Honeymoon in California's Wine Valley

California is widely known by connoisseurs as a purveyor of fine wines, from the rolling hills of Napa to the pristine Pacific coastline of Sonoma. Believe it or not, you really don't need to visit Italy to experience wine country. California's wine country is perfect for a second honeymoon, or that couple looking for something a little different. The experience is wonderful, eventful and educational, if nothing more you might learn a thing or two about the type of wine to serve with your fish dinner.

Discover the best of California's wineries, where to stay and the attractions you won't want to miss in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Depending on how long of a honeymoon or vacation you have planned, you might want to consider visiting Napa for a few days, then Sonoma. Wine aficionados will find an abundance of vintners with exceptional varietals, from organic bio dynamic vineyards to the highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages.

Before starting your tours of the wonderful Californian Vineyards you might want to enjoy a romantic evening snuggling with a glass of wine, soft music and forgetting the world around you. "The Cottages of Napa Valley offers intimacy and comfort in a charming setting. It is also among the most romantic and relaxed settings in Napa Valley" per Wine Spectator. Need I say more?

You might also want to consider the Auberge du Soleil, a little pricey but definitely worth every penny. Spread over a 33-acre hillside, just a walk away from Rutherford Hill Winery, individual cottages with a spectacular view of Napa Valley offer all the intimacy a couple could wish for.

If you are looking to stay in Sonoma, you can relax in luxury at MacArthur Place, Sonoma County's historic county inn and spa. Nestled among the inn's majestic gardens are individually designed guest rooms, suites and cottages.

The best way to leisurely soak in the fruits of wine country is with a guided tour by California Wine Tours or Beau Wine Tours. Tour is complete with complimentary sparkling wine or champagne (usually available for limo's only) and informative tour guides to chauffeur you to your choice of wineries in a luxurious vehicle. For more then a guided tour, you might want to try the Napa Valley Wine Train, a restaurant on rails. Napa Valley Wine Train's winery tour is a must try; sample local Napa wines while enjoying the scenery. Love birds can enjoy a sunset ride on the wine train Vista Dome Car when the fields of the valley are absolutely breathtaking.

Below are a few vineyards situated in Napa and Sonoma Counties you might enjoy, be it for their history, wine type or taste. Appointments will most likely be require for most of the large wineries and some of the small ones.

QUINTESSA
A combination of the owners' passion for winemaking and their respect for the environment inspired the winery at Quintessa. They planted organic, bio dynamic vineyards on the 280-acre property in Rutherford appellation, setting out to create a delightful wine that was complementary to food. Developed on what has been called Napa Valley's last great undeveloped property, Quintessa has all the characteristics of a great wine estate.

Wines: Each year, a singular red meritage wine is produced whose taste encompasses the expression of the land.

Details: Guided tours seven days a week from 10 am to 4 pm by appointment only. The tour includes a visit to the vineyards, winery and caves, finished with a tranquil tasting at a private table. The tasting fee is $45 per person. 1601 Silverado Trail, Rutherford; 707-967-1601 or quintessa.com.

PRIDE MOUNTAIN VINEYARD
This 235-acre estate sits atop the Mayacamas Mountains with the Napa/Sonoma County line running through the property. Interestingly grapes crushed on either side of the county line must be labeled differently. Pride's wines have placed on Wine Spectator "Top 100 Wines of the World" list five times since the year 2000.

Wines: This family-owned winery produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Viognier, and Chardonnay.

Details: A walk through the vineyards, tasting and tour of the production facility is offered for a $15 fee. 4026 Spring Mountain Rd., St. Helena; 707-963-4949 or pridewines.com.

CHATEAU ST. JEAN WINERY & VINEYARDS
Located at the base of Sugarloaf Ridge, Chateau St. Jean has long been considered a classic in Sonoma Valley. Visitors are invited to tour elegant Mediterranean-style gardens and sample their limited production wines. Blending seminars and wine education courses make visiting this winery a truly unique experience.

Wines: Expect to find the highly acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon Cinq Cépages, a variety of highly concentrated Reserve varietals as well as new and exciting blends.

Details: The Visitor Center is open daily from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Premium Tasting Fee $10.00 per person; Reserve Tasting Fee $15.00 per person. 8555 Sonoma Hwy., Kenwood; 707-833-4134 or chateaustjean.com.