5 Fun Things To Do On Vacation In The Sonoma Wine Country, California

Get ready to discover all the fun, exciting tourist things to do and see in the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country in Northern California has to offer you... and some are totally free.. yes FREE!

1. Wash Away Your Worries with an Enzyme Bath

At Osmosis Spa, you can get a private enzyme bath that purifies your body, moisturizes skin, and soothes your soul. Set in a Japanese tea garden, you start with an organic herbal tea that contains enzymes from 25 organic plants, triggering a metabolic process enhanced by the hot bath.

Then, you soak in the warm water. As your body sweats out the toxins, you can relax, listening to meta-music designed to balance brain activity. This is followed by a 75-minute massage and facial.

2. Bond with Family and Friends at Armstrong Redwoods

Bring a picnic basket, a camera, and your loved ones to Armstrong Redwoods, an 805-meter park filled with ancient tree groves, nature trails, and numerous picnic and recreational facilities. Here you'll find some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in California over 300 feet high, and dating back to over 1,400 years.

The park is located about two miles north of Santa Rosa, and is accessible from Highway 101. Just turn left on River Road, then drive down to Guerneville. At the second traffic signal, turn right on Armstrong Road. For more Information, call (707) 869-2015.

3. Feel Like a Pioneer on Pt Reyes' Hiking Trails

Point Reyes offers about 140 miles of hiking trails and a view that displays Nature at its most pristine and majestic. Escape from the noise and pollution of the city, and imagine how California looked centuries ago.

Visitors will be given a free trail map, which shows both the hiking and the biking trails (however, those who go on foot will be able to explore the wilderness area, for the complete 'pioneer' experience). You can also ride horses.

The terrain is quite diverse, shifting from pasture lands to chaparral rides and forests and meadowlands. Visitors can customize their hike according to personal preference and experience.

4. Celebrate California's Creative Spirit

California has a thriving artists; community, and some of the best works of today's most promising creative minds are on display at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery.

The Gallery is found in Santa Rosa's Downtown Area, on 529 Fifth Street. It is open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm. However, on October 13, 14, 20 and 21, the Gallery extends its hours from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call visit www.artrails.org

5. Drink in Golden California

California's Sonoma and Napa regions are renowned for their fine wine. Take a tour of the most renowned vineyards and discover how your favorite vintage is made from how the grapes ripen under the golden California sun, to the centuries-old fermenting process.

You can also book a "scenic air tour" at www.SonomaCountyAirport.com. It's an experience of a lifetime which takes your journey to "new heights" through an aerial tour of the region's vineyards and famous wineries.

The site also helps busy tourists and businessmen with their travel needs so you start relaxing even when you're planning your vacation. Now that's worth a toast!

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3 Quick Food And Wine Ideas

Alright the holidays have passed and needless to say you're tired of turkey, ham or roast beef or what ever and now you maybe watching your diet after indulging yourself. So here are some quick and easy food ideas that keeps calories in mind but are still good and are a nice change of pace. If you're really trying to watch your calories then try to keep the wine to only one glass a day and not too late at night the reason for this is that wine contains alcohol which will slow your body's ability to burn calories. Of course you can always forget the wine but just remember you might not enjoy your meal as much.

Seven Exceptional Wines to Try in 2013

Ever wondered what other wines other than regular are worth trying? We have analyzed a few wines and found some interesting ones that are worth trying. I have listed a few below with some facts worth knowing.

Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages – 2008

The 2008 vintage of Chateau St. Jean Cinq Cepages is a 78% Cabernet Sauvignon mixture from Sonoma County, California; in addition to Cabernet Sauvignon the 2008 vintage features a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. This wine is full of richness and texture with flavors that explode upon tasting. The unique blend of flavors includes licorice, savory herbaceous tones, blackberry jam, graphite and tar which form a polished feeling on the palate.

Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend – 2009

This 2009 vintage of Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend has a Merlot base and comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington State. The grapes in the 2009 vintage are 80% Merlot blended with Syrah, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is nearly black in color and has notes of blackberry, black currant, boysenberry, oak, and a mild mineral flavor which leaves a smooth mouth feel.

Chateau Lagrange Clinet – 2009

The 2009 vintage of Chateau Lagrange Clinet is a lush, full-bodied blend from the Bordeaux region of France. This wine has a mix of 60% Merlot along with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes. This vintage has a deep, dark red color and hits on notes of blackberry, black cherry, and black currant with a toasted oak and licorice finish. The 2009 blend leaves a lush and creamy feel on the palate and ends on a sweet note.

Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon – 2010

The 2010 Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon is a complex blend which hails from the Columbian Valley in Washington State. While this vintage is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon it also includes a blend of Syrah and Merlot with touches of Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Grenache. This Cabernet leaves the mouth full of silky tannins from its dark fruit and vanilla taste; it is also quite versatile when it comes to food pairings due to its smooth and supple flavor.

Columbia Crest H3 Les Cheveaux - 2010

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This 2010 vintage of Columbia Crest H3 Les Cheveaux yields from the Horse Heaven Hills Region of Washington State. There is a blend of 80% Merlot grapes with added Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The 2010 is nearly black in color and leaves a balanced, fruity, and juicy flavor on the tongue with earthy undertones. There are hints of blueberry, anise, black currant, dark chocolate and mild oak with a bit of black pepper on the finish.

Cune Rioja – 2009

The 2009 Cune Rioja comes from the Rioja region of Northcentral Spain. This wine is 80% Tempranillo grapes which are native to Northern Spain blended with Mazuelo and Garnacha Tinta. The 2009 vintage is garnet red in color with purple tones. On the palate there are fun, vibrant tastes of red berries with a roasted oak finish. This wine has a light body and holds up well against spicy foods.

Alamos Malbec – 2011

The 2011 vintage of Alamos Malbec is a product of Mendoza, Argentina and is comprised 100% of Malbec grapes. The color of this vintage is a deep purple which comes from the use of black raspberry and currants which are evident on the palate, along with peppery spices and leathery tones. The 2011 Alamos Malbec has a soft and lush mouth feel that finishes on a sweet note.

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