Sonoma County has obtained to be one of the underrated locations in Northern California. The county is house to 76 miles (122 km) of shoreline, unimaginable seashores, rolling hills and redwood forests however is most well-known for its world-class vineyards and farm-to-table eating.
On the subject of wine areas in California, the neighbouring Napa Valley might get all the celebrity and worldwide glory. However from what we’ve skilled, Sonoma County is a wine area that’s not missed! Sonoma County is house to 425 wineries and has a range to go well with any style. Wine tasting in Sonoma is much less about glamour and high-quality eating and extra about farm-to-table delicacies and natural produce.
It’s an ideal place to attach with the land and one another, decelerate, and respect all of the issues to do in Sonoma!
Having visited Sonoma on our latest California street journey, we put collectively this information with our favorite experiences and prime suggestions that will help you plan your street journey round Sonoma County.
Sonoma County Cities
Sonoma County spans an space of 1,768 sq. miles (4,580 km2) and consists of three primary areas:
- Pacific Shoreline and Sea Villages to the west,
- Redwoods and Rivers within the centre, and
- Valleys and Vineyards to the east.
You’ll discover over 30 small cities and vibrant cities inside these areas so as to add to your Sonoma itinerary. Right here’s a fast take a look at among the finest cities in Sonoma County to go to in your journey.
Santa Rosa
In case you plan to go to Sonoma County, then Santa Rosa is a superb base simply north of San Francisco to discover the entire area. It’s one of many largest Sonoma County cities, so that you’ll discover loads of facilities, eating places and lodging choices.
Wandering the historic streets is likely one of the finest issues to do in downtown Santa Rosa. Don’t miss the outdated railroad sq. and museums; try three distinct buying districts, 5 historic residential neighbourhoods, arts and tradition, nice eating places, wine-tasting rooms, and extra! Santa Rosa even has a wildlife conservation park. Encompassing 400 acres simply outdoors of city, Safari West hosts 1000’s of friends yearly and emphasizes the significance of sustainable operations.
Sonoma
A visit to the county is just not full with out visiting the city of Sonoma. Dwelling to Mission San Francisco Solano, the final Spanish-Mexican California mission, Sonoma has loads of historical past to discover. The easiest way to find this historical past is by visiting Downtown Sonoma and the nationwide historic monuments and landmarks, together with:
- Sonoma State Historic Park
- Historic Sonoma Plaza
- Sonoma Metropolis Corridor
- Depot Park Museum
- Sonoma Valley Museum of Artwork
- Basic Joseph Hooker Home
The city of Sonoma, significantly Sonoma Plaza, is a superb vacation spot for outlets, tasting rooms, eating places, bakeries and extra! In case you plan on visiting Sonoma in March, think about testing the well-known Sonoma Worldwide Movie Competition. This 5-day competition hosts viewings of the very best impartial movies, together with the very best meals and wine proprietors in Sonoma Valley.
Street to Sonoma County
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is taken into account to be one other hub in Sonoma wine nation. The charming small group has a vibrant city plaza, which is ideal for eating, buying and people-watching. With the three wine-growing areas on the doorstep: Russian River, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley, this city makes for an ideal base to discover all of the issues to do in Healdsburg, CA.
Glen Ellen
The small city of Glen Ellen, positioned simply north of Sonoma, is called the center of Sonoma Valley. It’s house to many standard issues to do in Sonoma, from wine tasting to exploring the attractive nature. Glen Ellen is most well-known for being the house of creator Jack London. So, if you happen to’re a literary fan, you’ll need to try Jack London State Historic Park.
In any other case, simply outdoors of city you’ll be able to wander round Sonoma Botanical Backyard, that includes a big assortment of Asian crops in these stunning regional parks.
