Rolling hills, world class vineyards, an idyllic downtown plaza, award winning cuisine, and family friendly activities make Sonoma a destination for any age.
Spring is the most trafficked time to visit Sonoma and Napa, however many say the months of September, October and November are the most beautiful. Bordered on the east by the Mayacamas Mountain range and on the west by the dramatic Pacific coastline, this gorgeous slice of California produces some of the world’s finest wine. Although this part of America is undoubtedly known for its multigenerational wine production, there are many more reasons to plan a trip to wine country. As grapevines roll across the hills to meet the wide open California sky, it is clear that its beauty and serene landscape should be your main reason to visit Sonoma County.
WHERE TO STAY
At the southern edge of the Napa Valley sits Stanly Ranch, an Auberge resort. Cut along the banks of the Napa River this welcoming retreats offers first and foremost immersive adventures with the surrounding land.
Explore the wildlife of the Napa River with a local fishing guide. Set out on a private boat ride where you can spot cranes, otters, sea lions, and a variety of wetland birds. Then, when it is time to drop the lines in the water, the captain will lead you through the process. Cast the rods and reel in the fish. Striped bass tend to bite all summer and throughout the fall. Catfish and starry flounder might find their way to your line, too. If you are a more passive angler, watch the captain do the work while you enjoy the sunshine.
From Wellness Wednesdays to Farm Fridays, Little Ranchers Camp unearths the simple pleasures of the Ranch life. Children will connect with the wonders of Mother Nature at this multifaceted half-day camp, designed to engage young minds, bodies, and senses. Reserve some playtime for your children, while you relax and make the most of your stay.
When summer turns to autumn, grapes of all varieties embark on a journey from the vine to the barrel, where they age for anywhere from weeks to years. Between intimate tastings and convivial celebrations, embrace the magic of harvest season with a limited-time line-up of experiences available exclusively at Stanly Ranch.
Or unleash your inner florist with Bellevue Florals, owned by artist Christina Yan. Learn to tell your story through flowers as Christina harmonizes rooted principles of floristry with a modern-day aesthetic that is both natural and playful.
From charming guest rooms to luxurious suites and villas, every accommodation at Stanly Ranch places emphasis on natural indoor-outdoor spaces and contemporary design details. For reservations visit aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch/.
WHAT TO DO
Soak in the natural surroundings of the terroir at The Donum Estate. Donum, which means gift in Latin, is a vineyard and winery that brings to life a delicate balance between wine, land and art that has made it an international destination. Founded in 2011, The Donum Collection is one of the world's largest accessible private sculpture collections. More than 50 monumental works, including open-air sculptures, are placed on The Donum Estate, with over a third being site-specific commissions. Throughout the 200-acre estate, each piece plays with scale, nature, and imagination, thedonumestate.com.
Charlie's Acres is a sanctuary for farm animals located just a short drive from Sonoma's plaza. From goat yoga to sheep meditation, you can have your own immersive experience with these animals that are full of personality. Private and community tours also available, visit charliesacres.org.
Shopping in downtown Sonoma is a must. You can spend a Saturday perusing the charming collection of clothing and home decor boutiques. Perle is a must shop women's clothing store located on 1st Street. Right down from Perle is Chateau Sonoma, a gorgeous home decor and gift store full of French antiques for the indoors and outdoors. Tiddle E. Winks is a vintage 5 and dime with oodles of classic toys and puzzles. Also pick up souvenirs and old time candy.
For those that love to sweat, if going on a walk or jog passed the vines isn't satisfying your kinesiology needs, book an appointment at Sonoma Like It Hot for some fun, yet intense yoga. With classes starting early in the morning burn will leave you energized and ready to start your day of exploring. The studio is just a short drive from the plaza.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey in a hot air balloon ride over Carneros, where Sonoma and Napa meet, with Sonoma Ballooning. Float over world-renowned wineries, capture stunning panoramic views of both valleys, and experience the magic of wine country from a bird's eye view, sonomaballooning.com.
Explore beautiful Sonoma Valley in a fun, adventurous manner with Sonoma Valley Bike Tours. Discover the oldest wine valley in California or plan a guided bike tour with friends and travel to several wineries led by a local tour guide and enjoy a delicious lunch, behind the scenes access, picture perfect scenery and of course wine, if you like, visit sonomavalleybiketours.com.
WHERE TO EAT
The girl and the fig does every on the menu right. There is nothing that is not mouthwatering. Every dish is made with fresh from the farm ingredients and the flavor combinations are exceptional. thegirlandthefig.com
The French Laundry is a bucket list experience that also requires a lot of strategy. With 3 Michelin stars, you have to wait for tables to be released seasonally, prepay, and cross your fingers you get a seat. Chef Thomas Keller will not disappoint, and this culinary experience will be unlike any other you have had in America, and perhaps the world.
For Those Who Want To Experience The Vines:
Robert Young Estate
This six-generation, family-run winery has become a local favorite due to its exquisite wines and Sonoma County cred.
Iron Horse Vineyards
With an Old West feel thanks to its redwood structures, split-rail fences that surround the property and the occasional haystack, Iron House offers a unique 'bubbly' experience.
Repris Wines
Repris' Moon Mountain Experience ($100 per person) inclues a guided ATV tour to the top of Moon Mountain to taste under the trees and stroll through the vineyards.
Lambert Bridge
Just past the Lambert Bridge in Dry Creek Valley, enjoy an elevated picnic with a curated selection of cheeses, charcuterie and other provisions.
Winter: With romantic fire pits and hot cocoa to keep you warm, enjoy the Lighting of the Plaza celebration, spa treatments, and endless opportunities for live music.
Spring: Kick off the season with the Sonoma International Film Festival, visit regional parks for incredible wildflower viewing, and watch budbreak in vineyards.
Summer: From ziplining through the redwoods and golfing, to hot air ballooning and biking through the vineyards. Families love summer for cooling off in hotel pools, visiting farms, and discovering historical sites.
Fall: Come watch the crush at wineries. Toast to the vintage and sample local ingredients at the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival. Watch the vines change from green to solid gold.