What are the best attractions in Napa and Sonoma?

This post first appeared on Forbes Travel Guide here.

Napa
First and foremost, wine is the main draw in Napa Valley, and many wineries are worth a visit, even for those who are not wine tasting. My personal favorite for all-in-one wine, fun, and education is Raymond Vineyards.

In Napa proper, visit Oxbow Market for the best food purveyors all under one roof. Check the schedule at the Uptown Theater for top music and entertainment events, or board the Wine Train for a leisurely gourmet ride though the vines.

The Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga, and the Petrified Forrest are wonders of nature at the north end of the Napa valley.

Sonoma
I think the best attractions in Sonoma County are found outdoors. Grab your hiking boots and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Sonoma Coast, the tranquility of the soaring redwoods in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve Park, or the relaxing Russian River.

In Northern Sonoma County, follow The Wine Road for the best wineries in Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley. And for an experience way beyond sniff, swirl and sip, check out Francis Ford Coppola Winery, located in Geyserville, with an array of activities including a resort style pool with cabanas, and a mini-museum of film memorabilia.

Fans of Peanuts comic strip will want to make a pilgrimage to the Charles Schultz Museum and keep an eye peeled for character statues scattered all around Santa Rosa. In tiny Bodega, flock to the spot where Alfred Hitchcock filmed the famous schoolhouse scene from The Birds.

One Must Do Activity in Wine Country?

Anyone interested in the essence of the wine county should experience making wine and food first hand. It’s both practical and fun.

For ardent oneophiles or even casual wino’s the must-do activity is make your own wine. Blending sessions are an entertaining way to learn and create your own bottle. The Conn Creek AVA Barrel Room in Napa has barrels of Cabernet Sauvignon representing the diversity of American Viticulture Areas in the valley. The Cabernet barrels are grouped according to five fruit complexity profiles— Soft, Supple, Complex, Rich and Bold. Everything you need from blending beakers to corking is provided. The first step is to taste from each barrel and note what samples appeal to you most. Then after you have an idea of what blend percentages you’d like, you fill your beaker accordingly and try it in the large tasting glass. The tricky part is converting your percentages to millimeters, but don’t worry, calculators are provided.

At Raymond Vineyards in the Blending Room you can also create your own blend, design your own label and order a case made to your specifications.

Once you make your wine, you’ll probably want some cheese to pair with it. Luckily, the other must-do activity I recommend is making cheese, and you can learn how to do that with Sheana Davis, at The Epicurean Connection in Sonoma.