Pleasant Days In
California's
Wine Country

© Traveling Times, Inc.

Though it certainly couldn't be described as a secret hideaway (Napa Valley alone welcomes an estimated three million visitors each year), California's wine country remains pleasantly serene somehow, its foothills and valleys dotted with small farms and wineries that change little over the years. Sheep and cows graze atop rolling hills and grasslands, each seemingly set apart just enough to form an artistic canvas.

     Made up of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, the wine country is of course famous for its wines. But interestingly, only about 20 percent of all California wines are produced here. Certainly the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. In fact, the region is known for having some of the world's finest small wineries.

     Just about an hour's drive north from San Francisco's famous Golden Gate Bridge, the wine country is a magnet for San Franciscans, who love to spend the day or a romantic weekend here, browsing among the towns' many quaint shops and historical sites. But by far, the most popular pastime is touring the wineries, sampling superior wines, and picnicking.

     Among the many wineries of interest in the Napa and Sonoma valleys is Domaine Carneros, which produces sparkling wines from Carneros grapes. Established in 1987 and already considered a regional landmark, Domaine Carneros is architecturally inspired by the historic 18th century Champagne residence of the Taittinger family, as in Champagne Taittinger of Reims, France.

     Another popular winery is Sterling Vineyards. Situated on a lofty bluff just south of Calistoga, guests travel to the top by aerial sky tram and are treated to breathtaking views of the entire Napa Valley. Its white Mediterranean-style buildings create the perfect setting for an enjoyable afternoon.