To all you wine lovers with traveler’s itch, California’s Sonoma Valley is the perfect weekend getaway for you!
As a recent go-er, I had the opportunity to spend two different weekends in Sonoma; one with a full wine tasting experience and the other without. So, this post is all about highlighting both outdoor activities and must-visit wineries during your stay! Here’s what I found…
Sonoma Plaza
California’s uneasy reopening challenged me to explore non-typically. As a result, I spent an entire day in Sonoma Plaza – a fascinating downtown with unique food stops and shops!
Something special about Sonoma County – restaurant owners are passionate and prideful about their food. Whatever and wherever you’ll eat is most likely locally sourced with freshly grown ingredients!
After speaking with a few locals throughout the day, I was recommended these favorite food stops and restaurants:
- The girl & the fig: A French country, romantic bistro with outdoor patio seating and a large wine selection.
- Gott’s Roadside: A modern approach to American roadside hamburgers, including a California-centric list of wines and beers.
- Mary’s Pizza Shack: A family-run chain with true, Italian comfort food.
- El Dorado Kitchen: A locally sourced California-Mediterranean style restaurant with hotel dining room style seating.
- Sunflower Caffe Espresso & Wine: An ideal Sonoma brunch cafe spot, serving seasonal and local ingredients.
Must-visit Shops
Cheese Factory: If you’re a cheese lover, please check out the Cheese Factory shop in the heart of the Plaza. They have a killer selection of cheese that you can sample before purchasing. Not to mention, they sell wine from the wineries nearby!
Wine Country Chocolates: Truffle Heaven. This mother-daughter business has a heartwarming story, and an incredible selection of truffles. You can even customize your own box.
The Chocolate Cow: With a line out the door, this shop had a boatload of customers longing for the best ice cream and freshly baked treats. See what the hype is about.
Weekend Activities
Although Sonoma County has great downtown shopping, it’d be a shame if you didn’t get to explore and absorb the scenic wine country. For example:
- Horseback Riding: Experience the most beautiful park on horseback with your friends and family. Ride through the vineyards along crystal blue waters of Lake Sonoma.
- Hiking: See the Sonoma Redlands and meander through the beautiful redwoods.
- Kayaking: Paddle through the Russian River and enjoy the beautiful Sonoma Coast.
Wine Tastings
Lastly, here are a few local wine tours within the Sonoma/Napa Valley area recommended by the TourMega team!
- The Full Wine Experience: Exclusive 8-hour wine tasting tour.
- Healdsburg’s Best: Wine, food, and a walking tour in Healdsburg.
- Private Wine Tour: Perfect for your group of friends with custom concierge!
Find more Wineries and wine-related tours here.
By Jacqueline Joshua