Eliza Hussman
1 Bardessono Hotel, Yountville
So what does it take for a luxury hotel to claim it's the greenest in America? It was built using reused material (including limestone from an old wine cellar), it has an underground well system to heat and cool rooms, it has solar panels, and all of the furnishings are recyclable, organic or "green certified." The restaurant and spa use local, organic products. 6526 Yount St., Yountville. (877) 932-5333; www.bardessono.com.
2 Ukiah Brewing Co. and Restaurant, Ukiah
Kick back and enjoy an all-organic ale or lager and some live music at the first brew pub and second restaurant in the nation to become certified organic. The menu features vegan, vegetarian and dairy-free items, but don't be fooled - traditional pub dishes such as fish and chips are served as well. 102 S. State St., Ukiah. (707) 648-5898; www.ukiahbrewingco.com. Restaurant and bar open daily.
3 California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Can you picture the Museum of Natural History in New York with a sod ceiling? No, probably not. Take the "living roof," the vehicle recharging stations, insulation made of recycled jeans and the four-story rain forest and you have arguably the world's greenest museum. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. (415) 379-8000;www.calacademy.org. $14.95-$24.95; 6 and younger, free. Tip: Visit midweek or when the doors first open to avoid crowds.
4 Chez Panisse Cafe and Restaurant, Berkeley
Nearly every restaurant trying to be green is focusing on organic, locally grown, sustainable products - doing pretty much what Alice Waters of Chez Panisse restaurant started doing 40 years ago. The restaurant has a formal atmosphere, while the cafe is more casual and less pricey. 1517 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. (510) 548-5525 restaurant, (510) 548-5049 cafe;www.chezpanisse.com. Closed Sunday. Lunch only in the cafe. Reservations a must.
5 Frog's Leap Winery, Rutherford
Hey, even its signature animal is green. This winery, best known for its Sauvignon Blanc, is 100 percent solar-powered, uses geothermal heating and cooling methods, has an eco-friendly visitor center and dry farms on its certified organic vineyards, saving water. 8815 Conn Creek Road, Rutherford. (707) 963-4704; www.frogsleap.com. Open to the public daily except Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call for tasting and touring times.