After living in Northern California for more than four decades, I’ve stopped counting how many times I’ve passed through Geyserville. Not because it’s flashy or trying to be the next big thing, but because it never disappoints.
About 90 minutes north of San Francisco, it’s close enough for a spontaneous escape but far enough to feel like a proper reset, and this is the perfect itinerary I’d recommend using for your visit.
Morning: Ease Into Wine Country Living
Start your morning at Trione Vineyards & Winery, where wine tasting feels refreshingly unpretentious. Here, the experience is casual and social. Reserve a bocce court, claim your shaded picnic table, and settle in with a bottle—Zinfandel is always a good call. Add a simple cheese and charcuterie spread, and suddenly the morning stretches out in the best way.
Afternoon: Food, Art, and a Touch of Cinema
For lunch, head straight to Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria. If I could only recommend one meal in town, this would be it. Set inside a historic building, it strikes that perfect balance between rustic charm and lively energy.
The wood-fired pizzas are the obvious draw, and for good reason. The Bee Sting pizza layered with fior di latte, basil, serrano peppers, ricotta, pepperoni, salami, honey, and tomato sauce is the kind of bold combination that somehow lands in perfect harmony. If you’re craving something lighter, the chop salad delivers enough flavor to hold its own alongside any pizza.
Next door, make a quick stop at Pastasciutta. It’s shelves are lined with imported goods, handmade pastas, and bottles you didn’t plan on buying. But stay focused: you’re here for the cookies. Consider it your afternoon treat.
From there, take a slow wander along the Geyserville Sculpture Trail. It’s unstructured and a little unexpected—around 30 sculptures scattered across town and nearby open spaces. Some pieces feel tucked away, others boldly demand attention, like the wire-frame running man or the rusted horse named Victory. It’s quiet, creative, and completely free.
Round out your afternoon at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Yes, the wine is solid (the Director’s Cut Zinfandel is one of my favorites) but another draw is the museum. Francis Ford Coppola has filled it with film memorabilia that goes far beyond decorative touches. You’ll find the desk from The Godfather, costumes from Dracula, and even the 1948 Tucker car from Tucker: A Man and His Dream.
If you’re up for one more tasting, swing by deLorimier Winery. The vineyard views stretch wide across Alexander Valley and their Tombstone Zinfandel is worth a taste.
Diavola Pizza
Evening: A Classic Italian Dinner and a Low-Key Nightcap
Dinner belongs at Catelli’s, a local institution that’s been around since 1936. There’s history in the walls, but the food feels anything but dated.
Start with something simple like beef carpaccio, layered with arugula and parmesan, then move on to a kale salad that somehow manages to feel both hearty and fresh. But the centerpiece is the 10-layer lasagna. Delicate sheets of handmade pasta, layered with cheeses and herbs, held together by a rich but balanced sauce.
After dinner, ease into the night at the Geyserville Gun Club. The space leans into a modern, slightly moody aesthetic—exposed brick, reclaimed wood, and a striking glass chandelier.
Catelli’s
Catelli’s Lasagna
Make It an Overnight (If You Can)
If driving back doesn’t sound appealing or you simply want to stretch the experience, check into the Geyserville Inn. Tucked between Dry Creek and Alexander Valley, it offers wide-open views of the Mayacamas Mountains and a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate.
Rooms are cozy, many with fireplaces and private balconies, making it easy to justify staying just a little longer. And with more than 70 wineries nearby—not to mention easy access to Healdsburg, Lake Sonoma, and even the coast—you’ll have plenty of reasons to.
Dining and Cooking