One of the Bay Area's biggest attractions, few tourists plan a trip to San Francisco without spending a few hours or more in America's undisputed wine capital, not far north of the Golden Gate Bridge. This easy-to-use guide offers beautiful places to visit for both wine buffs and wine beginners. Napa and Sonoma counties are covered in-depth, and sidebars feature less well known areas like Mendocino. More than 80 vineyards are reviewed, with all the basic information necessary to plan a trip: directions to each vineyard, background and history, most popular vintages and grower's favourites, special events, details on tastings, whether they do mail-order, and more. The book takes travellers up and down the Silverado Trail and off the beaten path. Along the way readers will learn what it means to decant wine; the difference between processing grapes for red wine and white; and a dictionary of key words used by vintners and wine connoisseurs, so readers will not stare blankly when they hear a wine described as "a full-bodied Cab with a fruity start and a long peppery finish!" About 25 restaurants are reviewed covering all price ranges, and several dozen B&Bs are featured as well, from top-quality inns to more homey, inexpensive places. Also featured are area festivals and events, and a short chapter on San Francisco which includes hotel, restaurant and sights recommendations.