6 Best Sights in Napa and Sonoma, California

CocoaPlanet Chocolate Factory & Tasting Room

Anne McKibben believes that chocolate should have more taste and less sugar. With that objective in mind, the chocolatier and her husband, Jeffrey, patented a technology that enables her to strategically deposit drops of salted caramel, Mandarin orange, vanilla espresso, and other fillings into her chocolates in smaller amounts than traditional candies. As a result, CocoaPlanet chocolates are low in calories yet bursting with flavor. To learn more about these treats, visit the combination factory, tasting room, and mini French café the couple opened several blocks south of Sonoma Plaza. You can have a few nibbles for free or order "flights" of chocolates. The facility is open on Friday and Saturday.Tours are by appointment only.
Sights Factory
921 Broadway, at W. MacArthur St., Sonoma, California, 95476, USA
707-343–7453
www.cocoaplanet.com
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Tastings free–$11, tour free

Dr. Wilkinson's Hot Springs Resort

Newer, fancier establishments might have eclipsed Dr. Wilkinson's, but loyal fans appreciate its reasonable prices and unpretentious vibe. The mud baths here are a mix of volcanic ash and Canadian peat, warmed by the spa's own hot springs. Fun fact: back in 1952, "The Works"—a mud bath, steam room, blanket wrap, and a massage—cost $3.50; the charge now is $149.

Sights Spa–Sight
1507 Lincoln Ave., Calistoga, California, 94515, USA
707-942–4102
www.drwilkinson.com
Sights Details
Rate Includes: Treatments $69–$179, Treatments from $77

General Vallejo's Home

General Mariano G. Vallejo commissioned this 1852 Victorian Gothic home situated on several serene acres a few blocks west of Sonoma Plaza. It's a great place to picnic amid enormous cacti and learn about one of the region's early VIPs. The home blends Mexican and American styles and has opulent furnishings, including white-marble fireplaces and a French rosewood piano, one of the first pianos brought to California. Another building holds a small museum. Occasional weekend tours are conducted by docents.

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Kivelstadt Cellars

Adventuresome sorts gravitate to Kivelstadt Cellars, described by a staff member as "three wineries trapped in one body." Founder Jordan Kivelstadt, an engineer by training and the son of two grape growers, likes to experiment, getting his full geek on with the fanciful KC Labs bottlings, among them a sprightly Mendocino County Zinfandel the hosts serve not at room temperature but chilled. Two standouts are the estate Pinot Noir and a Syrah called The Inheritance that winemaker Sam Baron crafts with old-world restraint, light on the oak. Other wines have more fruit-forward leanings. With this broad range of styles, something will appeal to most palates. The amusingly offhand crew pours the wines in a downtown Glen Ellen tasting room whose hip-rustic decor emphasizes new and reclaimed wood.

St. Helena Cyclery

Rent hybrid and road bikes by the hour or day at this shop that has a useful "Where to Ride" page on its website (see the About tab).

Twomey Cellars

The draws at the Sonoma County location of this winery founded by the owners of Silver Oak include California and Oregon Pinot Noirs, a Merlot crafted using a centuries-old French technique, and vineyard and Mayacamas Mountains views from the glass-walled tasting room. The Pinot Noirs, from grapes grown in prime locales, are made by Erin Miller, also responsible for the Sauvignon Blanc. The extremely supple Merlot is made at Twomey's Calistoga winery employing the soutirage traditionnel method of transferring the wine from oak barrel to oak barrel multiple times during aging to soften the tannins and intensify the aromas. A reservation is needed for all visits except the walk-in tasting at the bar. If the weather's nice, you can taste on the patio and enjoy its splendid views.