| Sonoma county wine region is a part of the famous | | | | * Wine county Ballooning: On US Hwy 101, Airport |
| California vineyards, close to the San Francisco and | | | | Blvd exit from Kal's Kaffe Mocha. |
| Napa Valley. Sonoma Valley offers authentic California | | | | * Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum, 115 ft tall and |
| wine tasting experience, great weather and friendly | | | | Steel reinforced concrete lighthouse opened in 1908. |
| staff. | | | | * Luther Burbank Home and Gardens: Life and work |
| Sonoma county is a perfect place for wine lovers, | | | | of the horticulturist who introduced 800 variety of |
| people searching for soothing relaxation and romantic | | | | flowers, fruits, nuts etc.. |
| ambiance. Its conveniently located 30 miles north of | | | | * Fort Ross State Historic Park: The site of trading |
| San Francisco and and now as airport located at | | | | post and fort established by Russians in 1812. |
| Santa Rosa (Code: RSA). Sonoma County has a span | | | | * Train Ride: On Santa Rosa 12, a 20 minute steam |
| of 1575 square miles containing about 1,00,000 acres | | | | train ride through a forested railroad park past scaled |
| of lush wine growing land. Having over 200 award | | | | down reproductions of buildings ad waterfalls. |
| winning wineries and about 60 miles of Pacific | | | | * Being so close to San Francisco you may also |
| coastline, the Majestic Russian river, Golf courses, | | | | consider visiting the GOLDEN GATE bridge, Pier |
| museums, shopping, botanical, gardens, galleries, | | | | 39,Alcatraz, China Town and the famous Crooked |
| camping locations, bike & hiking trails and diverse | | | | street of SF Downtown. |
| festivals all year around, Sonoma county is the place | | | | * Napa county which is again a very famous vineyard |
| you should definitely visit. | | | | community is located just east of Sonoma county, |
| Sonoma has 5 distinct wine-growing districts: Los | | | | activities there include wine tasting, Ballooning, visiting |
| Carneros District, Sonoma Valley, Russian River | | | | petrified forest and old faithful geyser. You will also |
| Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Alexander Valley, with | | | | find great information at about Napa valley. |
| small towns in each. You will find the premium quality | | | | WEATHER: Sonoma Country has wet, mild winters |
| wines of both white and red wine, famous categories | | | | and warm dry summers. Summer evenings are |
| include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pino, Syrah, | | | | mostly cool. The best time to visit is both decent |
| Zinfandel, Shiraz and very often vineyards have their | | | | weather and smaller crowds is November or |
| own special. Winery hospitality staff are | | | | February-March. The wineries are most quite during |
| knowledgeable, friendly and eager to discuss the | | | | December through March. |
| wines and how they were made. Winery tours take | | | | GETTING THERE: Sonoma County has its own |
| visitors behind the scenes to barrel rooms, crush | | | | Airport in Santa Rosa but most people prefer arriving |
| pads, bottling lines, cellars and caves. You will find | | | | at San Francisco airport and then drive north. Oakland |
| vineyards all around the county, just driving around | | | | airport is also close. There are shuttle buses |
| the place is very pleasant and relaxing. | | | | (Airporter Express) directly from airports to the |
| Latest Development: Horizon air now has daily flights | | | | county. Robert Parker likes to travel and has written |
| from Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Seattle airports. | | | | several tourism articles. He also encourages people to |
| Santa Rosa Airport (RSA) in Sonoma County. | | | | submit travel articles of their own. |
| ATTRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES: | | | | |