Sebastopol
This agricultural city positioned simply outdoors of Santa Rosa presents a extra laid-back vibe. It’s a preferred vacation spot for high-quality arts, tradition, and historical past and is a hub for these within the surroundings, sustainable residing, and out of doors recreation. For these interested by selecting up a memento out of your time at a novel reward store, you’ll have to go to both The Barlow market (extra on this beneath) or Vintage Row, a collection of vintage retailers downtown.
Jenner
Perched excessive above, the place the Russian River meets the ocean; this little city is a really picturesque place to go to in Sonoma County. It’s recognized for its unimaginable surroundings and Sonoma Coast State Park entry.
Top-of-the-line issues to do in Jenner CA is to go to the coast and spend a day at Goat Rock Seaside. This sandy seashore is a superb spot on a heat summer time day.
Bodega & Bodega Bay
The gorgeous Bodega Bay is a well-liked vacation vacation spot on the Sonoma Coast. There’s a lot to do in and across the city, together with fishing, recognizing whales off the coast, having fun with the seashores or taking surf classes at Doran Regional Park.
The small village of Bodega is simply inland of Bodega Head makes for an excellent cease if you wish to try some markets or go to the eclectic combine of retailers.
Freestone
Referred to as Sonoma’s first Historic District, the group of Freestone is house to some basic western buildings. It’s solely a tiny spot with simply 32 full-time residents, however you’ll nonetheless discover an ideal sourdough bakery, artisan cheese store and day spa there.
Guerneville
A country city set amidst redwoods, rivers and wine nation, Guerneville has lengthy been a preferred vacation vacation spot, particularly for California’s homosexual inhabitants. You’ll discover fashionable eating places, cafes, and greater than 50 wineries inside a brief drive. It’s house to Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve, positioned simply 2 miles away. The most effective half about Guerneville is its shut proximity to each the Sonoma Coast and Wine areas, making it straightforward to discover the very best of Sonoma Valley from one base.
Guerneville, Sonoma County
Petaluma
The riverside city and foodie vacation spot, Petaluma is the place to go for nice meals and wine. There’s a nice farm-to-table scene right here. So, the very best issues to do in Petaluma CA are all centred across the award-winning eating places, native produce and boutique shops housed in historic buildings.
Cotati
The historic outdated city is positioned simply south of Santa Rosa however has a really distinct really feel about it. With a a lot cooler local weather and a sturdy custom of agriculture and music, it’s an fascinating place to wander the streets.
Duncans Mills
This tiny village simply inland from the coast sits in a good looking spot amongst surrounding hills close to the Russian River. Whereas it has a practice of being a lumber mill city, it has remodeled immediately into an ideal place to go for distinctive handcrafted souvenirs and items. It’s an ideal, fashionable little spot for some buying in Sonoma wine nation.
Cazadero
A historic city within the hills above the Russian River, the tiny village of Cazadero is sort of a step again in time. It has some quaint mattress and breakfast lodging and a few unimaginable alternatives to cycle across the hills.
Cloverdale
A picturesque city within the stunning Alexander Valley wine area, Cloverdale is the northernmost city in Sonoma. With historical past, out of doors actions and loads of occasions all year long, Cloverdale is a
Geyserville
Nestled between Cloverdale and Healdsburg, Geyserville is one other city in Alexander Valley. It has an actual wild west vibe to the city, with wood boardwalks and outdated storefronts. Geyserville can also be house to world-renowned Sonoma County wineries, like Francis Ford Coppola Vineyard, implausible eating places, and way more!
Timber Cove
In direction of the northern a part of the Sonoma shoreline, Timber Cove is a tiny village simply off Freeway 1. It’s a fairly dramatic part of shoreline the place it heads inland to a canyon surrounding the city.
Issues To Do In Sonoma County
There are such a lot of enjoyable issues to do in Sonoma County! From wine tastings to out of doors adventures, it’s straightforward to understand the unimaginable vary of Sonoma actions even on a brief go to.
