June 4, 2015

Five Great California Wine and Food Road Trips

Left: Wine tasting and garden tour overlooking vineyards at Korbel Champagne Cellars, Sonoma County. Right: Zipline tour over Ancient Peaks’ Margarita Vineyard followed by a tasting, San Luis Obispo County. Margarita photo:Chris Leschinsky. SAN FRANCISCO — As the leading wine and food destination in the U.S., California offers many

great wine and food road trips to savor this summer and fall. With 100-plus American Viticultural

Area wine regions and nine of the top producing agricultural counties in the U.S., no trip to the

Golden State would be complete without visiting the many wine and farm trails and checking out

wine and food experiences.

California’s Wine Institute has developed five road trip ideas, offering five-day itinerary options so

travelers can pick their favorites and set their own pace. And speaking of pace, don’t forget to

pace yourself when wine tasting (spitting is actually polite in wine country!) and have a designated

driver.

So pile your posse in the convertible and get out on the wide open California road to the iconic

coast or dramatic desert country or the magnificent High Sierra. One can include amazing wine

regions in an adventure from hidden gem regions like the Sierra Foothills and Temecula to the

more well-traveled favorites, such as Sonoma, Napa and Paso Robles. Once a region is selected,

check out the amenities offered at many local wineries, from picnics, bocce ball and concerts to

hiking, biking, horseback riding, garden tours—and of course, wine tastings and seminars. Find

out about special seasonal winery happenings at: California wine country events.

These five exciting itineraries—North Coast, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento and the High

Sierra, Central Coast, and Southern California— span the state and offer delicious diversity for the

adventurous palate. Read the details at: https://app.box.com/s/vyxao30jj8tvfapu76nibcs6nk7pyjev.

Five Great California Wine and Food Road Trips Detailed Itineraries

NORTH COAST Driving along California’s North Coast offers dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean, towering redwood trees and coastal fog. This cool coastal climate is perfect for winegrapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir while in warmer valleys, Cabernet and Sauvignon Blanc thrive. This scenic five-day round trip from San Francisco offers wining and dining through Sonoma County, Mendocino County and Napa Valley. Day One: Start the morning with a walk through the historic Ferry Building, which features many artisan foods for purchase—from cheese and bread to chocolate and wine—and a farmer’s market on Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Then, walk along San Francisco’s Embarcadero up to Fisherman’s Wharf, taking in the shops and views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. Enjoy a bowl of fresh clam chowder nestled in a San Francisco sourdough roll at Boudin’s, paired with a glass of California wine. Walk over to Ghirardelli Square to enjoy world-renowned chocolates. Or take a culinary walking tour of ethnic neighborhoods such as North Beach (Little Italy), Chinatown and the historic Mission district. Put the top down and head north on the Golden Gate Bridge to Marin and Sonoma counties, which feature an artisan cheese trail. Many creameries are open to the public without an appointment, such as Cowgirl Creamery in Point Reyes or Petaluma Creamery, but call ahead to make sure. To taste more than cheese, visit Mom’s Apple Pies in Sebastopol, which bakes fresh daily from local Gravenstein apples and other local fruit. Stop in Santa Rosa for dinner and wine in historic Railroad Square and an overnight stay. Day Two: From Santa Rosa, explore the many Sonoma County wine regions, including wine trails such as the Russian River Wine Road. While in the Russian River Valley, take the free Korbel Champagne Cellars Garden tour, which features rare and exotic plants from around the world including its collection of rare and unique roses growing next to the historic Korbel House since the 1880s. The garden’s plants attract native butterflies, including Monarchs, Pipevine Swallowtails and Anise Swallowtails. Or stop by Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville for a unique Tasting in the Dark experience, a wine tasting that explores how flavors and aromas in wine are accentuated by turning off the lights. Guests are blindfolded and led to the Francis Ford Coppola Winery Winemaker’s Lab for the tasting, hosted by Hoby Wedler, a blind graduate student from UC Davis. Stop for dinner in Healdsburg Plaza, which boasts many great restaurants and wine tasting rooms as well as boutiques. Be sure to enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir, because no other California wine

