DISCOVER
SONOMA CALIFORNIA

A LITTLE CALIFORNIA WINE HISTORY

Wild Mustard under the Grape Vines

I know, I know! You're thinking, "Hey, what's she talking about?" Wine grapes have been grown all over California since Father Junípero Serra built the first Spanish mission in San Diego. That's why they were called "Mission Grapes."

And you'd be right to say so! But we're not talking about any old wine-grapes-in-general. We're talking about the Wine Industry - the beginnings of California's premium wines.

That's why Sonoma County Wineries are so important. That's where it all started!

The Buena Vista Winery was established in Sonoma in 1857 and is a registered historic landmark. It was the first premium winery in all of California.

Also in 1857, only three months later than Buena Vista, the Gundlach Bundschu Winery started its operations. It's still family-owned and into its sixth generation of family vintners.

• Interested in some wine-tasting tips while we're here? Look no further! These tips will have you looking & feeling like a pro in no time!!

BUT IS WINE - PREMIUM OR NOT - ALL THERE IS TO SONOMA?

Sonoma California is home to Sonoma Plaza - the largest town plaza in California - with its historic buildings, its boutique shops, and its world-class restaurants. It was originally laid out by General Mariano Vallejo, himself.

Sonoma Cheese Factory

You'll find the Story of California throughout Sonoma Plaza's History - Sonoma California gave birth to the Bear Flag Republic and served as the Republic's capital, albeit for a short time.

Explore Mission San Francisco Solano de Sonoma, the northernmost of the California missions.

Discover a delightful cooking school called Ramekins, where you can join hands-on cooking classes with names like "Winter Braising Dishes," "Hearty Foods and Micro Brews," "Seafood from Mexico," and "Hit the Grill Running."

Picnic at one of Sonoma California's regional parks, starting with the eight-acre Plaza Park in the center of Sonoma with a duck pond, a children's playground, an outdoor amphitheater, grand old trees, and two historic buildings.

The kidlettes will delight in a quarter-scale railroad called Traintown. Take rides on the train through a miniature landscape and enjoy the petting zoo, but don't forget the ferris wheel, the full-size cabooses, and the carousel as well.

You'll find quaint towns and villages, state historic parks, warm springs resorts, African animals (that's right!), hot air balloons, biking, hiking, camping, picnicing, boating, fishing, kayaking, birwatching,
horsebackriding . . .

Did I mention? Sonoma California is dog friendly!! This one's not real, but there's many a shopkeeper with a canine family member on the premises to greet you, and with a special treat for your best friend should you bring him or her along!

And, all this just scratches the surface!

SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Let's explore Sonoma Valley and its surrounds!

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