Eco-conscious sustainable vacationers will significantly love Sonoma County for its concentrate on sustainable initiatives, natural farms, wineries, farm-to-table eating places, and alternatives to study extra about sustainable residing practices! And don’t neglect to signal the Sonoma County Pledge to Journey Kindly earlier than you go.
Listed below are simply a few of our favorite issues to do in Sonoma County!
Exploring Sonoma County
Wine Tasting
With over 425 wineries dotted across the area, there isn’t any scarcity of choices on the subject of vineyard excursions in Sonoma County. You’ll be able to select to get pleasure from wine in an intimate expertise at a small family-run vineyard or choose to go to lots of the internationally famend award-winning vineyards within the area, together with Buena Vista Vineyard – the oldest business vineyard in California, Jacuzzi Household Vineyards, Chateau St Jean Vineyard, or Gloria Ferrer Wines, often called the very best producers of glowing wines within the state.
Most premium wineries cost a $50-$100 tasting price, though just a few supply complimentary tastings. You may as well decide up a Sonoma Valley Tasting Move for 1 Day ($39/pp), 2 Days ($69/pp) or 90 Days ($99/pp) and revel in nice reductions and free tasting flights at a lot of Sonoma Valley wineries and distilleries.
Throughout our go to, we centered our go to on natural and sustainable wineries visiting the next spots throughout our time in Sonoma Wine Nation.
Medlock Ames Vineyard
We beloved our go to to Medlock Ames Tasting Room! The founders behind this family-owned vineyard and winery positioned at Bell Mountain Ranch have dedicated 80 % of the 338-acre property to ecological well being and conservation, significantly to offer a habitat for wildlife. The rest 40 % is used as an natural farm, producing grapes, olives and greens.
Medlock Ames Vineyard presents a distinctive Immersive Sound Expertise, a self-guided audio tour by means of the ranch. The tour showcases the Bell Mountain Ranch, explains its wine-making course of, and highlights the efforts the group has made to include sustainability of their operations. The tour is adopted by a guided wine tasting of six wines paired with native cheeses. The property is positioned on the southeast nook of Alexander Valley and Russian River Valley simply north of Santa Rosa. It’s simply the most effective issues to do in Sonoma for eco-conscious wine lovers!
Immersive Sound Expertise at Medlock Ames Vineyard
Tasting room at Medlock Ames Vineyard
Wine and cheese pairing at Medlock Ames Vineyard
Jordan Vineyard
Situated between Geyserville and Healdsburg, within the coronary heart of the Alexander Valley, Jordan Winery and Vineyard is likely one of the most excellent locations to go to in Sonoma County. The property has a powerful concentrate on sustainable operations. Additionally, it contains a backyard rising meals and flowers, an apiary for beekeeping, a hen coop, in addition to cows and goats that eat undesirable grass and scraps. They’re centered on having a balanced ecosystem on the property.
Jordan Vineyard presents quite a lot of experiences on-site. The preferred is their premium wine-tasting expertise that includes award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon. You’ll be able to mix a wine tasting with an property tour or spend a day having fun with an epicurean alfresco lunch.
Preston Vineyard
Situated simply outdoors of Geyserville, Preston Farm and Vineyard is a family-run natural winery within the Dry Creek Valley. Consisting of over 125 acres, the property is just not solely an property producing world-class wines however can also be a farm, rising greens, olives, grains and pastured livestock.
As one of many boutique Sonoma wineries, Preston Vineyard presents non-public and intimate visits. Tastings right here have a beneficiant time restrict and the employees are full of information not simply concerning the varietals of their organically grown property wines but additionally concerning the bigger Sonoma Valley area and its peculiarities. You’ll be able to go to the vineyard for a non-public wine tasting or e-book a picnic appointment to get pleasure from certainly one of their wines with your individual picnic on-site. In any other case, their cellar door and produce retailer is open each day, if you wish to decide up some natural items.
