Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco along the legendary historical El Camino Real trail is the still under-discovered wine region of Paso Robles. Hot days and cold nights offer an ideal climate for this region specializing in Syrah and also known for growing outstanding Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays, and Merlots.

Gentle rolling hills, valleys and sharp cliffs ensure a variety of micro climates ideal for wine-growing. Set amidst bucolic back roads and rolling hills, a wine tasting tour of Paso Robles blends visual pleasures and culinary feasts.

Just 12 miles north of San Francisco and across the Golden Gate Bridge are ancient redwoods that tower to over 200 feet tall, and the opportunity to stand in the presence of trees that are centuries old. Muir Woods contains six miles of trails, and after entering the forest, sounds are confined to the creek, birds chirping, and your footsteps moving across the forest floor. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable shoes for a day exploring the last remaining stand of ancient redwoods in the San Francisco bay area.

Don't let those stories about the Sonoma "diet" fool you. If you're looking for a place to indulge your taste buds, there's nowhere better than the Sonoma Valley Wine Country.