Get your hands in the grapes by attending Sonoma Grape Camp. It's a great way to learn how your favorite wines are born. 10 Jun 2013
Sonoma Wine Country: Smell. Swirl. Sip. Smile

Sonoma County Tourism

SONOMA COUNTY, CALIF. – There's really no reason to whine about wines; Sonoma County wineries — more than 370 of them — barrel a varietal for almost everyone.

They also offer experiences beyond bellying up to the tasting room bar. Here are a few to enhance your Sonoma Wine Country visit.

Vineyard Adventures:You can take self-guided vineyard tours at eight wineries in Sonoma County free of charge. The program, which is available daily with no advance reservation, is presented by Sonoma County Winegrowers. Find a complete list of wineries that participate at www.sonomavineyardadventures.com. Wine tasting fees may apply.

Meet some winemakers: In the off season (November through May), your tasting room attendant may also be your winemaker. If you really want to connect with the person who made your wine, sign up for one of dozens of winemaker dinners that are available throughout the year. Find one today at www.sonomacounty.com/sonoma-events.

Better yet, buy a ticket to Sonoma Wine Country Weekend and you'll have a full slate of winemaker dinners and luncheons to choose from, www.sonomawinecountryweekend.com. Better hurry, tickets sell out for this premier wine event.

Get your hands dirty and wine stained: If you want to really know your wine and how it's made, get out there are learn how to harvest grapes, take a winery tour, or a blending class.

If you want to do all three at once, consider signing up for Sonoma Grape Camp, www.sonomagrapecamp.com. Held in September, the prime time for harvesting, Grape Camp will have you out in the fields, grape knife in hand. You'll also take blending and cooking classes, go on winery tours, and discover why food is important to enjoying wine.

Did we mention tasting wine? That's featured, too.

Indulge in a food and wine pairing: What came first, the amazing Russian River Valley Pinot or the wild mushroom appetizer it's paired with? Does it really matter? The one thing to remember is both the food and the wine taste better when consumed together.

Food and wine pairings at wineries give you a real taste of how the two work together. Winery chefs work with vintners to prepare lunches and small plates that complement the wine. Anyone can get a great glass of wine at a restaurant, but kick it up a notch and reserve a space at a winery table. Find out more at www.sonomacounty.com/articles/wineries-food-pairings.

Put down the wine glass and have a beer: Did you know Sonoma County could be renamed Beer Country? It's true. There are a growing number of micro- and mid-size breweries and pubs that feature locally made beer, www.sonomacounty.com/activities/breweries. Sonoma County winemakers have always said, “It takes a lot of good beer to make great wines.” They aren't kidding.

You know you're in a safe place to drink beer when you're in the TapRoom and Beer Sanctuary. If you're wanting a Little Sumpin' Sumpin' more than just a beer, at Petaluma's Lagunitas Brewing Co.  you can learn about the brewing process with a free tour, scheduled daily at 3 p.m. (some days may have other tour times available). Even if you aren't a beer fan, the tour of this regional brewery is worth the trip.

There is always something new to discover in Sonoma County. With more than 370 wineries, 40 spas, and 50-plus miles of Pacific coastline, it is time to book your Wine Country trip today at www.sonomacounty.com.