Preston Vineyard, Sonoma County
Preston Vineyard, Sonoma County
DaVero Vineyard
In case you’re obsessed with natural produce, then one other of the very best locations to go to in Sonoma is DeVero Vineyard. Their farm in Healdsburg contains a winery and an olive grove. Their motto is “develop what belongs right here and be affected person”, which has guided them all through their farming way of life, together with the choice to go Biodynamic. It’s undoubtedly amongst the must-visit Sonoma wineries for sustainable wine lovers.
You’ll be able to go to this premium vineyard in your Sonoma trip. You’ll be able to get pleasure from a non-public tasting and wine tour to study extra concerning the farming philosophy and strategies. The Uncover the Farm excursions embody wine and olive oil tasting, paired with produce grown on the farm.
Kendall-Jackson Vineyard
Kendall Jackson is, arguably, one of many greatest names in California wine, so no go to to Sonoma County is full with no cease at this iconic vineyard.
In 2020, Kendall Jackson Vineyard received the 2020 Inexperienced Firm of the 12 months Award recognizing their sustainability management and local weather motion initiatives within the beverage business. Their listing of sustainability initiatives is likely one of the most spectacular within the area and consists of achievements in water conservation, land preservation and intensive solar energy use. 100% of their property vineyards and wineries are third-party licensed sustainable!
The vineyard’s stunning setting with seven distinct backyard areas is an attraction in its personal proper however the alternative to style a few of their property wines is to not be missed.
We selected to get pleasure from Kendall Jackson wines as a Wine and Meals Pairing. This farm-to-table culinary expertise paired with a collection of our small-production, limited-release wines was our favorite wine-tasting expertise in Sonoma County.
Wine tasting at Kendall Jackson Vineyard
Quivira Vineyards
Quivira Property has lengthy been dedicated to a extra sustainable farming course of. With the imaginative and prescient of the house owners, Pete and Terri Kight, together with the winemaker Hugh Chappelle, you’ll be able to count on scrumptious wine that’s created with ecological steadiness. It’s extensively thought-about to be the most effective wineries in Sonoma County.
Quivira Vineyard is positioned near Healdsburg and the Dry Creek Valley wine area and presents a variety of inexpensive wine tasting choices, together with their world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Or, you may also be a part of certainly one of their property excursions, the place the educated and pleasant employees will provide you with an in-depth take a look at their sustainable practices, biodynamic farming, and exquisite backyard stuffed with veggies, herbs, and flowers.
Get pleasure from The Nice Open air
Among the finest components of this space don’t even contain wine – the pure magnificence is really superb. Sonoma County is a haven for out of doors lovers, and there may be a lot to do. The area is house to 60 regional and state parks, greater than 70 miles of shoreline, and the mighty Russian River, snaking its approach by means of the county. There are many mountain biking and climbing trails by means of redwood forests, alternatives to paddle alongside the coast or down rivers, swimming, fishing, boating, tenting, and an opportunity to get pleasure from nature at its finest.
There are many out of doors actions in Sonoma County, however if you’re solely visiting for just a few days, don’t miss the next.
Go to Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve
Situated simply north of the Russian River, the Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Forest was established in 1870 by a lumberman simply outdoors of Guerneville. It’s now managed by the state and covers an enormous 805 acres of unimaginable bushes.
It’s a very great place to go to in Sonoma Valley, particularly if you wish to stretch your legs and hit just a few climbing trails. You’ll be capable to see the oldest redwood tree, which is greater than 1400 years outdated, and the tallest tree, which stands greater than 310 toes excessive.
The most effective walks to do within the reserve embody:
- Armstrong Nature Path takes you on a simple stroll with interpretive indicators to element the historical past of the realm.
- Discovery Path features a tree-hugging platform for many who need to stand up shut and private with nature.
- Prolonged Loop may be made by connecting the paths which creates a 5-mile hike for these searching for extra lively issues to do in Sonoma, CA.
