Sonoma County features more than 300 wineries, miles of rugged Pacific Ocean coastline and some of the most fertile earth in California. This scenic area truly  embodies the organic, natural and deliberate life that typifies wine country.

Wine enthusiasts already know of Sonoma County’s famed wineries and 15 distinct wine-growing areas that allow vintners to produce a stunning array of wines in an area slightly larger than the state of Rhode Island. Many visitors are pleasantly surprised to find that wine tasting in Sonoma County is a casual, friendly affair without pretense.

Many tasting rooms in Sonoma country offer free wine tastings, and often the person pouring the wine is the winemaker, eager to talk about their wine product and how it is made. One of the best luxury hotels anywhere can be found in Sonoma County – the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

“America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination” offers more than wine. The rugged mountains of western Sonoma County, where the Russian River flows past redwood-topped ridges, stand over the 80 kilometers/50 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, offering stunning views along California’s famed Highway 1. Coastal towns like Bodega  Bay entice seafood lovers with the bounty from the ocean, with Dungeness crab sold from the back of boats and salmon and cod appearing on local menus.

Further inland, Guerneville serves as both the West Coast’s “favorite gay and lesbian playground” and the entry point to the famed Armstrong Redwoods, a stand of old-growth redwoods where it is possible to get far from the madding crowds and enjoy the ancient giants in solitude.

Quirky small towns typify west Sonoma County, with the “Bohemian Connection” encompassing bastions of freethinkers in Occidental, Freestone and Monte Rio. Excellent inns, small wineries, artisan foods and even a spa that has gone “green” are to be found along the Bohemian Highway.

Ranching and organic farms and orchards give way to orderly rows of grapevines and the cities and towns of Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Healdsburg, Sonoma, Cloverdale, Glen Ellen, Boyes Hot Springs, Kenwood and more. Michelin-rated restaurants, fine hotels, fun Bed & Breakfasts, unique inns, quiet spas, and even an African-style tent safari are the order of the day.

Just 65 kilometers/40 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the city of Petaluma invites visitors to explore the southern portions of Sonoma County with river-front access to the historic downtown, lined with shops, restaurants and nightlife.

Sonoma County is noted as having more artists per capita than anywhere else in California, and the profusion of galleries, studios and world-class performance venues bear this out. The Green Music Center, located on the Sonoma State University campus, is the newest addition to the Sonoma County arts scene, and the acoustic perfection of the Weill Concert Hall is already drawing favorable comparisons with Tanglewood.

At the extreme southern end of Sonoma County, the San Pablo Wildlife Refuge offers expansive views of the marshes and wetlands that drain into the San Pablo Bay and to the San Francisco Bay.

Of course, Sonoma  County isn’t all wine and wildlife, as the furious racing action at Infineon Raceway shows. NASCAR, Indy-Car, and motorcycle racing are big draws as some of the biggest names come to compete on a road track with 11 challenging turns. Those wanting to experience racing on a more personal level can suit up and jump in a real race car at a driving school at the track.

Sonoma County offers direct air service at the airport named after long-time Santa Rosa resident Charles M. Schulz (creator of the “Peanuts” comic strip). Direct flights to and from Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego and Seattle are offered daily on Alaska Airlines. Sonoma County is also about 60 minutes from San Francisco and Oakland international airports, and 90 minutes to Sacramento international airport.

Sonoma County, located 50 kilometers/30 miles from San Francisco, is America’s premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 300 wineries and 80 kilometers /50-plus miles of stunning Pacific coast.

To receive a free visitors guide or additional information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, please visit www.sonomacounty.com or call (800) 576-6662.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel

For a perfect visit in scenic Napa, California – stay at The Westin Verasa Napa hotel. This luxury, serene hotel is set in an idyllic location in Napa, across from the world famous Napa Valley Wine Train, just a block away from the Oxbow Market and near the Napa Opera House.

The Westin Verasa combines a rich cultural heritage along with the natural beauty of its surroundings, along the beautiful Napa River.