region makes more of it than Sonoma County. Include a stop at The Shed, a culinary experience with a café, housewares shop and fermentation bar, the only one of its kind in the country. The bar offers one-of-a-kind drinks such as house-made kombucha and kefir water, local wine, hard cider, honey mead and natural sodas made from fresh herbs and seasonal fruit. Overnight in Healdsburg or Geyserville. Another option is the Sommelier-Led Wine Tour, where wine lovers can visit three Sonoma County wineries such as Williams Selyem, Copain Cellars and J Winery. Included is luxury transportation provided by Silver Service Tours and a wine country picnic by Farmhouse Inn’s Estate Chef. Yet another option is to explore downtown Sonoma’s Plaza, filled with tasting rooms, shops and restaurants, many offering creative pairing programs such as the Zina Lounge Wine & Food Experience at the Ledson Winery & Vineyards’ hotel, where internationally celebrated Chef Yoshiharu offers creative and educational pairings. Nearby, the Cline Cellars tasting room has a unique California Missions Museum, featuring scale models of all 23 California missions and a pond with hundreds of carp. Day Three: In the morning, take 101 North, exiting at Highway 128 at Cloverdale. Soon, one will be in Mendocino County’s wine region, known for its organic and biodynamic winegrowing and a great place for brunch and wine tasting. If there’s time, stop at the Philo Apple Farm to enjoy a cooking experience, buy produce from their farm stand and purchase apple products such as juice and jellies. For late afternoon exploring and dinner, head over on Highway 128 to the seaside village of Mendocino, most of which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Get there in time to take home a treat from the Mendocino Chocolate Company and stroll the streets and take pictures by the sea. Stay in a romantic B&B. Day Four: In the morning, drive to and take a stroll in Ukiah, followed by an early lunch in the town’s burgeoning Gourmet Ghetto, centered along West Standley Street. Standout eateries include: Patrona Restaurant, featuring locally grown and caught ingredients and serving a large collection of organic liquors and local wine list; Chop Chop, scheduled to open in June 2015, which emphasizes globally influenced fast food sourced with local ingredients; and Saucy, serving artisanal wood-fired pizza and local beers. After lunch drive south to the Los Carneros wine region, which straddles both Napa and Sonoma counties. Los Carneros, which means sheep in Spanish, is aptly named for the sheep dotting the rolling hills. These natural weed controllers are the perfect reminder that a majority of the state’s vintners and growers participates in California’s Sustainable Winegrowing Program, the largest of its kind in the world. In Carneros, visit one of the many wineries for a tasting experience before heading to the Napa Valley, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignons but offering every varietal and blend. In downtown Napa, eat at one of the town’s quaint eateries or enjoy a gourmet snack paired with local wines at the Oxbow Public Market. One can also explore the market with Gourmet Walks, a three-hour tour that includes chocolate tasting and wine tasting at a winery such as JC Cellars or Lamborn Family Vintners. Another tour option is Verve Napa Valley, where guests board a luxury mini-bus for a personally curated tour of regional wineries. Overnight in Napa Valley. Day Five: Head up Highway 29 to explore tasting rooms and wineries, taking a break in charming wine country towns filled with artisan restaurants and gift shops, such as Yountville (home to Thomas Keller’s world-famous French Laundry) and St. Helena (home to Woodhouse Chocolatier). Dive deeper into the Napa Valley experience by taking a wine or culinary class. The Silverado Cooking School in Napa offers hands-on beginning and advanced farm-to-fork cooking