Among the many big Redwoods on the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve
Armstrong Nature Path on the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve
Discover Sonoma Coast State Park
This extremely rugged stretch of shoreline simply south of Jenner and Duncans Mills is likely one of the prime issues to do in Sonoma for seashore lovers. The state park consists of a collection of seashores related by a rocky shoreline. It’s a wild and exquisite a part of the county.
There are many issues to do in Sonoma Coast State Park for each adults and youngsters, starting from fishing to sunbathing. It’s undoubtedly a vacation spot price visiting in Sonoma County on a heat summer time day. Whatever the time of the yr, many think about this one of the gorgeous components of the Northern California shoreline – and we are inclined to agree!
Do Good
It’s straightforward to go to Sonoma County and fill your days with superb meals and wine experiences, climbing, and out of doors actions. However, we’re sturdy believers that as vacationers we are able to do greater than that! Our objective is to depart every vacation spot higher than we’ve got discovered it. Be it by supporting native companies, small producers, or different native organizations. We discovered two price mentioning throughout our time in Sonoma County.
Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary
In case you’re searching for enjoyable actions in Sonoma County, particularly one thing for the youngsters to get pleasure from, then a tour of Goatlandia Farm & Animal Sanctuary is a should. The sanctuary rescues cattle and educates the group on the advantages of residing a extra environmentally accountable plant-based way of life.
They provide a variety of actions, together with excursions, animal remedy classes, volunteering and summer time camps for youths. We loved touring their farm, assembly their rescued animals and studying extra about how our decisions to eat meat and dairy in our day-to-day life influence these animals.
Vegan treats at Goatlandia
On the Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary
On the Goatlandia Farm Animal Sanctuary
Gleaning With Farm To Pantry
Farm to Pantry is one other unimaginable group in Sonoma County. The objective of this non-profit is to rescue meals from farms and get it to folks in want. We are able to’t consider a greater method to go hyper-local in Sonoma County than by getting concerned in “gleaning” with Farm to Pantry. You get to go to stunning farms, meet different native volunteers and be ok with doing good in your vacation!
Yow will discover out extra on the Farm to Pantry web site, together with learn how to get entangled. It’s undoubtedly one of many extra distinctive issues to do in Sonoma Valley.
Gleaning with Farm to Pantry
Eat & Drink: Finest Eating places In Sonoma County
The Barlow
Situated simply west of Santa Rosa in Sebastopol, The Barlow is a really cool industrial complicated that deserves its personal shot out on this listing of issues to do in Sonoma County. This complicated has an industrial-chic vibe and is house to many retailers, eating places and bars. It’s undoubtedly the most effective Sonoma County actions to do with pals.
Go to The Barlow throughout the day if you wish to do some buying. You’ll discover every part from one-off style shops to house decor gadgets from the area. Alternatively, you’ll be able to head to the Barlow within the night for an evening of cocktails and good meals. In case you’re questioning what to do in Sonoma County at night time, that is the place to go.
There are such a lot of nice eating places and bars on the Barlow that it’s laborious to choose only a few to suggest.
- Fern Bar: Cocktail ahead restaurant with superb cocktails and nice meals. Their craft garden-to-glass cocktails are to not be missed and had been really helpful to us by many locals in Sonoma. Their menu options American delicacies impressed by West Sonoma County’s abundance of biodiversity.
- Blue Ridge Kitchen: Farmhouse-style wooden grill and cocktail bar. Designed for family-style sharing with sharing plates dominating the menu.
- Kosho Sushi: Good spot for Japanese-style sushi in Sonoma County. The restaurant may be very progressive with a concentrate on native elements and sustainability.
- Golden State Cider Taproom: An incredible spot to strive the distinctive Sonoma County cider made with the regionally grown Gravenstein apple.
- Woodfour Brewing Firm: Craft Brewery and restaurant with award-winning bitter ales and lagers. A preferred selection for an informal night.
