Geyserville Tour Itinerary

The town of Geyserville, California is a perfect Sonoma Wine Country getaway nestled amoung famous vineyards. Just an hour’s drive north from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Geyserville offers a hip, laid-back vibe with wine tasting rooms, farm-fresh cuisine, recreation, boutique accommodations, and some of the best wineries in California.

Geyserville’s early days in 1847, saw the area’s natural hot springs attracting famous visitors like Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt. By the turn of the century Geyserville possessed a downtown with buildings like a saloon and a blacksmith shop along with handsome Victorian homes. You can still see historic archiecture here today.

Here is a handy itinerary to the best things to do and see in the hidden gem town of Geyserville.

Day One

Downtown Geyserville is quaint, friendly, and easy to explore on foot.

• Bosworth & Son General Mercantile invites you in to marvel at historic photos and peruse quality boots, cowboy hats, jeans, or western finds for the kids.
• Gin’Gilli’s Vintage Home is a fun place to browse curated antiques, nostalgic finds, and a sprinkling of new wares that are chic, hip, and artfully displayed like eye candy throughout this inviting shop.

While you explore downtown, sample the area’s excllent wines.

Relax and sip artisan wines like signature blends of Super Tuscan, Zinfandel, Sparkling, and Sangiovese at family-owned Ramazzotti Wines.

Delve into Bordeaux-style blends in a friendly, welcoming space at Mercury Wine.

Stop in at Locals Tasting Room to sample and compare wines from many local boutique producers.

For more unique wine tasting opportunities, cruise outside of Geyserville’s downtown.

Tour Francis Ford Coppola Winery, the famous film director’s winery resort and wine-tasting bar. You can find lots of family-friendly possibilities here including valley views that will take your breath away as well as two restaurants, two connected swimming pools, a sunbathing terrace, a movie gallery, a performing arts pavilion, and a park with game tables and bocce courts. Discover thrilling movie memorabilia throughout, including Coppola’s Oscars, Marlon Brando’s desk from The Godfather, and the 1948 Tucker Sedan used in the movie Tucker: The Man and His Dream.

Explore Pedroncelli Winery, owned and operated by the Pedroncelli family since 1927. Taste wine made from sustainably farmed grapes that consistently win awards, and learn about the rich history of the oldest tasting room in the growing region. This winery creatively stayed open during prohibition by selling grapes to home winemakers, as it was legal to make small amounts of wine for personal use. Today, it’s not unusual to be served by a Pedronvelli family member in the tasting room.

Lodging in Geyserville

The the AAA three-diamond Geyserville Inn provides the warm hospitality you’d expect from a country inn, plus all the modern comforts and luxury. Surrounded by mountains and vineyards, here you’ll find balconies or patios offering sweeping views as well as spacious rooms in the Inn’s main building, many with fireplaces. Suites are on the second floor with 360-degree views, hot tubs, and many other amenities.

Restaurants in Geyserville

Schooled in his Italian grandmother’s kitchen, chef Dino Bugica blends the best of California ingredients with traditional old-country dishes at Diavola Pizzeria & Salumeria. Housed in a century-old brick building, the atmosphere is elegantly casual and fun. The rustic, frequently changing menu features fresh ingredients from local farms. Sample dishes include: chestnut gnocchi with bay scallops, chicken picatta with roasted potatoes, and wood-fired pizzas. The exceptional wine list includes local wines made from Italian varietals.

Step into a page of Geyserville history at Catelli’s, first opened in 1936, and still a standout today. Acclaimed chef, Domenica Catelli is an advocate for organic, local ingredients and is a television personality making frequent appearances on Iron Chef America amoung others. Her dishes highlight seasonal flavors with a contemporary twist on traditional family recipes, like the renowned 10-layer lasagna. The outdoor dining area is a favorite.

Day Two

Today in Geyserville, take your coffee and stretch your legs in the fresh air while you view impressive art. Follow the Geyserville Sculpture Trail to discover more than 25 pieces of public art. On their website you can find more information about each piece and view the sculpture trail map.

If a bit of gambling appeals, visit River Rock Casino, with more than 1,200 slot machines from 1-cent to $100, 18 game tables including MiniBaccarat and Blackjack, an exclusive high limit area, and non-smoking areas for both slots and tables.

Explore Geyserville’s gorgeous landscape when you pickup picnic goodies and bring your lunch for a scenic day outside. A great place to start is at the Lake Sonoma Visitors Center and Fish Hatchery which offers fascinating displays about the construction of the Warm Springs Dam in 1983 and its important role in irrigation, flood control, and recreation.

Lake Sonoma is nestled in a valley overlooked by mountains and surrounded by world-famous vineyards. It’s the perfect setting for a picnic, bird watching, or a hike on the miles of trails. Splash along 50 miles of shoreline and take in the lovely lake with a beautiful surface that exceedes 2,700 acres when full.

You’ll find secluded coves for boating and fishing (in season) in the fully-stocked lake, as well as defined areas for water skiing and jet skis. There’s a public boat ramp and full-service marina with boat and canoe rentals.

Take a guided horseback tour of this spectacularly scenic area with a wilderness experience at The Ranch at Lake Sonoma Horseback Riding.