Sonoma Wine Country Suggestions: II - Food

3a) For food, my #1 suggestion is the Farmhouse Inn. It is a B&B and a fine place to stay, but not up to the luxury/pampering standards of the Sonoma Mission Inn, Healdsburg Inn and Carneros Inn described below. They feature absolutely amazing California cuisine, an intimate/romantic setting and perhaps the best cheese course in the United States. Last time I checked, they were rated a 28 by Zagat, and unlike some wine country destinations, will not require a second mortgage.

3b) In the town of Sonoma, you should definitely check out Cafe La Haye and The Girl and the Fig, which is also a great lunch stop. Walk around this town a little too. Just north of the town of Sonoma, I like Kenwood (in Kenwood) -- not a lot of flash, but a good choice for lunch or dinner.

3c) Napa has a bunch of superb restaurants and most people put French Laundry at the top of the list. The trick is getting in to this Yountville restaurant. Also, here is where the second mortgage will come in handy. Bistro Jeanty is another excellent Yountville choice, with a French flair. Terra in St. Helena and La Toque in Rutherford are two other "can't miss" choices. Mustard's Grill in the town of Napa is a great choice for lunch.

4a) Two hybrid winery/food suggestions merit a mention:

• If you make it to northern Sonoma, try the Alexander Valley Grille, beautifully situated, with very good food (I'd suggest lunch) in the Chateau Souverain winery:
• Domaine Chandon, the sparkling wine house, also has good food at their Napa location