2017-12-22 15:02:43
Although it boasts some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world, the magic of California wine country goes far beyond the wine. Stretching from the rocky shores of Bodega Bay to the rolling hills of Sonoma County and the Napa Valley, this breathtaking region — located just an hour north of San Francisco — is also home to a renowned culinary scene and plenty of shopping, culture and outdoor adventures. Here are a few recommendations to get you started. NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN For a memorable “wine and dine” experience unlike any other, hop aboard an exquisitely restored antique Pullman rail car and take a three-hour voyage through breathtaking Napa Valley. winetrain.com OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES The mild climate, easy access to the coast and several state parks make Napa and Sonoma ideal for outdoor lovers. In the Napa Valley, seven miles north of Calistoga, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park features a five-mile hike up to the summit of 4,343- foot Mount St. Helena, where you can find spectacular views. If you prefer two-wheel transport, flat roads and gorgeous scenery make biking a memorable excursion, and you’ll find charming towns and plenty of wineries to sample along the way. Bike rentals are available in towns such as St. Helena, Yountville, Healdsburg or Sebastopol. For something more adventurous, Sonoma Canopy Tours offers ziplining adventures. SPAS Built on natural, mineral hot springs, Fairmont Sonoma Mission delivers the quintessential spa experience — dry sauna, private baths and two mineral soaking pools — while Forestville’s Farmhouse Inn has made local produce harvested on-site the cornerstone of their spa treatments. Spa luxury meets wine country extravagance at Auberge du Soleil, where temperate springs overlook vineyards and the resort’s own olive grove. Treatments include floral oils from the garden and a refreshing grapeseed scrub. Finally, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is world-famous for its traditional volcanic ash mud baths. FESTIVALS With its gorgeous surroundings and rich culture, Napa and Sonoma County attract an exciting array of annual celebrations. Flavor! Napa Valley is an annual five-day festival with more than 20 events showcasing iconic chefs and winemakers that takes place in March. In May, experience the first taste of summer at Napa’s famed, threeday BottleRock music festival which draws the likes of Foo Fighters and Maroon 5. If you prefer craft brews, Sonoma County is home to the Annual Beerfest, known as The Good One, each June, and the Russian in August. Although the region might best be known for its grape varietals, you can celebrate local apple farming at the Gravenstein Apple Fair (Aug. 11-12) or the Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival (April 21-22). The Napa Valley Film Festival includes film screenings and celebrities from all over the world in November and the Sonoma International Film Festival in March features more than 100 hand-selected films. SHOPPING Shopping is a popular pastime in wine country. In St. Helena, one-of-akind shops line the main drag, Highway 29. In nearby Napa, the Napa Premium Outlets offers great savings on luxury brands like Barney’s, Coach and Michael Kors. In Sonoma County, check out Santa Rosa’s Fourth Street area, which is home to lots of locally-owned shops, or drop by Railroad Square for a mix of antique shops and restaurants. In Healdsburg, Shed is a must-visit for specialty ingredients and kitchenware. Oxbow Public Market in Napa is a marvelous source for artisan cheeses, breads, produce and local olive oil. DINING Napa and Sonoma are epicenters for fine dining, and have a handful of Michelin-starred eateries. You’ll need reservations well in advance to secure a table at the Restaurant at Meadowood or the legendary French Laundry, but the experiences are unforgettable. To sample local flavors in Sonoma County, head to The Girl and The Fig in downtown Sonoma, where you’ll find artful uses of cheeses, meats, fruits and veggies produced nearby. For visitors who love to cook, enroll in a one-day class at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone for a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience. TRI-VALLEY BEER TRAIL Not only world-famous for wine, experience the Tri-Valley Beer Trail made up of 22 craft breweries, taprooms and restaurants. Enhance your stay by attending the area’s many festivals, cafes and theaters. visittrivalley.com TOWERING TREES Northern California’s wine country is one of the few places on earth where you can experience the incredible feeling of standing in a redwood forest. These are the tallest trees in the world, growing as high as 350 feet and surviving upwards of 2,000 years — making them among the oldest living beings on earth. Many redwood forests were chopped down for lumber during the Gold Rush and relatively few groves remain. The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County offers 805 acres of trails, campgrounds and much more. Visiting, hiking and picnicking in these magical forests is a singular experience for visitors. Save the Redwoods League offers insider information, park maps and travel guides.
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