A Taste of California

Host Simon Kane is your guide to Calistoga's picturesque hillside wineries, natural hot springs, accomodations and dining, and breathtaking scenic attractions. Sample the wines and chat with the owners of Graeser Winery and Storybrook Mountain Vineyards, and indulge yourself at the luxury spa resort, Calistoga Ranch, with its thermal pools and mud spas.

Mark Twain made this Gold Rush town famous with his 1865 short story, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," but its treasures were discovered long before that! Join Simon as he seeks out this region's "perfect places," and basks in its awesome scenery.

When Mark Twain first saw Lake Tahoe, he described it as "surely the fairest picture the whole earth affords." Host Simon Kane shows us the beauty of the region and the wealth of accommodations, restaurants, and activities available around its 72-mile shore.

As far back as 1795, Paso Robles has been spoken of, and written about, as California's oldest watering hole, the place to go for springs and mud baths. Simon visits a number of its downtown establishments, including the Vinoteca wine bar with its weekly winemaker gatherings and tastings. The area boasts more than 100 wineries.

The Wappo Indians proclaimed this lush green valley as "the land of plenty." Today, Napa is recognized as one of the world's premier wine growing regions. You won't miss a thing as Simon visits Napa's wineries, points out its architectural masterpieces, and explores its bustling historic downtown.

Amador County is in the very heart of California's Gold Country, where prospectors flocked to find their fortunes150 years ago. Simon talks to folklorist Robert Richards about the area's history, visits the Montevina winery, and checks out the local accommodations and attractions.

Take a "Sideways" look at the region affectionately known as "the American Riviera." Filmed here, the Oscar-nominated film has invigorated interest in this thriving wine region. Host Simon Kane savors all the flavors of Santa Barbara, with its' vibrant arts scene, farmers markets, and specialty shops.

Tulare County is home to some of America's prettiest and most colorful small towns, and incredible giant Sequoia trees. Host Simon Kane begins his visit in Visalia, home to two cosmopolitan dining experiences, Café 225, and Depot, whose building once housed the original Southern Pacific Railway.

California history begins in Monterey, perhaps the greatest meeting of land, sea, and sky on the entire planet. This visual feast encompasses breathtaking Pacific coastline, dramatic Big Sur, romantic Carmel, Pacific Grove, the world famous 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, and Monterey's very own wine country.

One of California's original 27 counties, El Dorado is the undisputed home of the Gold Rush, and possibly home of the American vineyard too, with vines originally planted in 1849. Simon visits a number of historic sites in the county, including Marshall Gold Discovery Park, and the actual spot where gold was first found.

Sonoma County is one of the world's top wine growing regions, and a year-round haven with fine dining, lodging, and spas, and a flourishing arts community. Fifty-eight miles of Sonoma coast offer a magnificent display of nature. Stop in Bodega Bay, where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds," and go behind the scenes of localk wineries, including Rodney Strong, St. Francis, and Ferrari-Carano.

Marin County is referred to as San Francisco's playground. Simon visits the historic and beautiful communities of this magnificent area relatively undiscovered by tourists. Marvel at Muir Woods' towering ancient redwoods in Mill Valley. Stroll the quaint Old Corte Madera Square.

Hot-air balloons and open cockpit biplanes offer aerial tours of stunning Temecula Valley. Viticulturalist Ben Drake sehds light on what makes this region the perfect environment to grow premium wine grapes. Host Simon Kane visits an intoxicating variety of wineries, from intimate Hart Winery, to the lavish South Coast Winery.

The sky's the limit in this glittering , trendsetting and culturally diverse city that continually reinvents itself. Simon visits with world-renowned chef Wolfgang Puck, creator of "Fusion"-style cuisine, and acts out his Oscar fantasies during a guided tour of the Kodak Theatre, home to the Academy Awards ceremony.

There's the San Francisco that the tourists flock to, and the San Francisco only the locals know. See it all with host Simon Kane. Beginning with a unique sightseeing expedition aboard the Urban Safari, Simon serves up a tantalizing sampling of the City of the Bay's diverse attractions, from its roller coaster streets and unique neighborhoods, to its legendary vistas.

Simon goes beyond San Diego's most obvious tourist stops to explore this city's historical, cultural, and culinary attractions. Simon brushes up on area history at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. You will visit Hillebrecht Avocado Farm, and check out the freshest, picked-daily produce at Chino Farms market.

Welcome to the O.C.! Get a panoramic view of the "California Riviera" aboard a helicopter. Costa Mesa's thriving cultural scene is represented by a visit to the spectacular Orange County Performing Arts Center. Simon tees off at some of the area's premier golf courses, including the Tustin Ranch Golf Club, and the championship oceanfront Monarch Beach Golf Links.

Say "Hello" to the California coast's rising star. Author and historian Richard Sennett reveals Ventura's heritage of fountains, and points out the Ventura courtroom that inspired dynamic lawyer Erle Stanley Gardner to create his Perry Mason books. Stroll, cycle or skate the Promenade, and "hang ten" at Surfer's Point.

Palm Springs is a desert resort city with lots of activities and events. Play golf, swim, visit the hot springs or ride the Tramway; there's fun for the whole family!