6 Surprising (and Fun) Things You Can Do in the Wine Country

Updated on 5/28/2015 at 6:05 AM

POPSUGAR Photography | Macy Williams

Let's be honest — you plan on drinking some seriously good wine if you're headed to Napa, CA, or Sonoma, CA. However, unless you're a professional guzzler, it's not easy to go to more than three wineries in a day without feeling totally sick. Luckily, there are all sorts of activities you can do that don't involve constant tasting. I was recently invited to go on a trip to the wine country with Cercone Brown, and we discovered all kinds of awesome places to visit. Check out all the cool things you can do next time you head to the vineyards!

Visit the original Williams-Sonoma.

The very first Williams-Sonoma founded by Chuck Williams just reopened last year in Sonoma, CA, of course. The building has been restored, and tons of the original design elements are still in place. Tour Chuck's old home connected to the store, see where he once cooked with Julia Child, and buy some of the incredible original pieces from the store's early years.

Once you're done ogling the store itself, take a cooking class in the massive kitchen and enjoy what you've made! Classes are hosted by top-notch chefs on a regular basis.

Make your own red-blend wine.

If you love red wine, you'll want to head to Conn Creek Winery for a fun Barrel Blending Experience. A guide will describe over 15 types of red wine, then the guide will teach you how to correctly measure different types of wine to achieve your perfect blend. Once you've created your masterpiece, you get to cork your own bottle and name your blend. It will be the most unique winery experience you will have all day!

Drink Champagne instead.

OK, so technically it's "sparkling wine" since it's not made in the Champagne region of France, but Champagne-lovers will still go crazy for Mumm Napa because of its incredible French wine-making practices. Not only can you go on a tour of the winery, but you can also enjoy a few glasses of bubbly while viewing the insanely gorgeous views. Seriously, Mumm is a can't-miss stop.

Go on a bike ride through the vineyards.

If you're looking to get a little active, rent a bike from Sonoma Valley Bike Tours and go on a ride while admiring the charming homes and vineyards that the city has. Stop for a break at Sonoma Plaza and have a picnic lunch in the park.

Visit the Kendall-Jackson gardens.

It's no secret that Kendall-Jackson has an awesome array of wines, but it's the lush gardens located on the property that make this winery truly special. Take a tour of the gardens to check out the unique greens growing in the space, and keep an eye out for Farmer T, the winery's resident culinary gardener who's well-known for his incredible green thumb.

And try its awesome food.

Don't leave Kendall-Jackson after the tour — make sure to try one of its food-and-wine pairings as well. The chefs make unique dishes that you'll be dreaming about long after your visit.