As you enter the hotel’s expansive lobby, you quickly notice a warm and truly inviting feeling as natural light illuminates the area.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel Lobby

Featuring 180 rooms, the Westin property offers its guests spacious rooms and suites.  The modern suites include a kitchenette  and are decorated with dark wood furniture and warm colors with bright accents. The suites feature a separate living room, two 32″ wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, X-Box 360 with iPod docking station and DVD player, high-speed Internet access, plus a private balcony to enjoy the views.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel Suite

The Westin Verasa Napa offers a variety of on-site amenities. Sit back and relax on the large sundeck or near the stone firepit on the hotel’s terrace. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, two bocce courts, and 12,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting space.  For a romantic stroll, access the walking paths along the Napa River.

This green/sustainable hotel is situated  in the heart of downtown Napa, making it the perfect springboard for a variety of  local Napa Valley activities. The hotel’s helpful Concierge desk can arrange wine tours. You will find numerous wineries within a mile of the hotel or venture out to some of the world’s best wineries across Napa Valley.

For wine lovers, the Westin Verasa Napa hotel hosts wine tasting and appetizers every night in the main lobby, between 5 – 7 pm.

For foodies, the Westin Verasa Napa doesn’t disappoint. Treat yourself to award-winning cuisine at La Toque. Located in the lobby, BANK Café and Bar offers the casual side of Chef Ken Frank’s renowned La Toque kitchen.

La Toque restaurant

My wife and I had dinner at La Toque and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. Chef Ken Frank and his award winning La Toque was named one of the “Best Restaurants in America” by The Wine Spectator. La Toque was also awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. The multiple menu choices consist of modern French cuisine and the restaurant’s wine program is without equal in Napa Valley.

We selected three savory dishes for our meal. For starters, we had “Japanese Hamachi, Avocado and Asian Pear with Yuzu Kizami Emulsion and Dashi Gel” and “Seafood Pot au Feu with Matsutake and Local Dungeness Crab.” Next we enjoyed “New England Skate Wing with Candied Eggplant, Pine Nuts and Brown Butter” and “Ricotta Chick Pea Ravioli in a Parmesan Wild Mushroom Broth.” Our main dish included “Slow Coked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Braised Napa Cabbage and Heirloom Apples” and “Liberty Farm Duck Breast and Leg.”

The entire 5-star experience was top notch …. from the talented chef and kitchen staff, attentive and helpful restaurant employees, to the knowledgeable sommelier’s suggested dinner wine pairing. The restaurant’s ambiance was ideal. The lights were dimmed enough to create an idyllic setting, and the overall, dining atmosphere was not stuffy like other upscale restaurants.

After we finished our delicious desserts, we both agreed that this was truly one of the best meals and dining experiences we’ve ever had. To Chef Ken Frank, our evening was “simply incredible.”

The Westin Verasa Napa is highly recommended and caters to a wide variety of guests from romantic stays, family getaways or girlfriend retreats, to weddings, banquets and corporate meetings. From wonderful accommodations and service plus terrific dining, add this luxury Napa hotel to your “must stay” list.

Westin Verasa Napa
1314 McKinstry Street  Napa, CA 94559
(866) 599-6674

Cambium 2007 – Sequoia Grove Winery

If you are looking for a terrific tasting Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Napa Valley, then consider the Cambium 2007 from Sequoia Grove Winery.

This holiday season, family-owned Sequoia Grove Winery in Rutherford, CA, is offering a limited production Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine. Cambium is ideal to cellar or simply indulge in now with a decadent meal.

If you have hard-to-please sophisticates or others who you want to impress witha great wine, then this inaugural vintage of Cambium – Cambium 2007 -should be your choice.

Cambium 2007 is a limited production Cabernet Sauvignon-based red wine that embodies winemaker Michael Trujillo’s deep connection with world famous Napa Valley.

Cambium 2007 was conceived in the vintage and born in the cellar and is is a clear testament to Trujillo’s thirty years of viticultural wisdom and is made to authentically reflect the legacy of the growing season.

