I have lived in Sonoma County all of my life. In the 80's everyone had a bumper sticker that said "Native Californian", which simply meant one had to be born here to be fully considered Californian. Well, my parents are from Illinois and I've been here since I was six years old....I hope I made the "club" but time will tell.

I tell people...I know every pine tree in the County, but the truth is that I'm still discovering wineries, restaurants and country roads....

How it all began

I first encountered a limo driver at the San Francisco Airport dressed in a black suit, standing next to a freshly polished town car. I said to myself, "That's It!"

I wanted a job that was full of adventure, one that I could be good at and perhaps start my own business. I worked the next five years for a well known outfit in Napa, where I learned the business from the ground up earning five of the coveted D.M.V. endorsements.

I learned the etiquette of a professional driver

• one never repeats what one hears

• never does one "join the party"

• nor does one ever shut down the "party"

There are many aspects to driving professionally, not only does the commercial insurance have to be in place, but all airport permits must be up to date as well. The most important aspect is customer service, where I look at myself as a "waiter on wheels".

A little History of the area

In the fourteen years employed as a driver, people want to be entertained. They generally don't want a lecture at 10:00 am. I have a huge knowledge to draw upon and talk about

• the history of Sonoma and The Bear Flag Revolt bringing California into the United States (1846)

• General Vallejo,

• The Mexican Barracks,

• Sebastiani Theater,

• The Mission

• Jack London

• 160 year old Sonoma grape vine

People always ask…

Have you ever driven celebrities? Yes! Rachael Ray —>

What's the wildest thing to ever saw as a driver!?

Well I'll pick from several and tell you on the tour the tour!

I know the secret pick nick spots around Napa and which wineries make the best wine for the budget minded traveler. I am also reading a book on stories of Sonoma County...like how did Bodega Bay get its' name, the many ship wrecks off the County coast some where even Japanese and Russian and the many Wells Fargo stage coach robberies that took place here in the 1870's....

This is my home, Sonoma County, a beautiful, mystic and wonderful place to live and although I may never be considered "native" I know the place as good or better than most.

Sonoma Wine Tour Drivers says that Sonoma County has the most micro climates of anywhere in the U.S. Twenty miles in any direction puts one in a entirely different landscape. As a seasoned your guide I will show off the oldest vines, the ancient Redwood Trees, the Russian River, the Coast and the rolling hills of Healdsburg. Come taste rare wines from private estates such as Silver Cloud, Repris, Hanszel and Jordan. For a more casual experience we can visit the many boutique wineries and have lunch in Glen Ellen.