My husband and I want to put in a few days touring wine country, then off to do some skiing. How is the drive from Sonoma to South Lake Tahoe (approximate time, miles, and ease)? We are from Atlanta, so we never drive in snow.

If the weather is good and the roads are clear, it will take you about 1 hour to 1 1/2 to drive from Sonoma to Sacramento and about 2 hours from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe on Hiway 50. If there is snow on the roads or if it is snowing and chains are required, it could take several hours from Sacramento to South Lake Tahoe. Its a very pretty drive, the last 30 miles of which are two lane hiway.

Day of week, time of travel, everything is important to answer this question accurately.

For example, you might find the downhill stretch of 50 to be a crawl in 2nd gear. On Fridays, you'll be passed at every chance on the way up the grade by anxious skiers and snowboarders.

Tahoe is MUCH nicer if you can avoid the weekend zoo during ski season.