Itineraries
Just an hour north of the Napa Valley and only a half-hour from Mendocino County wineries are the wine regions of Lake County. The relaxed, rural atmosphere and clean air contribute to the refreshing character of these unspoiled regions. Well-known as a vacation and weekend getaway destination, Lake County is re-establishing its reputation for producing fine wines.
The center of Napa Valley from the Gold Rush until after World War II, the town of Napa was largely bypasses when wine blossomed again in the ‘60’s. Most visitors headed up valley to St. Helena and Calistoga.
Describe the perfect small town in the Wine Country, and you’ll describe St. Helena. Arguably the heart of America’s wine culture with its dozen wineries, this quaint Eden epitomizes what visitors love about wine country and resident fight to preserve.
Carneros, the cool wine district to the south of the Town of Napa, is unusual in that it straddles the Napa-Sonoma county line. It is one of the oldest wine producing areas of California, yet one of its newest appellations.
Sonoma County is often referred to as the “Provence of the US” because of its scenic vistas and coast, family farms, and outstanding wines. Healdsburg has become the home base to tour and discover three distinguished wine appellations—Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River. Visitors can enjoy many of Sonoma County's offerings without getting behind the wheel of a car.
Just a few miles north of Sonoma lies the quaint town of Glen Ellen where Jack London lived and wrote. At the 48-acre Jack London State Historical Park, visitors can hike the trails the author trod or visit the ruins of the ill-fated Wolf House.
If variety is at the top of your wine country agenda, then head for Healdsburg. Whether your tastes run toward robust Zinfandels, luscious Pinot Noirs, or collectable Cabernets, you will find what you’re looking for in and around Healdsburg. Only here can you choose between driving and walking to explore the wines from three of Sonoma County’s premier appellations.
A Blend of Nature and Literature -> The Sonoma Valley or, as Jack London called it, the Valley of the Moon, is a fertile crescent, set between the Sonoma and Mayacamas Ridges of the Coast Range. Within its narrow confines lie 13,000 acres of vineyard, tended by approximately 200 growers with 42 wineries producing premium wines. But it is not just wine that draws visitors to the verdant countryside.


