What sets Sonoma, California apart from any other wine-producing town in the world? Is it the history surrounding the region? Is it the cozy, romantic getaways that entice both first-time visitors and frequent guests? Is it the world-famous wineries that scatter throughout the picturesque landscape? Or, is it because upon entering the town of Sonoma, you are instantly transformed from the busy and stressed life you live to the laid back and relaxed person you long to be, well before you take a sip of locally produced wine? The answer to this question is simply: all of the above.

Located just an hour north of San Francisco, the Sonoma Valley is located in the southern part of Sonoma County, California. The southern end of this vast and hearty valley opens toward the San Pablo Bay and the northern end gives way to 17 miles of bountiful vineyards, quaint towns and plenty of wine tasting for any occasion.

The town of Sonoma is well-known for some of the world’s most recognized wines; Kenwood, Benziger, and the famous “No Wimpy Wines” label, Ravenswood. A beautiful hillside drive and an open afternoon will take you to some of the most talked about wineries in the entire world. Some wineries here require reservations, but most have tasting rooms that are open to the public. Along the way to the wineries, visitors can take advantage of small, quaint shops and friendly cafes that only echo how the local citizens love sharing their wine-making community with out-of-town guests.

The past six years have brought Sonoma additional notoriety and respect in the culinary world when it hosts the Olive Festival during December and continuing through February. The festival hands over the spotlight it shares with the local wine to olive-related food and beauty products. This provides the perfect opportunity for wine lovers and olive fans to come together and experience the love of both in local wineries, relaxing hotels and spas, and downtown stores and cafes. One can easily get caught up in the passion the locals have for both of these epicurean luxuries. Whether you purchase a day pass or a weekend pass during the Passport Weekend held in the last week of February, you can take advantage of participating wineries and retail stores to taste local wine and cuisine free of charge during the festival. Visitors can easily beat the winter blues while celebrating the Season of the Olive and sharing a good bottle of local wine.

To understand the variety of wines that over sixty-seven wineries located within Sonoma County produces, you may want to become familiar with the term “appellation”, which is the term used to define different grape growing regions. In Sonoma County alone there are three main appellations: the Carneros Appellation, which is at the north end of the San Francisco Bay; The Sonoma Valley Appellation, which is the heart of Sonoma on the warm valley floor; and The Sonoma Mountain Appellation, which provides a long ripening season for grapes grown on mountain slopes. Carneros primarily produces full-bodied fruit flavors of Pinot Noir, Chardonnays, and even some Merlots. The Sonoma Valley produces spicy Zinfandels, crisp and cool Chardonnays and even more Pinot Noirs. In the mountains, you’ll find richly flavored Cabernet Sauvignons. Due to the individual growing areas, a Zinfandel grown in Sonoma Valley might taste different than a Zinfandel grown in Carneros. Appellations are responsible for what makes each wine unique. Educating yourself in different Appellations will surely assist you in finding that perfect wine that seems like it was made just for you.

Whether you want to travel to Sonoma for the day, a weekend, or even an entire week, you are guaranteed to come back home feeling like you have just experienced a walk through time. Being in a region where the ancient art of wine-making still exists can make anyone appreciate the beauty and art in one single bottle of wine. Wine is more than just a drink in a glass: it’s a way of life here in Sonoma and will remain this way for years to come.