7 Greatest Issues to Do in Sonoma Valley

By admin On Nov 21, 2021

In search of the very best issues to do in Sonoma? This was our second go to, and we found there’s a lot extra to Sonoma than wine.

Individuals prefer to discuss with Sonoma because the laid-back and genuine neighbor of Napa, and our Bay Space buddies love Sonoma and all the time inform us if IYKYK. It’s not solely recognized for its wine but additionally its farm-to-table delicacies, various geography, and open areas.

An enormous thanks to Go to California for sponsoring this submit and Sonoma County for internet hosting our journey. All opinions are all the time our personal. This submit could include affiliate hyperlinks, the place we obtain a small fee on gross sales of the merchandise which might be linked at no extra value to you. Learn our full disclosure for more information. Thanks for supporting the manufacturers that make Native Adventurer potential.

Final Up to date: November 19, 2021

Content Menu

There are three distinct areas in Sonoma County: the pacific shoreline, redwood forests and rivers, and fertile valleys and vineyards. Amongst these areas, you’ll discover over 30 small cities, villages, and cities the place Life Opens Up.

Is your go to to Sonoma is a component of a bigger journey? You’ll wish to try these articles.

Redwood Nationwide Park Information
California Coast Highway Journey
Huge Sur Information
San Francisco Bucket Listing

Greatest Issues to Do in Sonoma County CA

1. Wineries

Let’s begin with the apparent. Jacob is allergic to wine, so it’s good to have choices that don’t contain wine. However there was additionally no method I’d skip out when I’ve the proper DD.

Wineries cowl lower than 6% of land in Sonoma however nonetheless quantity to over 60k acres of vineyards and 400+ wineries. Due to the various landscapes, yow will discover over 50 grape varietals. We highlighted those we visited plus different notable wineries we have to come again for.

Wine and Art Pairing at Paradise Ridge Winery

4545 Thomas Lake Harris Dr, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, map

In the event you love artwork paired along with your wine, then it’s essential to go to Paradise Ridge Vineyard, which is simply 10 minutes away from downtown Santa Rosa. As we drove onto the property, large-scale artwork installments greeted us among the many backdrop of the gorgeous vineyards.

We cherished the origin story of how they began to include artwork into the winery. Rene, co-owner and considered one of 5 youngsters that runs the vineyard, instructed us his dad had proposed to his mother in a sculpture backyard. Among the items are from Burning Man, they usually also have a portion of The Empyrean Temple, a 40-foot sculpture, which was supposed for use at Burning Man 2020.

We began our go to with a tasting on the principal constructing, then strolled by way of the sculpture backyard to view the artwork. I actually cherished their glowing Shiraz.

Native Tip: Each Wed from Might to Oct they host a wine and sunsets occasion with stay music. They a number of seatings at 5, 5:30, and 6.

Korbel Winery + Korbel Delicatessen & Market

13250 River Rd, Guerneville, CA 95446, map

Afterward, we headed over to Korbel Vineyard for some meals and bubbly. They’ve a delicatessen and market, which is the place we had our lunch. The sandwiches and salads had been so recent and yummy, and we loved our time on the out of doors patio.

They provide complimentary tastings for as much as 3 champagnes, however it’s essential to name and make a reservation forward of time.

Buena Vista Winery

18000 Previous Vineyard Rd, Sonoma, CA 95476, map

Buena Vista was based in 1857 and is the oldest business vineyard and California’s first premium vineyard.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

300 By way of Archimedes, Geyserville, CA 95441, map

In the event you’re on the lookout for greater than wine, try Francis Ford Coppola Vineyard. They not solely produce over forty wines, however in addition they serve meals at their restaurant to pair along with your wine. You’ll be able to take a dip in both of their two swimming swimming pools and take a look at their big assortment of film memorabilia.

Benziger Family Winery

1883 London Ranch Rd, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, map

Benziger Household Vineyard is likely one of the first wineries to combine biodynamic farming, and you’ll even take a Biodynamic Winery Tram Tour.

