Exploring the Wine Country

Famous around the world for its superlative wines, the hinterland of Wine Country has a mild climate, miles of rolling hills covered in vineyards, and spectacular architecture. To the west are the spectacular rocky landscapes of the Sonoma and Mendocino coasts. A wide variety of excellent food and of course premium wines are available throughout the region, making this an ideal place for a relaxing retreat.

California’s wine industry was born in the little crescent-shaped Sonoma Valley when, in 1823, Franciscan fathers planted vines to produce sacramental wines. In 1857, the flamboyant Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy took California winemaking to a new level: Using imported European grape varieties, he planted the state’s first major vineyard at Sonoma’s revered Buena Vista Winery. Haraszthy made a name not only for himself (he is known as the “father of California wine”) but also for this previously unrecognized wine-producing region.

Over the years, many winemakers have followed in the Count’s footsteps, most of them favoring the rich, fertile soil of Napa Valley. Hundreds of wineries now stand side by side along the valley floor. Most of them offer tours of their facilities and wine tastings. Many are also of architectural interest, including gems like the Mission-style Robert Mondavi Winery and the Mediterranean-style white vineyards Sterling Vineyards, perched on a volcanic cliff. Nearby, the impressive modern Clos Pegase winery is distinguished by rows of imposing reddish and earth-colored columns and towers.

Located on the northernmost edge of Napa Valley is the small town of Calistoga, famous for its restorative mud baths, huge geysers, and mineral hot tubs. To the west of the valley, the Russian River, which borders the Sonoma and Mendocino coastal areas, empties into the Pacific Ocean.

These wild stretches of coastline provide perfect opportunities for bird and whale watching and beach combing.