Jovial Sips

Many journeys to the nation’s official Wine Country will start as you cross over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. The picturesque town combines hillside with shoreline and has various viewing spots off the hills overlooking more than 400 houseboats in the marina. Make sure to try some fresh seafood while watching the bay at Scoma’s Of Sausalito or at Trident with gorgeous vistas of neighboring San Francisco. Driving into Napa Valley, the rolling hills and sprawling fields set the pace — it’s time to let loose and take in each moment. Up the ante a few notches with a stay at the Inn On First. The historic mansion was built in 1905 and only had 3 families live in it before being converted into a B&B in 2003. There are no TVs, as the owners feel it takes away from the intimacy of the place. Instead, they feature heart-shaped hot tubs and gas fireplaces in each room. Since the area is synonymous with wine, a vineyard tour has to be on the itinerary. Round Pond Estate offers a tour of their winery, olive mills and an outdoor lunch with a beautiful view of the estate and surrounding mountains. For lunch, guests sample the estate’s olive oils, red wine vinegars and wines. Cheeses, meats, breads and fruits and vegetables from their own garden make this the ultimate picnic. Go ahead, indulge in some wine — after all, it’s bottled poetry; NapaValley.org.