Wineries have to charge for tasting. Otherwise all you get are a bunch of drunks out for a Freebee. Esp. Bachelor parties with their limo's. Napa is crazy making because its where people who don't necessarily know about wine, go to see the Wine County. They know about it on TV. Yes, bumper to bumper traffic! Sonoma County is more peaceful with beautiful drives on many different roads.

But you asked about visiting California. The drive from Carmel south to Hearst Castle takes about 2.5 hrs. Even with some stops. Visiting Hearst castle is very interesting, but buy your tix on line before you get there. You could stay in the Carmel/Monterrey/Pacific Grove area, drive South and then stay near Hearst Castle, on Moonstone beach, San Simeon town, or Cambria. The next day head south through San Luis Obispo and down to Santa Barbara. Do stop at some of the California Missions. Each one is different and they are part of California history. You might be able to fly out of San Diego, that way you would have seen a lot of California.

Both the tasting fees and wines in Napa tend to be higher priced that other wine regions in CA. Not saying the OP shouldn't go, just something to be aware of. We were in Napa recently and I agree the Silverado Trail is beautiful.

Thank you all. Lots to consider!

"Wineries have to charge for tasting."

This is nonsense. They never used to. They just limited samples to 2 or 3.

If you're talking about Highway 1, be sure to give yourself plenty of travel time. it's a much nicer drive than inland, but it does take a bit longer. I made the drive (opposite direction along HWY 1) a few years ago and it took me 3 pretty full days to get from LA to SF.

Willytaps: The trip was last summer . . . . .