Art, History, Roses Tour
2 or 4 Day Sonoma Country Sample Itinerary
(Mix or Match)
Day One:
Cornerstone Festival of Gardens – Sonoma. Cornerstone Gardens, located in Sonoma have been called the most innovative gardens in America. There are 20 different gardens (each designed by a world-famous landscape architect), a Café, several shops, galleries and spacious event gardens.
Jack London State Park and Wolf House – Kenwood. Visit Jack London’s Beauty Ranch, the 1400 acre home estate of the famous writer. Visit the original home, museum, and hike or horseback (advance reservations needed) through the gorgeous property. Can be strenuous – especially the trail to the fishing pond.
Imagery Winery- Kenwood. As the majority of Imagery Estate wines are available exclusively through the winery, we invite you to visit the tasting room to discover our rare varietals and single vineyard wines as well as view Imagery's exclusive collection of wine label art, the largest collection worldwide.
Lodging in Santa Rosa
Day Two:
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens - Santa Rosa. The famed horticulturist made his home in Santa Rosa for more than fifty years. On this garden site and in nearby Sebastopol, Burbank conducted the plant-breeding experiments that brought him world renown. His objective was to improve the quality of plants and thereby increase the world's food supply. In his working career Burbank introduced more than 800 new varieties of plants including over 200 varieties of fruits, many vegetables, nuts and grains and hundreds of ornamental flowers. Home - This modified Greek Revival house is where Luther Burbank lived from 1884 to 1906. He had another home built across Tupper Street in 1906; it was removed in the late 1960s for other development. After Burbank's death in 1926, Elizabeth moved into this charming old cottage where she lived until her death in 1977. She made several additions and improvements to the structure and its present appearance and furnishings reflect her warmth and good taste. Carriage House. Originally a place to store carriages and horse tack, the carriage house was renovated in 1986 as a museum. The building accommodates exhibits relating to Burbank's life and work, the gift shop and the tour registration desk. An original cupola atop the building was replicated in 1989. Greenhouse. Designed and built by Luther Burbank in 1889, this building provides changing exhibits, and includes a replica of his office which contains many of his tools. Victorian dressed docent tours are available to groups with advanced notice.
Paradise Ridge Winery - Santa Rosa. Situated high on a ridge overlooking the Russian River Valley in the heart of Sonoma Country, Paradise Ridge Winery and the Byck Family Estate are dedicated to; Family, Art, History, Nature and hand crafting wines rich in taste and tradition. Discover Paradise Wood Sculpture grove, where annually changing exhibits lie in a four-acre grove of ancient gnarled oaks. Sculptures are displayed among the mossy rocks and small grassy clearings in this natural outdoor gallery. Inside the winery, beautiful Japanese embroidery grace the Vineroom, and the adjoining tasting area has a gorgeous inlaid wood grape motif bar. The Nagasawa exhibit in the champagne cellar enlightens visitors about the incredible history of the Fountaingrove area and its legendary winemaker, Kanaye Nagasawa.
Lunch in Historic Railroad Square - Santa Rosa. Convenient venue and parking for motor coaches at the California Welcome Center. Historic tours are available of the 2 block area added to the Register of Historic Places in 1979.
Visit an Artist’s Working Studio – Many artists welcome groups to their studios. Tours must be planned in advance. Many painters, sculptures, photographers and other fine arts artists make Sonoma Country their home. A visit to many of the nearby galleries may be planned on the itinerary as well.
Victorian Garden Valley Ranch – Petaluma. Home to 8,000 rose bushes, a nursery, a gift shop, a fragrance garden and an All-American Rose Selection (AARS) test garden. This spectacular feast for the eyes delights people of all ages with riotous color as well as a peaceful enclosed garden setting. Stroll around to see incredible blossoms. Space is available for weddings and special events.
Lodging in Santa Rosa, Sebastopol or Petaluma