‘Gaux-To Sonoma Wine Country

‘Gaux-To Sonoma Wine Country: Our Guide to Sonoma Proper

If Napa is the Disneyland of California wine, Sonoma is undeniably its no-frills, laid-back sibling. Although located just 15 miles apart from one another, these two North Coast-based areas couldn’t be more different. For those looking to trade in glitz and glamor and for some low key R&R (with a hefty dose of wine, of course), Sonoma is undoubtedly the place to be.

Note: This guide is mainly focused on Downtown Sonoma and excludes specific places such as Santa Rosa and Healdsburg. A combination of wineries we work with, as well as wineries we don’t work with but deeply love, have been included!

The Bigger Picture:

Home to over 500 wineries, Sonoma boasts no shortage of great places to discover wine. Spanning from the Pacific Ocean (west) to the Mayacamas Mountains (east), this North Coast-based region benefits from a variety of microclimates and soil types, though overall, the area is characterized by long, sunny, and dry days, which are tempered by cool nights. This large diurnal temperature shift, coupled with ocean breezes and daily fog, ensure that grapes reach optimal ripeness while still retaining their signature acidity. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the region’s key players, though Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel also play important roles.

Breakfast: Start the Day on a High Note

Kicking off the day with caffeine and a small bite is the way to set yourself up for success. Whether searching for easy-to-grab pastries or a fuller brunch, here are two of our favorite spots to start the day in Sonoma:

• Lavender Mist – Enjoy a mimosa and breakfast in the back garden of Sunflower Caffé
• The Porch at MacArthur – Charming coffee bar and marketplace right in the heart of downtown Sonoma
• El Dorado Kitchen – Mediterranean-inspired fare crafted from locally-sourced ingredients

Don’t Skip Lunch!:

While breakfast and dinner may be the foundational meals of the day, there’s nothing that gets us more excited than a wine-fueled lunch in wine country. Check out three of our favorite places to indulge below:

• Three Sticks Wines (Seasonal American at a gorgeous winery)
• LaSalette (Portuguese)
• Oso Sonoma (Tapas)
• Sonoma Grille & Bar (Steak and seafood – the classics)

Wine Tastings Galore:

Hitting Sonoma and visiting wineries go hand in hand. As always, we recommend steering clear of the bigger names and looking to smaller, family-owned wineries for an authentic experience.

• Peay Vineyards
• Porter-Bass Winery – Mom and Pop spot. Taste under an oak tree with the owners (Fun fact: they make the Poco a Poco Wines!)
• Ryme Cellars
• Joseph Swan Winery
• Hanzell Vineyards
• Scribe Winery
• Alma Fria
• Hamel Family
• B. Wise
• Ernest/Edapos Vineyards
• Hirsch Vineyards – Tasting room is located in Healdsburg
• Grand Cru Custom Crush – Located just south of Healdsburg in Windsor, tastings can be booked through the Grand Cru site: https://www.grandcrucustomcrush.com/home

Pre-Dinner Drinks / Nightcap Spots for Cocktails

Starting (or ending) the night with something a bit stronger is always a good idea. Here are two of our go-to spots to start (or finish) your evening on a high note:

• Glass of Champagne from Sigh – a must!
• The Bar at MacArthur – Great for appetizers, craft cocktails, and an awesome selection of craft beer

Dining In Sonoma:

Dinner – the most important meal of the day! From hole-in-the-wall bistros to Michelin Star establishments, dive into our favorite places to eat in Sonoma here:

• Single Thread (3-Michelin star) – Unforgettable farm-to-table food with 3 Michelin stars
• The Girl & The Fig – Perfect dinner in the Square – a Sonoma Staple!
• Valley – Unassuming, French-inspired wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop that opened inside an 1836 adobe in 2020
• Layla Restaurant (MacArthur’s place) – Mediterranean-meets-California cuisine in a stunning, refurbished barn
• Wit & Wisdom- Renowned Chef Michael Mina’s inaugural jaunt into California wine country dining – a must visit!
• Harvest Moon Café – New American fare with a beautiful garden area
• Cafe La Haye – Seasonal, American cuisine prepared with locally-sourced ingredients

** Reminder, eat where you’re staying! So many resorts have world-class eateries located on their properties.

Additional Things to Do (beyond eating and drinking):

• Visit the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
• Enjoy a kayak tour down the Russian River
• Take in the beauty of Sonoma Coast State Beach
• Gaze upon the valley from above with a hot air balloon ride
• Sweat it out with a bike tour through the vines

Our Favorite Hotels:

We believe that the backbone to a great wine trip is having a solid place for some R&R. Check out our favorite Sonoma-based accommodations below:

• MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa – THE place to be! World-class, on-site culinary experiences, spa, and amenities
• The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa – Steps from the Square with an awesome on-site spa
• The Madrona – Boutique hotel with 24 quaint rooms / bungalows
• Farmhouse Inn (Michelin Star restaurant on property) – Perfect for those looking to eat well!
• The Montage – Luxury meets wine country set on 258 acres of property
• Timber Cove – Coastal accommodation with breathtaking ocean views

For a laid-back California getaway laden with good food and great wine, Sonoma is undoubtedly where it’s at!