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.
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.
Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley, St. Francis has a talented wine-making team that focuses on producing high-quality varietals from hand-harvested grapes. Its two wine clubs give you the opportunity to sample new wines that are not available in retail stores and restaurants, while the Visitor Center offers a fantastic view of the mountains and vineyards (it can also be booked for weddings and other family functions). A knowledgeable staff is at hand to guide you through the intricate details of wine-making.
The citizens of Santa Rosa have reason to be in a continually celebratory mood as their microbrewery of choice takes top honors nearly every year at Denver's Great American Beer Festival. Since its inception in 1997, it has won such accolades as “Small Brewing Company of the Year,” “Innovation in Craft Brewing” and "Large Brewpub Champion Brewmaster." Indeed, gold medal winners include such eloquently named brews as Damnation, Blind Pig and Pliny the Elder. Many of them can be found in pubs throughout the Bay Area, but the headquarters is a must-see destination. Russian River Brewing Company is also credited with inventing the Double India Pale Ale. The entire list of ales is fascinating, each of them unique in blend, texture and flavor. At the tap room, live music entertains crowds as they savor pizzas made thin, crisp and fresh.
Built by Peanuts comics creator Charles M.Schulz, the Snoopy's Home Ice is a renowned ice rink. Offering a number of activities like figure skating, the arena also offers opportunity people of all ages to wear their skates and have fun throughout the year. The arena is home to the Snoopy's Senior World Hockey Tournament where 64 international hockey teams compete for a week.
The vineyards in Sonoma are lush and extensive, and Domaine Saint George is no exception—it capitalizes on the natural richness of the area by cultivating top-notch grapes, the flavor of which is sure to cheer up many a barbecue or dinner party. The winery has been around for a long time, so expect quality produce. Boasting an excellent cellar, it takes utmost care in the preservation and blending of the varietals. Saint George has won enough Barrel Reserve Awards to fill up a keg, so fix up a date and let the wines flow!
A small winery located in the Bennett Valley, Sable Ridge introduces a minimum of four new wines in the market every year, and has been the proud recipient of several awards since 1998. Grapes grown in Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Valley are bottled to produce a number of varietals, including "rich and balanced Zinfandels" that top the list of Sable Ridge's hand-crafted wines. You can buy their wines both online and from various restaurants and retail shops in California.
Organic farming and wine-making is the hallmark of Helena View Johnston Vineyards. What started off as just appreciation for good wine has grown into a winery of exceptional Bordeaux Red varieties. The winery and tasting rooms are tucked into full grown trees with a cave built in for the storage and maturing of wines. The winery also buys top quality fruits from the neighboring farms to make its signature wines. You'll need to call ahead for a tour.
1998 Stony Hill White Riesling leaves a distinct tang of melon and apricot with each sip. Another vintage treasure of Stony Hill Vineyard is the 1996 Stony Hill Chardonnay that imparts a unique toasty taste with every sip mingled with a bit of apple and pear. Their wines are produced by crushing the grapes in oak cooperage and then left to age in oak barrels. This is something that helps in producing fine and aptly flavored wines. They say 'balanced' is the way to be.
Moss Creek Winery produces some fine wines like Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc. This winery is owned by the Moskowite family who started grape farming in the serene Napa Valley in 1917. Made of old stone, the winery has vintage charm and hillside caves running beneath it. The winery also has a picnic area for visitors, which is an enchanting spot nestled amongst oak groves. Please book an appointment to visit this fantastic place.
The father-son duo of the Merlo family work together to produce varietals of Merlot, Zinfandel, Sangiovese, Syrah, Moscato, and Cabernet Franc. Located on the Dry Creek Valley Appellation, the 200-acre (81-hectare) estate not only grows its own grapes, but also sells the fruit to other wineries. Wine barrel tastings are hosted for visitors to the place, while other events like Winemaker dinner, have its own fan base.