I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. With the Holidays fast approaching, Sonoma Valley wineries are filling their calendars with myriad activities that include all sorts of celebrations and parties.

There are over 200 wineries in 14 appellations in Sonoma Country. Impressive numbers, but they don’t tell the real story about wine and people who make it.

I was telling Sonoma Valley winemaker Richard Arrrowood about our family’s tradition where everybody writes out ten things we learned that year. We read them aloud when we get together.

Mindful of St. Valentine’s Day, I’ve been checking out places to stay and dine in Sonoma Country. There are so many welcoming, comfortable, affordable and romantic inns and bed and breakfasts.

This is Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. There are more than 40 spas in Sonoma Country, confirming it as one of America’s premier spa destinations.

Did you know the Village Inn on the Russian River was the setting for the scenes in the Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire classic “Holiday Inn?”

Valentine’s Day. Have you made your plans yet?

Christmas is fast approaching and it’s time for Mary Ann and me to do what I’ve been talking about for these last few weeks . . . head to Sonoma Country for gift shopping, wine tasting and glorious dining.

One of our very favorite places to visit in Sonoma Country is Safari West, a 400 acre wildlife preserve that truly is the spirit of Africa in the heart of the wine country.