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54 2 0 1 7 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A BOB MCCLENAHAN; SOLVANG CVB WINE COUNTRY hip 7% Solution Fest dedicated to rare, lesser grown grape varieties with extremely limited production. Visiting Northern Sonoma in January? Winter WINEland, a self-paced winery tour, is the toasty event of the season. One of the oldest regions, Livermore, is just 30 miles east of San Francisco and best known for its Chardonnay production and the well-established winery estates of Wente and Concannon. SIERRA FOOTHILLS El Dorado, Amador, Calaveras The mining towns of the Sierra foothills— Placerville, Amador City and Sutter Creek—used to draw prospectors in search of gold. Now wine lovers come in search of riches in liquid form, such as Grenache, San- giovese and particularly Old-vine Zinfandel. The main street of Murphys is lined with Gold Rush-era buildings and more than 20 tasting rooms equal parts rustic and sophisticated. CENTRAL COAST Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Chalone, Carmel Valley, Paso Robles, Edna Valley, Arroyo Grande, Santa Clara Valley The Central Coast is one of the largest and most diverse wine growing regions, and Monterey is home to the granddaddy of all wine festivals, the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Classic in April, where you can sip fine wines and enjoy small plates by star chefs. If you are a Pinot or Syrah fan, head for the highlands, the Santa Lucia Highlands, an appellation with many noteworthy wineries such as Morgan, Mer Soleil, and Hahn. Santa Clara Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in California. Founded by Italian immigrants in the early 1800s, this region has now grown to approximately 23 wineries. Looking to meet the next great wine- maker? The Garagiste Fest in Paso Robles will introduce you to the small guys with bright futures. And if bubbles make you WINE TASTING in Saint Helena, top; grape cluster, Solvang, above.