Discoveries in the Land of Wine and Food
April 15, 2009
California truly is the Land of Wine and Food. With more wineries than any other state and famous chefs serving the freshest ingredients, California is one of the world’s top wine and food destinations. With award-winners by the dozen and incredible opportunities to taste, tour and learn, California’s wine country spreads across the state and is the stuff of wine lovers’ dreams. California’s broad mixture of cultures from across the globe makes for an equally dynamic cuisine. From American and new-wave California Cuisine to exquisite gourmet selections, little of California’s culinary selections exist without a dash of another vibrant culture, allowing foodies to take their taste buds around the world. Delight your palate with this delicious foray through California’s culinary strongholds.
Trip Time: 3 days
Day 1
Fly into San Francisco in the late morning. San Francisco has long ranked among the royalty of culinary cities in the U.S., known for its abundant five-star restaurants, gourmet specialty foods and proximity to the famous Napa and Sonoma wine valleys. Spend your day exploring the sights and sounds of this great city, from its world-famous architectural landmarks to its eclectic shops and wonderfully diverse peoples. Then, savor a delightful dinner infused with the freshest ingredients in a cool atmosphere.
Day 2
Start your second day in Marin County, a small but emerging wine region just across the Golden Gate Bridge. Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, Pinot Noir is the star here. Cool sea breezes also make Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah local specialties. Then, explore the flavors of Sonoma County – from its world-renowned wines to olive oil, cheese, bread and other gourmet offerings. With more than 250 wineries and quaint towns bordered by gorgeous vineyards, Sonoma is truly a place for connoisseurs of all kinds. Your journey continues northward to Mendocino, a small town perched directly atop the Pacific. Between the redwoods and the ocean, you may not know which way to look – but it’s all beautiful. From the wineries of Anderson Valley to the stunning Botanical Gardens, California’s North Coast will produce memories to treasure.
Day 3
From the eco-friendly small town of Fort Bragg, you’ll take a ride on the Skunk Train to Willits, then meander along the shores of Clear Lake. Another burgeoning wine scene, Lake County also plays host to those loving watersports, houseboating and concerts. Several new restaurants have sprung up around the lake in recent years, beckoning wine and food lovers alike. From Clear Lake, you’ll continue into the heart of California’s agricultural production – the Central Valley. In Yolo, Colusa and Solano counties, check out emerging gourmet products. From olive and walnut oils, fantastic cheeses, rare endives, blueberries and a host of other unique and mouthwatering products, discover the next new thing in California’s greatest garden.
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