Escapes: Wine-filled weekend in Napa

Wine education

What’s so distinctive about Napa Valley wines? Sip, and learn.

The second annual Masters and Makers @ Meritage promises to be the ultimate tasting weekend for both the wine aficionado and novice. From Friday through Saturday, choose between a variety of interactive educational events. Take a cooking class, and then learn how to pair the results with wine. Or join a tasting session, discussing the influence the soil has on the end, sippable result. Learn about stemware and the purposes of different glass shapes. Or just enjoy experiencing many different wines with delicious, farm-fresh meals.

Individual event costs range between $40 for a casual tasting to $175 for a winemaker dinner in an estate’s cave. Three-day, all-access passes cost $509. It all takes place at the Meritage Resort and Spa, at 875 Bordeaux Way. Learn more at meritageresort.com.

Brew fest

What: The annual Brew HaHa! features more than 35 microbreweries pouring more than 150 beers for “all you can drink responsibly.” Live funk bands will help keep you going all night in this fundraiser for Sierra Arts.

When: 8-11 p.m. Friday

Where: John Ascuaga's Nugget, 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks, Nev.

Cost: $50-$65

Information: www.janugget.com sierra-arts.org

Bird homecoming

What: Welcome more than a million shorebirds and many waterfowl, hawks and songbirds as they migrate home to the Bay Area for the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival. Join a guided birdwatching trip in the region, or take a recommended hike to view the glory on your own.

When: Friday through Feb. 15

Where: Mare Island, Building 253, 575 Connolly St., Vallejo

Cost: Free

Information: wwww.sfbayflywayfestival.com/

Wine trail

What: With a Valentine’s Passport in hand, hop along Monterey’s River Road Wine Trail for wine and food pairings from 10 different vintners.

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Locations vary, Monterey area

Cost: $45, $15 designated driver

Information: www.riverroadwinetrail.com

Romantic Redwoods

What: On Valentine’s Day, retreat to the Big Basin Redwoods and learn about how banana slugs, trees and other wildlife mate during an easy two-hour walk.

When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday

Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek

Cost: $10 parking

Information: www.parks.ca.gov

Migration festival

What: Enjoy animal talks, kids games, skits, crafts, live music, educational booths and more at the Natural Bridges State Beach Migration Festival. It all celebrates the migration of whales, birds and other creatures making journeys. Be sure to stay for the free cake.

When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Where: Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

Cost: $10 parking

Information: www.parks.ca.gov

Bee Staff

This story was originally published February 7, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Escapes: Wine-filled weekend in Napa."