Dirk Hampson of Far Niente

Far Niente Winemakers Dirk Hampson and Stephanie Putnam host a tasting deep inside the winery's 40,000 square feet of subterranean wine caves. But the unexpected treat occurs back at ground level, where Gil displays his collection of 25 vintage cars and motorcycles, all in mint condition and ready to cruise the wine country.

The fabulous cars rev up our wine travelers, who climb into their white SUV to navigate the serpentine Oakville Grade. The beautiful, but challenging drive leads them over the Mayacamas mountain range to adjacent Sonoma Valley.

Not as large as Napa Valley, but equally impressive in its pristine, vine-dappled beauty, Sonoma Valley is home to numerous fine wineries and the area's oldest traditions. The trio arrives at B.R. Cohn Winery. It's owned by Bruce Cohn, who is also known for having managed the Doobie Brothers' long and successful musical career.

Barrel tasting at B.R. Cohn Left to right: William Parker, Jay James and Bruce Cohn

Bruce loves a good meal and offers his guests a wine country barbecue designed to match his wines. Thin slices of grilled swordfish top a refreshing fennel salad, paired exquisitely with a new B.R. Cohn Chardonnay. Next, braised pork and Swiss chard team up fluidly with Cabernet Sauvignon.

After dinner, the vintner pops the cork on a bottle of Cabernet Port. "This is really interesting," says Wolfgang, always looking for new flavors for his menus. As Bellagio's executive chef, he is responsible for up to 20,000 meals each day. "There is so much fruit in this wine. It would be good for making a sorbet, or maybe a reduction for marinating figs and nuts."

"Just drink it!" quips Win with a laugh. Nevertheless, it's clear that Wolfgang already has a few new recipes dreamed up.

There's nothing like wine country hospitality. Day One turned out splendidly, and Day Two doesn't disappoint. The tasting team starts off early in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley with a multicourse breakfast at Chalk Hill winery. Jay's hosts are Peggy and Fred Furth, who planted Chalk Hill back in 1972. Today the winery boasts some 300 acres of vines.