While California may be known for its Hollywood glamour and big name celebrities, as well as its warm weather and beautiful coastal beaches, the Golden state is also home to one of the most well-known and popular wine-growing regions – Wine Country. Located in Northern California, various communities are associated with the Wine Country. However, one particularly favored community is Sonoma County.
Recognized as one of California’s premier wine regions, Sonoma County is home to more than 300 award-winning wineries, and this community far out-produces the neighboring town of Napa Valley AVA. The county’s planting of grapes started as early at 1812, and there are currently more than 55,000 acres within the county to plant grapes. Today, people from around the country visit Sonoma County, CA to delight in a taste of the different wines produces through the many wineries throughout. Popular wineries include Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley, Northern Sonoma, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Valley among many others.
In addition to the various wineries to visit, you can truly make the most of your stay at a Sonoma County vacation rental by participating in the many wine events. Stop by the Russian River Wine and Food Affair and travel throughout Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys, visiting more than 60 wineries, where you can take a taste of different wines and complementary foods. If you’re planning a winter vacation at Sonoma County, you can experience the annual Winter Wineland event. Here you can taste delicious wines made from more than 100 wineries and speak with winery owners and winemakers. You can also enjoy wine tasting at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. The fair, which takes place at the Grace Pavilion, lasts for three days in which you can taste various wines produced by more than 150 wineries.
Of course, with good wine comes good food. Sonoma County offers travelers various restaurants serving many different types of dishes to please all. You can start your morning indulging in a Mexican breakfast at Juanita Juanita or stop at the Breakaway Café for a more traditional American breakfast. If you’re looking for lunch and dinner options, Café Le Haye offers delicious contemporary Californian cuisine. If you’re craving a piece of Italy, Della Santina’s serves appetizing Italian dishes, or if you’re interested in Portuguese food, La Salette serves impeccable Portuguese dishes. But, if you’re looking for more common dishes, you can enjoy a slice of pizza at The Red Grape, or cut into a juicy steak at Saddles Steakhouse.
With the many wineries, events and restaurants to visit, be sure your stay at a Sonoma County vacation rental is not only well planned, but well enjoyed.
Jillian Johnson is a professional content writer who can blog all day about wines and wineries, and she also enjoys writing about travel and leisure. Follow her @JillianLJ87.