Both 2016 and 2017 carry special significance in Sonoma County, marking historic anniversaries for the celebrated author Jack London, the wine industry, local parks and trails, and several renowned businesses.

Throughout 2016, the Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen invites visitors to “Discover Your Call of the Wild — Celebrating the Legacy of Jack London.” A series of monthly events honor London, an internationally renowned writer, thinker, adventurer, social activist, and pioneering farmer.

London wrote some of his most famous works at his beloved Beauty Ranch, which was his home until his death on Nov. 22, 1916. Of London's 50 books and hundreds of essays, “Call of the Wild,” “White Fang,” and others have been translated into more than 70 languages. The yearlong celebration recalls London's legacy on his ranch, now a spectacular 1,400-acre park.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the Wine Road, an association of 197 wineries and 54 lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys in northern Sonoma County. Free Wine Road maps are available online.

It's not an actual road in the sense of a single, continuous stretch of paved highway — rather, it's a treasure map to the gems nestled among the hills and valleys of these lush, beautiful wine regions. For the past 40 years, visitors following the Wine Road have meandered through some of the most picturesque, naturally beautiful countryside in all of California. The organization's signature events include Winter Wineland in January, Barrel Tasting in March, and A Wine & Food Affair in November.

Plus, Bear Republic Brewing Company celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2016. Originally operating as a small brewpub in downtown Healdsburg, Bear Republic is now the 39th largest brewery nationwide. In addition to its original brewpub, it added a production brewery in Cloverdale in 2006, and a second brewpub is slated to open in Rohnert Park in 2017.

Over the years, Bear Republic's bold and daring brews earned top honors in the American brewing industry, picking up medals from the Great American Beer Festival, the World Beer Cup, Good Food Awards, the California State Fair, and other competitions.

One of the milestones in 2017 will be the 50th anniversary of the Sonoma County Regional Parks system, which operates more than 50 parks and trails countywide, maintaining more than 140 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, as well as 268 campsites on the coast and in the heart of Wine Country. For the past 50 years, the Regional Parks department has displayed and protected Sonoma County's natural beauty and diversity.

In February 2017, Cowgirl Creamery celebrates its 20th year of crafting artisan cheeses in Sonoma and Marin counties. The company's delicious cheeses are sold to more than 500 stores, independent cheese shops, farmers markets, and restaurants, as well as being distributed nationally through Whole Foods Markets.

Also in 2017, Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery will celebrate its 35th year with a series of anniversary events at the winery and around the country. Since its first release in 1982, Gary Farrell Winery's Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays have remained benchmarks of the region, as elegant, complex expressions of their Russian River Valley vineyard origins. Winemaker Theresa Heredia, who joined the winery in 2012, continues to emphasize the house style of elegance and balance.

These anniversaries highlight Sonoma County's rich history and dynamic development, and offer opportunities to enjoy and appreciate the Sonoma Wine Country culture and lifestyle.

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Find your passion in Sonoma County, located only 30 miles/50 kilometers north of San Francisco and featuring more than 400 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 50 miles/80 kilometers of stunning Pacific Ocean coastline.

For a free visitors guide or information on hotels, wineries, events, spas, attractions, and dining in Sonoma County, visit www.sonomacounty.com or call +1-707-522-5800.