classes geared toward the home cook. Follow up the experience with tasting along the Silverado Wine Trail. Another option is to take a cooking, baking or wine tasting class at the renowned Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena, followed by shopping for every foodie gizmo imaginable at their store. Enjoy a meal made by students at their Greystone Restaurant. In the evening, head back to San Francisco, just an hour’s drive. Another interesting option is Artful Tours’ Napa Valley Experience. The tour visits a significant art collection set in the vineyards of the Carneros region of Northern California. The two-hour art tour includes a chat with a local artist who designs wine labels, followed by lunch at Domaine Carneros winery in Napa. For active travelers, a great alternative is Napa Valley Bike Tours, where guests are led by a local, knowledgeable guide who will teach them about wine from vineyard to bottle, including stops at wineries such as Conn Creek Vineyard, Honig Vineyard & Winery, Groth Vineyards & Winery, Mumm Napa Estates, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars, Twomey Cellars and more. Another fun way to explore the region is aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which serves gourmet meals paired with local wines and a stop at Grgich Hills Estate. The estate offers a daily Grape Stomp from Labor Day through Halloween, where guests can stomp grapes and create a souvenir T-shirt with their footprints, followed by a flight of three Napa Valley wines. For those who’d rather play Napa by ear, the Napa Valley Winery Map and Trip Planner is a great tool. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA & SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS This five-day round-trip itinerary is a foodie’s paradise, with stops from San Francisco’s Chinatown and Little Italy (North Beach) to Berkeley, the legendary birthplace of California cuisine. It also goes from mountains to the sea: taking in the scenery and wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Livermore Valley and Half Moon Bay. Day One: In the late morning, try one of the city’s walking foodie tours, such as North Beach/Little Italy, Chinatown or the historic Mission District. Head to Jackson Square and sample some California wines at the various wine bars. In the afternoon, check out a San Francisco urban winery, such as A.P. Vin in the Mission District or Sol Rouge Winery on Treasure Island. Cap off the evening with dinner at the Ferry Building Marketplace, which offers great restaurants, wine bars and artisan food vendors. Overnight in San Francisco. Day Two: Head east over the Bay Bridge to university town Berkeley. Take a guided or self-guided walking tour of the city’s famous Gourmet Ghetto, sampling the neighborhood’s culinary offerings. Edible Excursions takes gourmets on a tour of this iconic neighborhood, including stops at: Saul’s Jewish deli and restaurant for house-made pastrami sandwiches and artisan soda; Peet’s Coffee flagship location; The Cheese Board Collective for pizza-of-the-day and gourmet cheese; Lush for small-batch gelato; and The Local Butcher Shop, where guests can learn about whole-animal butchery. After the tour, visit Donkey & Goat Winery for wine tasting. Stroll in downtown Berkeley, filled with eclectic shops, restaurants and cultural venues. For dinner, don’t miss Chez Panisse (plan ahead and make reservations), the landmark eatery owned by Alice Waters, pioneer of California’s locavore movement and California cuisine. For those who’d rather spend the day in Oakland, there is much to taste, including the Oakland Wine Trail, with standouts including Dashe Cellars and Urban Legend. These tasting rooms and others can also be explored on two wheels with East Bay Winery Bike Tours. End the day with a dinner on Oakland’s Restaurant Row—a.k.a. Telegraph Avenue—featuring hipster and minimalist

restaurants capturing the attention of The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Overnight in Oakland or Berkeley. Day Three: In the late morning, drive southeast to beautiful Livermore Valley, one of California’s oldest wine regions. The first grapes were planted here in the 1840s, and 80 percent of California Chardonnay can be genetically traced to the region. Wente Vineyards, founded here in 1883, today boasts a farm-to-fork eatery and WineMaker’s Studio, featuring hands-on, interactive and educational winemaking and grapegrowing. That same year, Concannon Vineyard was founded, which later introduced America’s First Petite Sirah in 1961. Enjoy lunch in historic downtown Livermore, filled with quaint shops, eateries and galleries. In the afternoon tour and taste at one of the more than two dozen wineries, some of which have downtown tasting rooms. A great way to explore the wineries without driving is the Livermore Wine Trolley. Overnight in downtown Livermore. Day Four: In the late morning drive an hour southwest to Los Gatos for lunch and shopping at quaint boutiques. In the afternoon go wine tasting in the Santa Cruz Mountains, one of California’s first designated wine regions and an area rich with wooded peaks and small vineyards tucked into quiet hillsides. Noted by Food and Wine as a region to watch for Pinot Noir, the region boasts smaller wineries known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the west side, and a vibrant surf culture. Day Five: In the late morning drive 45 minutes north on the iconic Highway 1 to the small seaside town of Pescadero, which is home to Harley Farms. This restored 1910 dairy farm features 200 alpine goats that produce critically-acclaimed cheese, including chevre, fromage blanc, ricotta and feta cheeses. The dairy offers tours year-round, as well as a gourmet gift shop. Head 25 minutes north on the scenic coastal highway to Half Moon Bay, a crescent-shaped bay filled with surfers and fishermen. Enjoy lunch, wine tasting and shopping on Main Street, or a seafood eatery by the harbor. In the afternoon, stop at any number of farm stands, which offer everything from boysenberries to strawberries. Head east on Highway 92 to 280 to return to San Francisco for the night. SACRAMENTO AND THE HIGH SIERRA This adventurous, off-the-beaten path round-trip itinerary is perfect for wine and food lovers looking for something new. It ranges from amazing agritourism in Sacramento to the Sierra Foothills, home to some of the highest elevation wineries in the state. The tour ends in Lodi, where some of California’s oldest Zinfandel vines can be found. Day One: In the late morning drive over the Bay Bridge and head northeast on 1-80 to Sacramento, which takes about 90 minutes. Home to the State Capitol, the region also offers abundant farm-to-fork culture. Enjoy lunch in downtown Sacramento, which boasts a growing number of celebrity chef eateries. In the afternoon, check out some of the region’s family-owned farms and ranches offering private and group tours, such as: Soil Born Farms, an urban farm that supplies produce for area eateries; Vierra Farms, which sells at their own farm stand June through October as well as regional farmers markets and large grocery retailers; Clowell Thundering Herd Ranch, where the Clowell family grows Owari Satsuma mandarins, Meyer lemons, Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons, oranges, limes, kumquats, pomegranates, apples and plums to create citrus oils

