Water-powered wonder. Built in 1846, Bale Grist Mill is one of a handful of functioning water-powered mills in the U.S. On weekends, the 36-foot water wheel turns, and visitors can watch as grains are turned into flour and meals. It’s a lovely spot for a picnic.
Sought-after sips. Spottswoode’s commitment to regenerative farming and sustainable winemaking is inspiring; history buffs should visit Charles Krug, Napa Valley’s oldest winery, while art lovers will be enamored with the collection at Hall. The Prisoner Wine Co. features an unorthodox but delicious wine and dim-sum experience, and Clif Family offers a brunch-inspired food-and-wine pairing. Substitutions, including a plant-based menu or mocktail flight, are available upon request.
Alila Napa Valley has balconies with fire pits and vineyard views.
Violetto + By Alila Napa Valley
Accommodations and dining in St. Helena
Serving everything from burgers and organic milkshakes to ahi poke tacos, Gott’s Roadside always seems to have a crowd whenever I drive by. Featured on Oprah’s “Favorite Things” list multiple times, Model Bakery’s English muffins aren’t just for breakfast — try the Smashburger.
Alila Napa Valley boasts balconies with fire pits and vineyard views, but the potato rosti with caviar and focaccia at on-site restaurant Violetto pulls you to the dinner table. A rare combination of towering redwood trees and vineyard views makes stays at Harvest Inn memorable.
Calistoga
If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, this laid-back locale, studded with geothermal mineral pools, has you covered.
Where to soak. Options abound. Built in 1913, the massive thermal pool at Indian Springs Calistoga is my go-to. If you’re not a hotel guest, a limited number of passes are available for spa-goers who want to soak in the hot springs before or after treatments. Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection and Calistoga Motor Lodge offer day passes.
Get filthy. As weird as it sounds, soaking in a tub full of warm mud is relaxing. The folks at Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs have used the same secret mineral-rich mud recipe since 1952.
Surprising sips. At Maria Concetto Winery, a robot sommelier pours wine. Picayune Cellars & Mercantile features a build-your-own hat bar, and Sterling Vineyards boasts the only winery aerial gondola in the world.
Accommodations and dining in Calistoga
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is a resort within a working winery.
Four Seasons
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley is Napa Valley’s first and only resort within a working winery. Grab a taste at on-site Elusa Winery or during dinner at the resort’s Michelin-starred Auro. Brannan Cottage Inn was built in 1860 by Calistoga’s founder, Samuel Brannan. It’s located just off Lincoln Avenue, the city’s main street, where you’ll find a number of restaurants including Sushi Mambo, vegetarian-friendly Lovina, and Calistoga Inn Restaurant & Brewery.
Top things to do in Sonoma County
The largest county in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sonoma County features a diverse landscape. Here’s a coastal access trail.
Sonoma County Tourism
The largest county in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sonoma County features a diverse landscape that spans more than 1,500 square miles. Explore the seemingly endless panoramas of the Pacific coastline, hike in the shade of towering redwood trees, and set realistic expectations when considering the more than 425 wineries that call the region home.
“Stick to two wine tastings a day — one in the morning, one in the afternoon — with a good lunch in between,” says celebrity chef and Sonoma County resident Charlie Palmer. “If you are a pinot noir lover, [J. Rochioli Vineyards & Winery] is truly the benchmark of Russian River pinot noir. Plus, the Rochioli family are gems, and usually one or all of them are there!”
Healdsburg
This wine country hotspot boasts restaurants, hotels, shopping and great opportunities to get to know the folks behind its celebrated wines.
Listen closely. Medlock Ames’ self-guided Immersive Sound Experience goes beyond simple winemaker narration. It features a winery soundscape with resident wildlife, including acorn woodpeckers and barn owls.
You can pack a picnic at Aesthete Winery & Farm in Healdsburg, California.
Aesthete
Sips and stories. A Kickstarter campaign and a goldendoodle named Lord Sandwich helped Smith Story Wine Cellars find a loyal fan base. Drink cabernet, zinfandel and more while hearing how three generations of a New Orleans family wound up crafting Flambeaux Wine, or pack a picnic and enjoy the company of a herd of rescue goats and sheep at Aesthete Winery & Farm.
Accommodations and dining in Healdsburg
Harmon Guest House, Hotel Healdsburg, h2hotel, Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza and Hotel Les Mars are all located in the city’s walkable downtown, while luxe Montage Healdsburg is about a 4-mile drive. A New York Times article in late 2024 named Quail & Condor among the best bakeries in the United States. SingleThread boasts three Michelin stars. Bravas Bar de Tapas, Dry Creek Kitchen, Valette Healdsburg, Acorn Café and uber-casual Healdsburger are all part of the city’s thriving culinary scene.
Santa Rosa
The largest city between San Francisco and Portland, Oregon, Santa Rosa is the urban heart of wine country.
Peanuts paradise. The Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center boasts the largest collection of original Peanuts comic strips in the world. Built by Schulz in 1969, neighboring Snoopy’s Home Ice features ice skating, hockey and the casual Warm Puppy Café.
Coursey Graves features a Monet-esque pond and garden.
Coursey Graves
Sips and suds. Coursey Graves pours French varietals overlooking an eye-catching Monet-esque pond and garden, while Matanzas Creek Winery includes 3 acres of lavender gardens. Beer enthusiasts line up for the annual release of Russian River Brewing Co.’s triple IPA (India pale ale) called Pliny the Younger.