From Santa Rosa, it's a winding 40-minute drive out to the town of Sonoma, but don’t rush the trip. Highway 12, better known as the Sonoma Highway, is dotted with wineries beckoning you to stop and sip. Prominent because of their imposing entryways along the highway are St. Francis (100 N. Pythian Road, Santa Rosa, 707-833-2148), Chateau St. Jean (8555 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-4134) and Blackstone (8450 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 800-955-9585). Their tasting rooms will satisfy your thirst for zinfandel, chardonnay or merlot. Closer to town, Kenwood Inn & Spa (10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, 707-833-1293) is a good bet for lunch or a massage. Also stroll the historic town square, ringed by such shops as Red Wolf Gallery (134 Church St. Sonoma, 707-996-5111), whose courtyard’s filled with found-object sculptures.
Just down the street, the Vella Cheese Company (315 Second St. East. Sonoma, 800-848-0505) has made wheels of award winning Monterey Jack since 1931. Probably the best known restaurant here is Sondra Bernstein's super charming The Girl and The Fig, (110 W. Spain St. Sonoma, 707-938-3634) with spot-on French fare. Despite being in the middle of cabernet country, this spot features Rhone varietals including Grenache, syrah, viognier, and marsanne. (Maria C. Hunt)