The name Cambium refers to the living soul of the great Sequoia, is a rich and complex wine which delivers a perfect arc of flavor, balance and structure.

To commemorate each vintage, Sequoia Grove will commission leading artists to create a signature artwork which pays tribute to the mighty Sequoias on the winery’s estate.

This proprietary program, the Cambium Artists’ Series, debuts with a striking photograph of the magnificent Redwoods by world-renowned nature photographer Art Wolfe. The limited-edition signed prints will be made available to the first 200 Cambium six-pack case subscribers this holiday season.

Each bottle of the Cambium 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon wine costs $140.

2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon

HALL Wines is the premier 21st century vineyard and winery and recently released its signature offering – the 2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall”

The 2008 HALL “Kathryn Hall” Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship wine for HALL Wines in Napa, California.

Santé restaurant – Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Located in luxurious Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, the signature dining room at Santé was recently graced with the coveted Michelin star for the second year in a row in the new Michelin Guide San Francisco, Bay Area & Wine Country 2011.

Santé has earned a national reputation for outstanding food. Literally meaning “to your health,” the Santé restaurant is a celebration of both innovative California cuisine and good taste.

Santé was proud to be named by Michelin along with an elite group of just 44 Bay Area restaurants as the “best of the best.”

Fine dining guests at Santé can enjoy a superb seasonal menu, in a warm and casual, yet stylish setting.

In the spirit of offering a premium and elegant California wine country experience, Santé Chef Andrew Cain masterfully presents the wine rich region’s abundant local products and world-famous wines.

The restaurant’s Sonoma-centric wine list features a wide variety of boutique, limited production varietals and perfect pairings to complement Chef Cain’s works.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge at 100 Boyes Blvd. in Sonoma Valley, the heart of Northern California’s wine country.

To make a reservation at Santé, please call 1-800- 441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma

Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley can be found about an hour north of San Francisco, California. This scenic countryside is where you will find lush vineyards, incredible wineries, fine dining restaurants and luxury accommodations.

The famous vineyards of Napa Valley are the top producers of wine in the United States, and many of the world’s finest wines come from these fertile lands.

A truly memorable way to see the beautiful Napa Valley and its rich, wine making history … is by taking the Napa Valley Wine Train. It’s definitely one of the most popular and “must-do” activities in Napa’s wine country.

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique wine country travel experience offering a picturesque view of the peaceful Napa countryside.

Wine Train passengers will enjoy a leisurely, three-hour journey from Napa to St. Helena and back, traveling through the towns of Yountvile, Oakville, and Rutherford.

This 36 mile round-trip journey is simply not just a train ride, but also an unforgettable, culinary experience. It’s the perfect combination of terrific food and fine wine from Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Wine Train at night

Your journey begins the moment you climb aboard the train. The restored vintage rail cars are an amazing site and consist of a combination of 1915-17 Pullman dining cars and lounge cars, plus a 1952 Pullman Vista Dome car.

It actually feels like you’re going back in time, as these historic cars have been restored to their original beauty.

There are several excursion packages to choose from. For lunch, two options include:
Gourmet Lunch Package
– A 3-course gourmet meal that is prepared on-board in an adjacent kitchen car, next to each dining area.

Vista Dome Lunch Package.
– For a more private dining experience, enjoy your 4-course meal in the Vista Dome Car, which provides an elevated observation view of the Napa wine country. The dining car has been meticulously refurbished using elegant Honduran Mahogany paneling and luxurious brass accents.

Extend your experience by booking one of four different, well-known winery tours, with your choice of visiting – Raymond Vineyards, ZD Winery, Domaine Chandon Winery, Grgich Hills Estate or the Raymond Family Vineyards.

For dinner, there are also two options to choose from:
Gourmet Dinner Package
– Enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal while you enjoy an amazing evening via an antique train.

Vista Dome Dinner Package.
– A 5-course gourmet meal is the ultimate fine dining experience and one I personally had the pleasure of experiencing.

