Gatto is a fan of a few wine destinations in Sonoma County. One is Carneros located just an hour from San Francisco. The rolling hills here are covered with grapes used to make the best sparkling wine. It is worth visiting the winery Gloria Ferrer. The winery is owned by a Spanish Catalan family that has been producing sparkling wines for generations. They have been doing this in California since 1980.” The classic Healdsburg is home to luxurious wine country lodgings like the sumptuous Montage HealdsburgGatto’s recommendations include the many boutiques and tasting rooms in the city. She recommends Bravas as a Spanish Tapas Bar and local institution.
There are plenty of activities that don’t involve wine in Sonoma County, as the region is known for its fantastic food and produce. Casey recommends looking for seasonal festivals like the Gravenstein Apple Fair Sebastopol offers a scenic setting for a picnic, as well as the opportunity to harvest your own heirloom apple varieties. This year’s Gravenstein will be held on August 9 and 10). For a road-trip with a culinary twist, try oysters and cheese in Bodega Bay about 40 minutes south of Santa Rosa. California Cheese TrailSanta Rosa, Sebastopol and Petaluma are included in this area.
There are also plenty of activities that will keep kids entertained so parents can enjoy their vino. Caskey says that the vibe in Sonoma County, where she has two children, is “more relaxed.” kid-friendly Less rigide than Napa Valley.”
How many days will I need to stay in Sonoma County if this is my first visit?
It is recommended that you stay in Sonoma County for five to six nights if this is your first time. You can factor in the time spent on the road, and enjoy a more leisurely pace in Sonoma County. Gatto suggests that you fly into San Francisco North over the highway Golden Gate BridgeWhile taking a break at the Muir Woods National Monument For a little forest bathing and hiking. (For more direct access, Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport puts you right in Santa Rosa, and 10 minutes away from Healdsburg; 30 minutes from Petaluma; and 40 from Sonoma, the historic city that lends the county its name.)
Tillement suggests a short itinerary that hits Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Sonoma town: “Healdsburg sits at the intersection of three wine valleys—Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley, allowing travelers to discover many vineyards. Petaluma offers a paradise for foodies and outdoor enthusiasts. Sonoma is a cultural destination with museums and historic sites, farm-to-table restaurants, and wellness retreats. Tillement suggests that you can spend a day at each place, but it’s best to spread it out over a week.
What else should I be aware of before visiting Sonoma County
You will be on your feet and outside for a long time, no matter what kind of Sonoma County trip you choose. Gatto suggests opting for comfortable walking shoes So you can hike and explore the nearby trails. If you have any accessibility needs, let your hotel know and also the places that you are visiting.
You cannot stress this enough: Make your reservations well in advance. Tillement says that due to high demand at weekends and in peak season many wineries and restaurant require reservations. Booking in advance can lead to a more intimate and personalized experience.
The sheer number of choices, from dining to wineries, to lodgings and activities can make it difficult to decide what to prioritize during a trip to Sonoma County. To mitigate that feeling, Caskey says, “Don’t look at this as your ‘one shot’ chance to visit Sonoma. This is a place that should be revisited and visited again. The majority of people fall in love with the place and want to come back. The country lifestyle is a slow-paced rhythmic life that takes a few days to get used to. Your body literally recalibrates to the clean air. You should be able to enjoy it.”
The most important thing to remember is: Never drink and drive. You can hire a driver to drive you around Sonoma County if you want to taste wine. Caskey notes that Uber can be a bit slow and is not reliable outside the immediate areas around Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.
