The Intelligent Guides to Wines and Top Vineyards focus on classic wine-producing regions. This guide discusses the wines of the North Coast of California, extending from Napa Valley and Sonoma to the Santa Cruz Mountains and Mount Harlan.

The guide is divided into two parts. The first part of the guide discusses the regions, and explains the character and range of the wines. The second part profiles the producers. There are detailed profiles of the leading producers, showing how each winemaker interprets the local character, and mini-profiles of other important estates. More than 130 producers are profiled.

Description of each area includes its geography, the grape varieties that are grown, how these relate to the styles of wines that are produced, wines from entry level to icons, currents trends and how styles are evolving. References wines are recommended for each region. The guide is illustrated with photographs of each area, topological maps to show the terrain, road maps to identify the locations of estates, and information on recent vintages.

Profiles range from producers who may dominate an appellation to small estates that define the cutting edge. The profiles identify the best of tradition and innovation in the region. Each estate profile describes the producer's aims for his wines, and the personality and philosophy behind them. References wines are suggested for each producer, together with essential information for planning a visit.

This Guide is the indispensable means for understanding northern California, tasting its wines, and finding the top producers. It is updated regularly to have the latest information.