Napa Valley Wine Train – Gourmet Dinner

The team of servers during our meal were incredible. From their knowledge and suggestions of local wines to their polite and prompt service, you quickly knew you were dealing with the “best of the best.”

Our fabulous 5-course meal started with a plate of incredible Hors D’Oeuvres consisting of seasonal vegetables, cheeses and finely cut meats. Next was delicious baby lettuce salad with candied walnuts and smoked goat cheese in a honey cider. Following was a tasty Harlequin Sorbet made of the perfect blend of the Wine Train’s very own Sorbets.

For the main entrée, we had the choice of Grilled Lamp Chop, Achiote Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Pea Ravioli with Roasted Peppers, or Swordfish. A lover of seafood, I decided to go with the Swordfish, which was prepared and served to perfection!

There was an incredible list of wine to choose from. We decided to try a bottle of white wine. Our server suggested a 2008 ZD Wines Reserve Chardonnay. An excellent choice and superb tasting wine!

After our dinner was complete, we moved to the dessert car and had a difficult choice between Creme Brulee and Chocolate Tiramisu. My wife chose the former and I, the latter. After sampling both, they were equally decadent. It was the perfect way to end an exquisite meal – sitting in plush swivel chairs while gazing out the large windows at the passing Napa Valley scenery.

The Napa Valley Wine Train also offers its own wine tasting bar. Stop by and sample a wide variety of boutique wines from many of the local Napa wineries.

Be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early as the Napa Valley Wine Train is very popular, especially during the busy summer months.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy. It simply is the ideal way to enjoy fine wine, a gourmet meal, and take in the breathtaking Napa Valley scenery in a historic, yet elegant train.

Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
(800) 427-4124
(707) 253-2111 (local)

Visit Napa Valley – iPhone App

There’s an exciting new app available for iPhone users – Visit Napa Valley (TM).

This free iPhone app is the official mobile visitor guide of the legendary Napa Valley, California.

Napa Valley is one of the world’s top wine-tourism destinations, and now you can have insider access to the best Napa Valley has to offer is just a “touch” away.

The new Visit Napa Valley app features an online visitor guide, a fully-searchable winery guide, interactive GPS-enabled maps, events calendar, plus access to exclusive offers and much more!

As the official mobile visitor guide of The Napa Valley sponsored by The Napa Valley Destination Council and endorsed by the Napa Valley Vintners, the informative Visit Napa Valley app provides visitors with access to a database of over 300 wineries, more than 100 hotels and Bed & Breakfasts, 160 restaurants and a wide variety of spas, events and attractions.

Some of the key user-friendly functions of the application include:
– An Interactive GPS-Enabled Map with wineries, hotels, restaurants, spas, attractions, etc. for easy navigation and selection while in the destination;
– Exclusive Offers Section featuring a full listing of special offers and experiences;
– Hot News featuring reports from the destination such as special wine tasting and culinary events, new restaurant openings, seasonal & cultural activities;
– Favorites section, where points of interest, preferred experiences and special offers can be conveniently saved and shared with friends;
– Weather Reports;
– Calendar of current and future events;
– Virtual Location Feature to help visitors explore The Napa Valley’s various communities when planning their next trip from home.

The Visit Napa Valley app is free and can be downloaded from Apple’s iTunes Store or by visiting http://www.legendarynapavalley.com

Flexjet 25

Whether you are a wine connoisseur, enjoy traveling to scenic Napa Valley or love fine dining, we found the perfect luxury gift that that combines all three!

A wonderful holiday gift would be the Flexjet 25 “Napa Valley Edition” Jet Card. If you purchase the card form now until Jan. 15, 2011, you’ll receive very best in private jet travel, provided by U.S. air carrier Jet Solutions, plus a private dinner and cooking class with Iron Chef Morimoto!

This is a rare opportunity to actually attend an intimate culinary experience and meet with Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto.

