Napa County, once a farming area producing a variety of different crops, is primarily known today for its wine industry, with a history dating back to the early nineteenth century. Napa Valley wines climbed in acclaim in the 1960s to the comparative rank of wine regions in France and Italy.

Drive north over the Golden Gate Bridge and take Hwy 37, then north on Hwy 29, to the City of Napa which offers shopping along brick-lined streets, charming restaurants and regularly scheduled special events. A ride on the Napa Valley Wine Train, 800-427-4124, take you for a scenic tour through the Napa countryside while you enjoy gourmet food and fine wines. Be sure to head to the charming town of Calistoga, famous for its hot springs and mud baths. Visit the Old Faithful Geyser, one of only three Old Faithful Geysers in the world; then walk through the ancient Petrified Forest located nearby. One of our recommendations is visiting the Di Rosa Art & Nature Preserve. Tour the galleries full of hundreds of works by California artists and explore the beautiful grounds. The Gatehouse Gallery is open to drop-in visitors. Those interested in seeing the permanent collection, sculpture meadow, or di Rosa residence must be on a guided tour.

Nearby excursions include St. Helena, with the Napa Wine Museum, located at 473 Main Street, featuring exhibitions about the land, people and industry of the Napa Valley, and Napa Valley State Park. Lake Berryessa, with swimming, fishing, and camping, makes a great side trip. Whether traveling on the west side of the valley on Hwy. 29, or east along Silverado Trail, you'll find many interesting spots to view and visit. Call the Napa Valley Vistors Bureau for more information; 707-226-7459.

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Sonoma Valley is the closest wine region to San Francisco, just 45 minutes north. Often called The Valley of the Moon (According to the Miwok and Pomo tribes that lived in the valley, the word “Sonoma” meant "valley of the moon"), Sonoma Valley is home to some of the earliest vineyards and wineries in the state, and offers visitors not only the change to visit world renown wineries but also a wide range of year round events and recreational activities.

Take Hwy 101 north to Hwy 37, left onto Hwy 121. Bear left onto Hwy 12 to the town of Sonoma. The 3-acre Sonoma Plaza is the largest town square of its kind in California and is a National Historic Landmark. Rimmed by preserved adobe buildings, it is a favorite place for shopping, dining and picnicking. Visit the Mission San Francisco Solano, the last mission built in California, dating to 1823. Train Town, located on Hwy 12 one mile south of Sonoma, provides a fun family excursion. In nearby Glen Ellen, Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, offers scenic views, hiking, picnic areas, horseback riding, a museum, and Wolf House. Sonoma Valley Regional Park, 13630 Sonoma Hwy 12, offers paved and dirt trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding through oak woodlands, picnic areas with tables, and beautiful wildflower displays in spring.

In addition to over 145 wineries, Sonoma County is know for its air includes 170 specialty food growers. Sonoma County Farm Trails give visitors a chance to buy from local farmers; call 707-571-8288 for a free map.

Another direction to reach Sonoma is to continue north over the Golden Gate Bridge on Hwy 101 beyond Hwy 37. This takes you through Petaluma (worth a stop for the antique shops) at the south end of Sonoma County, then onto the city of Santa Rosa, 55 miles north of San Francisco. Points of interest include Luther Burbank Home and Gardens and Charles M. Schulz Museum.

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Because of its somewhat remote location, Mendocino County’s reputation as a wine-producing region was slower to develop and gain recognition. Long famous for its redwood forests, today Mendocino County is the world leader in certified organically-grown grapes. There are over 15,000 acres of vineyards in the County, with 25% of them growing certified organic grapes.

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