| White, red, sparkling, flavored, there's sure something | | | | 1834. And to this day the tradition of having good |
| more to add to the list. When someone talks about | | | | and cheerful lives is well kept. |
| wine, California always comes to mind. | | | | Relaxing treats beckon the moment you set foot in |
| Indeed, a California trip wouldn't be complete without | | | | Santa Rosa, Sonoma's largest city entrenched right |
| having a sip of its world famous wines. And what | | | | smack in the Sonoma Wine County. Your social trip |
| could be more fitting than a personalized visit to the | | | | planner will suggest indulging in Santa Rosa's art and |
| Northern part of Sunny California, where the divine | | | | culture or may even challenge you to a cycling tour. |
| wine will prove to be just the icing on the cake. | | | | Whether you choose one or both, you will definitely |
| Excited? There is every reason to be. But before | | | | enjoy the city's old brand of hospitality combined |
| you trek any further, it's time for some trip planning | | | | with urban art, recreation and wine. |
| for there are many things to explore along the way. | | | | Passing through Sonoma and into the Bodega Bay, |
| Located 35 miles north of San Francisco is the | | | | you'll reach the old settlement of Miwok and Pomo |
| charming Napa and Sonoma Valley, home to the | | | | Indians. Up until the fall of 1775, this hilly terrain was |
| world-famous California wines. Punctuated with the | | | | home to hunting and gathering lifestyle as well as |
| romantic meeting of the Russian River and Pacific | | | | harvesting the seas and rivers. When Captain Smith |
| Coastline, the famous wine tour is a complete | | | | reached the place a little over a hundred years after |
| experience of revisiting olden times. Aside from the | | | | the Indians, he built California's first steam powered |
| rolling hills bereft with vineyards, a long line of | | | | saw mill. Rich with wood resources, Bodega Bay's |
| redwoods, historic towns and lush gardens abound. | | | | population is now under 100 after attracting settlers |
| Plan your trip with friends. Make sure to bring along | | | | at the turn of century to its peak. It is now better |
| your digital camera. Picture perfect scenery is part of | | | | known as the setting for Alfred Hitchcock's The Bird. |
| the journey. | | | | Moving on to the rest of the journey, Healdsburg |
| Heading up north, Calistoga and St. In Helena you will | | | | welcomes one in a big way. It is located in the center |
| find serene farmlands and picturesque vineyards. | | | | of three valleys and houses 60 wineries. Pomo |
| Calistoga, also known as the "hot springs" of the | | | | Indians had their villages built here along the Russian |
| West offers more than mud baths. You will also | | | | River. Other settlers reached this place when the |
| enjoy Sharpsteen Museum, Faithful Geyser and hot | | | | Gold Rush was at its peak and formed farming |
| air balloon rides. St. Helena on the other hand is | | | | communities. Healdsburg is now known as the heart |
| nestled in the heart of Napa Valley. The things do | | | | of wine country. A trip along the West Dry Creek |
| here are easy to remember: eat, drink and be merry! | | | | Road will unravel more wineries. Check out Lambert |
| Famous for its sumptuous menu, St. Helena was part | | | | Bridge, Quivira, and Preston and have a |
| of General Vallejo's land grant which was settled in | | | | much-deserved sip. Cheers! |