and sauces. Individual visitors or tourism groups can travel to the ranch and sample products and fruits in the tasting room by appointment; Del Rio Botanical, a produce and seed farm with a menu of farm tours paired with food and wine tastings throughout the year; and Hanks Hens & All Things Good, where foodies can find herbs, eggs, produce and lamb during tours by appointment. Another option for the day is to take one of the many cooking courses in the region, including: The Kitchen, which pairs cooking demonstrations with four-star cuisine, as participants sip local wine while viewing their dinner being prepared in “Acts”; Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op, a cooking school where food lovers can try their hand at making everything from udon noodles to Indian street food; and Taylor’s Market, where guests can learn the basics of butchering, using regionally grown meats and have lunch at one of the Sacramento region’s most well-known marketplaces. Overnight in downtown Sacramento. Day 2: Start the day with one of the area’s bike and walking food tours, where guests can combine sightseeing with culinary adventure. Each spring Follow the Chef lets foodies catch a glimpse of how a local farm-to-fork chef selects his seasonal ingredients at the city’s Cesar Chavez Farmers Market and then taste the results at the Grange Restaurant & Bar; and Local Roots Food Tours takes serious gourmands on a walking tour of farm-to-fork Sacramento eateries. In the afternoon check out a couple of the Sacramento Valley’s wineries for tasting and tours, sipping specialties such as Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Overnight in downtown Sacramento. Day Three: In the morning, head 50 minutes northeast to the hidden gem Sierra Foothills wine region, known for Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah, Viognier and incredible scenery. A great place to stop first is the Gold Rush town of Placerville for lunch, shopping and winery tasting rooms. El Dorado, which features the unique historic Smith Flat House, offers seasonal wine country dining options, such as The Cellar, a venue containing the entrance to an 1800’s goldmine and the original bar where Mark Twain is rumored to have sat at and written about. The eatery serves local artisan wines from standouts Lava Cap and Fenton-Herriot wineries. Explore these and other El Dorado County wineries in the afternoon. Or you can’t go wrong with other Sierra Foothill regions such as Amador County, Nevada County and Placer County. Spend the evening in beautiful South Lake Tahoe, filled with great restaurants, casinos and shows. Day Four: Spend the morning hiking in South Lake Tahoe, or if you’d rather get on the road straight away, head southwest 90 minutes on Highway 88 for lunch in the fun Gold Rush town of Jackson. Shop or enjoy a tasting room in town, or check out a wineries in Calaveras County, offering 21 tasting rooms in historic gold rush towns bordered by giant sequoia trees, made famous by Mark Twain’s story “The Jumping Frog of Calaveras County.” After wine tasting and lunch, try exploring a few quaint shops or panning for gold in Pine Grove. In the mid-afternoon, drive about 45 minutes southwest to Lodi, home to some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in California. Stop in the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, which has an expansive tasting bar with a wide selection of local wines, educational vineyard on grapegrowing and a gift shop with handcrafted products and Lodi giftware. If time runs short, make a plan to go there in the morning. Overnight at a local B & B. Day Five: Armed with information from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, explore the Lodi wine region’s wineries— including Lodi Wine Trail— and stop for lunch and shopping in picturesque downtown Lodi. Another way to explore the region is the Lodi Wine & River Tours, where you glide down the beautiful Mokelumne River while sipping local wines and looking for birds and other river creatures. Head back to San Francisco for the evening. If there is time to venture further two hours south, check out the dessert wines of Madera County, gateway to Yosemite National Park.

