Sonoma Wine Country of California

Sonoma county is located just 30 miles from the famous city of San Francisco, California. Sonoma county has a rich agricultural land and extremely famous for its vineyards making it a popular tourist attractions. It has 1575 square miles containing about 1,00,000 acres of lush wine growing land. Tourists visiting San Francisco are advised not to miss the wine county trip to Sonoma and Napa counties. The most prominent city of Sonoma county is Santa Rosa (Airport Code: RSA). Sonoma has over 250 wineries and about 70 miles of pacific coastline. It is a perfect place for wine lovers, people searching for soothing relaxation, romantic ambience. Additionally you can enjoy the Majestic Russian river, Golf courses, museums, shopping, botanical, gardens, galleries, camping locations, bike & hiking trails and diverse festivals all year round.

Winery hospitality staff are knowledgeable, friendly and eager to discuss the wines and how they were made. Winery tours take visitors behind the scenes to barrel rooms, crush pads, bottling lines, cellars and caves. You will find vineyards all around the county, just driving around the place is very pleasant and relaxing.

Weather:
California and particularly the SF bay area is quite famous for its nice weather all year long. Sonoma Country has wet, mild winters and warm dry summers. Summer evenings are mostly cool. The best time to visit is both decent weather and smaller crowds is November or February-March. The wineries are most quite during December through March. You will also find good information and pictures at sonomacounty.com

Getting there:
Sonoma County has its own Airport in Santa Rosa but most people prefer arriving at San Francisco or Oakland airport and then drive north or just take a tour bus. There are shuttle buses (Airporter Express) directly from airports to the county.

Sonoma County Districts:
Sonoma has 5 distinct wine-growing districts: , Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, Los Carneros District, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley. Sonoma country has premium quality wines of both white and red wine. Famous flavours of wine include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pino, Syrah, Zinfandel, Shiraz and more. Each vinerary will itself have their own specials.

Additional things to do:
* Luther Burbank Home and Gardens: Life and work of the horticulturist who introduced 800 variety of flowers, fruits, nuts etc..

* Train Ride: On Santa Rosa 12, a 20 minute steam train ride through a forested railroad park past scaled down reproductions of buildings ad waterfalls.

* Wine county Ballooning: On US Hwy 101, Airport Blvd exit from Kal's Kaffe Mocha.

* Point Arena Lighthouse and Museum, 115 ft tall and Steel reinforced concrete lighthouse opened in 1908.

* Fort Ross State Historic Park: The site of trading post and fort established by Russians in 1812.

* Napa county which is again a very famous vineyard community is located just east of Sonoma county, activities there include wine tasting, Balooning, visiting Pertified forest and old faithful geyser.

* Being so close to San Francisco you may also consider visiting the GOLDEN GATE bridge, Pier 39,Alcatraz, China Town and the famous Crooked street of SF Downtown.

* Not to be missed are the beautiful beaches of Pacific ocean like Bodega bay.

* Lake Sonoma and boating.