Synopses & Reviews
Fodors. For Choice Travel Experiences.The guide that has it all-spectacular photography, evocative prose, insider tips, and detailed color maps to help you make the most of your trip. Written by longtime local residents, Compass American Guides California Wine Country, 5th Edition provides in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of one of Americas most spectacular destinations! Follow your Compass to “get” there.
•Discover the state's top wine regions: renowned Napa, welcoming Sonoma, and the up-and-coming Central Coast. Sip your way through the tasting rooms both on and off the beaten path. Star ratings highlight our favorite spots.
•Day-long driving itineraries steer you through the best of each region. A wine-tasting how-to helps you sip like a pro, and timing tips reveal the best strategies for visiting the wineries.
•Follow our lead for indulging. Splurge on a memorable meal---or choose from our recommended picnic spots. Find an intimate inn or a luxe resort. Browse through tempting shops in Healdsburg or slip into one of Sonoma's decadent spas.
Visit Fodors.com for more ideas and information, travel deals, vacation planning tips, reviews and to exchange travel advice with other travelers.
What the critics say about Compass American Guides:
“Lushly illustrated and intelligently written.” —National Geographic Traveler
“The most literate and elegant series of guides ever written about North America.” —Jan Morris
Synopsis
California's wine industry is booming---and Compass: California Wine Country is the perfect companion for the ensuing wave of thirsty visitors. This fully updated edition gives readers the scoop on new developments in Napa and Sonoma plus the Central Coast, a.k.a. Sideways country, which Wine Spectator calls California's new frontier. With how-to tips, juicy profiles on hundreds of wineries, and in-the-know recommendations on the latest restaurants and hotels, our guide has everything travelers will need for a fantastic trip.
-- Expanded coverage of the hottest new wine areas, from the Central Coast to Anderson Valley
-- All-new driving itineraries steer readers to terrific day trips
-- Expert tips on wine tasting, wine pairings, and more
-- Detailed, full-color maps pinpoint vineyards to make navigating a snap
-- Gorgeous full-color photos throughout give an inspiring look at Wine Country
-- Light, bright tone makes for a fun and fascinating read
Synopsis
EXTREME MAKEOVER Compass America Guides: California Wine Country 5th edition raises the bar with dozens of new winery reviews, fresh coverage of the hotter-than-hot Central Coast region, more tips and how-tos, new star ratings, and new driving itineraries.
About the Author
Author John Doerper has worked as a food and wine columnist and editor for numerous publications. His articles about food, wine, and travel have appeared in Travel & Leisure and Pacific Northwest magazine, among others. John is the author of several Compass America guides, including
Coastal California, Oregon Wine Country, and Washington Wine Country.Updater Constance Jones, formerly a Fodor's senior editor, relocated to California's Central Coast wine country in 2004. She has since contributed to several Fodor's guides, explored many dozens of vineyards, and inaugurated at least one bocce court.