The Madera Wine Trail is a great wine adventure. If you visit this region, stay at a local hotel and head to San Francisco in the morning. CENTRAL COAST – HIGHWAY 1 Seeing commercials with someone driving in a convertible along Highway 1 is probably on California’s Central Coast. This trip travels from star-studded Los Angeles and Santa Barbara’s “Sideways” movie territory to the cool-climate wines of San Luis Obispo County and red-wine mecca Paso Robles, then swings back to the ocean and beautiful Monterey before ending in San Francisco. Day One: While in Los Angeles, don’t miss the opportunity to dine for lunch in one of the many celebrity chef eateries, where you might see a Hollywood star or two. Or for those who like hole-in-the-wall places, Los Angeles offers amazing ethnic neighborhoods for cheap gourmet eats such as Koreatown and Little Tokyo. The area even has a small wine region in the heart of celebrity central—Malibu. Around mid-afternoon depart Malibu and head north on California’s iconic Highway 1 about 75 minutes to Santa Barbara County, whose wine regions were featured prominently in the hit film “Sideways.” After settling into a hotel, stroll along State Street, famous for its boutiques and eateries. Walk over to Wine Cask on Anacapa Street for a gourmet dinner paired with California wines. On Tuesday afternoons their Executive Chef David Rosner offers Farmers Market Foodie Strolls, where guests can watch him in action and help select ingredients for dinner later that night. Returning to the eatery that evening, guests are seated at the Chef’s Feasting Bar where they enjoy a delicious three-course dinner made with food chosen earlier and paired with local wines. Overnight in Santa Barbara. Day Two: In the morning, head north to the unique historic Danish town of Solvang. Have breakfast along the town’s Sweet Treats Trail, which features five authentic Danish bakeries within a five-block-radius. Then there are many options for culinary travelers, such as a self-guided Sideways Tour of Santa Barbara’s wine regions, featuring wineries from the film which celebrates the region’s signature Pinot Noirs, such as Andrew Murray Vineyards, Foxen Winery & Vineyard, Kalyra Winery, Fiddlehead Cellars and Alma Rosa Winery. If there’s time, try dinner at the Hitching Post II, famous for Santa Maria-style barbecue and featured in the film. Another great option for wine lovers is the Urban Wine Trail, featuring 25 tasting rooms in the Santa Barbara area, the majority of which are within walking distance of each other in an area just blocks from downtown and near the beach called the Funk Zone. Standouts include Sanford Winery, Grassini Family Vineyards, Sanguis, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Lafond Winery & Vineyards, Kunin Wines, Santa Barbara Winery, Cottonwood Canyon Winery, Kalyra Winery, Riverbench, Carr Winery, Oreana Winery and Margerum Wine Company. For those who want to balance wine and food touring, a great option is the El Paseo Wine and Photo Tour with Eat This, Shoot That!, a walking and tasting tour through the Wine Collection of El Paseo in El Presidio Neighborhood. Guests will enjoy wines sourced in Santa Barbara County and produced by some of the top names in the local winemaking scene, such as Doug Margerum of Margerum Wine Company. While enjoying the wines, guests will meander the cobblestone pathways of one of Santa Barbara’s oldest neighborhoods, while getting tips on how to take better food, wine, and portrait photos with their camera or smartphone. For those who want to learn more

