Napa/Sonoma, CA—It’s really all about the food, isn’t it? Okay. Throw in a little culture, architecture, antiques, and some country roads and you’ve got Europe. Tomorrow I’ll be taping an interview to let American Francophiles know how to save $1600 in air fare by having that European Vacation in Northern California.

I’ve heard it said that there are multiple similarities between Sonoma and Napa and their popular counterparts: Burgundy and Provence. Let’s begin to count the ways:

Artisanal Bread (Sonoma County)

I would rather have a good hunk of artisan bread and butter than a steak. Especially around midnight, before bed, when the bread’s still warm and fresh out of the oven.

Della Fattoria Breads: Loafs baked in brick ovens heated with wood fires. You’ll never get over them! You’ll never be happy again until you come back to Petaluma, CA and enjoy your second loaf.

Costeaux French Bakery: Downtown Healdsburg has more than one bakery but folks seem to come here for the award-winning French loafs. It’s an outdoor bistro cafe that boasts “breakfast anytime” and “handcrafted breads”. Their logo says: “Since 1923”. That’s a good sign.

Basque Boulangerie: Downtown Sonoma’s hotbed of excitement. It’s always crowded—and for good reason. It’s the home of Sonoma’s original sourdough and sweet French Breads. Locals and visitors flock to this all day bistro to grab their own award-winning baguette. You’ll often catch me strolling briskly down the sidewalk with one tightly tucked under my arm. The owners have been in the bakery and restaurant business since 1956. This bread is a staple of life in this charming town. Life in Wine Country just wouldn’t be the same with out it.

Artisanal Bread (Napa County)

The Model Bakery: An sanctuary of taste bud sanity in oh-so-touristy St. Helena. I heard that they’ve been featured somewhere on The Food Network. Well that makes sense. Quaint plus quality will get you noticed. Plus, after 90+ years in the Napa Valley you can’t help but get a little well deserved notoriety. “Artisan breads made with organic stone ground flours”. That’s all you need to hear! (They also have a second location in the Oxbow Market located in downtown Napa.)

Artisanal Cheese (Sonoma County)

Marin French Cheese: The oldest cheese company in the USA—since 1865! Their famous brand, Rouge et Noir, is widely available. But it’s more fun it visit their retail store. Technically they’re located in Marin County but it’s close enough to Sonoma to be included in this list. They specialize in soft-ripened cheeses from goats’ and cows’ milk. You know: Brie, Camembert, Triple Créme Bries, and Blues. It’s a serene setting with 700 acres of rolling hills, a huge duck pond, and great picnic area. This is a wonderful day trip. Do go and enjoy but beware the countless duck droppings on the lawn!

Joe Matos Cheese Factory: Located on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County’s business hub, I must confess I’ve never been here. It’s a very small, rustic cheese factory that I’ve heard good things about. Handmade cheese that’s reasonably priced. You’ll have to explore this one on your own. They don’t take credit cards and it’s not really a tourist stop. No website here but I’ve attached a fun video of a blogger making way there. If you plan your trip correctly, you could easily make a quick stop here while on your way to the Marin French Cheese store.

Vella Cheese Company: Cheese made by hand since 1931. Sustainably produced since 2003. Vella cheese rocks! There is no better. Try their Toma and you’ll be be hooked for life. The tradition runs deep here. This is my absolute favorite and I’m in good company. Famed Hollywood actor Cary Grant used to order Vella Cheese each year to give to his closet friends for Christmas. Everything here is great. Plus the factory is housed in an historic stone building.

More to come on my next post.