Located in California's wine country, the Sonoma Raceway hosts a series of nationally televised events such as the NASCAR Nextel Cup and the American Motorcycle Association's Super-bike tour. Featuring a number of motor-sport events throughout year, this 1600-acre (647-hectare) raceway is where pro-racers from around the world, assemble to compete in some of the most popular races. Head down to this track to catch some of your favorite racers and teams in action, or enroll yourself in one of the local events and test your nerves on the racetrack.
The Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum has a huge collection of taxidermied animals as well as live animals, and is open to the public every Saturday. The property also includes an aviary, dioramas, and a fossil and mineral collection.
This is considered by many to be the most beautiful 18th-century chateau in North America. The chateau also has one of the most prominent vineyards. Domaine Carneros produces award winning sparking and Pinot Noir wines. You'll feel just like a king in the Louis XV-style salon with gracious service to match. Snuggle up to a warm fire during the cold winter months or enjoy the summer air from the terrace. Check out the in-house store, where you can pick up a number of vintages for friends and family. The tasting tours are offered daily.
Take an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Napa Valley. A typical adventure includes an hour-long balloon ride with your pilot narrating the sights, followed by a garden champagne-brunch. Launches begin at sunrise. Enjoy incredible aerial views of Napa vineyards. Rates vary, call for details.
Robert Louis Stevenson Museum hosts an exhibit of Robert Louis Stevenson ephemera such as 8000 manuscripts, photos, letters and the like. It is, in fact, one of the largest collections of Robert Louis Stevenson's works outside of Scotland and a must-see for fans of his work. Virtually all of his first editions are here. Stevenson spent his honeymoon in the area and wrote The Silverado Squatters.
Founded in 1973 by former photographer Jack Cakebread, this winery has produced a plethora of award-winning vintages. The winery produces 85,000 cases annually and is best known for its classic rich Rutherford Cabernets, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The entire family is involved with the winery operation, which includes promoting healthy food. The Cakebreads founded the American Harvest Workshop, an annual four-day event that promotes local agriculture and involves chefs, winemakers and farmers. The family also sells organic produce grown on winery grounds when available. Tours and tastings are by prior appointment only.
If Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sound like music to your ears, a visit to the Freeman Vineyard and Winery in the charming Russian River Valley town of Sebastopol awaits you. The brainchild of Ken and Akiko Freeman, this family-run winery is among the finest in the area, and the wines produced here are full-bodied and can go with haute cuisines. Check the website for more information.
The Petaluma Wildlife & Natural Science Museum has a huge collection of taxidermied animals as well as live animals, and is open to the public every Saturday. The property also includes an aviary, dioramas, and a fossil and mineral collection.
This charming wine estate, started by Pat Kuleto over a century back, is famous for its classics like the Cabernet Sauvignion, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfadel, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The 761 acres (308 hectares) of pristine wilderness which comprises the estate yields the juiciest of grapes on the mountain slopes. With its different soils and micro-climates, the property offers a unique environment for the grapes. The scenic grounds of the estate also provide a perfect setting for events and parties. A visit to this wine estate is sure to remind you of the Tuscan countryside with its panoramic mountainous backdrop. Tours and tastings are conducted only by appointment.
Sharpsteen Museum divides its exhibits between the work of Disney animator Ben Sharpsteen, his colleagues, and topics of local historical interest. Particular attention is given to Sam Brannan, California’s first millionaire, who gave the town its name. The Sharpsteen Museum's great strength is its focus on making the exhibits invariably interesting and amusing, featuring exhibits and dioramas that depict life in 19th-century Calistoga. Although there is no entry fee to the museum, donations are encouraged.
Lagunitas Brewing Company is a popular brewery located in the neighborhood of Crown in Petaluma. The brewery, although not open for tourists, offers a vibrantly decorated and rustic looking brew pub or also known as the taproom. They also serve some delicious bar snacks like smoked chicken wings, nachos and pretzels to name a few. The bar attracts socially upbeat patrons and is a great place to sip on some fresh beer and enjoy the live sports telecast.
Located on top of a mountain, Pride Mountain Vineyards is spread out over 235 acres (95 hectares) and due to its vantage point, offers stunning views of Sonoma County. Offering exciting varieties such as Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and more, the winery welcomes you to a tour of the estate and its most popular attraction, the caves. These caves lie about 50 feet (15 meters) below ground and the wine is aged in them in wooden casks. There are different, special, curated tasting sessions depending on location, so be sure to pick out your experience before visiting.