If you’re in need of a vacation but only have a long weekend, pinpoint your plans by making a two- to three-day jaunt through the Dry Creek Valley in California Wine Country near San Francisco. You’ll enjoy an in-depth introduction to all that’s wonderful about the wine country.

Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, and in about an hour, you can be in Healdsburg, a charming spot cradled between the fertile Dry Creek and Alexander valleys. With its wine-tasting rooms, progressive restaurants, tiny boutiques, art galleries and antiques shops, the Victorian town provides a chic “base-camp” for your visit. In all, there are nearly 61 wineries that are member wineries of the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley. They are family owned, and pretty close together – which is nice, considering you’ll be drinking and won’t have to go far to take in a variety of wine-country sips. The pride and the diversity of the people who live and work within this narrow, gentle geography are reflected in the special character of Dry Creek Valley grapes and wines.

The Dry Creek Valley is known for its Zinfandels – bold red wines brimming with full-throttle California fruit and touches of spice. Some of the vines in the area are well over 100 years old (the older the vines, the more concentrated the fruit). White-wine lovers need not go thirsty, however, as the Valley also produces renowned Sauvignon Blanc. Dry Creek Vineyard was among the first to plant the zippy grape in the area.

You may be wondering at this point – “do I know any wineries from Dry Creek Valley?” And the answer is, yes you do! For a concentrated sampling of these wineries, tool along and around Dry Creek Road. Here, you’ll find a cluster of easy-to-find boutique wineries where you’re likely to meet the owners themselves. Dutcher Crossing is a family-run spot pouring award-winning Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays in a tasting room with a welcoming fireplace.

Of course, there is also the award winning Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Here, wine drinkers can taste classic wines in the Villa Fiore Wine Shop, or sample reserve and limited release wines in the all-new Enoteca in the underground cellar. And don’t forget to pop your head in to Pedroncelli Winery, who has been making great wine since 1927!

Sample small-production red wines at Yoakim Bridge Winery, set in an idyllic spot with its 1886 Victorian farmhouse overlooking the vineyards. Also visit Passalacqua Winery Tasting Room and Gardens, with its three tasting bars, wine-country gift shop and intimate garden arbors for picnics.

Sometime during your visit, a picnic at a winery is a must – Dry Creek General Store offers totable lunches you can enjoy while exploring the valley.

Tags: Alexander valley, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Dry Creek General Store, Dry Creek Valley, Dutcher Crossing, Ferrari-Carano, Healdsburg, Passalacqua Winery, Pedroncelli Winery, Sauvignon blanc, Villa Fiore Wine Shop, wine country, Yoakim Bridge Winery, zinfandel