All of the times I have gone to Napa and Sonoma California, I have flown into Sacramento (SAC) as opposed to San Francisco (SFO). Flying into Sacramento is a little more laid back and relaxing as opposed to SFO. There is a lot to be said for flying into San Francisco - busy, traffic, long lines, uptight people, late arrivals, congestion, crowds, fog, busy air space. You get the idea. When I am traveling on vacation, I am trying to get away from all of this. So why go someplace when the purpose is supposed to be relaxing and fun and have to put up with it?

I always try to be flexible in my vacation travel plans. I find that by leaving a little earlier or later, than most people, I can save some money. Depending on where you are traveling from, you might get to the West Coast later in the afternoon. Or you might be able to save money on air fare by going later in the day. If that is the case, plan on staying the night in Sacramento rather than trying to get a car right from the airport and going directly to the vally.

You could stay at the Delta King, a paddle boat docked in Old Town on the Sacramento River, for $109 per night. While you are in Sacramento, check out 58 Degrees and Holding Company, a wine bar downtown. Or swing by Zocalo for pomegranate margaritas, chips and fresh guacamole, located in Midtown - just east of the capitol. While the main purpose of your trip is to check out the wineries in Napa or Sonoma, you might want to branch out and enjoy some of the sights that Sacramento has to offer. It will also put you into the correct frame of mind - you are on vacation. Take a minute, relax, enjoy, slow down, take a deep breath.

If this is your plan, then you might want to plan out your day depending on when you get to town. If you get there late, check out the wine bar at 58 Degrees and Holding Company, and grab dinner. If you are traveling from Atlanta (ATL) to SAC, for example, and you can leave at 6:00 AM, you can get to SAC by 10:40 on Frontier for $278. You will have time to hit up the State Capitol and maybe see Arnold. They have tours of the Capitol every hour beginning at 9:00 AM. I read that if you go to the Govenor's office reception area, you can pick up one of his business cards for free. It is not always open, but it might be worth it if you are an Arnold fan.

If you are a shopper and have room in your suitcase, check out J Street between 21st and 27th Street. I read that this part of Midtown has many little shops and is becoming a favorite with locals.

Until next time, let me know what is on your mind, and how you are doing, O.K.?

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Jim Fortune - the Bella Wine Guy