The annual Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight at about 9pm and continues through the early hours of the morning. And this year's show promises to be more spectacular than usual: NASA says the meteor count could be up to 100 meteors per hour shooting through the atmosphere and trailed by spectacular trains of light.
With its vast open spaces and lack of city lights, Wine Country is one of the best places to catch the show. Here’s where to get stars in your eyes:
Robert Ferguson Observatory (Aug. 12, 2015)
Tucked at the very top of Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, this world-class astronomy center celebrates with a Star Party starting at 9 pm Wednesday. While you don’t need a telescope to catch the spectacle, it’s oh-so-cool to peer through the Observatory's three powerful scopes and see what extras you can see. Surrounded by a protective ring of hills that shield light pollution from surrounding cities, this remote Valley of the Moon hideaway will make you feel like you’re in your own little extraterrestrial world. $3 requested donation. // 2605 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood
Starlight Supper at Jordan Vineyard & Winery (August 15, 2015)
It costs $200 per person for what you can see in the skies for free, but consider this: you get a sumptuous feast on the chateau’s upper lawn prepared by Jordan executive chef Todd Knoll, plenty of Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, and astronomer-guided opportunities to operate three Orion telescopes. Just one of the courses you’ll nibble on: Grilled Masami Gold American Wagyu beef with estate summer squash, haricots verts, carrot escabeche and sourced pickled chanterelles. // 1474 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg
Wine & Stargazing at Castillo Hillside Shire Winery(August 15, 2015)
NASA-trained astronomers will be on hand to share their vast knowledge of the heavens and telescopes. Simply bring your lawn chairs and blankets, plus your appetite for bites like Jess’s chicken soup and glasses of red wine. Tickets: $40. // 2215 Liberata Drive, Morgan Hill
Cigars under the Stars at Solis Winery (August 15, 2015)
Get yourself to Gilroy for wine, port, and cigars, enjoyed while under the open starry skies. The gathering is limited to 50 guests, and for star-quality sipping, try the signature Sangiovese, Seducente Super Tuscan, and Baciami Rhone blend. Tickets: $35. // 3920 Hecker Pass Road, Gilroy
Sure, you can spread a picnic blanket on your own lawn, or head to a public hilltop, but for an even better look at the stars, this business from Jim Goodenough and Linda Sinkay provides Orion telescopes and astronomers to outline the constellations and share the Greek Mythology behind them. You just choose the date, and let them know whatever else you dream of for your evening: they have food, wine, flowers, and special locations for prime galaxy viewing.
