WHERE TO STAY The Hanford House Inn Appealing Amador bed-and-breakfast with personable proprietors and a generous breakfast (from $129; 61 Hanford St., Sutter Creek; 800-871-5839).
WHERE TO EAT Incahoots Baby back ribs and well-priced Zins are two reasons why winemakers (and everyone else) eat at this roadhouse (9486 Main St., Plymouth; 209-245-5544). Caffè Via d'Oro The inexpensive and Zin-expansive wine list make this worth a try (36 Main St., Sutter Creek; 209-267-0535).
WINERIES TO VISIT Story Winery Maybe one of the tiniest tasting rooms in Amador; definitely one of the friendliest. Good Zins too (10525 Bell Rd., Plymouth; 800-713-6390). Sobon Estate The Zins are first rate and there's even a winemaking museum (14430 Shenandoah Rd., Plymouth; 209-245-6554). Karly Wines On the same road as Story (off Shenandoah) and just as welcoming, Karly is a top source of Amador Zin (11076 Bell Rd. Plymouth; 209-245-3922). Montevina A large and always-reliable producer of value wines (20680 Shenandoah School Rd., Plymouth; 209-245-6942).
ALSO WORTH VISITING: Easton, Renwood Winery.
MENDOCINO
WHERE TO STAY The Apple Farm Three steel-roofed guest cottages are set amidst apple trees at this well-known cooking-school-cum-hostelry (from $175, no credit cards. 18501 Greenwood Rd., Philo; 707-895-2461).
WHERE TO EAT Libby's Restaurant This roadside spot serves terrific Mexican food—though the Zin selection is, alas, limited to a single bottle (8651 Hwy. 128, Philo; 707-895-2646). Dish Café and Wine Shop A perfect source for picnic food (try the local salmon) to take along to nearby Redwood Valley wineries like Fife Vineyards (109 S. School St., Ukiah; 707-462-5700).
WINERIES TO VISIT Fife Vineyards It's in Mendocino's remote Redwood Valley but the view and the wines are worth the drive (3621 Ricetti Ln., Redwood Valley; 707-485-0323). Lolonis Winery There's no fancy tasting room, but the Zins are well made and the winemaker himself may pour for you. By appointment only (1905 Road D, Redwood Valley; 925-938-8066). Mendocino Specialty Vineyards Tasting Room Three wineries in one tasting room; Claudia Springs is the featured Zin producer (1718 Fair Ln., Hwy 128, Boonville; 707-895-3993).
ALSO WORTH VISITING: Fetzer Vineyards (for its Mariah Zin).
DRY CREEK VALLEY
WHERE TO STAY Duchamp A luxurious, post-modern retreat. Breakfast pastries are from the fabulous Downtown Bakery and the pool's pretty cool too (from $225; 421 Foss St., Healdsburg; 800-431-9341). Hotel Healdsburg The other fashionable hotel option in Healdsburg: Think W meets California chic. Home to Dry Creek Kitchen (from $245; 25 Matheson St., Healdsburg; 800-889-7188).
WHERE TO DINE Bistro Ralph A Sonoma stalwart with a small but appealing wine list; it's been turning out solid bistro food for 11 years (109 Plaza St., Healdsburg; 707-433-1380). Zin Restaurant & Wine Bar The menu is pretty straightforward (go for lunch) but the Zin focus is flawless (344 Center St., Healdsburg; 707-473-0946).
WINERIES TO VISIT Preston of Dry Creek The winemaker here produces great Zin, Sauvignon Blanc and even fresh bread (9282 W. Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg; 800-305-9707). Seghesio Family Vineyards Headquartered on the fringes of downtown Healdsburg, Seghesio is one of the most reliable names in Zin (14730 Grove St., Healdsburg; 866-734-4374).
ALSO WORTH VISITING: Unti Vineyards and Yoakim Bridge.
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