Sidetracked in California Wine Country
Go beyond wine tasting in the sun-drenched cities of Calistoga, Petaluma and Novato
California wine country is home to many outstanding growing regions, and two in particular—Napa and Sonoma counties—are filled with a rich wine-making history. From the 1976 “Judgment of Paris” (the Paris wine tasting event where California wines beat French entries in two blind tasting competitions) to today’s Michelin-starred dining experiences, it’s always the perfect time to take a trip through the rolling vines and lovely Mediterranean climate of California wine country. Bookend each day with a stay at an Ascend Hotel Collection property in Petaluma, Novato or Calistoga, to truly experience the beauty, history and charm of this romantic region.
Travel back in time and cycle through the vines in Calistoga, California
Every visitor should go beyond the tasting room at: Calistoga Bikeshop
If you feel like adding a little exercise to your wine-sipping excursions, check out Calistoga Bikeshop. The store offers guided and self-guided tour options and completely outfits riders for a full day of cycling. For a leisurely time of exploring and wine tasting, consider the Cool Wine Tour package. The friendly staff will customize a route of between eight and 20 miles of flat, scenic road, allowing you to visit up to five Calistoga wineries. They’ll book your reservations, pay for your tasting fees and even pick up any wine purchases made along the way.
local detour: V. Sattui Winery + Castello di Amorosa
V. Sattui Winery is a well-known vineyard and winery among locals—located in beautiful St. Helena, it’s a bit more boutique than others and the one where you’ll find locals are club members. The grounds are lovely and there’s an option for curated picnics and food pairings in addition to the more standard winery tour.
Located right in Calistoga, the Castello di Amorosa experience goes beyond your regular California wine country tasting. Built in the 13th century Tuscan style, this unique winery offers tours of the medieval-looking castle—which comes complete with frescoes, a great hall and a stone courtyard—as well as tastings of Italian-style wines in the tasting room.
the local verdict
“I was a wine club member at Castello di Amorosa for years mainly for their tours and tastings. The castle is impressive and built from brick imported straight from Italy. It’s a fun place to bring friends since there are so many places to explore—all with a glass of wine in your hand.” – Chris O’ Neill
Add beer and olive tastings to your California wine country itinerary in Petaluma, California
Every visitor should sample buttery olives at: McEvoy Ranch
A mere 15-minute drive from downtown Petaluma lies the 550-acre McEvoy Ranch—a preeminent leader in certified-organic, extra virgin olive oil. The gorgeous estate is a picturesque spot to experience the serenity of wine country in a whole new way. Take a stroll on the private Walkabout Ranch Tour where guests wander the estate, stopping along the way to sample the award-winning olive oils, small local bites and McEvoy-grown wines. And if you fancy including some EVOO in your beauty regimen, pick up any of the ODE Natural Beauty products made from estate-grown olive oil.
local detour: Mystic Theater + Lagunitas Brewing Co.
Found right in the historic heart of downtown Petaluma, Mystic Theatre was built in 1911 and has a diverse history that includes time as a vaudeville house and an extensive renovation in the early 1990s. It typically presents several live music shows a week and also hosts film festivals, spoken word events and other treats to help you experience the arts and culture of the town and the greater area north of San Pablo Bay.
Locals and tourists alike also gather at the nationally recognized Lagunitas Brewing Co., which features an impressive draft list and constantly rotating taps with limited releases and special brews. Guests can take a brewery tour, sample a taster flight, indulge in serious comfort food and enjoy some sunshine on the lawn.
the local verdict
“Lagunitas is fun, especially in the summer—live music, great beers and good food. [It’s] super laid back, and everyone there is friendly. They are also dog-friendly, so a lot of people bring their four-legged friends to chill.” – Joseph Gray
Prepare for perfect picnics and hilly hikes in Novato, California
Every visitor should experience breathtaking views at: Lucas Valley Preserve
Home to the incredibly scenic Big Rock Trail, the Lucas Valley Preserve has 1,271 acres of wide-open space ripe for exploration. The popular Big Rock Trail is a multiuse pathway that begins at the crest of Lucas Valley Road and leisurely winds its way up to the Big Rock Ridge Fire Road. For heart-pumping views, hike to the top of Big Rock Ridge summit—at 1,895 feet, it’s the second-highest peak in Marin County (after Mount Tamalpais) and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area. Maybe you’ll even see Lake Ewok, located at Skywalker Ranch, Lucasfilm’s sound design, mixing and audio post-production facility.
local detour: Marin French Cheese
Marin French Cheese is nestled in rolling hills, grassy meadows and shady oaks on the Hicks Valley Ranch. This working creamery sources milk from neighboring Marin and Sonoma County farms, which is then transformed into their award-winning cheeses.
the local verdict
“Marin French Cheese is the perfect summer afternoon picnic spot. My husband and I like to go hiking in the nearby town of Nicasio and then stop in for cheese tastings. They have an adorable pond and picnic area where we enjoy our favorite cheese with a nice bottle of wine. Their Petite Truffle Triple Creme Brie will become your new favorite addiction.”– Tori O’Neill
Learn about 5 historic escapes are perfect for travelers craving a taste of old and new.
If you’re in the mood to make waves, try these shore vacation destinations—from Florida to Hawaii.