Wine Tasting Itinerary: Sonoma Valley and Beyond

As the birthplace of California’s wine industry in the 1850s, Sonoma Valley now covers 14,000 acres of vineyards, accented by more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms. Within its pretty patchwork of farms and some 13,000 additional acres of open parkland, Sonoma Valley is also home to many of the area’s best recreation and dining.

In the historic town of Sonoma, fuel up for the day with breakfast at the cult-favorite El Molino Central. The small white stucco eatery makes its mark with organic heirloom corn kernels painstakingly hand-ground on a stone wheel for tortillas and tamales, and excellent chilaquiles made even better with a side of Rancho Gordo heritage beans.

If you’re looking for a fun and convenient get-around, the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley awaits with a chauffeured tour in a vintage 1890s San Francisco cable car. This replica of an authentic trolley can handle groups of up to 28 on six-hour field trips to top wineries. Tasting is even better with open-air views, a sound system, and on-board refreshments featuring a country French picnic lunch.

If you venture out on your own, start with Buena Vista Winery. Founded in 1857, this don’t-miss classic is the oldest commercial winery in California, complete with caves that are actual historical landmarks. The aging tombs are renovated with modern safety, but remain elegantly dark and mysterious. Guided paired tastings are a fun way to explore, with a host offering barrel wine, then the finished wine, while explaining the evolution. You can also explore a multi-media Wine Tool Museum. 

Deerfield Ranch in the nearby town of Kenwood is another gem, featuring more than 23,000 square feet of wine caves spanning the heart of the winery. Tucked behind beautiful Redwood doors sit hundreds of barrels, leading to the Grand Room, furnished in overstuffed couches and chairs. Such comfortable seating is perfect, considering some tasting flights can include up to 20 wines.

On your venture into Sonoma Valley along scenic Highway 12, visit these popular wineries along the way: Kunde Family Winery, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Chateau St. Jean, Ledson Winery & Vineyards, or VJB Cellars.

Back in the town of Sonoma, relax beneath the shade trees in the eight-acre Sonoma Plaza (the largest town center in California). Sonoma Plaza is a perfect place to browse boutiques, galleries, and tasting rooms all around the Square.

You can tour the surrounding National Historic Landmark adobe buildings designed in 1834. Stop in the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art to discover the largest visual arts organization in the San Francisco North Bay region.

For lunch, the longtime classic, French-country the girl & the fig on the square is a delight, with fresh, seasonal ingredients and delicious plates. Not too long ago, Lady Gaga turned heads as she dined here, accompanied by an entourage.

Check into comfortable accommodations at Sonoma Creek Inn, a darling, reasonably priced 16-room hideaway. Many of the updated, colorfully decorated rooms have private outdoor patios or porches.

For a night of luxury, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a historic, mission-style property originally opened in 1840, and is now a top-of-the-line contemporary resort with an iconic.

Wherever you lodge, dine at the AAA Four Diamond Award Santé Restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa for a worthy indulgence in upscale California cuisine. A chic, modern dining room dazzles with a terrace overlooking the geothermal mineral pool and the fire pit. The wine list features more than 500 area wines, while the menu tempts with plates like pork shoulder loin with Bing cherries, or poached salmon with sweet carrots and artichokes.

The famous wine-growing region of Carneros spans 8,000 vineyard acres and offers more than 20 wineries. Start your day with an excellent breakfast at Lou’s Luncheonette, where chef-owner Chad Harris puts together ridiculously good comfort food with down-home soul for breakfast and lunch. Start your day with buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy, a buttermilk waffle, fried oysters, or a basket of feather-light biscuits.

The Roche family winery sits within their Tipperary Vineyard, on their estate in the Carneros AVA. Wine tasting at the Roche Winery & Vineyards “Tasting Plaza” is highlighted by outdoor fireplaces, cabanas, private group tasting areas, and views of thousands of acres of vineyards.

