Brian Baer
By Avital Binshtock
Here's how to see, sip, and taste your way through one of California's most scenic regions.
Photo Caption: Vineyards in California's Wine Country
After you work up a good appetite cycling, enjoy an intimate lunch for two at Gundlach Bunschu's hillside picnic grounds.
Photo Caption: Biking through the wine vineyards in Sonoma Valley, California
Try the tasting menu at one of Yountville's renowned restaurants, such as Thomas Keller's French Laundry, hailed by Anthony Bourdain as the best restaurant in America.
Photo Caption: Fine dining at Thomas Keller's French Laundry in Yountville, California
Ride the tractor tram through pastoral hills while learning about biodynamic wines and winemaking. Your tour ("the most comprehensive tour in the wine industry," according to Wine Spectator) winds through estate vineyards and into caves, and ends with a memorable tasting.
Photo Caption: A wine country picnic at Benzinger Family Winery in Sonoma County, California.
Find solace in the Culinary Institute of America's expansive campus store, Spice Islands Marketplace.
Photo Caption: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, California
Enjoy a breath of fresh air at Napa's 217-acre di Rosa Preserve while viewing local artists' works, on display throughout the fauna-rich meadows.
Photo Caption: The di Rosa Preserve in Napa Valley, California includes vineyards, gardens and art exhibitions.
Jumping back in (anticipated) surprise -- sure, it happens every half-hour, but when was the last time you've seen water this hot shoot 60 feet (18m) into the air?
Photo Caption: The Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, California.
Serenely survey miles of vineyards as you drift through the sky.
Photo Caption: Hot air balloon over Napa Valley vineyards.
Here's how to see, sip, and taste your way through one of California's most scenic regions.
Photo Caption: Vineyards in California's Wine Country
Photo Caption: Biking through the wine vineyards in Sonoma Valley, California
Photo Caption: Fine dining at Thomas Keller's French Laundry in Yountville, California
Photo Caption: A wine country picnic at Benzinger Family Winery in Sonoma County, California.
Photo Caption: The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in Napa Valley, California
Photo Caption: The di Rosa Preserve in Napa Valley, California includes vineyards, gardens and art exhibitions.
Photo Caption: The Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, California.
Photo Caption: Hot air balloon over Napa Valley vineyards.