My California By Maryann Hammers
by Maryann Hammers
I Heart Sonoma
A version of this article was originally published in Robb Report.
While Napa gets the most press, Sonoma is the true birthplace of California’s wine industry. The first commercial vineyard was planted here in 1857, and today the area’s 12 appellations boast 56,000 acres of premium grapes and almost 300 wineries. The region’s substantial charms extend far beyond wine, including a dramatic coast, majestic redwoods, restful fields of California poppies and golden mustard, and rolling oak-studded hills. Manicured vineyards line winding country lanes, and small towns — many a mere block or so long — dot the peaceful landscape. Despite its rural simplicity, or perhaps because of it, the area brims with civilization’s perks: world-class restaurants, enchanting galleries, quaint boutiques, and accommodations ranging from deluxe resorts to country inns and historic lodges.
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Think ahead and plan a trip to Sonoma county for a few months from now. The region is at its best in fall. The weather is at its most crisp and perfect; vineyards come alive with the sounds and sights of harvest; jazz musicians riff on the Russian River; and chefs get creative with the season’s just-picked bountiful produce. And the grapevines in autumn! Laden with plump ripe fruit, their leaves turn red with the season — or perhaps they blush from the attention.
Here’s some Sonoma trivia:
Trivia:
* Zinfandel, California’s most prevalent varietal, got its Golden State start in Sonoma.
* It is possible to see the moon rise and set more than once in the same night in Sonoma Valley, dubbed by Jack London as “Valley of the Moon.”
* During World War II, the airport landing strip was painted to look like vineyards to those flying overhead.
Tags: California travel, california wine, Sonoma, Sonoma coast, winery
A version of this article was originally published in Robb Report.
While Napa gets the most press, Sonoma is the true birthplace of California’s wine industry. The first commercial vineyard was planted here in 1857, and today the area’s 12 appellations boast 56,000 acres of premium grapes and almost 300 wineries. The region’s substantial charms extend far beyond wine, including a dramatic coast, majestic redwoods, restful fields of California poppies and golden mustard, and rolling oak-studded hills. Manicured vineyards line winding country lanes, and small towns — many a mere block or so long — dot the peaceful landscape. Despite its rural simplicity, or perhaps because of it, the area brims with civilization’s perks: world-class restaurants, enchanting galleries, quaint boutiques, and accommodations ranging from deluxe resorts to country inns and historic lodges.
Think ahead and plan a trip to Sonoma county for a few months from now. The region is at its best in fall. The weather is at its most crisp and perfect; vineyards come alive with the sounds and sights of harvest; jazz musicians riff on the Russian River; and chefs get creative with the season’s just-picked bountiful produce. And the grapevines in autumn! Laden with plump ripe fruit, their leaves turn red with the season — or perhaps they blush from the attention.
Here’s some Sonoma trivia:
Trivia:
* Zinfandel, California’s most prevalent varietal, got its Golden State start in Sonoma.
* It is possible to see the moon rise and set more than once in the same night in Sonoma Valley, dubbed by Jack London as “Valley of the Moon.”
* During World War II, the airport landing strip was painted to look like vineyards to those flying overhead.
Tags: California travel, california wine, Sonoma, Sonoma coast, winery
Sounds great…would love a trip to Sonoma!
I better start planning for the fall!