Sonoma is a large and diverse region. Whereas its neighbor, Napa Valley, is small and compact, Sonoma sprawls for miles. Many of the best vineyards are located north of the city of Santa Rosa, and south of the town of Cloverdale. There you'll find a concentration of superb vineyards in the Alexander and Knights Valleys. Varietal diversity rules here, with excellent versions of any number of different wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

The Russian River runs through the Alexander Valley and swings west towards the sea at the charming town of Healdsburg. The cool climate near the river as you approach the Pacific Ocean produces brilliant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir--some say the best Pinot Noir in the New World. Within the Russian River Valley, the small sub-appellation Chalk Hill produces Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Northwest of the river is the Dry Creek Valley, home of fine Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel, as well as some Gew��rztraminer and Riesling.

Farther south, and to the east, paralleling the Napa Valley on the other side of the Mayacamas Mountains is the Sonoma Valley. The town of Sonoma, with its historic town square and mission, was the birthplace of the Bear Flag Republic of California in 1848. Surrounding the town are numerous wineries and vineyards, including some of the oldest in California. Within the Sonoma Valley you'll find the sub-AVA Sonoma Mountain, known for hillside-grown Cabernet Sauvignon, and districts such as Valley of the Moon and Kenwood. The Sonoma Valley features a variety of microclimates ranging from cool near the Bay to warm farther north, and produces rich Chardonnay, intense Cabernet Sauvignon and luscious Merlot, among others.