Sonoma County is California wine country with a relaxed, down-to-earth spirit. Often described as Napa's more laid-back sister, it stretches from rolling vineyard hills to redwood forests and the rugged Pacific coast, with more than 400 wineries, many of them small and family-run.

Explore the historic town of Sonoma, with its leafy plaza, mission and tasting rooms, and the charming small towns of Healdsburg and Glen Ellen, home of Jack London State Historic Park. Santa Rosa offers museums and lively restaurants, including the Charles M. Schulz Museum, honoring the creator of Peanuts. Taste world-class pinot noir and chardonnay in the Russian River Valley, zinfandel in Dry Creek Valley and sparkling wine in Carneros. Then head west to walk among redwoods at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve and drive the dramatic Sonoma Coast.

Sonoma is about an hour north of San Francisco and pairs easily with Napa. Many wineries require tasting reservations. I'll plan your tastings, a driver and a charming inn or resort.