California is a state that simply must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel alone or as a family, California is full of things to see and do. If you're a newly wed, planning a honeymoon, or just a romantic at heart, California is calling you. If you're looking for movie stars, go to Hollywood or Beverly Hills. If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, beautiful scenery and some sweet spirits, then wind your way around to Wine Country. Recreational places like the wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma are waiting for you.

Napa Valley and Sonoma County in Northern California is only an hour's drive from San Francisco. Otherwise known as Wine Country, Napa Valley and Sonoma County are popular among newlyweds, honeymooners, wine enthusiasts, gourmets and other hopeless romantics who wish to enjoy all the good things in life. There are so many exquisite places to stay and visit in California's Wine Country, the choices are overwhelming, but well worth your time.

Napa Valley, which actually consists of six towns, including: St. Helena, Oakville, Calistoga, Rutherford, Yountville and Napa. Each of these towns feature their own first class wineries, spas, resorts, hotels and restaurants, not to mention the breath taking scenery of the Wine Country itself. The experience of the California Wine Country will rejuvenate your being and will create wonderful memories to last a lifetime.

Sonoma County is the birthplace of the California wine industry. Sonoma Valley is 17 miles long and sits between two glorious mountain ranges, where numerous wineries host tasting events and tours on a daily basis. The Plaza is encircled with boutiques, adobe structures and restaurants in Sonoma's town square. For over a century, the hot springs have drawn thousands of health conscious guests to the area and even today, is host to a number of world class spas and resorts.

Some of the smaller, family owned wineries will give tours by appointment only. It would be best to call and set up the appointment well in advance of your visit to Wine Country, so you are sure to get in. This can be a very rewarding experience, because this will give to time to have a one on one conversation with the wine makers themselves without being caught up in a group of tourists. Many of the large and small family owned wineries make themselves available for outdoor weddings and other special occasions for additional costs. Most only offer wine tasting, tours of their wineries, and host other special events.

If you are planning to visit California's Wine Country, try to make your visit in the middle of the week, because the weekends are often over crowded and that can make traveling and sightseeing fairly difficult and thus less enjoyable. During the week, there is less traffic to deal with and some of the hotels can have lower rates. It's always best to call ahead to the hotels to make sure there is room available for you when you arrive. If you decide to use Silverado Trail as your driving route, you will encounter less traffic and have a more scenic route to enjoy. The scenery is one of the best parts of visiting Wine Country, so stop and smell the roses as often as possible.

If you are looking for a picnic area with a great view, try visiting Rutherford Hill Winery's picnic area. If you choose to use a picnic area belonging to a specific winery, you may choose to buy a bottle of wine from them as a courtesy, for you to enjoy with your picnic meal. A delicious addition to your picnic basket would be a selection of fruits, cheeses and baked goods from the Sunshine Market in St. Helena. You can also pick up your plates, napkins and utensils for your picnic while you're there.

Gordon's on Yountville is famous for their tasty coffee, which is a delicious addition to breakfast. For a scrumptious lunch or dinner, try eating at the French Laundry. There is a wide variety of fine restaurants in Wine Country from which to pick and choose, even if you don't have a reservation, you have a good chance at getting in.

About the Author

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. For fine wines and accessories go to http://www.oldworldvineyard.com

Another short Wine Enthusiast review

If You Are A Wine Connoisseur You Have To Visit Napa Valley


California is a state that simply must be visited at least once in a lifetime. Whether you choose to travel alone or as a family, California is full o...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Wine Enthusiast Products we recommend

Vacuum Pump Rabbit Wine Preserver Extra Stoppers (Set of 4)


Extra stoppers for the Rabbit Vacuum Pump Stopper Wine Preserver from Metrokane. Set of 4.


Price: 9.95 USD



Headlines on Wine Enthusiast

Red And White Wine - The Differences of each

Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:49:53 -0700
Everwonder how many types of wines are available? And What are the popular wines to order and try? Read more to find out the answer.Wines can be grouped into the six primary categories: white wines, red wines, rosé wines, sparkling wines, dessert wines and fortified wines.

Opening champagne - no pops allowed!

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:01:45 -0700
The Butler Bureau is here to tell you the correct way to open, pour and enjoy champagne or sparkling wine

DKNY Gets In On The Wine Business

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 21:39:17 -0700
In celebration of it's 20th anniversary next year DKNY is teaming up with Chandon to create a special DKNY sparkling wine.

Luxury Napier House Overlooking The Pacific Ocean

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:58:53 -0700
The sun is shining and the bay is sparkling. Imagine relaxing in your own private spa pool, savouring a glass of local wine whilst taking in the sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. Spaview Napier can sleep upto 8 adults and can be rented for NZD$600 per night. FREE WIRELESS BROADBAND INTERNET.

Delicious Meals for Delicious Wines: Part II

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 12:49:43 -0700
In the second part of our delicious meals for delicious wines series we decided to take a deeper look at the best foods to compliment sparkling wine.

Wines | Vineyard Tours - Champagne

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:37:54 -0700
Champagne is not only a sparkling wine, but the region from which the famous beverage derives its name. The climate of the area has cooler temperatures than that of the southern French vineyards..

Best Bets Daily - Barefoot Wines' Sparkling Wine

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:16:36 -0700
New Bubbly!


Elderberry Wine
Wine Vineyards
Wine Country | Wine Course

Labels: Wine Developers | Wine Dictionary

&type=page">