Napa Valley and Sonoma: Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour

Things to do on the Tour Include:

• Welcome

  Start your journey at Sonoma Plaza and drive along East Napa Street.

• Valley of the Moon

  Sonoma Valley’s poetic nickname, "Valley of the Moon," originates from indigenous tribes. The name ‘Sonoma’ might mean ‘Valley of the Moon’ or ‘big nose’—depending on who you believe!

• Agoston Haraszthy

  Known as the "Father of California Wine," Haraszthy founded Buena Vista Winery in 1857 and brought hundreds of European grape varieties to Sonoma.

• Arnold Drive

  Named after General Henry Arnold, "Father of the Air Force," who trained under the Wright brothers and advocated for military aviation funding.

• The Wappo

  This road follows ancient paths left by the Wappo people, who traded goods like clams and obsidian with neighboring tribes.

• Jack London

  The famous author of "The Call of the Wild" found peace in Sonoma, where he built a large ranch and the ill-fated Wolf House.

• Benziger Family Winery

  Known for biodynamic farming, the Benziger Winery employs organic practices to create a healthy ecosystem for their vineyards.

• Glen Ellen Village

  Founded by Charles Stuart and named after his wife, this small settlement was ideal for Jack London’s escape from city life.

• Ideal Terroir of Sonoma County

  Sonoma’s climate, with warm days and cool nights, creates the perfect terroir for growing grapes, contributing to the region’s exceptional wines.

• Sugarloaf Ridge

  This mountain range separates Sonoma from Napa Valley. Sonoma’s wine scene flourished post-Prohibition, especially after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, which put California wines on the map.

• Kunde Family Winery

  Discover volcanic wine caves and the unique flavors from volcanic soil. The Kunde family has been growing grapes since 1904.

• Kenwood Vineyards

  This vineyard grows grapes on land that once belonged to Jack London. Visit to explore their historical connection.

• Chateau St. Jean Winery

  A beautiful chateau from 1920, now a winery known for its Cinq Cépages. Open daily for tastings.

• St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

  Famous for bringing Merlot to Sonoma in the 1970s. Enjoy their star Merlot and food offerings.

• Wine Varietals of Sonoma

  Sonoma boasts over 60 wine varietals. Varietals come from single grape types, while blends combine different grapes.

• Soil in Sonoma

  Sonoma's diverse soil types, including volcanic ash and sandy soil, create ideal conditions for grape growing.

• Santa Rosa

  Once home to the utopian Brotherhood of the New Life, led by Thomas Lake Harris, who claimed his wine had mystical powers.

• Chardonnay

  A versatile white wine originally from France’s Burgundy region. Look for citrus and vanilla flavors, with some wines offering a buttery taste.

• Pinot Noir

  A dry red wine from Burgundy, France. Known for its delicate, complex flavors and featured in the movie "Sideways."

• Cabernet Sauvignon

  A full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors. High in tannins, providing a grippy texture.

• Merlot

  A smooth, approachable red wine with medium tannins. Often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon for a balanced flavor.

• Syrah

  A dark, high-tannin red wine originally from France’s Rhône region. Known for flavors like black pepper and bacon drippings.

• Sauvignon Blanc

  Known as the “wild white” grape, this light-bodied and dry wine often has fresh notes of grapefruit and peach. It’s sometimes humorously described as having flavors reminiscent of "pipi de chat" or "cat pee."

• The Petrified Forest

  Home to ancient redwood fossils, created by a volcanic eruption 3.4 million years ago. It’s a must-see, with a park that’s open Thursday to Monday.

• Red or White Wine

  The primary difference between red and white wines is the fermentation process. Red wines are fermented with grape skins, seeds, and stems, while white wines are not, leading to fewer tannins in white wines.

• 75-85-95% Rules

  These numbers help decode wine labels. Varietal wines must be 75% of the named grape, 85% of grapes must be from the named region, and 95% must be from the stated year.

• Mount Saint Helena

  This peak was formed by the same volcanic eruption that created the Petrified Forest. Robert Louis Stevenson once spent a summer honeymoon here, describing its beauty in his writings.

• Becoming a Sommelier

  Becoming a certified sommelier involves rigorous courses, a comprehensive test, and hands-on mentorship. It’s a dream job for wine enthusiasts willing to put in the work.

• Old Faithful Geyser of California

  This geyser erupts every 15 to 30 minutes, shooting water up to 80 feet high. It’s also known to slow down before earthquakes.

• Chateau Montelena

  Famous for its Chardonnay that won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. The winery is open daily, requiring reservations.

• South Napa Earthquake

  The 2014 earthquake damaged the historic Garnett Creek Stone Bridge, highlighting the seismic activity in the region.