Chateau St. Jean Winery

8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood, CA 95452, map

In the event you’re trying to spoil your self, head to Chateau St. Jean Vineyard, the place you’ll be able to fake you’re royalty for the day. The grounds are picturesque, they usually have a European chateau and gardens environment.

Different Wineries to Verify Out

Bartholomew Property Vineyard
Cline Cellars
Ferrari-Carano Winery
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves & Winery
Gundlach Bundschu Vineyard
Hamel Household Wines
Jordan Winery & Vineyard
Jacuzzi Household Vineyards
Lake Sonoma Vineyard

Larson Household Vineyard
Ledson Vineyard
Medlock Ames
Nicholson Ranch
Pangloss Cellars
Ravenswood Vineyard
Repris Wines
Roche Vineyard

Native Tip: Take a look at their guide to wineries it’s best to go to through the holidays.

2. Cedar Enzyme Bath at Osmosis

209 Bohemian Hwy, Freestone, CA 95472, map

Osmosis Day Spa and Sanctuary was the spotlight of our journey. We did the Cedar Enzyme Tub, which is a follow from Japan, and Osmosis is the one place you get this therapy in North America.

Once we first heard in regards to the cedar bathtub, we imagined a cedar tub crammed with water, however we had been stunned to seek out ourselves buried in a combination of floor cedar and rice bran. The pure fermentation that’s occurring by way of the enzymes leads to a heat therapy that improves circulation, relieves joint and muscle ache, and cleanses your pores and skin.

Along with that, the remainder of the property is totally gorgeous. We spoke with Michael Stusser, who based the spa. He studied as an apprentice in Japan, which helped him design the gorgeous Zen gardens. Enjoyable reality, the property was once a junkyard they usually left one of many outdated vehicles there as a tribute to the area.

Native Tip: They’ve a locker the place you’ll be able to maintain your belongings if you’re within the spa. We simply introduced our telephones with us and through the Cedar Enzyme Tub, our therapist helped us snap just a few pictures.

3. Forest Bathing + Wine Tasting with Ecowisdom

Have you ever heard of forest bathing, also referred to as shinrin-yoku? It was developed in Japan within the 80s and is a part of preventive well being care and therapeutic after they noticed folks’s psychological well being deteriorating from being overworked.

The concept is that you simply decelerate and mindfully stroll and meditate in a forest atmosphere. Like meditation or yoga, when you’re a newbie, it helps to have somebody information you thru it. Oftentimes in Japan, you finish having tea made out of what was foraged throughout your forest bathtub. You are taking all of it in by way of meditation after which style the land.

Jenny from Ecowisdom confirmed us the right way to forest bathe with a Sonoma twist at Zephyr Vineyards. Close to the top of our forest bathtub, relatively than tea, we did a wine tasting, since wine is likely one of the few drinks the place you style the earth. In the event you strive it, tell us when you can style the redwood spice.

Even after I obtained house, it helped me decide up the each day behavior of meditating once more.

Native Tip: It was wet throughout our expertise so having a strong rain jacket and waterproof boots helped.

4. Enjoy the Apple Trail + Apple Gleaning

Earlier than Sonoma turned grape nation, apples had been the star. It’s nonetheless one of many common crops, and when you’re visiting in late summer season to fall, it’s best to strive their apples. Gravensteins are the preferred selection, and each August they rejoice with an annual pageant. Take a look at the apple trail here.

In any other case, you’ll be able to go to a U-Decide farm within the Sebastopol space, store on the farmer’s markets, discover a native cidery, or strive some apple pie.

Since voluntourism is gaining popularity for vacationers, you too can spend time apple gleaning in an orchard. Gleaning is if you volunteer to select apples which might be distributed to folks in want. We had been speculated to on this journey, however we saved getting rained out.

Native Tip: Additionally they glean different vegetables and fruit all year long.

photograph courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism

5. Drive to Bodega Bay

17110 Bodega Ln Bodega, CA 94922, map

Subsequent, we headed to the picturesque Bodega Bay. Bodega Head is a well-liked rock cliff overlooking the ocean, the place you’ll be able to stroll alongside the cliffs and generally spot migrating whales. It’s also possible to head to the seaside to take browsing classes or constitution a fishing boat.

