Those on the inside track know that Sonoma Valley is the place to go if you want to skip the hype and glitz of the Napa Valley yet still visit a wide variety of first-class wineries. With over sixty wineries spread out over the 17-mile long valley, you can choose amongst large and mid-sized wineries with elaborate tasting rooms or small family-owned wineries. You can even visit a half dozen tasting rooms that feature wines that are not available outside of Sonoma Valley. If you are short on time, choose amongst over a dozen wine tasting rooms located right on the town plaza. If you want a special treat, consider splurging on a vineyard tour and tasting up in the hills, where the views are spectacular and the wines are concentrated. As you plan your visit, be sure to leave enough time to meander along the oak-studded backcountry roads as you pop into tasting rooms along the way, that are often staffed by the winemakers themselves.
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