaser of what to expect, and it is truly next level. Here is a sneak peek, and tickets are on sale now!

For more information, visit drycreekvalley.org.