GLEN ELLEN. This cozy winery, built in the New England farmhouse style and perched on a hillside that overlooks plush Glen Ellen vineyards, was established in 1986 by the husband and wife tandem of Richard and Alis Arrowood. Richard brings to the table more than three decades of winemaking experience and a stalwart reputation amongst Sonoma's oenological circles. Tour options include the Winery and Cellar Tour, which concludes with a formal wine tasting, and the History Tour, which finishes up with an informal tasting.

RUTHERFORD. Founded in 1900 by Bordeaux native Georges de Latour, Beaulieu revolutionized California winemaking by using American oak barrels for aging. The result: a uniquely American product that's become legendary in oenological circles and has been on the table of every US president since FDR. When visiting Beaulieu's rustic tasting room, guests feel as if they've been whisked away to a Bordeaux farmhouse, a feeling further enhanced by sips of sauvignon blanc, zinfandel, and chardonnay.

SONOMA. One of Sonoma's more commercially high-profile vineyards, Buena Vista is also one of the oldest, founded by the legendary Agoston Haraszthy way back in 1857. In fact, one might say that Haraszthy "invented" winemaking in California thanks to the innovations he made - using European viticulture techniques and vine cuttings from France to start his vineyard, for example. After falling on hard times after the Great Quake, Buena Vista experienced a resurgence of sorts in the 1980s. Today, visitors are invited to explore the grounds of this historic estate and pay visit to the old stone Press House (circa 1863), which now serves as the tasting room.

RUTHERFORD. Founded in 1973, this family-owned Rutherford winery has developed a local reputation for their high quality products, including their Vine Hill Ranch Sauvignon, Vin de Porche, Russian River Valley Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. Two of the best reasons to visit Cakebread: the winery's relative anonymity (only three labels are distributed nationally, meaning guests get to sample wines that are truly unique to this region) and a subsequent mom and pop friendliness that inspires quite a loyal following. In addition to the complimentary in-depth tour and tasting offered daily, several more specialized tours are available. Reservations required.

GEYSERVILLE. An attractive stop for award-winning estate wines and California-French fare, Chateau Souverain dates from the 1940s, when Fresno native J. Leland Stewart bought land atop Howell mountain and began harvesting wine grapes. Featured labels in the tasting room include Alexander Valley Merlot, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, and Russian River Valley Winemakers Reserve Chardonnay. After touring the facilities and whetting your palate in the tasting room, enjoy a meal on the cafe terrace with its enchanting views of Napa Valley. Reservations for lunch and dinner accepted.