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Ambling Through the California Wine Country
Wine is but one of many pleasures a traveler will encounter ambling through the California wine country. Indeed, there are many others attractions that will stimulate your senses. At HomeAway Traveler, we’re lucky to have the most informed group of experts – our local homeowners – share their insights and advice as to how to best live like a local in the California Wine Country.
While there are other wine districts in California, by “wine country” we refer to the region north of San Francisco – the valleys of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties.
 Many wines produced in northern California have earned high praise and top honors from international wine connoisseurs. And the number of vintners in northern California continues to grow: where Napa only had 20 wineries in 1975, it boasts more than 250 in 2007, while Sonoma has more than 150 wineries today.
The number of boutique wineries that produce outstanding wine at reasonable prices continues to grow, as more and more individual grape growers produce their own wines, rather than sell their grapes to larger wineries.
The passion surrounding wine in northern California has spilled over to the food scene, which is also thriving. Over the last 25 years, the wine country has attracted a diverse array of talented chefs who have transformed northern California into one of the top dining destinations in the world.
Rich in history, the wine country also offers vacationers a glimpse of Mexican influences in Sonoma, steamboat Gothic architecture in Calistoga, and art-nouveau influences in St. Helena. Both summer and fall are beautiful times to visit this part of the country. The weather is mild and the scenery is, arguably, at its most picturesque.
The natural beauty of the region brings its own set of pleasures, including activities such as breathtaking mountain hikes, kayaking and canoeing along the Russian River, hot air ballooning, and cycling down narrow back valley roads.
As Ernest Hemingway once said, “Wine is the most civilized thing in the world.” It’s no surprise that California’s wine country is not only civilized, but also full of charms that vitalize the senses and enrich the spirit.
HomeAway California Homeowners Share Wine Country Tips
 – SONOMA COUNTY –
Healdsburg Plaza – “If it happens to be summertime on a Tuesday, chances are there will be a free concert in the Plaza.”
Barbara Gruber, property 103437
Healdsburg Local Events – “…our guests tell us they really enjoy many of the town’s local events, including weekly farmer’s markets (Tuesday and Saturday), Friday evening concerts in the Plaza, and wonderful eclectic shops, galleries, and boutiques.”
Linda and Rolly Wahl, property 22352
Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg – “Stop at Oakville Grocery, on the southeast corner of Healdsburg’s town plaza, where a dizzying assortment of made-to-order sandwiches and tasty prepared foods await you.”
Aaron Cooper, property 131372
Jimtown Store in the Alexander Valley – “In the middle of the Alexander Valley lies a local treasure, the Jimtown Store. Visited by cyclists, wine makers, and even Martha Stewart, this little store lives large. Fantastic sandwiches, salads, soups and more can be enjoyed at the bright red vintage picnic tables. The store sells more than lunch, you can find antiques in the back, and an amazing array of trinkets, olive oils, and yes, even wine.”
Heather Sittig, property 147667
Cena Luna – “our favorite restaurant”
Barbara Gruber, property 103437
Other Healdsburg Restaurants - A foodie’s fantasy, Healdsburg houses the famous Dry Creek Kitchen and Cyrus. Make reservations far in advance. You will be oh so glad you did. Other fantastic local restaurants include the intimate Bistro Ralph, on the central square, Ravenous, just off the square on Center Street, and Barndiva, a hip restaurant and lounge. Other favorite in town locales include the Oakville Grocery, a great store for delectable treats, and Plaza Farms, the new indoor artisan market where you can sample local cheeses, olive oils, wines, chocolate and other savory delights.”
Heather Sittig, property 147667
Golf in Healdsburg – “There are two challenging courses in the area. Healdsburg’s nine-hole Tayman Park Golf Course features some of the most picturesque views in Sonoma County and attracts golfers of all skill levels. Nearby Windsor's 6,650-yard, par-72 championship course traverses a year-round creek, lakes, and oak trees and has played host to six PGA Nike Tour events.”
Linda and Rolly Wahl, property 22352
Russian River – “A canoe trip down the Russian River with Rivers Edge Canoe Company is just a 3 minute drive from our property.”
Barbara Gruber, property 103437
Casinos in Healdsburg – “For those interested in testing their luck, nearby River Rock Casino offers 1,600 state-of-the-art slot machines, including video poker, progressives, and many popular machines. There are also 16 tables featuring Pai Gow Poker, Three Card Poker, and Blackjack; offering the most liberal rules in the San Francisco Bay Area.”
Linda and Rolly Wahl, property 22352
Seghesio Family Winery – “Why not head out for a picnic and game of bocce ball at Seghesio Family Winery less than 10 minutes from Healdsburg?”
