Winery gardens

FULTON

Kendall-Jackson Wine Center. Taste and smell your way through 2 acres of organically grown herbs, vegetables, and fruit on tours designed to enhance your appreciation of wine. Or explore the wine sensory garden and vegetable test garden on your own. Free. 5007 Fulton Rd.; 707/571-7500.

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GLEN ELLEN

Benziger Family Winery. One of a handful of certified biodynamic (self-sustaining) wineries in California. A 45-minute tram tour ($10) explains the relationship between vines, soil, and beneficial insects; wine tasting included in tour fee. 1883 London Ranch Rd.; 888/490-2739.

HEALDSBURG

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery. Five acres of beautifully manicured public gardens contain more than 2,000 species of annuals, conifers, deciduous trees, and flowering shrubs. Walk over the footbridge to explore the rose garden. Free. 8761 Dry Creek Rd.; 800/831-0381.

NAPA

The Hess Collection Winery. The garden is every bit as artful as the art gallery inside the three-story building on Mt. Veeder. Admire beds of perennials and grasses, water lilies in a reflecting pool, and a wisteria-covered pergola. Free. 4411 Redwood Rd.; 877/707-4377.

SANTA ROSA

Matanzas Creek Winery. The fruits of a working lavender field find their way into the sachets and other estate-made products sold in the tasting room. Five other gardens on the grounds are equally worthy of a visit. Free. 6097 Bennett Valley Rd.; 800/590-6464.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group