California’s first wine-making grapes were planted by Russian colonists in Sonoma County in 1812. Since then, Sonoma has grown to more than 425 wineries. Today, thanks to daily 90-minute flights from Sky Harbor Airport, it is easier than ever to plan a wine country adventure. Here is a head start to your planning.
The Lodge at Sonoma
The region’s best accommodations seamlessly blend the region’s distinctive beauty with California-inspired gastronomy and extraordinary amenities. The Lodge at Sonoma, an Autograph Collection hotel, checks all the boxes thanks to a recent renovation. The property’s mission-style architecture was preserved, while a refreshed front drive features lush landscaping and a unique fountain with fire features. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an open-concept lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing nearby rolling hills. Each of the property’s 182 rooms, suites, and cottages also underwent a facelift, many now with soaking tubs, vineyard views and/or cozy fireplaces. The Lodge also features chef Michael Mina’s first wine country restaurant in Wit & Wisdom; High Horse Bar, a horse trailer-turned-poolside cocktail bar that pokes good-natured fun at the neighboring wine country of Napa; and Raindance Spa, which offers treatments highlighting indigenous botanicals.
Buena Vista
A few miles drive from The Lodge is Buena Vista, which was founded in 1857 as California’s first premium winery. Take your time here to breathe it all in, ideally with a private seated tasting experience in one of Buena’s historic caves. Bonus: it is just minutes from The Lodge.
Gundlach Bundschu and Abbot’s Passage
Also just a short drive from The Lodge is one of Sonoma’s crown jewels in the 160-year-old Gundlach Bundschu. Rather than a glass, bottle, or even basic wine tasting, opt for the Heritage Reserve Private Tasting, a sampling of the brand’s top varietals paired with elevated small bites. And a stone’s throw is Abbot’s Passage, headed by sixth generation vintner (and Gundlach co-owner) Katie Bundschu. It is the sneaky best spot for small-lot blends sourced from storied local vineyards. Here, book the Shuffleboard Social Club and enjoy shuffleboard amid the vines.
Benziger Family Winery & B.R. Cohn
This ultra-sustainable winery offers tours of its biodynamic vineyards via tram, followed by a cave tour and then a seated tasting experience that proves it pays to go green. If coming from The Lodge, make a pit stop at B.R. Cohn en route, where there is and often live music not to mention tarot card readings with a tasting.