Welcome to the feast our writers have prepared for this issue. From artisanal and farmstead cheese, Bento boxes, COPIA and Cabernet to Raymond Winery, Stanford Inn and ZAP, this issue is like a keyword compendium for Wine Country from A to Z.

Whet your appetite with Pat Fusco's articles about Point Reyes farmstead blue, plus an introduction to regional cheesemakers featured at this summer's American Cheese Society competition. Micheal Arago's information on estate-bottled Cabernets and details of the Anderson Valley Pinot Noir Festival are the perfect accompaniment.

The Sonoma Valley Showcase is a great entrée into Wine Country and the Mendocino Music Festival is one of the main events for the season, but you must buy your tickets in advance as it is always a sell-out. Inside Steppin' Out you will find details on many wonderful events to choose from, culminating with the Sonoma Valley Harvest Festival.
Mendocino's pet-friendly Stanford Inn offers vegetarian cuisine straight out of the organic gardens on the grounds, and Fort Bragg is home to Mendo Bistro, where chef Nicholas Petti's cuisine receives accolades from near and far.  Dining isn't the only oceanside treat though, as the entertaining fare offered by Mendocino Theater Company makes a perfect finale to a day on the stunning North Coast. 

Visit with COPIA's wine director Peter Marks in the heart of Napa, and find out what the buzz is on Raymond Winery in St. Helena. All-in-all this issue has a full plate to offer Wine Country novices and enthusiasts, so come sit at the table and enjoy!

Jeanne Bandiera Francis

Publisher: Jeanne Bandiera Francis
Office Manager: Carol Sanders
On-line Editor/Design: Russ Sullivan
Maps : Rixanne Wehren, GeoGraphics
Writers: Micheal Arago, Kari Bryski, Heidi Cusick, Patricia Dines, Sue Ellery,  Linda Goldfarb, Jan Hovey, Millie Howie, Rich Owings, Barbara Passino, R. Bruce Ricks, Donna Rose, Betty Sederquist, Skip Taube, Julie Vetter, Grady Wann
Illustrator—Bev Kjeldsen, Sharlene Offerman
Photographers: John Birchard, Don Boos, J. Perlman Photography, Betty Sederquist
Ad Sales: Jeanne Francis  (707)964-4193, Kim Francis (916-4316-5508), Skip Taube (707-937-1437)
 

© 2004. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of  FRANCIS PUBLICATIONS.

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