Master sommelier Andrea Immer takes the wheel in Safari West; Santa Rosa, Calif.

If you're a wine connoisseur, it's likely you've heard the words "Napa" and "Sonoma" a million times — probably because these two Californian counties contain over 250 wineries and produce some of the finest wine in the world! The really great part is that almost every winery in Napa and Sonoma invite visitors the world over to see what makes these valleys so special. At St. Supéry Vineyards and Winery, visitors get to see and experience the whole game of harvest from picking ripe grapes off the vine to grape stomping. But California wine country doesn't only offer great wineries, but some of the greatest wildlife experiences you'll find this side of the Serengeti. With over four hundred exotic mammals and birds, Safari West provides a taste of African savannahs and a great taste of South African wines. And when you're ready for a little rest and relaxation in wine country, MacArthur Place is home to lavender gardens, luxurious spa treatments, and fresh foods.

• Before harvesting, wineries test the grapes to insure proper sugar levels.
  • St. Supéry 1999 Meritage: 82 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 14 percent Merlot, 2 percent Petite Verdot, 2 percent Cabernet Franc.
    
  • St. Supéry 2001 White Meritage: 63 percent Sauvignon Blanc, 37 percent Semillon.
• Blending is the art of mixing wines to create complexity.
  
• Meritage wines are modeled after French Bordeaux wines.
  • White Meritage: Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
    
  • Red Meritage: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
  • Pinotage: hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault grapes.
• Pinotage is a South African grape derived from the French grapes pinot noir and cinsault.
  
• Climate and geography make South African wines very similar to those of Northern California.

Good Combinations

*Goat cheese and beet salad with St. Supéry Meritage white
*Portobello and goat cheese sandwich with Indalo Pinotage
Grilled Vegetables with Ridge Zinfandel

* - recipe not available

Resources

St. Supéry Vineyards and Winery
Rutherford Calif.
800-942-0809
www.stsupery.com, divinecab@stsupery.com

Safari West
Santa Rosa, Calif.
800-616-2695
www.safariwest.com, info@safariwest.com
Safari West's Sunset and Twilight Safaris both come with a wine and cheese basket. Tours are available year-round, with prices ranging from $30-60 for adults and $18-30 for kids.

MacArthur Place
29 East MacArthur Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
800-722-1866
www.macarthurplace.com, info@macarthurplace.com

Create an unforgettable dining experience with Andrea Immer's Entertaining Made Simple CD collection. Each CD includes music, menus, recipes, affordable wine recommendations and video demonstrations.