Mendocino & Sonoma County: The Wine Road

About 2 hours north of San Francisco, this winding drive can take you through Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley, as well as the relaxed town of Guerneville (a favored destination for LGBT travelers), and luxurious Healdsburg, with in-town tasting rooms and destination dining at Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn, and luxurious lodging at sleekly appointed Hotel Healdsburg. While many wineries do charge a tasting fee, you can get a single-or multiday pass, good at more than 80 participating wineries. The Wine Road also sponsors numerous special events throughout the year; fall’s annual Wine & Food Affair has wineries presenting wines paired with small plates—delicious.