about working with cheese, C’est Cheese restaurant offers Cheese Classes, where guests learn about the cheese-making process, while sampling five cheeses paired with local wine. Java junkies will want to check out Good Land Organics, the first coffee farm in the continental United States. Situated in the coastal foothills of Santa Barbara, this certified organic farm offers educational tours of the farm May through September (coffee harvest season), giving guests a cup of Joe as they discover unique crops like dragon fruit and finger limes. Overnight in Santa Barbara. Day Three: In the morning, take a 100-minute drive up Highway 101 North up to San Luis Obispo (SLO) in San Luis Obispo County wine country, which garner accolades and press, particularly for its Rhône-style blends, heritage Zinfandels, Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The region is also known for its agricultural bounty, which makes its way into many farm-to-fork eateries, such as the landmark Apple Farm Restaurant & Bakery. Work off the calories while satisfying your need for wine, by taking the See SLO Wine Country by Bicycle tour. Pedal at your own pace on this self-guided tour, enjoying breathtaking Edna Valley scenery as you stop for tastes at San Luis Obispo wineries such as Baileyana Winery, Saucelito Canyon Vineyard & Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, Wolff Vineyards, Talley Vineyards, Kynsi Winery and Tolosa Winery. Apple lovers in town July through November can check out the Gopher Glen Apple Farm, a popular roadside stand where guests can taste up to 70 varieties of apples as well as “home-made" apple cider. For art lovers, don’t miss downtown’s Art Bar, a creative venue for art, wine, and music. Workshops are led by experienced local artists who guide guests in creating their own artwork expressions, paired with a glass of local wine. For dinner, dine at one of the trendy eateries downtown, or try the over-the-top dinner at the famously ornate Madonna Inn, known for its themed rooms and elaborate dining. The Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House has been a central coast landmark eatery for over 50 years, with unforgettable décor and farm-fresh food, paired with a superb local wine list and nightly entertainment. Also try the decadent desserts from Madonna Inn Bakery. Overnight in SLO. Day Four: On the way up to the famous Paso Robles wine region, located just 30 minutes from SLO, there are many options. One suggestion is to stop in Templeton at Happy Acres Farm for a two-hour tour (by appointment) to walk through the farm and learn the process of making goat cheeses and other goat’s milk products. One can even milk a goat or feed the baby goats. Then head to Paso Robles’ historic downtown square, filled with farm-to-fork eateries such as Artisan and Thomas Hill Organics, as well as specialty food stores. The General Store Paso Robles is a great place to stop for unique seasonings like truffle salt and garlic rosemary salt, local fruit and olive jams, local Therabee Honey and Paso Almonds. The store also offers special olive oil blends, a regional specialty that can be enjoyed at several olive oil tasting rooms and farms about town, such as WeOlive, Kiler Ridge Olive Farm and Pasolivo. Pick up a box of Brown Butter Cookie Company treats, a local delicacy. Spend the afternoon winery hopping or for something active with wine, do a zipline tour over vineyards at Santa Margarita Ranch, followed by a tasting at the ranch’s Ancient Peaks Winery. Or take flight with Paso Robles Air Tours’ Tasting in Style Tour, a three-hour tour which begins at the Paso Robles Airport where the knowledgeable pilot greets you with a glass of local wine. Guests then soar by helicopter over Paso Robles’ most scenic vineyards, luxurious estates, and