Head to Schug Carneros Estate Winery, through vineyards bordered by rose bushes, to the German chalet-style winery. It’s hard to imagine that there are also caves tucked into the bucolic hillside. The stone structures are polished and lined with gorgeous barrels. Private tours offer a blend of the winery’s history, insight into the region, and an overview of Schug’s “secret” winemaking techniques.

Toast your trip with sparkling wine at Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Established more than 25 years ago, this winery was the first sparkling wine house built in the Carneros region. The Ferrer family has been making sparkling wines for more than 150 years, and a variety of tours delve into the important role caves play in the process.

Ram’s Gate Winery is set in a 22,000-square-foot modern space with stunning barn styling across from Sonoma Raceway in the town of Sonoma. This Carneros favorite must be seen to be appreciated, with French granite paver-stones and massive floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to sweeping vineyard and bay views. 

Drop in at Meadowcroft Wines and Obsidian Wine Co., and discover more with this Guide to Cornerstone Sonoma and Caneros Wineries.

Relax at the Glen Ellen Inn, tucked away with “Secret Cottages” on the Calabasas Creek behind the inn’s oyster grill restaurant in the nearby village of Glen Ellen. Each cottage has its own fireplace, hot tub, shower, TV, fruit and pastry basket, in-room coffee, and honor bar.

For luxury, consider the Gaige House, a perfect blend of a bed-and-breakfast and a luxury resort. With 23 graceful Asian-inspired guestrooms and suites, plus eight “Zen” suites featuring granite soaking tubs and private Japanese gardens perfect for en-suite spa treatments, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped to a private oasis.

Stop at the friendly Glen Ellen Village Market for a bite to eat. The hot breakfast spread brims with breakfast burritos, croissant sandwiches, egg dishes, bacon, sausage, roasted potatoes, and more than 30 varieties of donuts and pastries baked fresh daily.

The market is located near the entry to Jack London State Historic Park, a lovely place to plan your day.

Discover the Bennett Valley AVA, a sumptuously pastoral wine-growing region with 650 vineyard acres.

Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa was founded in 1977, and its managers have spent time planting not only grapevines, but more than 4,500 lavish lavender bushes in their two-acre estate garden. The greenery is spectacular year-round and especially in summer, when the bushes burst into bloom.

Great shopping is nearby in the bustling Montgomery Village Shopping Center, and this open-air mall is home to the excellent eatery, Monti’s. Enjoy a lunch of Sonoma Wine Country cuisine anchored by wood-fired rotisserie meats such as lavender-roasted duck, and find your perfect wine pairing from more than 40 selections by the glass.

More shopping awaits in the Railroad Square area, which stretches to the eclectic Western Farm Center, and boasts a beautifully restored Northwestern Pacific Railroad train depot made of locally quarried stone. The depot now houses the Santa Rosa Visitors Center / California Welcome Center.

There are several interesting independently owned stores in the region, such as Whistlestop Antiques, where owner Dee Richardson has a flair for whimsy, offering collectables like a bowling-pin-shaped trophy from a 1998 Reno bowling competition, alongside delicate china teacups.

For dinner, step into Stark’s Steak & Seafood, which blends a retro, ultra-friendly atmosphere with a thoroughly modern surf and turf menu, plus an extensive list of local and international wines.

La Gare French Restaurant offers traditional French cuisine with fresh ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Order from the full menu or from the bar menu in La Gare’s intimate wine bar, which features a beautiful copper bar top and accents.

A good night’s sleep is just a few steps away at Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country. The Tuscan villa-style property boasts an AAA Four Diamond rating and amenities such as a gorgeous fire-pit courtyard, a swimming pool, and a sculpture garden.

Or, you can roost at the Flamingo Resort, where all stays in the luxury rooms include a breakfast buffet and free wine tasting passes.

If you’d rather spend money on more wine than on a fancy room, the Quality Inn & Suites is clean and comfortable, including treats like complimentary breakfast and a pet-friendly policy.