In the event you noticed Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds (handle linked above), you too can see their filming places right here at Potter Faculty and the Inn on the Tides. I haven’t seen it but, however I’ve been itching to since visiting and watching Schitt’s Creek make references to it.

Doran Regional Park is a good place to go birding.

Extra: The Final California Coast Highway Journey

6. Sonoma Coast State Park

In the event you’re on the lookout for seaside time, head to the Sonoma Coast State Park. It truly encompasses 17 miles of the coast from Bodega Head to Vista Path and has a number of seashores and rocky cliffs.

Schoolhouse Seaside, Wright’s Seaside, or Goat Rock Seaside are common spots for sundown. We needed to spend a while on the seaside, however because it was wet the complete time, we ended up simply seeing Schoolhouse Seaside from above.

Native Tip: It’s all the time good to have money with you in case it’s essential to pay for entry and/or parking.

7. The Barlow

6770 McKinley St, Sebastopol, CA 95472, map

The Barlow is an open-air market that covers 4 metropolis blocks the place one can find eating places, retailers, breweries, cideries, galleries, and extra.

We had a scrumptious lunch at Kosho Sushi, grabbed espresso at Taylor Lane Natural Espresso. I additionally couldn’t resist stopping at California Sister Floral, an excellent cute plant store subsequent to Taylor Lane.

The realm was once house to the Barlow household who constructed services to course of apples into applesauce. Among the authentic constructions are nonetheless there. In 2012, new constructions had been added and native makers got here to create a neighborhood the place folks can store, drink, and play collectively.

Native Tip: In the event you see any fruit on the bushes within the public areas, then you definately’re free to select them. – Duskie, Farm to Pantry

Map of Issues to Do in Sonoma

Extra Issues to Do in Sonoma County

Guerneville

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve – See the 1400-year-old tree. At the moment closed to the general public.
River Rock Casino

Healdsburg

The Hand Fan Museum
Healdsburg Plaza – Individuals say it seems kinda just like the Gilmore Ladies city.
Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society
Russian River Rose Co, Healdsburg – nursery and show backyard

Petaluma

Helen Putnam Regional Park
Mystic Theatre – stay music venue and theatre
Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park
Petaluma Historical Library and Museum
Rancho Obi-Wan – the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia assortment.
Rivertown Revival Festival
Sonoma County Wildlife Rescue
Windrush Farm

Santa Rosa

Charles M Schulz Museum – Also called Snoopy’s home to the native youngsters.
Children’s Museum of Sonoma County – Go “fishing” in a miniature Russian River.
Harvest Fair
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Museum of Sonoma County
Pacific Coast Air Museum
Trione-Annadel State Park – nice for climbing and biking

Sonoma (metropolis)

California Missions Museum (temp closed)
Cornerstone Sonoma – a market with gardens, shops, wine tasting, eateries.
Depot Park Museum
Farmer’s Market – Sonoma Plaza has one Tuesday 5-8 pm Might to September. See others within the space through the hyperlink.
First Thursday Sonoma Art Walk – First Thursday of the month.
Basic Joseph Hooker Home
General Vallejo’s Home, Sonoma State Historic Park
Mission San Francisco Solano
Overlook Trail – 2.5 mi spherical journey straightforward path that offers you views of the valley.
SIFF – Sonoma Worldwide Movie Pageant
Sonoma Plaza – 8-acre park with retailers, eateries, 20+ tasting rooms, and you’ll pattern cheeses on the Cheese Manufacturing unit. It’s additionally a Nationwide Historic Monument.
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
TrainTown Railroad
Watch a race at Sonoma Raceway

Misc Cities and Cities

Florence Ave, Sebastopol – Showcase junk artwork of Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent
Graton On line casino & Resort, Rohnert Park
Jack London State Historic Park, Glen Ellen
Kruse Rhododendron State Natural Reserve, Cazadero
Russian River – Float, Tube, Kayak, or Boat down.
Sonoma Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen – Initially named Quarryhill Botanical Backyard
Salt Point State Park, Jenner
Sandy Cove Beach, Jenner
Sea Ranch Chapel, Sea Ranch

