The reopening of California’s Highway 1 comes with a timely invitation to rediscover the coast the slow way. Enter the Pacific Coast Vineway, a six-night, seven-day luxury driving itinerary from Ensemble Hospitality that links Sonoma, Santa Cruz, and Carmel Valley through wine country roads, surf culture, and restorative spa experiences. Available beginning February 2026, the curated journey connects three of Ensemble’s standout properties: Vinarosa Resort & Spa in Sonoma County, La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz, and Bernardus Lodge & Spa in Carmel Valley.
Designed as a celebration of “slow luxury,” the Vineway favors immersion over mileage, inviting travelers to relax and rejuvenate over meals, landscapes, and experiences that define Northern California’s stunning coastal character.
Sonoma: Vineyards, Gardens, and Elevated Wine Country Living
The journey begins in Sonoma County at Vinarosa Resort & Spa, surrounded by 92 acres of vineyards, olive groves, fig trees, and culinary gardens. Guests are welcomed with a personalized dining experience at John Ash, the resort’s acclaimed restaurant known for its devotion to local ingredients and Sonoma wines.
Over the following days, highlights include a private sunrise hot-air balloon ride drifting above the vineyards and a guided tour of the estate’s culinary garden and vineyard with the resort’s culinary team. Leisure time unfolds easily here, whether by the pool, on the bocce courts, or during an intimate dinner hosted among the vines with esteemed winemakers.
Santa Cruz: Surf Culture Meets Refined Coastal Escape
From Sonoma, the route heads south toward Santa Cruz, with a bespoke picnic basket packed for the drive. Arrival at La Bahia Hotel & Spa introduces a different side of the coast: Spanish-Mediterranean architecture, oceanfront views, and interiors that feel residential and relaxed rather than resort-like.
This is Santa Cruz’s first true luxury beachfront hotel, and it balances polish with surf legacy whimsy. Evenings center on High Tide, the hotel’s Pacific Rim-inspired restaurant led by Chef Fernando Reyes, where a tailored wine pairing anchors the meal. Mornings begin at Low Tide on a sunny patio overlooking the waves.
One of La Bahia’s most coveted experiences places guests in the water with world-champion surfer Richard Schmidt for a private lesson along some of the region’s most storied breaks. Afterward, recovery comes easily with a reserved poolside daybed and signature spa treatments at The Spa at La Bahia, including the Tides of Tranquility massage and the Sea & Sand Salt Glow.
Carmel Valley: Wine, Wellness, and Big Sur Grandeur
The drive continues along Highway 1 toward Carmel Valley, with stops in Capitola, Monterey, and along 17-Mile Drive, offering a greatest-hits view of the Central Coast. Bernardus Lodge & Spa awaits amid rolling vineyards and gardens. Guests are welcomed with Bernardus wines and an estate vineyard tour exploring the property’s winemaking heritage.
A Chef’s Table experience at Lucia Restaurant & Bar follows, pairing seasonal cuisine with Bernardus vintages. Over the next two days, Bernardus serves as a refined base for exploring iconic Big Sur. Guests travel in the resort’s Mercedes and Maybach vehicles, stopping for a guided photography session at Bixby Bridge and Pfeiffer Big Sur, lunch at the legendary Nepenthe, and a scenic drive along 17-Mile Drive. Back at the resort, time is reserved for spa treatments, garden strolls, expansive pools, and a private twilight swim in the warming pool.
The final morning is dedicated to wellness, beginning with a nourishing breakfast and concluding with a mindful experience such as intention setting or tarot, a quiet moment to close the journey before heading onward.
The Details
Available from February 4 through December 31, 2026, the Pacific Coast Vineway is limited to a select number of guests to maintain its intimate feel. Packages start at $26,000 per couple and include curated meals, experiences, wellness offerings, and luxury transfers during the Carmel Valley portion of the itinerary.
For travelers eager to revisit Highway 1, this is a coast-hugging journey that turns a classic drive into something utterly memorable.
Photos courtesy of Ensemble Hospitality