prestigious wineries, landing at two special wineries of your choice for tasting, such as Calcareous Vineyard, Hammersky Vineyards, Oso Libre Winery, Pomar Junction Vineyard & Winery, Ranchita Canyon Vineyard, Thacher Winery, Vina Robles (home to great summer amphitheatre concerts) and Halter Ranch Vineyard. The latter offers a three-hour Halter Ranch Excursion Tour where guests board a restored 1984 Land Rover Defender 110 to tour the historic ranch, viewing its beautiful pond, wildlife corridors and 281 acres of vineyards plus the state-of-the-art, gravity-flow winery. A private tasting of current release wines wraps up the visit. For a more down to earth adventure, Outback Trail Rides offers visitors wine tasting and a horse ride through Paso Robles wine country. Partnering with Calcareous Vineyard, the company takes guests on a guided Vineyard Trail Ride or Vineyard Wagon Ride within the spectacular 442-acre estate, giving groups of six or more a complimentary bottle of wine. Another option is to explore the Pacific Coast Wine Trail, a new local wine trail, featuring several small from producers such as Harmony Cellars and Hearst Ranch Winery (Cayucos Cellars is just south of the trail). For individuals looking to experience agriculture first-hand, FARMstead ED—an agriculture education tour company—offers special farmsteading skills classes and events with local producers like Windrose Farm. Enjoy dinner and overnight in downtown Paso Robles. Day 5: In the morning, head west on CA-46 towards the coast, turning north on Highway 1. In about an hour you might see a rare California Condor along the iconic Big Sur. After stopping for photos or visiting a gallery or two, drive another hour north to Monterey’s Cannery Row, made famous in John Steinbeck’s novel. Have a sustainable seafood lunch at Monterey Bay Aquarium, followed by a Monterey County wine region road trip in one stop just down the street at A Taste of Monterey Wine Market & Bistro, the Official Regional Wine Visitors’ Center, where you can taste local wines and learn more about Monterey Bay’s unique “Blue Grand Canyon” and its cooling effect on the vineyards. A great way to taste is to take a Wine Trolley Tour, which includes stops at great regional wineries such as Marilyn Remark Winery, Bernardus Winery and Talbott Vineyards. Enjoy dinner and overnight in Carmel and drive to San Francisco in the morning. To get to San Francisco earlier, head north an hour to the Garlic Capital of Gilroy to taste garlic wine at Rapazzini Winery before heading up to the city. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE: HOLLYWOOD AND GRAPEVINE Oh yeah, you’re going to Hollywood! For a wine lover, there’s more to Southern California than blue skies, surf and sunshine—it’s full of surprising wine regions, where winemaking has been taking place since the late 1700s. On this five-day round trip, you’ll hit hot spots like Malibu and Palm Springs while also exploring wineries in Temecula, Cucamonga, San Diego and Malibu. Day One: Start the morning with a guilty pleasure. Head to Grauman's Chinese Theater on the Hollywood Boulevard strip, and see how your hands and feet measure up to the autographed imprints of Hollywood legends. There you can sign up for Starline Tour’s latest two-hour tour of the celebrity homes and hangouts, the TMZ Tour. This hilarious tour, created by TMZ producers, shares insider information and the guides are on the lookout to film celebrities in action. Depending on your mood, have lunch in Koreatown or Little Tokyo, or perhaps lunch in Beverly Hills at Wolfang Puck’s legendary Spago. After lunch, visit the intimate, high-elevation wineries in Malibu and other neighborhoods of Greater Los Angeles. Dine and play at the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade in the evening. Overnight in Los Angeles.

Day Two: Drive two hours south to playful San Diego, where there are many ways to enjoy fun in the sun. With the city’s proximity to the Mexican border, there are many wonderful Mexican food options around town, from holes in the wall to upscale restaurants. Options for the afternoon include Mission San Diego de Alcala, home to the oldest grapes in California, or visiting some of the San Diego area’s 50 wineries, known for Merlot and Chardonnay. End the night with dinner and nightlife in the historic Gaslamp Quarter downtown. Overnight in San Diego. Day Three: In the morning, head off the beaten path (about an hour northeast) to the fast-growing Temecula wine region, which has been growing grapes since the late 1700s. Tempered by coastal fog, this warm region is best known for its Italian and Rhône varietals—and its annual Balloon and Wine Festival. Have lunch at the sustainably focused Ponte Family Estate Winery, followed by tasting about town. Stroll Old Town for the quaint shops and enjoy dinner at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa's Vineyard Rose Restaurant, winner of the 2014 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Overnight in Temecula. Day Four: In the morning, take a hot-air balloon ride over Temecula Valley, including a wine-centric picnic lunch. In the afternoon drive two hours north to check out a winery or two in the Cucamonga Valley, which preserves the past with historic ranches and vineyards and is known for Port-style wines and old-vine Zinfandel. Dinner and overnight in Los Angeles. Day Five: After morning rush hour, take a day trip to coastal Ventura, home to several wineries just 90 minutes north of Los Angeles. Enjoy lunch in historic downtown Ventura, followed by winetasting at Cantara Cellars in Camarillo. Find some bargains at the nearby Camarillo Premium Outlets or head to the famous spa-centric town of Ojai for a treatment and winetasting at the Ojai Vineyard. Head to downtown Los Angeles’ LA Live entertainment and dining center, home to Celebrity Chef Ben Ford’s (son of Harrison Ford) Ford’s Filling Station, an original ‘gastropub’ concept showcasing sustainable, regional cuisine with fresh California farm produce and artisanal meats. Overnight in Los Angeles. MORE IDEAS Napa Valley Merryvale Vineyards’ Burger Butler Experience: Beat the heat and the lines at Napa Valley’s famous Gott’s Roadside with Merryvale’s new Burger Butler. They’ll get your Gott’s burger and fries from across the street while you enjoy a tour of the historic property with glass of estate wine in-hand. Taste of Terroir at Trinchero Napa Valley: - This summer/fall Trinchero Napa Valley is offering a unique tasting seminar at the private hospitality center, featuring a horizontal tasting of four of TNV’s single-vineyard Cabernets and an introduction to Napa Valley’s appellations. Guests will tour the property followed by a seated tasting in the architecturally-renowned Cellar Room. Winemaker Mario Monticelli and the culinary team will create wine pairings with local cheeses chosen to accentuate the wines. Vineyard 29’s Luxury Tailgating Experience: This luxury box experience takes pre-gaming to a new level, featuring an in-house executive chef and personal wait staff waiting catering to your needs

