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.
Founded as Inglenook in 1880, the historic Rubicon Estate has the honor of being one of the few remaining family-owned wine estates of its magnitude in existence. It is comprised of 235 acres (95 hectares) of organically certified vineyards, and is located in Napa Valley's Rutherford appellation. Rubicon Estate is home to the region's most famous Chateau and Rubicon—the estate's flagship wine. Dominated by a special clone of Cabernet Sauvignon that can be traced back to the original vineyard plantings of 1880, Rubicon is a Bordeaux blend that reflects the unique terrain of this property. In addition to the collection of award-winning wines, Rubicon Estate offers an array of tours and tastings, some historical, others are hands-on and interactive. From guided walks through the vineyard to barrel sample tasting in the cellar, the property's tour guides are experts at creating dynamic wine experiences for all guests. The estate also is home to the Centennial Museum housing memorabilia from Francis Ford Coppola's movies.
Formerly known as Marine World, this is a combination wildlife park, oceanarium, and amusement park. Some of its most popular attractions include a killer whale show, water rides and roller coasters, an animal nursery, a family of elephants, and roaming cartoon characters like Bugs Bunny and Batman. Bring the kids to take in a sea lion show after you get splashed by Shouka, the resident 4000-pound killer whale, or check out the thrill ride Vertical Velocity. The park is located a short 30-minute drive north of San Francisco.
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.
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.
On the north end of Berkeley's fabulous Tilden Regional Park lies this 740-acre (299-hectare) preserve, where adults and children can visit the Environmental Education Center. The EEC is the ecology education headquarters of Tilden Park. Here, visitors can learn about wildlife and nature through a variety of displays, literature, and programs. Amid this haven of enlightenment, an enchanting highlight emerges the Little Farm. This cherished addition transforms Tilden into an idyllic playground, introducing children to the joys of interaction with farm animals in a safe and welcoming setting.
Although the Rockville Cemetery Stone Chapel was built in 1856, its story begins in 1850 when the pioneers who resided here were introduced to the gospel. People traveled long distances to attend the camp meetings that were held along the Suisun Creek before the chapel was established. Funded by generous donations, the chapel soon came to be at the center of the community's religious and spiritual lives. After the civil war the church fell into decline and became ruinous in condition although the premises continued to be used for worship by the families for those buried in the cemetery. In 1940 the church was finally restored and is a popular choice for wedding ceremonies even today. While this humble church may not be elaborately adorned or impressive in size, its simple charm is undeniable. The chapel continues to hold a place in the hearts of the people of Fairfield and is revered for its place in the town's history.
The Fischer-Hanlon House was once the residence of Joseph Fischer. A fine example of the East Coast Federalist style of architecture, the house is one of the surviving structures of the California gold rush.
Surrounded by gently rolling hills and vines as far as the eyes can see, the Azari Vineyard is as scenic as its wines are delicious. When you arrive, you will be greeted by Cyrus who is always happy to share his thoughts on wine and wine making as he pours you a glass of their award-winning Pinot Noir, and whips up a pizza in his wood-fired oven from scratch. This estate winery is credited with the creation of some truly top-notch wines, including a cool-climate Shiraz and a refreshing Rose. Appointments are a must for tastings so be sure to call ahead before planning a visit.
As its name suggests, the True Symmetry Brewing Company aims to achieve just that: a true balance of the flavors melded together to craft inventive beer. Chiefly focusing on English and Belgian ales, the brewery strives to provide top-notch service to its patrons by catering to their taste-buds to the best of their abilities. The soothing ambiance is an added bonus as customers can relax while they savor the drafts of carefully concocted beers. Customers will find the place family friendly, and they will also have the chance to indulge in common bar games as a form of entertainment. The establishment is quite recent, and yet it has managed to rack up great reviews owing to its tasty beer as well as its efficient staff.
Davis Estates offers some of the most classic offerings of wine country such as sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, fleur rose and more. The massive, classy estate can also be toured, offering curated wine tasting sessions in the spacious terrace with a sweeping view of the vineyards. The estate can also be booked for private gatherings.