Hidden Wine Country: Including Napa, Sonoma, And Mendocino

There's much more to wine country than tours of wineries: parks, bed and breakfasts, hot-spring spas, ballooning, bike adventures, and historic spots are just a smattering of what is covered in "Hidden Wine Country." Illustrations & maps.

Just one hour from San Francisco, California's wine country has long been a popular side trip from the city; but its world-class wineries, attractions, and amenities deserve more than a brief encounter. Written for those who want to delve beyond the big-name wineries and roadside offerings, Hidden Wine Country uncovers the region's true connoisseur culture.

It starts by letting readers in on the area's biggest secret: most of the wineries are small operations run by winemakers personally involved in the craft. Though Hidden Wine Country includes thorough reviews of the well-known wineries, it also covers dozens of vineyards where the tour guide may well be the owner.

There's much more to the wine country than its sweet nectar. Parks, bed and breakfasts, hot-spring spas, ballooning, biking adventures, and historic spots are just a smattering of what is covered in Hidden Wine Country. With fine dining now the second-greatest passion of the area. this guide includes an array of culinary options, from how to stock a picnic basket with gourmet cheeses and fresh fruits to where to savor haute cuisine prepared by master chefs.