- Crooked Goat Brewing: beloved by many locals, this spot means that you can seize meals from close by eating places and revel in them alongside their beers.
- Area on the Barlow: Distinctive wine tasting bar the place you’ll be able to expertise 50 Boutique wines in self-serving WineStation machines
The Barlow, Sebastopol, Sonoma County
Fern Bar, The Barlow
Kosho Sushi, The Barlow
Rust store on the Barlow
Different Nice Eating places In Sonoma County
There’s no scarcity of scrumptious meals and wine in Sonoma. With unimaginable farm-to-table delicacies and native wines to strive, you’re spoilt for selection. Listed below are just a few extra of our prime picks from the world-class eating places on supply in Sonoma County!
Little Saint
Situated proper within the coronary heart of Healdsburg, Little Saint is a brand new spot on the town devoted to serving 100% plant-based meals, with every part sourced from native farms and inventive producers. It’s an unimaginable culinary and inventive house!
Boon Eat + Drink
Situated proper within the vibrant centre of Guerneville, Boon Eat + Drink is likely one of the finest locations to eat in Sonoma. The enjoyable bistro options farm-to-table meals with a easy however undoubtedly tasty menu. You may as well pair your natural dinner with some scrumptious wines and native brews.
Cannetti Roadhouse Italiana
Situated on the primary street in Forestville, Cannetti Roadhouse Italiana is a comfy North Italian restaurant that options high-quality eating meals, an open kitchen and an out of doors grill and patio space. It’s a really romantic place to eat and style among the finest Sonoma has to supply.
The place To Keep In Sonoma County
With over 300 lodging choices, there isn’t any scarcity of nice locations to remain in Sonoma County. Take your decide from a collection of boutique wine nation resorts, resorts, bed-and-breakfasts, small inns, trip leases, and even campgrounds.
Throughout our go to, we stayed at a contemporary adult-focused B&B, known as Mine + Farm Inn in Guerneville and would extremely suggest it to {couples} or teams of pals searching for a centrally positioned B&B in Sonoma County.
Mine + Farm
Mine + Farm’s imaginative and prescient is to be a trendy and significant mattress and breakfast for friends to fully loosen up and benefit from the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County. The inn is housed inside a 1906 farmhouse on two and a half acres of property. It’s simply 90 minutes north of San Francisco. It’s a really memorable place to get away from the hustle and revel in the very best of what the wine nation has to supply. Plus, it’s conveniently positioned midway between Sonoma’s Coast and Wine area, simply steps away from the Russian River and the Armstrong Redwoods Reserve.
The restaurant presents a really intimate stick with simply 9 rooms and ultra-personalized pleasant service. You’ll be able to select from one of many farmhouse rooms in the primary home or keep in one of many carriage home rooms and revel in a bit extra privateness, a non-public entrance and your individual little veranda.
The rooms are adorned in a contemporary nation model. It additionally has nice up to date eco-conscious facilities, like premium, artisan-made bedding, Turkish tub towels, and refillable natural lavatory merchandise. There may be an out of doors sizzling tub on-site and a communal lounge, eating space and visitor kitchen. One of the crucial distinctive issues about Mine+Farm is that the property can also be a working hashish farm. So, hashish strains from the farm are fortunately shared with friends.
Natural breakfast every morning was one other spotlight of our keep, that includes farm-fresh eggs, and seasonal produce from close by farms!
Oksana and Max, Sonoma County
Our go to to Sonoma County was a brief one. However, it was simply sufficient time to fall in love with this unimaginable vacation spot. We beloved the area’s collaborative concentrate on sustainability and the will to do issues higher, honour the land and the native producers and help each other in each initiative.
We beloved our go to and hope to be again once more quickly so as to add extra enjoyable issues to do in Sonoma County to this information!
Disclaimer: Large because of Sonoma County Tourism and Go to California for internet hosting us throughout our time in Sonoma County. As at all times, all opinions expressed on this article are our personal.