The Castello di Amorosa, located in Calistoga, is truly one of the most unique wineries in Napa Valley. This genuine castle took 14 years to build and opened in 2007. The castle has many features that make it truly unique, including a moat, a drawbridge, a chapel and even a torture chamber, complete with authentic instruments of inflicting pain like the iron maiden. Other than the exquisite craftsmanship, the castle offers several different wine tasting packages, although they do not have a winery on site. Visitors can also take horse-drawn carriage tours of the estate and attend church services in the castle.
The Schramsberg winery was established way back in the year 1862 by German immigrants, and a century later it became the first winery in America to attempt the production of sparkling wines. Today, it produces eight varietals of sparkling wine—they are made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes and all of them are bottle-fermented. For a taste, you can visit this historic winery by appointment.
The name "old faithful" is most closely associated with the Yellowstone Park geyser, but it is actually used to describe any geyser that erupts on a regular schedule. Boiling hot water shoots 60 feet (18.3 meters) into the crystal blue sky, while spectators gather casually around and witness this natural spectacle. Also don't miss the fascinating exhibit on geyser eruptions and earthquake predictions.
This restored grist mill, originally built in 1846, is still functional and visitors can see its massive millstones in action, where millers grind flour out of local wheat. Guided tours of the mill are highly recommended, and flour produced here can also be purchased as a souvenir. The verdant surroundings are a great addition to the historic charm of this site, with winding trails adding to the outdoorsy appeal of this park.
The Trione-Annadel State Park has more than one reason which makes it worthy of a visit. Spread across an area of 5,092-acre (2,061 hectares), the park is steeped in Native American history and is known for its volcanic rocks. Ecologically blessed with a diverse flora, the park is home to oak woodlands, maples, fir forests. Come spring, the park is blanketed in fully blossomed wildflowers.
Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) sanctuary in the center of the wine country, where exotic mammals and birds reside. Started as a private facility, the preserve is now open to the public and conducts tours and field trips for those interested. Attracting over 60,000 people annually, Safari West is dedicated to the preservation of species and conducts interaction with students and educational programs. Tent cabins and other lodging is provided for those who wish to stay at the reserve. Amenities on-site include swimming pool, restaurant, and massages.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by discovering the flora and fauna at the Pepperwood Preserve. This preserve is located on the west coast in the Mayacamas Mountains and is managed by the Pepperwood Foundation. The area is properly maintained for research and tourist purposes. The vegetation in this area basically consists of grassland, woodland, chaparral and much more.
While most Bay Area visitors continue to flock to Muir Woods for their redwoods visit, Armstrong Woods in Sonoma County is a more serene alternative. The redwood grove is vast, inspiring and majestic; the oldest tree in the park, the Colonel Armstrong Tree, is a staggering 1400 years old. Visitors can also marvel at the tallest tree in the park, which is 310 feet (94 meters) tall. Trails winding through the extensive foliage of the reserve make for exhilarating hiking excursions and offer visitors a closer look at its diverse flora. While an entry fee applies to vehicles, pedestrians can enter the park free of charge.