Don Carano of Ferrari-Carano

Gardener Patrick Patin tends to the 100 types of flowers and 1,000 different species of shrubs that make Ferrari- Carano's garden a must-see destination. "This garden has been a 17-year labor of love," Patin gushes enthusiastically. "Now it looks like it's been here a century."

Don Carano is obviously pleased with the results. "Let me show you my collection of antique hand-blown decanters and wine glasses," Don says, walking toward the tasting salon and past the fabulous Ferrari-Carano gift shop. The winery is elegant and ornate, complete with numerous reception areas and a large, demonstration kitchen that has served as a backdrop for Rhonda Carano on the Food Network.

Ferrari-Carano

It's hard to leave such a reception. But after a tasting and sampling of gourmet snacks, Jay steers his friends away from Don Carano's hospitality to be charmed by yet another group of vintners, the Sterling family, owners of Iron Horse winery in the Russian River Valley.

Known for its classic sparkling wines, rosés and Pinot Noir, Iron Horse glimmers in the afternoon sunshine. Like their vintner neighbors, the Sterlings lead a lifestyle that extends beyond grapes. Tall palm trees line the long, hidden driveway, from which visitors can see groves of olive, apple, fig, peach, plum, quince, pear, and cherry trees.

	Joy Sterling of Iron Horse

Joy Sterling greets us with a glass of Iron Horse Brut Rosé, while her husband, Forrest Tancer, describes the mysteries of making sparkling wine.

"This is delicious," says Jay, sipping a tall flute of bubbly. "It's a best seller at Bellagio; so audacious and refreshing. I think sparkling rosé mirrors the excitement of Las Vegas."

Too many bubbles can go right to your head, however, and the intrepid wine explorers drift off quickly to sleep- following a multicourse gourmet dinner, of course-to recharge for Day Three.

The next day begins back in Napa Valley, where breakfast is served at Quintessa winery atop a vine-covered hillside with a view to die for. The lovely and talented Winemaker, Sarah Gott, presides along with Quintessa's patrician-like Owner Augustin Huneeus.