Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma, Second Edition

Book excerpt: This updated guide to the small and "secret" back-lane wineries and tasting rooms of Sonoma profiles over 70 hard-to-find, authentic boutique estates that feature world-class, artisanal wines revered by locals and critics. Of the hordes of tourists who visit Sonoma each year, many are becoming frustrated by the crowded tasting rooms, lack of variety, and corporate atmostphere of the popular wineries. In Back Lane Wineries of Sonoma, author Tilar Mazzeo uncovers hidden gems of the valley: wineries growing grapes and crafting exceptional wines that often only have a local distribution and limited production. Amid these off-the-beaten-path wineries, many family-run by pioneers of sustainable and organic viticulture, is where oenophiles and beginning wine-lovers alike can relish in the laid-back atmosphere Sonoma has to offer. This pocket-sized travel guide is updated with new destinations, maps, and full-color photographs throughout, organized by area--including the charming Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley--and provides essentials like pricing and hours of operation. A resident of the valley, Mazzeo also adds insight on restaurants, attractions, and accommodations; wine-tasting etiquette; wine shipping services; and itinerary planning to ensure an unforgettable travel experience.