Sonoma Valley is the Valley of the Moon

Jack London’s readers make regular pilgrimages to walk where he once walked. Nature lovers find the Valley a paradise for hiking, riding, and camping and others seek out the natural hot springs. Largely an unspoiled wonderland of trees, pastures, and vines, the Valley of the Moon, named by the Wappo Indians and made famous by London has a mystical power to draw visitors. You will feel it, too.

Reasons To Visit

• The Valley is home to more local and state history than any other spot in Sonoma County
• An eclectic mix of wineries from chateaux to garagistas
• Jack London State Park,the final home and resting place of one of California’s most famous writers
• Guided nature walks at Bouverie Preserve, home to a rich combination of native plants and animals.
• Outstanding exhibits at Sonoma Valley Museum of Art

Restaurant and Shopping Suggestions

Casual Dining The Vineyards, flavors of Spain and Mexico with an emphasis on fresh fish, 8445 Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-833-4500. Kenwood Restaurant, wide ranging menu; escargot to tapioca pudding, 9900 Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-833-6326.

Dine-In & Takeout Cafe Citti, 50 choices, soup to tiramisu, eat in/to go, 9049 Highway 12, 707-833-4500. Garden Court Café & Bakery, home cooking at its finest, 13647 Arnold Drive, 707-935-1565.

Shopping / Galleries Valley of the Moon Pottery and Gifts and North Eagle Gallery, handmade pottery made in the heart of the wine country accompanied by painting and sculpture galleries and bonsai trees. 6191 Sonoma Hwy, 707-538-2554.

Taste Along Scenic Highway 12

Ledson Winery & Vineyards towers in its gray stone magnificence over lush vineyards. Inside a concierge shows off three airy tasting rooms and an incredible deli filled with freshly made salads and sandwiches and a treasury of desserts. The foods pair well with Ledson Merlots, Chardonnays and Zinfandels. Open 10-5 daily, 7335 Highway 12, Kenwood, 707-537-3810.

St. Francis Winery & Vineyards is an oasis of calm where a terra cotta St. Francis spreads his arms in welcome as the bell in the tower tolls the hour. Join Chef Todd Muir and winemaker Tom Mackey for winemaker dinners, matching creative menus to stunning St. Francis Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays. Open 10-5 daily. 500 Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, 707-833-4666

Landmark Vineyard offers tastes of its vineyard designate Pinot Noirs and splendid Damaris Reserve Chardonnay in a tasting room that is a blend of art, boutique gifts and good fellowship. Beyond the tall windows are inviting picnic tables and a major league bocce court. Open 10-4:30 daily, 101 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood; 707-833-0053.

Blackstone Winery invites visitors to sample wines in it’s light-filled tasting room, or, on warm days, to sip on the porch or in the tree-shaded back yard. Join the Black Magic Wine Club to receive invitations to gala parties like the Hallo-Wine bash. Wines for tasting include a gold medal Syrah. Open 10-4:30 daily, 8450 Highway 12, Kenwood; 707-833-1960

Imagery Estate Winery & Art Gallery dedicated to crafting small quantities of rare wines from uncommon varieties and site-specific vineyards, Imagery Estate Winery was born of a thirst for experimentation and willingness to take risks.provides a stroll through a classic Mediterranean garden as the introduction to the tasting rooms and gift shop. The winery itself is almost as much a gallery as it is a winemaking facility. Open 10-4:30 daily. 14335 Highway 12, Glen Ellen; 707-935-4515.

Kenwood Vineyards produces one of the best-known and most sought_after_ wines in Sonoma County, the Jack London Vineyard-designate Jack London Cabernet Sauvignon. Collectors also wait each year for he introduction of the Artist Series wine, inaugurated in 1975. Summer is marked by the release of the young, fresh Sauvignon Blanc. Open 10-4:30 daily; 9592 Highway 12, Kenwood; 707-833-5891.