The word diversity, describes the Sonoma wine region better than any other word: diversity in the wines produced there, diversity in the local climate, diversity in geography and in the spectacular scenery. In fact, it is the very diversity in microclimates that has allowed Sonoma County to keep pace with its wine producing neighbors in the Napa Valley.

Hear the word, Sonoma, and at once your mind conjures up images of a lively small town, a far-flung county, or a picturesque valley known for its wine grapes, because, yes, it is all of these. Unraveling idiosyncrasies such as this one is part of the delight in visiting this area. From Healdsburg in the north to Petaluma in the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west and Sonoma to the east, the county of Sonoma offers a rich treasure trove of experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Start with the wine... and why not? Sonoma County produces a greater variety of wines than any other wine-producing area in the world. It even boasts the oldest commercial premium winery in California, Buena Vista, founded in 1857 in the town of Sonoma. Thanks to the diversity of soil and climate, vineyards in Sonoma County grow chardonnay, gewurztraminer, sauvignon blanc, viognier, pinot gris, cabernet, merlot, syrah, sangiovese, and zinfandel grapes, to name just some of varietals grown here and used to produce both sparkling and still wines. Not only that, but the wine produced by a varietal grown in one region of Sonoma County can taste very different from the same varietal grown elsewhere in the county. One is faced with the task of tasting them all to decide on one's favorites.

A good way to discover Sonoma County is to concentrate on one wine growing region at a time. Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, Chalk Hill and Russian River are some of the better known appellations at the north end of the county, while Sonoma Valley and Carneros hug the southern border with Napa County.

The scenery of Sonoma County is nothing short of spectacular in its diversity. Whether you start with the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific, the tranquil view of the sea lions lounging on the beach where the Russian River meets the ocean, an unforgettable drive through a redwood forest or the rolling dairy country on the outskirts of Petaluma, you feel constantly transported to a succession of different countries.

And there is so much to do along the way. Visit one of the spectacular winery gardens at Ferrari-Carano, Kendall-Jackson, Belvedere, Preston or the lavender fields at Matanzas Creek. Stop in Santa Rosa to visit Luther Burbank's home and gardens, the Charles Schulz Museum and Research Center, or to take a walking sculpture tour through the city. Try a wine and cheese tour through the hills west of Petaluma, stopping at one of the many dairy farms for reinforcements. Or do as the residents have done for years and take your own Farmlands Tour, visiting some of the many farms in the area to gather your own fresh produce. You'll be amazed at the range of products available from quail eggs to Christmas trees, and plenty of fruits and vegetables in between.

Sonoma County has been the location for the filming of many well known movies. Perhaps the most notorious, Hitchcock's The Birds, was filmed in the small town of Bodega. Potter School, now a private residence, looks much as it did in the movie. Among other movies filmed locally you can visit locations from American Graffiti, Peggy Sue Got Married, Shadow of a Doubt, and True Crime.

For the hungry and tired, excellent choices abound in Sonoma County. The county is peppered with outstanding restaurants, many specializing in local produce, and, of course, local wines. Lodging choices range from quaint, cozy Bed & Breakfast inns in the towns of Healdsburg and Sonoma, or nestled in the countryside throughout the county, to large, full-service hotels in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park or Petaluma. So many choices, you'll wish you had time to sample them all.