Greatest Locations to Eat

A whole lot of eating places in Sonoma County are farm-to-table and supply all the pieces regionally. Meaning you get seasonal dishes and the freshest meals. Though Healdsburg is understood for its world-class eating places, yow will discover nice meals all over the place. Listed here are among the eating places to take a look at within the space

Boon Eat + Drink, Guerneville (, New American) – Farm-to-table California bistro based by Chef Crista Luedtke
BROT, Guerneville (, German) – A contemporary German spot from Chef Crista
Sushi Kosho, Sebastopol (, Sushi Bars) – Yummy sushi and Japanese dishes
Taylor Lane Organic Coffee, Sebastopol (, Espresso)
The Pharmacy, Santa Rosa (, Espresso, Tea, Breakfast)
Della Fattoria, Petaluma (, Bakeries)
Divine Mother Tea n Coffee, Petaluma (, Espresso & Tea)
Basque Boulangerie Cafe (, Bakeries)
Bravas, Healdsburg (, Tapas)
The Chocolate Cow, Sonoma (, Ice Cream)
El Molino Centrale, Sonoma (, Mexican) – greatest taco ever in line with native Chef Duskie
The Girl & The Fig, Sonoma (, French)
Hog Island Oysters Co (, Seafood) – self shuck oyster offers
J Vineyards, Healdsburg (, Wineries) – tasting menu
The Kefiry, Sebastopol (, Beverage Retailer) – do a complimentary kefir tasting
Sweet Scoops, Sonoma (, Ice Cream)
Valette, Healdsburg (, New American)
Wild Flower Bread, Freestone (, Bakeries)- well-known whipping cream scones
Wine Country Chocolates, Sonoma (, Desserts)

Excursions in Sonoma

In the event you favor to go on a tour and have all the small print taken care of for you. Verify these out:

Greatest Locations to Keep in Sonoma

Throughout our go to, we stayed on the Highlands Resort in Guerneville. We stayed in a cute cabin with a fire and jacuzzi. Plus, it was just a few minutes strolling distance from nice meals and retailers. For different choices, verify the map beneath.

Important Suggestions

Don’t simply go for the wine. Everyone knows Sonoma is understood for its vineyards, however they’re additionally well-known for loads of different issues like their apples and farm-to-table eating.
There are loads of smaller communities. Perform a little little bit of planning to profit from your time in every city.
Sonoma has a Mediterranean local weather and has gentle winters.
Attempt to discover all three areas to see the range of the county.
Having a rain jacket and waterproof footwear is necessary exterior of Summer time when it is likely to be wet.
In the event you plan on doing loads of wine tastings, try the Sonoma County Tasting Pass.
For extra guides and assets, try SonomaCounty.com.

Learn how to Get to Sonoma

BY AIR

The Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) is in Santa Rosa and is handy for flying out and in of the county. Because it’s a smaller airport, solely a handful of airways fly right here, together with:

Alaska Airways: Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle
Avelo Airways: Burbank and Las Vegas
American Airways: Dallas Fort Value, Los Angeles, Phoenix Sky Harbor
United Airways: Denver and San Francisco

Different close by airports

San Francisco Worldwide (SFO) 1.5 hrs and 75 miles away
Oakland Worldwide (OAK) 1.5 hrs and 76 miles away
Sacramento Worldwide (SMF) 2 hrs and 119 miles away
Discover rental vehicles right here.

BY CAR

From SF – Sonoma is simply an hour away from San Francisco making it a straightforward drive from town. It’s important to pay a toll on the Golden Gate Bridge if you enter SF however not if you depart.
From Sacramento – Take US-80 West to Ca-12/121 West. The drive takes roughly 1.5 hours.
From Seattle/Portland – Take US-5 or US-101 South. The drive from Portland takes practically 10.5 hours.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Sonoma County Airport Specific – from SF or Oakland airports with 4 stops in Sonoma County
Golden Gate Transit – buses from San Francisco to Petaluma and Santa Rosa
Ferry – from the San Francisco Ferry Constructing to Larkspur Ferry (then take the Golden Gate Transit or experience a SMART prepare to Sonoma County)
Greyhound – from San Francisco to Santa ROsa
Sonoma County Transit – buses that run all through Sonoma County
Sonoma-Marin Space Regional Transit (SMART) – clear diesel trains from San Rafael in Marin County to Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport
Amtrak – trains run to Martinez and you’ll join with buses to Santa Rosa or Healdsburg

Often Requested Questions

What’s the greatest time of 12 months to go to Sonoma?

