Rivers & Redwoods – Your West County Tour Itinerary
West Sonoma County, California offers visitors a mix of breathtaking landscapes to explore, from the enchanting redwoods and the scenic Russian River to rolling vineyards, charming towns, and famous wineries. Here is your itinerary to this unique part of Sonoma Wine County, where the redwoods tower and the river flows.
The Russian River
Winding through Sonoma county to the seaside village of Jenner, the Russian River is a south-flowing waterway offering opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and relaxing on sandy beaches.
A vacation destination since the 1870s (when visitors came by train), this area is home to the Russian River Valley wine-growing region. In addition to other grape varietals, it produces world-class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the exceptional wineries here range from small boutiques to large commercial producers.
Day One
Begin the day wandering the historical town of Duncans Mills, nestled among the redwoods and vineyards. Duncans Mills was named for two brothers, Samuel and Alexander Duncan, who established a lumber mill in the early 1870s. Today, the town has a population of 175 and is a traveler’s delight, with wine tasting, a bakery, restaurants, and unique shops featuring handcrafted goods, antiques, art galleries, locally grown flowers, and more.
From Duncans Mills, head to Korbel Champagne Cellars in the town of Guerneville. Established in 1882, Korbel has been a part of America’s greatest celebrations for more than 120 years. Discover the tasting room, wine shop, winery tours, and a gourmet deli. The winery’s grounds include extensive gardens with 250 varieties of antique roses and more than 1,000 other types of plants and flowers to admire.
Have fun with Burke’s Canoe Trips and Campground. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle the Russian River while taking in the beautiful scenery and wildlife. Stop to enjoy a picnic on one of the many beaches. Burke’s can accommodate groups of all sizes with advance arrangements.
Lodging Suggestion: Mine + Farm
Set on two and a half acres of natural landscape, just a few miles outside of downtown Guerneville, Mine + Farm offers a modern boutique inn experience in a restored 1906 farmhouse. Incorporating charmingly rustic elements with up-to-date amenities, this exceptional bed and breakfast includes a full organic breakfast.
Savor Local Flavors
Nearby, the Underwood Bar & Bistro offers French, Mediterranean, and Wine Country cuisine in a relaxed, sophisticated setting in the picturesque town of Graton.
Once considered a “rough little apple cannery town,” Graton now boasts a growing culinary reputation. Here you’ll also find another favorite place to feast: Willow Wood Market Café. This spot doubles as a general store and a local gathering spot.
Day Two
Enjoy Sebastopol
Whether you’re staying in the Sebastopol Inn or elsewhere, don’t miss the opportunity to stroll charming downtown Sebastopol, which offers many unique shops featuring crafts, health food, clothing, books, housewares, and toys, along with restaurants, pubs, New Age stores, and art galleries.
- Shop, taste, and dine at The Barlow, a 220,000-square-foot business park and premier artisan food, wine, and art center.
- Drive or walk three blocks along Florence Avenue, and be greeted by giant, colorful sculptures made entirely from reclaimed junk. Artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent created more than two dozen sculptures that enliven this residential area.
- Walk, hike, bike, or horseback ride on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail in the 254-square-mile Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve, the county’s largest freshwater wetlands complex in the friendly town of Santa Rosa.
- Explore Luther Burbank Experiment Farm, where the famed horticulturist developed more than 800 varieties of fruits, flowers, and vegetables, beginning in the 1880s.
- Learn about the history of this area in the West County Museum.
Visit Local Farms
Download a free map and guide from Sonoma County Farm Trails, then explore and experience life on the farm. Discover Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage by visiting farms and ranches with sheep, llamas, honey bees, butterflies, birds, fresh fruits and vegetables, and more.
Delight in seasonal experiences like fields of flowers and baby animals in the spring, picking berries in the summer, pumpkin patches in the fall, and festive Christmas tree farms in the winter.
Walk Under Towering Trees
Serene and majestic Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is a living reminder of the magnificent redwood forest that covered much of this area. These remarkable trees live to be 500-1,000 years old, reach a diameter of 12-16 feet, and stand 200-250 feet tall.
Leave the Driving to a Guide
Taste your way through the Russian River Valley with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Experts from Pure Luxury Transportation, Beau Wine Tours, and Comfort Wine Tours can craft a guided adventure to your favorite wineries or an off-the-beaten-path itinerary so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy.
To learn more, read Guide to Food and Wine Tours or check our listings of Sonoma County Sightseeing & Tour Companies.
Together, we can protect and preserve the beauty and natural resources of Sonoma County for generations to come. Check out our page on Sustainable Travel, and look over the Leave No Trace Seven Principles.
Written by Sonoma Insider Suzie Rodriguez
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