Sonoma valley - valerie sherer mathes

Californias Wine Country, its rolling hills studded with ancient oaks and laced with vines.

Tourists flock to the charming, historic towns in the Valley of the Moon, from Kenwood in the north to Schellville in the south.

The town of Sonoma may be the birthplace of the State of California.

Its central plaza, designed as a parade ground by Mexican general Mariano Vallejo and still ringed by mid-19th century buildings, was the site of the 1846 Bear Flag Revolt.

Since 1823, when Mission San Francisco Solano, the last link in the long chain of California missions, was established here, to the famous present-day wineries, restaurants, and shops, Sonoma Valley has been treasured by residents and visitors alike.