The Wine Country

The world-famous Wine Country comprises two picturesque valleys, Napa and Sonoma, and the extensive hills and dales surrounding them. Altogether, this bucolic zone boasts over 300 wineries, from which countless award-winning wines have emerged. Napa, the slightly more distant of the two, is more developed for visitors, while Sonoma is more low-key but equally inviting. Both are convenient for a day trip, but it’s worth spending a day or two here – not only to sample the fruit of the vine but also to take a dip in one of the rejuvenating hot springs that abound throughout the area (see Wine Country Spas).

Napa Valley Wine Train 1275 McKinstry St, Napa 707 253 2111 www.winetrain.com Clos Pegase 1060 Dunaweal Lane 707 942 4981 www.clospegase.com Sterling Vineyard 1111 Dunaweal Lane 800 726 6136 www.sterlingvineyards.com Opus One 7900 St Helena Hwy 707 944 9442 www.opusonewinery.com Domaine Chandon 1 California Drive, Yount ville 707 944 2280 www.chandon.com Hess Collection 4411 Redwood Rd, Napa 707 255 1144 www.hesscollection.com V Sattui 1111 White Lane, St Helena 707 963 7774 www.vsattui.com Beringer Vineyards 2000 Main St, St Helena 707 963 4812 www.beringer.com “Old Faithful” Geyser 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga 707 942 6463 Adm $3–$8 www.oldfaithfulgeyser.com