The regions north of Santa Rosa include some of the best wineries in the country.  The Russian River Valley (focus of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Alexander Valley (Cabernet) and Dry Creek (Zinfandel) make great wines at sometimes great prices.  There is a wide variety in this large region.  There are many wineries here and I have only been fortunate enough to visit a selection of them which I have reviewed below.  I highly recommend this area though as it is much less crowded than Napa and has a very small town, family owned feel.  It is spread out though so you should have a plan to visit wineries somewhat close to each other to avoid spending too much time driving and too little time tasting!!