Sebastopol

Whisper the name Sebastopol. Go on. Hear that wind brushing through an enchanted forest or the sound of something you might say to a lover when you feel particularly smitten? Well that's what this Sonoma County town embodies. Quite possibly the most appealing Wine Country hamlet, Sebastopol may not grace the pages of your travel magazines much, but she should not be overlooked. Known for her fertile ground, the Gravenstein apple capital of the U.S. now grows more wine grapes than America's favorite fruit. Though the liberal farmers of Sebastopol (looking for an excuse to celebrate) pay tribute to apples in two festivals each year, tourists ...

Whisper the name Sebastopol. Go on. Hear that wind brushing through an enchanted forest or the sound of something you might say to a lover when you feel particularly smitten? Well that's what this Sonoma County town embodies. Quite possibly the most appealing Wine Country hamlet, Sebastopol may not grace the pages of your travel magazines much, but she should not be overlooked. Known for her fertile ground, the Gravenstein apple capital of the U.S. now grows more wine grapes than America's favorite fruit. Though the liberal farmers of Sebastopol (looking for an excuse to celebrate) pay tribute to apples in two festivals each year, tourists visit for her small town allure. Hidden twenty miles from the Pacific, between Santa Rosa and a sea of redwoods, Sebastopol doesn't have big box chain stores or snarled traffic. Rather, mom and pop shops hawk hemp baby wear, an organic brewery offers fine music to go with its frothy beers, and plenty of parks allow visitors space to amble through. Surrounded by tasting rooms, farm tours, and nature's splendor, Sebastopol will have you whispering her name until you return.

About the Expert

Michele Bigley is the author of Northern California: An Explorer's Guide and Great Destinations Kauai from Countryman Press.