“I firmly believe, from what I have seen, that this is the chosen spot of all this earth as far as Nature is concerned.” – Horticulturist Luther Burbank, 1875, about Sonoma County.

SONOMA COUNTY, CALIF. – Whether grown from the fertile earth or harvested fresh from the sea, Sonoma County's eateries embrace an eat-fresh philosophy that offers visitors a true taste of Wine Country.

Don't take our word for it; Sonoma County was named the top U.S. wine destination by Trip Advisor for its 2012 Travelers' Choice® Wine Destinations awards.

Beyond wine, venture out to discover a food lover's paradise: 500-plus restaurants ranging from Michelin- and Zagat-rated to casual wine country cuisine use freshly harvested, locally-grown produce.

Sonoma County's constellation shines with three Michelin stars. The newest star is Terrapin Creek (1580 Eastshore Rd., Bodega Bay, CA 94923, 707-875-2700, www.terrapincreekcafe.com), an unassuming eatery in the coastal town of Bodega Bay.

It joins a list of favorites, Farmhouse Inn (7871 River Road, Forestville, CA 95436, 707-887-3300, www.farmhouseinn.com), and Madrona Manor (1001 Westside Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448, 800- 258-4003, www.madronamanor.com).

With all this talk of food, let's not lose sight of the “wine” in Sonoma Wine Country. Three wineries took sweepstakes awards at the 2012 Sonoma County Harvest Fair. Winning the sweepstakes for white wine was Angeline's 2011 Sauvignon Blance, Russian River Valley.

Pezzi King's 2010 Old Vine Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, took the sweepstakes for red wine. Pezzi King also took the sweepstakes for specialty wine with its 2010 A Royal Rot Sauvignon Blanc, Dry Creek Valley.

Award-winning wines don't just happen overnight; they are the culmination of years of work to get it just right. Other wineries won awards at Harvest Fair. Of the nearly 1,000 competing wines some 863 awards were handed out. The three sweepstakes winners were included in the 37 best of class awards. In addition, there were 21 double gold, 173 gold, 340 silver, and 292 bronze awards.

Sonoma County vintners have been known to say it takes a lot of good beer to make great wine. It's appropriate that the Beer of the Year is also created here. Russian River Brewing won Beer of the Year from readers of American Homebrewers Association Magazine – Pliny the Elder, a double IPA.

Other noted Sonoma County brews also made the list: Healdsburg's Bear Republic's Racer 5, 29th place; and Russian River Brewing's Blind Pig IPA, 43rd.

In other brew news, Pliny the Younger – an almost a true Triple IPA with triple the amount of hops as a regular I.P.A. – was Beer Advocate's Beer of the Year. This cult favorite is released only once a year and is so popular fans camp out to buy it. In fact, beer fans from Australia made the trip to sample its deliciousness.

While the “locavore movement” is changing the way the nation eats, here it's been that way for hundreds of years. In fact, Sonoma County's mild Mediterranean climate means farm markets are active year round. And local farmers are an important part of the food process here.

Pay attention as you explore the lush countryside; the bounty you see today may be on your plate tonight. An abundance of fruits, vegetables and herbs blanket the countryside. Cattle, sheep, and pigs graze the landscape, chickens and turkeys scratch in the pastures, and goats and cows offer up fresh milk and cheese. Dungenesss crab, salmon and briny oysters expand menu choices.

Sonoma County Farm Trails is evidence of this rich heritage. It's a culinary charm bracelet of more than 200 orchards, farms, ranches and vineyards throughout the county, offering everything from apples to zucchini.

Visit Green String Farms, which has been supplying Alice Water's Chez Panisse from almost the moment the doors opened. Discover fresh vegetables from the barefoot farmer at Tierra Vegetables. Three Graces raises heritage hogs that are a top choice for restaurants around the area.

Sonoma and Marin counties are known for their artisan cheeses. In fact, the Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail features 27 cheese makers who make cow, goat, sheep, and even water buffalo cheeses.

Visit cheese history at Vella Cheese, a staple in Sonoma since 1931. Spread European-style butter from McClelland Dairy on freshly baked sourdough rolls at a local bakery. Redwood Hill Farm and Creamery produces award-winning goat milk cheese.

At more than 1 million acres, this authentic Wine Country starts just 45 minutes north of San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge and encompasses the diversity of wine regions the world over. America's premier wine, spa and coastal destination features more than 370 wineries and 55 miles/89 kilometers of stunning Pacific coast.

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.