Page 82 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

VINEYARD IN SPRING, Sonoma
Valley, above; farm stand “The
Patch” has lots on the menu, below.
80 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A
SONOMA VALLEY
Wine tasting, fine dining and loads of history
B Y L A U R A D E L R O S S O
THE 17-MILE-LONG Sonoma Valley,
nestled between the Sonoma and Maya-
camas mountain ranges, holds a
significant spot in California history, not
only as the birthplace of the state’s wine
industry but also the site where California
was founded in 1846.
“The Valley of the Moon,” as it is often
called, lies within vast Sonoma County,
starting from the edge of Santa Rosa at the
north and extending through acres of
well-tended vineyards south to Carneros,
including the towns of Sonoma, Glen
Ellen and Kenwood and more than 40
wineries, including many that are organic
and biodynamic.
In the heart of it all is Sonoma’s shady
eight-acre plaza surrounded by acclaimed
restaurants, boutiques, artisan food shops,
wine-tasting rooms and charming 19th
-
century buildings. Among them is Mission
San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, which
dates from 1823 and was the last of the
string of California missions to be con-
structed by the Franciscan friars.
A combination of Mediterranean cli-
mate, ideal soil and geography makes
Sonoma Valley one of the finest wine pro-
ducing regions in the world. Two wineries
within a short distance of the plaza are
among the oldest in California: Buena
Vista, founded by a Hungarian count,
Agostin Haraszthy, who planted grapes in
the valley in 1851; and Sebastiani, the
oldest continuous family-run winery in
the state. Both offer tours that trace the
roots of Sonoma’s wine industry.
The idyllic town of Glen Ellen six miles
north is associated with writer Jack
London, whose forested ranch makes up
Jack London State Historic Park, where a
visitors center and small museum describe
the life of one of California’s great authors.
Also in the northern part of Sonoma
Valley is Kenwood, a town set amidst rows of
vineyards and home to several well-known
wineries, including Chateau St. Jean, which
draws visitors to its French-inspired elegant
gardens and handsome tasting room. For trip
planning, see sonomavalley.com.
SONOMA VALLEY VISITORS BUREAU. TOP: REBECCA GOSSELIN PHOTOGRAPHY