The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley experience begins with a daily passenger pickup at 10:30 a.m. from So

Land ho, Matey. After a rigorous journey on the waters of San Francisco Bay, America's Cup competitors and fans are invited to America's premier wine, spa, and coastal destination orlando international drive hotels for a little R R – Sonoma County style.
Known for its more than 350 wineries, miles of gorgeous Pacific Ocean coastline, and some of the most fertile earth in California, Sonoma County has been welcoming sailors and landlubbers alike since, well, since Sir Francis Drake landed in Northern California in 1579 – proving a long, rich maritime history.
Reach back into history and experience a military-style R R at the Fairmont orlando international drive hotels Sonoma Mission Inn , in Sonoma Valley. The resort's rich wellness history stretches back hundreds of years, when Native Americans discovered the natural underground hot mineral waters. Developed as a resort in the late 1800s, the property underwent many ups and downs.
During orlando international drive hotels World War II the hotel fell under the control of the Navy. It became an R R site for sailors and marines until 1945. Various incarnations followed, including the use of the Inn by famous orlando international drive hotels sports teams as a training headquarters.
Why should sailors and sailing fans choose Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn today? Simple – the Inn is the only full-service resort offering Michelin-star dining, orlando international drive hotels an award-winning spa, and championship golf amenities to visitors with discerning tastes.
The name says it all, these homes have some of the best views in the Bodega Bay area, and the proximity to the beach is second to none. Get a front-row seat to the Northern California coast in a cozy beach cottage. Each of the privately owned homes is uniquely appointed and equipped for comfort and leisure. Many homes have private outdoor hot tubs and free wireless internet service. All homes are furnished with full kitchens, linens, and no added cleaning fees. Choose from casual beach cottages along the Sonoma Coast, or distinctive golf course homes at The Links at Bodega orlando international drive hotels Harbour.
Visiting orlando international drive hotels famed wineries in Sonoma County doesn't mean you have to give up nautical ties. Dry Creek Vineyard patriarch, Dave Stare, combines his two passions – winemaking and sailing. Started in 1972, the winery orlando international drive hotels was the first to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Dry Creek Valley wine region. And is there anything more refreshing than a cold glass of Sauv Blanc after a warm day sailing under crisp blue skies? Dry Creek Vineyard also offers a proprietary orlando international drive hotels red blend appropriately named, The Mariner. The 2008 vintage was just released orlando international drive hotels and has garnered numerous awards.
Sailors and winemakers share a strong sense of passion to take care of the environment. Helping the ocean, as well as the land, is Iron Horse Vineyards , which runs its Healthy Ocean Project with leading ocean conservation groups.
The winery produces its vintage Blanc de Blancs Ocean Reserve, created in partnership with National Geographic to help save the ocean. orlando international drive hotels Iron Horse contributes $4 from each bottle sold to National Geographic s Ocean Initiative – establishing marine protected areas and reducing overfishing around the world. For more information, orlando international drive hotels visit ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/i-am-the-ocean-wine .
While in Sonoma County, visit the home of America s favorite Chardonnay. orlando international drive hotels Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates has been anchored in Sonoma County for nearly 30 years with the understanding that the cold Pacific Ocean allows the winemaking team to make superior quality wines.
Much like sailors orlando international drive hotels on the sea, Kendall-Jackson's staff treasures orlando international drive hotels what the ocean provides. That means the cool, maritime breezes and coastal fog that protect the grapes and coax the most intense and complex varietal flavors. Stop by Kendall-Jackson during your shore leave and experience a unique wine and food pairing adventure that will thrill even the most able-bodied sailor.
Become a landlubber for the day: All aboard the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley . One of the Bay Area's favorite modes of transportation now roams the quaint streets and vineyards of gorgeous Sonoma Valley, offering open-air views that allow guests to experience wine country like they never have before. orlando international drive hotels Built from historic blueprints, the Sonoma Wine Trolley is a motorized replica of a late 1890s San Francisco cable car, the type that still runs on San Francisco's California cable line.
Visitors can now choose from two routes. The new route begins at the historic Sonoma Plaza, meanders into Glen Ellen and Kenwood area, including stops at Benziger Family orlando international drive hotels Winery, Imagery Winery, Paradise Ridge in Kenwood, and Deerfield Ranch Winery. The Trolley's original route includes stops at four boutique orlando international drive hotels wineries located in and around the town of Sonoma. Both tours include a gourmet orlando international drive hotels lunch catered by the acclaimed the girl the fig restaurant.
The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley experience begins with a daily passenger pickup at 10:30 a.m. from Sonoma orlando international drive hotels Plaza. Arrangements for pickup at several Sonoma hotel locations can be made prior to 10:30 a.m.
Enjoy a two-and-a-half hour guided tour that includes seven zip lines, two sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase, a rappel, and the unparalleled beauty of the world-famous California coastal redwoods.
Reservations orlando international drive hotels are required. Each participant must be at least 10 years of age and 70 pounds and may not exceed orlando international drive hotels 250 pounds. Check out www.SonomaCanopyTours.com or call 888-494-7868 orlando international drive hotels for more information.
Sonoma County's southern border is San Pablo Bay, which leads into the San Francisco Bay. The influence on the region from the bays, rivers, and oceans can't be overstated, whether it was the possible landing of Sir Francis Drake in Bodega Bay in 1579, the arrival of the Russians from Alaska to establish Fort Ross in 1812, or the rechristening of the Petaluma Slough to the Petaluma River in 1959, making it eligible for federal dredging, and larger ship traffic.
On the Pacific Coast, Spud Point Marina , in Bodega Bay, is located on the scenic Sonoma County coast less than 50 nautical miles from the center span of the Golden Gate Bridge. The quaint town is a perfect home base for sampling all that Sonoma County has to offer, from the rugged coastline to the inland vineyards. Local fishing fleets head out for Dungeness crab and salmon, and fishing boats and pleasure boats use the protected bay as a base for exploring the waters off the Sonoma coast. Insider tip – Spud Point Crab Company, located across the street and run by a long-time fishing famiy, has some of the best chowder in Sonoma County.
Hey, why should the ocean get all the glory? Lake Sonoma , in northern Sonoma County, is a great spot for a sail, or a leisurely day spent exploring. Nestled in the beautiful coastal foothills, Lake Sonoma is surrounded by world-famous vineyards and land that is rich in history. Created by the construction of Warm Springs Dam in 1983, the lake provides for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. When full, the lake has a surface area of more than 2,700 acres and 50 miles of shoreline, forming the perfect setting for a wealth of recreational activities. Visit to hike, swim, ride, boat, camp, fish, or hunt at this beautiful lake.
The waters of the Petaluma Marina are part of the Petaluma River, a channel that runs 14 miles from the north end of Petaluma into San Pablo Bay. With 167 slips, the Petaluma Marina offers many facilities and services to boaters and kayakers on the river including private restrooms and showers, full utilities, security gates, and kayak storage. The river is enjoyed for its excellent boating, fishing, and water skiing.
So, how about it, Sailor, ready to give Sonoma County a try? Located 10 leagues (30 miles for landlubbers) north of San Francisco's orlando international drive hotels Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma County is America's premier wine, spa and coastal destination, featuring more than 350 wineries, 100-plus organic farms, and 55-plus miles of stunning Pacific coast.