The Unique Beauty and Flavor of the Sonoma Wineries
Sonoma wine country offers a variety of premium wines and excellent dining opportunities for the visitor, coupled with spectacular sights and landscapes. Just one hour north of San Francisco, the Sonoma County wineries are all located between breathtaking mountains to the east and the beautiful Pacific Coast on the west. Winding roads and valleys add to the charm of the area.
With over 200 different wineries, Sonoma County has 13 different AVA areas, including Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and , of course, Sonoma Valley. The recently formed Bennett Valley AVA has the ideal soil, climate, and water supply to grow the varietals of Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. The warm days are cooled by the ocean breezes create early morning and late night fog, and a climate that is perfect for producing wines that are pleasing to the senses.
Sonoma Wineries Tours
Many tours are available from private Sonoma county wineries, as well as from wine touring agencies. Inman Family Wines, which features Pinot Noir and Gris, provides tours through its organic Olivet Grange Vineyard. Wine tasting is also available. The Benziger Family Winery is another popular stop for Sonoma wine tasting and tours, including tram tours.
The Front Street Wines also offers a variety of wine tasting and touring opportunities through a variety of wineries while visiting the Sonoma wine country. Or, for the adventurer, hot air balloon tours are also available in the area. In addition, Getaway Adventures and Wine Country Bikes offer fantastic bicycle tours through Sonoma County, with stops at many different family-owned Sonoma wineries. Kayaking and hiking opportunities are also available!
Other Attractions in Sonoma Wine Country
In addition to the many delightful Sonoma County wineries, visitors to this area must make a stop at the Safari West Wildlife Preserve & Resort. Here, they can take a 3 hour safari ride in a genuine safari vehicle over 400 acres of nature preserve filled with ostriches, zebras, gazelles, giraffes, antelopes, buffaloes, wildebeests, and many forms of exotic birds. On foot, guests can visit an area with cheetahs and lemurs. Private tours, featuring a wine and cheese basket, are also available.
A wide variety of spas are also available in the areas, as well as a few golf clubs. The Sonoma Golf Club offers both! Here, guests can dine on scrumptious cuisine and take in a round of golf with the Sonoma County wineries as a backdrop. A variety of beaches and parks can also be enjoyed in Sonoma County.