Barbara Gruber, property 103437
Armida Winery – “Head west of Healdsburg on Westside road to Armida Winery, which comes up on your right in only five minutes. Meander up the curved driveway to discover one of the best vistas anywhere, miles of lush vineyards and hills beyond.”
Aaron Cooper, property 131372
Ferrara-Carano Winery – “For unequalled Tuscan style and unparalleled wine country beauty, nothing surpasses the glorious estate and gardens of Ferrara-Carano Winery.”
Aaron Cooper, property 131372
 Hanna and Stryker Wineries – “Tasting in Sonoma is much more leisurely than in tourist-inundated Napa Valley. I recommend narrowing your winery choices down to those with good wine and a special setting. Two of my favorites are Hanna and Stryker. These Alexander Valley Wineries offer wonderful combinations of wine, architecture and wine country views.”
Heather Sittig, property 147667
Mumm Winery – “A place not to miss is Mumm Winery which has an incredible patio. You can come and sit, and are served tastings or a full glass of sparkling wine. It also has 2 photo galleries, always with some Ansel Adams, as well as visiting exhibits.
Caroline Holland, property 315166
Most Beautiful Drive – “One of the lesser known, yet wonderful things to do in Sonoma County is to make a half day trip drive to Bodega Bay, via the town of Occidental. This is something I like to tell visitors about. It’s good and supposed to be the most beautiful drive in the whole county. Take Bohemian hwy to Occidental (do a look around the town) and then take a right at the stop sign—Colman Valley Rd. Follow it to Hwy 1. Turn left to go to Bodega. Go to the Bodega Head, if it’s not foggy— it’s a beautiful spot. Do a side trip if desired by staying on Hwy 1 to the town of Bodega (although the only reason to really go here is to see the school building from the movie “The Birds”—which is on DVD at the cottage if any guests wish to watch the night before). Anyway, head back up Hwy 1 and stop at Goat Rock Beach…this is such a gorgeous beach. Head back to the town of Monte Rio via Highway 116…maybe stop at Duncan Mills--the quaint adorable town that was once a train stop. This is a good half-day trip—maybe longer if you linger and eat.”
Kent Blackford, property 151425
 Discover Sonoma – “Daytrips afford you the opportunity to soak in the Enzyme Baths at the world-renowned spa, Osmosis, in Freestone, take in a brunch at Mosaic in Forestville, canoe down the Russian River for a custom made ice cream in Guerneville followed by a walk beneath the majestic Redwoods in Armstrong Woods, and finally finish your day watching the sunset over spouting whales before dining at The River’s End in Jenner.”
Christine Cole, property 147199
Bodega Bay – “…amazing ocean and golf course views – it’s a killer combination! The golf course is public. The sports fishing for salmon and crab is always outstanding here in Bodega Bay. Many love to surf at the beach. And the wine country is just 30 minutes away!
Melony Peverini, property 137303
Sebastopol, Sonoma – “Sebastopol is a remarkable place. It is old hippies and new ways of thinking. It is wholesome food and farms that grow that food. It is winding country roads and breath-taking views. Sebastopol is hospitality and community intertwined with nature and adventures that await the visitor who is fortunate enough to find it.”
Christine Cole, property 147199
– NAPA VALLEY –
Wineries – “…Sterling Vineyards has a tram ride from which you can see the entire Napa Valley. August Briggs is a good new winery in Calistoga…Rombauer has great Zinfandels, Quintessa is breathtaking from the road, and has reserved tastings.”
Jeff Goffo, property 301124
Restaurants – “Martini House has a great bar menu (with a more formal menu upstairs), and patio dining in the summer and fall. I also recommend Cook’s in St. Helena, and Brannan's & Hydro in Calistoga. Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford does lunch on the deck with great Valley views.…”
Jeff Goffo, property 301124
 – SAN LUIS OBISPO –
Wines – “San Luis Obispo County has been rising in popularity as being home to some of the finest Zinfandels, Cabernets and Pinot Noirs.”
Denise Robson, property 129959
Morro Bay – “Morro Bay offers an excellent wine tasting bar, beautiful and interesting galleries, shops and fine restaurants with a casual ocean side ambiance. Golfing, horseback riding, whale watching and sunset yacht cruises are also available.”
Denise Robson, property 129959
Montana De Oro State Park – “… is just around the corner from the house with it's stunning ocean side and mountain scenery, crystal clear tide pools, 6 miles of pristine wide open beach, and endless walking, biking and hiking trails that are appropriate for all ages.”
Denise Robson, property 129959
• Wandering Through Calistoga on Foot
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