Scenic Overlook, Indeed.

My Uncle Bud highly recommended this little detour as I drove into the Bay Area: As you approach the Golden Gate bridge on Highway 101 (which is, in fact, a bit past my target exit for 580 to Oakland), take the road before the toll and bear witness to the most beautiful view of the city from the scenic Marin Headlands. This only really works if it's a sunny day, of course. And you'd be hard-pressed to find many sunny days around here in the winter. But for some awesome reason, the weather has been smiling on my whole trip down the coast, and I haven't had a foggy day or a drop of rain since I left Portland.

Dogs, Brats, and Beer

Something funny about life: You can have every intention of focusing on wine and spirits while ignoring beer during your 3-week road trip, and yet...

Creekside Cafe

Everything about this place is simple and good. So I'll tip my hat to it in much the same way. The space is bright, lots of windows, cheery colors, and quirky kitsch in just the right amount. Small tables and a small counter, a white board listing the numerous daily specials. Also, a patio area for al fresco dining (seemed to be too cold for the locals this week).

Eggs Benedict served with breakfast potatoes at Creekside Cafe

Touring Secret Wineries with Tom

"Whazzaaaap!" Huge smile. Strong handshake. A hat obtained from a pool boy in Thailand. These are the signature introductory features of a Sonoma vineyard owner named Tom. Tom Evola. And I was going to let Tom drive me around in his pickup truck to some "secret" wineries in the Sonoma Valley for Day 2 of wine touring. Sweet.

Tom and Jaye, his "driver-in-training", at Grebennikoff

My Local Sicilian Family Restaurant

A few entries ago, I mentioned a couple I met at Meritage Martini Oyster Bar & Grille who were very excited to learn that I planned to dine at one of their favorite local restaurants, Mamma Tanino's, and they encouraged me to mention their names to the hostess/co-owner/chef's-wife, Kimberley. So, after my first day of wine touring on the shuttle, I headed to dinner early, eager for some hearty Italian comfort food and maybe some more people-watching.

The Midwest Descends upon Wine Country

There are several ways to tour wine country. From private limo or sedan to group shuttles to personal valets who will drive your own car around. And of course, you can always take yourself, but as a single traveler who likes to swirl and swallow, this did not seem like a wise idea for me. So I booked two tours, one for each of the full days I stayed in Sonoma.

My shuttle wine tour group and our guide, Steve (first on the left), at Petroni Vineyards.
Ever wonder who buys table statuary? Signore Petroni, that's who.

The Real Neighborhoods of Sonoma County

Having been to both Napa and Sonoma valleys at this point, I can say that these two famed wine country regions are indeed as romantic and inspiring in both summer and winter as every movie, Wine Spectator article, and travel blog would lead you to believe. And like any other tourist town swept up in its own legend, Sonoma has its public side and its lesser known nooks and crannies.