Top Reasons to Go to California Wine Country

Biking: Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Wine Country—the Russian River and Dry Creek valleys are particularly beautiful.

Browsing the farmers' markets: Almost every town in Napa and Sonoma has a seasonal farmers' market, each rounding up an amazing variety of local produce.

Touring di Rosa: Though this art and nature preserve is just off the busy Carneros Highway, it's a relatively unknown treasure. The galleries and gardens are filled with hundreds of artworks.

Canoeing on the Russian River: Trade in your car keys for a paddle and glide down the Russian River. May through October is the best time to be on the water.

Cocktails at Cyrus: At the bar of Healdsburg's well-loved restaurant, the bartenders mix superb, inventive drinks with house-made infused syrups and seasonal ingredients like local Meyer lemons.