during your choice of an on-screen sporting event – all set against a backdrop of stunning vineyard views. Paso Robles Refugio Cooking Classes: These cooking classes feature local and imported chefs, each paired with a winery, such as Cass Winery. Adelaida Cellars, Calcareous, Hope Family Wines, J Lohr and many more. Thirsty Thursdays at Treana Winery: Each week this Hope Family Wines’ Traena Winery we’ll extend their hours and feature a different Central Coast eatery, serving up their best dishes to pair with live music, and great wines. Vina Robles Amphitheater Concert Series: Experience up to 14 concerts from June to October, featuring acts such as Ringo Starr, Third Eye Blind, Ziggy Marley, Jackson Browne, Willie Nelson and more. Sonoma County Flowers Vineyard and Winery’s new Waters, Woods and Wine Triathlon: Guests can spend the day kayaking, foraging, winetasting and cooking. Getaway Adventures Bike Tours: The Follow the Pinot Trail Bike tour features great Russian River Wineries such as Moshin Vineyards, Copain Wines, Korbel Champagne Cellars, Iron Horse Vineyards, Pelligrini Wine Company and De Loach vineyards. The Sonoma On A Bike is for serious cyclists and wine lovers, spanning six days and visiting great wineries such as Roth, Robert Young Estate Winery, Lambert Bridge, Bella Vineyards and Ravenswood, Jordan Estate Tour & Tasting takes wine lovers to multiple destinations and different elevations on the 1,200-acre estate, featuring tastings of Jordan Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, special vintage selections, Estate Extra Virgin Olive Oil and an array of food pairing delicacies from the winery chef. Kozlowski Farms: This farm’s store sells fresh-from-the-farm Gravenstein Apple Pie, jams, sauces and other house-made concoctions. Ram’s Gate Winery’s Vineyard Table Experience: This highly curated, intimate and behind-the-scenes experience includes fine wines and a five-course meal with a spectacular view for 4-10 guests. Russian River Valley Biking: Rent a bicycle and pedal your way along the region’s Eastside/Westside loop – a 25-mile course that passes by world-class wineries such as VML Winery as well as some great dipping spots for cooling off. Stop and sip at VML Winery along your route. SAVOR Healdsburg Food Tours: These progressive dining experiences feature local wine pairing, plus a stop at one winery such as Cartograph Wines in Healdsburg. Seghesio Family Vineyards’ Family Tables: This experience pairs a group of friends and family with a seasonal lunch by Executive Chef Peter Janiak and limited-edition wines. The private lunch

begins with a brief tour of our historic winery before moving to The Founder's Room which overlooks the cellar and feature tables crafted from the large redwood tanks once housed here. Ultimate Russian River Wine Experience: Several wineries, including Dutton-Goldfield, create a rare winery immersion for those who want leave wine country with a deeper understanding of the region, wineries, and the winemaking process, including VIP tastings, behind-the-scenes tours and special pairings. For more inspiration on California wines, wine regions and winery activities—from tastings to tours, picnics, concerts, bocce ball and more—go to Wine Institute’s lifestyle and travel website at: www.discovercaliforniawines.com About Wine Institute Wine Institute is the association of 1,000 California wineries and wine-related businesses dedicated to enhancing the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world, making 90 percent of all U.S. wine and two out of every three bottles enjoyed in the U.S. Each year, 21 million tourists visit wine regions throughout the state to explore and enjoy the wines, the cuisine and cultural offerings associated with California’s signature industry. September, during California Wine Month, is a great time to visit to experience the annual winegrape harvest first hand. Go to: www.discovercaliforniawines.com for more information.

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EDITORS: Find photos at https://app.box.com/s/xvhu5tmbaj2cuxie8pvpuvf049az57d6 MEDIA CONTACTS: Wine Institute Communications Dept. 415/356-7525, communications@wineinstitute.org