The height season is June by way of October. It’s the very best climate and also you get to be there throughout apple season too. Sadly, it’s the busiest time to go to. We favor shoulder months like November and Might for fewer crowds. Throughout the winter, it’s after harvest season, so you may have all of the locals’ consideration. You get to fulfill the proprietor and maker since issues are nonetheless small and family-owned vs companies in Napa.

What’s there to do in Sonoma apart from wine tasting? What’s there to do in Sonoma below 21?

As we’ve reviewed on this submit, Sonoma is a lot extra than simply wine. There are many out of doors locations to discover, scrumptious eating places, and quaint cities. In the event you’re visiting with your loved ones, fly a white on the coast, go on a safari at a wildlife protect, or try the native museums.

Is Sonoma cheaper than Napa?

General, Napa is usually costlier than Sonoma. With that stated, you’ll be able to simply spoil your self and make a dent in your pockets in Sonoma by staying in a 5-star resort, consuming pre-fixe meals, and happening wine tasting excursions in non-public cellars.

How far aside are Napa and Sonoma?

Town of Sonoma and town of Napa are solely 14 miles aside, however every county has distinct climates, landscapes, and situations.

Do you want a automobile in Sonoma?

Usually having a automobile is useful if you wish to discover a number of cities in Sonoma. They’re fairly unfold out, and we all the time like having the liberty and adaptability. In the event you select to go to with out a automobile, you are able to do guided wine excursions, so that you don’t have to fret about having a DD or use buses to journey between cities.

What’s Sonoma recognized for?

Sonoma is understood for wine, apples, farm-to-table eating places, and exquisite landscapes that span forests, rivers, valleys, hills, seashores, and rocky cliffs.

What ought to I put on to Sonoma? Are you able to put on denims to a vineyard? What’s wine nation informal?

A normal rule of thumb is when unsure, go dressier over informal. You wish to be snug, although, because you’ll most probably be visiting a number of spots. It additionally helps to have layers for when it will get cooler.

Wine nation informal consists of sundresses, informal skirts, and slacks or denims with a dressier high. I like to recommend snug footwear, whether or not that’s wedges, flats, or boots. Keep away from fitness center shorts, cut-off denims, shorts, sports activities tees, and flip flops.

In the event you plan on going to a pleasant restaurant, you’ll have to costume up extra (usually jacket required for males).

What wine is Sonoma recognized for?

Sonoma is greatest recognized for pinot noir from the Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast.

How a lot does wine tasting value in Sonoma?

Between $20-30 is customary for many tastings, however yow will discover methods to do it on a funds or splurge on unique experiences.

What number of wineries are there in Sonoma?

Greater than 425!

Does Sonoma have a downtown?

Sure, downtown Sonoma is a good spot to discover and the encompassing cities and communities even have their very own distinct downtown experiences.

Is Napa or Sonoma nearer to San Francisco?

Each town of Sonoma and town of Napa are about an hour away from San Francisco.

What’s there to do between Sonoma and San Francisco?

There are just a few spots you’ll be able to discover between San Francisco and Sonoma, together with Sausalito, Berkeley, Mill Valley, and Napa. It’s also possible to try J V Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Alcatraz, the San Rafael Farmers Market, or Level Reyes Lighthouse.

Extra Sources

The images from Cline Cellars and our Airstream had been taken by Joe Hendricks from our sixth 12 months anniversary shoot.

Are you able to consider some other issues to do in Sonoma that may’t be missed?

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“Discovery consists not of looking for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Native Adventurer, which is likely one of the high 5 journey blogs within the US. They imagine that journey will be discovered each close to and much and hope to encourage others to discover regionally. They discover a brand new metropolis in depth yearly and presently base themselves in Las Vegas.