"Sonoma is the County - Russian ..." a Sonoma Travel Page by peggydaly

I'll leave the traditional trips to Napa and Sonoma to others. If you've visited The Silverado Trail in Napa or Hwy 12 in Sonoma you'll know what I mean - battle your way down the road, battle your way to the tasting area, etc.

That is why my favorite Northern California wine tasting locale is The Russian River Valley in Sonoma County. It's more laid back, many tastings are free, it is generally less crowded.

And then there is their motto: "we don't spit we swallow." WRT wine, I can't argue with that :).

The other great thing about the Russian River is that Healdsburg is at it's center and it's a lovely little town - way more real than the towns of Napa or Sonoma.

Actually, stay and one day do the Russian River Valley to the west one day and The Alexander Valley to the east the next day.

Here is a map for reference. Healdsburg is a straight shot up 101 from SF so it's easy as pie. ok - WAY easier than pie. Did the creator of that saying every make pie?

I'll provide tips for individual wineries in "Things to Do". They'll include the best wineries for a picnic, art, champagne, food pairings, etc.