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
Created by local writers and photographers, Compass American Guides are the ultimate insider's guides, providing in-depth coverage of the history, culture and character of America's most spectacular destinations. Compass California Wine Country covers everything there is to see and do -- plus gorgeous full-color photographs; a wealth of archival images; topical essays and literary extracts; detailed color maps; and capsule reviews of hotels and restaurants. These insider guides are perfect for new and longtime residents as well as vacationers who want a deep understanding of the California Wine Country.
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.