Academy Award-winning director Francis Ford Coppola adds his larger-than-life style to his estate-like compound near Geyserville, in the north end Sonoma County wine country. This everyone’s-welcome play land isn’t just about wine, but relaxing in wine-country style—no matter when you were born. On a warm afternoon in summer, relax by the fabulous pool while your kids wade in special shallow zones or splash in fountains, and you might start scheming how to work here so you never have to leave.
See who’s got game in your family with a round of bocce on pretty courts overlooking surrounding vineyards. Take turns watching the kids so you can slip away for wine tasting, or join an interesting tour.
Inside the main building, where there’s also a full-service restaurant celebrating fresh, local ingredients, visit Coppola’s memorabilia-filled movie gallery, complete with some of his shiny Academy Awards.
Insider’s tip: Splurge on a poolside private cabana for ultimate relaxation; day-use fee includes an all-day pool pass. Bocce courts and some wine tastings are free.
