Top Rated Attractions in Napa Valley

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.

If you want wine made out of your choice of grapes in small quantities—like maybe just a barrel, then Judd's Hill is the place you need to visit. The winery is owned and managed by Finkelstein family on the principle of 'small is beautiful.' They are quite happy to make wines on a made-to-order basis and according to customer specifications. They have a wine club where members have additional benefits and are invited to Judd's Hill events in Napa Valley. A combination of art, heritage, finest grapes and hand crafted wines is what Judd's Hill is all about. Picturesque and sunny, a visit to this winery is a great way to spend a lovely afternoon.

Located on a summit, Pride Mountain Vineyards is spread over 235 acres (95 hectares) and is surrounded by mountains, offering a stunning view of the countryside of Sonoma County. The estate blends in well with the natural surroundings. Pride Mountain welcomes you to a tour of their estate and the most popular attraction, the caves. These caves lie about 50 feet (15 meters) below ground and the wine is stored in them. Tours take place in the mornings and tasting sessions during the afternoons. Since county regulations require a prior appointment, it is advisable to reserve and confirm the tour.

This national park is the preserved home of one of the United States' most famous naturalists and conservationists, John Muir. Muir, who passed away in 1914, founded the Sierra Club and is considered the father of the National Parks system. The site consists of Muir's 17-room Victorian mansion and surrounding fruit ranch, his gravesite, the Martinez Adobe, and the recently added Mount Wanda area that features the John Muir Nature Trail. Take the self-guided tour of the grounds. There are special events around Christmas and on John Muir's birthday, April 21.

The Castello di Amorosa, located in Calistoga, is truly one of the most unique wineries in the Napa Valley. This genuine (albeit fairly new) castle in the Napa Valley took 14 years to build and opened in 2007. The castle has many features that make it truly one of a kind here, including a moat and drawbridge, chapel and even a torture chamber, complete with authentic instruments of torture like the iron maiden (which dates back 300 years!) All of the craftsmanship in the castle was done using original, old-world techniques. The Castello 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.

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.