10 Terrific Garden, Vineyard and Winery Tours

Spring is a fine time to stop and smell the roses (and wildflowers!) in Sonoma County, where special sights and tours beckon. From vineyard strolls and wine tasting to show-stopping gardens in bloom, here is a helpful list of can’t-miss experiences in Sonoma Wine Country this season.

Garden Tours in Sonoma Wine Country

Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery, Healdsburg

A walk through the five acres of Italian and French-inspired gardens at Ferrari-Carano is always a treat, but in the late winter and early spring, the winery is especially delightful with 10,000 blooming tulips on spectacular display. Call the “Tulip Hotline” for an update on the first blooms at (707) 433-5349.

The elegant gardens also feature waterfalls that flow into fish-filled ponds, impressive geometric plantings, sculptures by renowned artists, and a tea garden complete with bridges, benches, and gazebos.

Russian River Rose Company, Healdsburg

Immerse yourself in the two-acre display gardens at Russian River Rose, which showcase over 650 varieties of roses, including ancient, rare, and collector blooms. Stroll through the eight huge rose-covered arches called Rose Allée, tour the butterfly and hummingbird gardens, and visit the nursery. You’ll also discover a Rose History Trail, a Shade Garden, a Perfume Distillery, and both guided and self-guided tours on the website.

Hans Fahden Winery, Santa Rosa

Explore this lush landscape inspired by Monet’s paintings of his gardens at Giverny. Stroll through the flowers and get lost in an Impressionist painting complete with water-lilly ponds, a teahouse, and views across the vineyards. Owned by the Fahden family since 1912, this 100-acre property also boasts a volcanic cave. Visits and wine tastings are by appointment only.

Cornerstone Sonoma, Sonoma

Experience an ever-changing series of gallery-style walk-through gardens, showcasing new and innovative designs from the world’s finest landscape architects and designers. Each garden is unique and all encourage interaction and contemplation. Cornerstone is also home to a collection of shops, galleries, tasting rooms, and a deli/café, including the famed Sunset Magazine Test Gardens and Kitchens.

Sonoma Botanical Garden, Glen Ellen

Explore one of the world’s largest collections of wild-collected Asian plants, featuring 25 stunning acres of flowering trees, magnolias, lilies, rare and endangered species, and stunning California native plants. Follow the verdant paths and you’ll find ponds, waterfalls, gorgeous views, and designated areas where you’re welcome to picnic. Check their website to learn more about the self-guided tours, docent-led tours, and special events.

Bees N Blooms, Santa Rosa

Home to the largest lavender labyrinth in the state of California, there may not be a better places to visit during lavender season (mid-May to mid-July), in Sonoma County and beyond! As a certified organic, pollinator-friendly farm, guests are invited to experience the stunning lavender labyrinth and vibrant flower fields.

Vineyard & Winery Tours in Sonoma Wine Country

Relax and leave the driving to the professionals when you explore Sonoma Wine Country with a local guide. Your driver will navigate the scenic byways and plan a perfect excursion for you.

Pure Luxury Transportation

As one of California’s largest chauffeured fleets, here you’ll find Lincoln Navigators, stretch limos, and 56-passenger motor coaches for everything from tours and airport pickups to wedding celebrations and corporate events. Tours can explore wineries with spectacular grounds, fascinating history, art collections, and more.

“The experiences our guests have range from meeting winery owners and winemakers to visiting private wineries that aren’t open to the public,” said Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Buffo.

Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service

With a large fleet of new Mercedes and Cadillac sedans, SUVs, limos, vans, and buses, Beau Wine Tours has just the right tour for you. Want to discover the best tasting rooms in the most fertile growing regions? Wine knowledge is a particular specialty here, where guides create memorable experiences tailored to your unique needs and preferences, such as a renowned growing region or favorite wine varietals.

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

On this fun wine tour, you roll along on board an old-fashioned replica of a vintage San Francisco cable car with a rockin’ sound system and excellent views through open-air windows. Playful tour guides keep everyone entertained while pointing out landmarks and sharing interesting history. The trolley makes frequent stops for wine tasting at boutique wineries and large estates, and a picnic lunch is included.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours

Visit Sonoma Valley wineries in a fun and recreational way on a bike tour! Guided bike tours offer full and half-day options with a casual pace and frequent stops, plus a catered picnic lunch at a winery overlooking the vineyards. Self-guided bike tours include a Bike to Wineries Map, a delicious box picnic lunch delivered to a winery along your route, and van support, including wine-purchase pickup service.

For more ideas, check our listings of Sonoma County Sightseeing and Tour Companies.

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Written by Sonoma Insider Carey Sweet