I have (quite happily!) spent two great vacations in Napa and Sonoma Counties. This is the best guidebook I have found for that region.

There are a few things that make this guide very helpful. First, the author makes sure this guide is very user-friendly for first-time visitors. In other words, you get a true introduction to the Northern California area and what's special about it. You also learn which highlights are worth hitting, and what's worth ignoring.

Second, the visual aspect of the book is great: super-colorful, great layout, things rated from one to three stars, lots of little neighborhood maps, color photographs, etc.

Third, it's clear the author knows what she's talking about at all times.

Fourth, the book comes with a little map that--although it looks a little geeky--is actually quite helpful for finding wineries as you drive along.

Fifth, there's a nice little guide to San Francisco that is the last chapter. It's very well done.

Caveats: if you are a Wine Country veteran, you are too advanced for this book and should skip it. Also, you'll need a road map (such as the paper folding ones that you can buy in a gas station) as a supplement to the maps in this book, because the book's maps don't get the job entirely done.

I used this book to plan my trip to Napa and it was great! We went to Bodega Bay and Fort Ross Park based on the recommendation and it was beautiful. One day we walked Calistoga and visited many of the shops in the book and had dinner at Kitani sushi which was very good. I could go on but bottom line it was a great book and made my trip!

This pocket (or purse) size little book was far and away the most helpful of the many references I consulted for my recent trip to the wine country. Concise reviews of wineries, restaurants, hotels, and other attractions were on the money. Chapters for history buffs, non-drinkers, foodies, etc. were fun and revealed much more than the run-of-the-mill tourist traps. Helpful map as well. Added bonus - a great chapter on SanFrancisco! Used that instead of the specific SanFran guides for city part of the trip. Great value.

bought this book for a friend moving to san fran. received the book in a timely manner.

More than just a regional guide, this concise book is VERY well researched and very well written with clarity and obvious firsthand knowledge. The author has led us to many fun and memorable experiences in the wine country. Both her enthusiasm and direction to some of the more unique destinations and activities in this region have made for unforgettable moments for 2 different groups of French visitors. Pay attention to the tips and notes; every time the advice is right on. Extremely helpful and user-friendly, we would definitely trust any recommendations in this book when planning an excursion or making a reservation in Napa or Sonoma.

A comprehensive, and well thought-out guidebook to California's wine country that will be useful for any kind of traveler. Lots of great full-color photos and excellently written. Choose this book if you want to have the best possible trip to Napa or Sonoma.

A comprehensive, and well thought-out guidebook to California's wine country that will be useful for any kind of traveler. Lots of great full-color photos and excellently written. Choose this book if you want to have the best possible trip to Napa or Sonoma.