This exciting package is currently scheduled for June 2-5, 2011 and will include:
· Two all-inclusive four-day passes to Auction Napa Valley, the industry’s signature social and charity event of the year
· An invitation for two to an intimate dinner personally prepared by world-renowned Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto
· A private cooking class and sake tasting with Chef Morimoto at Morimoto Napa, his newest restaurant which opened July 2010
· Accommodations at Meadowood Napa Valley, the area’s first and finest luxury resort and setting for Auction Napa Valley since its inception
· Personal driver and luxury vehicle throughout the weekend

Flexjet 25 Card

In addition to the luxury experience, your purchase also goes to to a worthy cause. With every special edition jet card sold, the Flexjet 25 Jet Card program helps Auction Napa Valley raise money for the healthcare, youth service and affordable housing non-profits it supports.

This annual fundraiser has raised nearly $100 million for Napa Valley area charities!

For additional information, please visit www.flexjet25.com/napavalley or call 888-240-2108

The Flexjet 25 Jet Card program was introduced in 2006. The jet card program offers travelers a simple way to sample private aviation without actually assuming ownership of a plane. This appealing program provides customers with an unbeatable combination of choice, flexibility and benefits amongst jet cards.

Looking for the best Sauvignon Blanc Wines?

You couldn’t go wrong with these two fine choices. The Mollet Florian Sancerre Roc De L’abbaye 2007 from France’s Loire Valley, and Mahi 2007 from Marlborough, New Zealand

Each is made from the sauvignon blanc grape and, very likely, vinified in similar ways (stainless steel tanks, no oak barrels–though there are minor exceptions from winemaker to winemaker).

Because of New Zealand’s cool, maritime climate and stony soils, you can expect the Marlborough sauvignon blanc to be the far more pungent of the two wines.

It should smell like fresh grass clippings from your lawn with a lot of passion fruit, grapefruit and other tropical fruit thrown in.

Expect the Sancerre to taste and smell a bit more like that salty, stony character you get in European sparkling mineral waters.  Full article

What began as a fine California-french restaurant created by Claude Rouas, a leading San Francisco restaurateur has evolved into one of Americas most sought-after small luxury hotels and a perennial recipient of the hospitality industry’s highest honors.

Auberge Du Soleil opened in 1982 as Napa Valley’s first fine-dining restaurant and the vision of French – born Rouas who sought to recreate the sun-drenched ambiance of province in the California Wine Country.

Perched on the slope of Rutherford Hill overlooking Napa Valley, the Auberge quickly gained recognition as one of the leading restaurants in Northern California.  Not only for its superb cuisine, but also its spectacular views of the Napa Valley below.

In 1985, responding to guest demand, Rouas and partner Robert Harmon opened The Inn. A collection of sun and earth toned cottages housing 50 room and suites each with french doors opening out to a terrace and sweeping views of olive grooves and the vine- studded Valley.

The Auberges French-accented California style and soft-spoken Luxury Echo the character of Napa Valley – a place to savor the bounty of fine rood and wine and immerse oneself in an exquisite natural setting.

Since the inns opening, guests have been drawn to the Auberge for its privacy, tranquility and unmistakable romance.

With a sophisticated new design and acclaimed new chef, the restaurant continues to win international recognition. The Inn also recently introduced Spa Du Soleil, a retreat modeled after a centuries-old monastery.

Romance and all that it entails–escape, total privacy and the intimacy of having a beautiful spot to share–is an important part of the allure of Auberge Du Soleil.

Auberge Du Soleil
P.O. Drawer B
180 Rutherford Hill Road
Rutherford, California 94573
800-348-5406

Thomas Keller is a world famous chef. At the age of  52-years old, the French-American chef has won countless awards. His restaurants have been top ranked in Michelin stars including the highest three stars for the  French Laundry in Napa Valley, California, and the gourmet New York eatery Per Se.

Keller participated in an interview with Reuters. He spoke about his cooking philosophy, favorite dishes and the most difficult thing about being a chef.

When asked what was his cooking motto, Keller replied, “One of our overriding philosophies is the law of diminishing returns, which is: the more you have of something the less you like it. We establish our compositions based on the view that when you are finished with a dish, you wished you had one more bite. That way you have reached the highest flavor for that dish and it becomes memorable.”  Full article