Wine Country

[cellophane flowers]

Great trip! Since you will be in town a few days I recommend Napa on the weekdays and Sonoma if Sat or Sun. Napa gets pretty crowded and the tasting bars are elbow to elbow.

In Napa Cakebread, Peju and Beaulieu are fairly close together on hwy 29 and worth a visit. Beringer further up the road has great grounds and tours (all at a cost). Personally I like to take some of the roads east to the Silverado Trail where Dutch Henry is a favorite. If you bring a picnic lunch they have a table for you!

Sonoma is where I spend more time. Along hwy 12 is Sebastiani, Arrowood and St Francis. Russian River is just a bit north, a must if you have the time. I usually start at Korbel, beautiful grounds, and then take the Westside Rd turnoff. Porter Creek and Belvedere have some tasty wines and very intimate. Drive slow along this road cause the wineries pop out of the vineyards!

Always ask the tasting room folks where to eat. After a day of tasting in Russian River I stop in Healdsburg for lunch or dinner. Pick up the local maps and wear your sunscreen!