Three Sonomas may be found in Northern California, an hour’s drive from San Francisco: Sonoma County, which includes the town of Sonoma, and Sonoma Valley, a wine area.
The very tranquil Sonoma County.
The most apparent Wine Country destination is the well-known Napa Valley, although Sonoma wineries are more relaxed, less expensive, and quieter. ideal for a weekend trip.
In addition, Sonoma offers a plethora of activities beyond wine tasting. Delicious cheese trails, whale viewing, lovely walks along the coast, eccentric art trails, breathtaking Redwood trees, and much more can be found there.
Here are our recommendations for the top activities, lodging options, and restaurants in Sonoma County.
At the conclusion of the article is a map of Sonoma that includes every point made in this guide.
Sonoma County is located where?
There’s no better way to begin a road trip than by driving over the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
One of the nicest ways to begin a journey is to go north out of San Francisco across the picturesque Golden Gate Bridge.
Traveling down Highway 101 will take you to the historic town of Petaluma in less than an hour, which is a terrific place to start your exploration of Sonoma County.
Activities in Sonoma
Must See Wineries in Sonoma
We suggest focusing your attention, as we did, on the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys in northern Sonoma Wine Country, since there are over 450 wineries in the region.
The farther north we traveled, the more secluded and picturesque the area became, with peaceful roads meandering through verdant vineyards set against a background of hills glowing golden in the summer sun.
The soils in which the grapes are grown, the winemakers’ methods, and the microclimates formed by the sun’s heat and the chilly fog from the coast all contribute to Sonoma’s diversity.
We like that Sonoma offered such diversity among the wineries we visited. Winetasting is a must do in Sonoma and one of the greatest ways to visit the county; there are many small, artisanal, affordable wineries and chances to experience the more upscale tastes you find in Napa.
The top three wineries we visited were as follows:
1) J. Rickards
Although J. Rickards Winery isn’t one of the more well-known vineyards, it ended up being just what we were searching for in Sonoma: excellent wine, intriguing history, and a dedicated producer.
We like little, family-owned wineries, and J. As grounded as they come, Rickards refers to their wine as “Darn Fine Barn Wine.”
Jim, the owner, is an atypical vintner who doesn’t follow any certain agricultural ideology. Jim found sustainable farming before it was hip by concentrating on what worked best for his farm rather than taking a one-size-fits-all strategy.
After learning more about their sustainable practices on a tour of the spectacular vineyard, enjoy a superb Zinfandel in the rustic Tasting Room with views of Sonoma Valley.
2) Quivira
Among the top activities in Sonoma, California, is the Simon wine tasting at Quivira Winery.
Quivira wine tasting with Simon
Our next vineyard was located on Quivira Vineyards’ West Dry Creek Road, a winding, almost single-track road surrounded by trees.
Quivira is a biodynamic winery whose estate embodies their agricultural concept of returning all waste products back to the ground.
Their wines are more unique and excellent because they capture the essence of their home region.
Their vegetable, wildflower, and chicken gardens are wonderful spots for picnics.
3) The Ferrari-Carano
One of the top things to do in Sonoma, California, is visit the Ferrari Carano winery.
Ferrari-Carano offers an amazing and opulent wine tasting experience. Don and Rhonda Carano founded it in 1981, and since then, it has expanded quickly.
The winery is made up of 19 vines spread around Sonoma and Napa, but its massive home in the Tuscan style, complete with well-kept gardens, a gift store, and two well-liked wine tasting rooms, is its main attraction.
The estate was elegant yet welcoming and modest, which we liked.
We had a tour of the vineyard, which included seeing the menus from White House dinners, as well as their exquisite grounds, vast wine vaults, and tidy vines.
They can create a broad variety of wines since they have a larger output, and they make 20–22 different wines year.
Everything we tasted was excellent, but two wines in particular stood out: the flagship Fumé Blanc, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc that costs under $17 a bottle and is a mix of 60 distinct varieties of Chardonnay grapes, and the slightly more complex Chardonnay.
Address: Dry Creek Valley, 8761 Dry Creek Road.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by appointment only; the final reservation is made at 3:30 p.m.
Go on a Wine Tour in Sonoma
Try this small-group wine tasting trip with Sonoma Wine Rides if you want to see more Sonoma wineries without having to drive. They can pick you up from hotels and vacation rentals in different parts of Sonoma County. Three wine cellars are included in the $135 tour fee.
Check out Sonoma Valley Bike excursions’ Wine and Bike Tour if you’re the kind of person who needs some action with their wine excursions. Regular or e-bikes are available for selection, and bike rentals for the whole day are included for $179.
The Mouthwatering Route of Sonoma Cheese
There’s much to do in Sonoma that doesn’t involve alcohol.
Numerous artisan cheesemakers in Sonoma County utilize milk from grass-fed cows in the area to manufacture small quantities of cheeses that capture the distinct flavor of the area.
Cheese, like to wine, is a reflection of the soil’s terroir, or flavors, as well as the local temperature, humidity, and surroundings.
To assist tourists in learning about the local small cheesemakers, Marin and Sonoma Counties have established a cheese trail.
We experienced these three delectable trailside stops, and there are many more to choose from when packing the ideal picnic lunch.
4) Creamery in Petaluma
Spring Hill Jersey Cheese is made at Petaluma Creamery, a historic dairy farm that was founded more than a century ago. Their spacious facility is next to a store/café that has pre-cut samples in the refrigerator.
Although we Brits have rather high expectations when it comes to cheddar cheese, the cheeses were decent enough!
They also produce ice cream in a variety of intriguing flavors, such as lavender.
Address: Petaluma, 711 Western Ave.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
5) The Epicurean Relationship
At Epicurean Connection, Sheana Davis crafts her own cheese, which she markets via her charming store and café.
Gourmet local goods and an extensive assortment of artisan, organic, and local cheeses are available. For ten dollars, we had a modest but delectable cheese sampling plate.
We tasted the wonderful, yet sweet and pungent Nicasio Reserve as well as Two Rock goat cheese, which is similar to parmesan.
Address: 19670 8th Street East, Suites A-B, Sonoma, 4th Building (the purple-awninged building in the rear on the right).
Hours: Friday and Saturday only, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for retail. Additionally, they provide cheesemaking lessons on Thursday, Saturday, and Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. To attend, simply send in an RSVP.
6) Cheese Factory Matos
We arrived at the working farm at Matos Cheese Factory by taking a dusty lane that led to the cheesemaker. The stench of cows and insects swarming about was strong. Exactly what we needed to find.
Originally from Portugal, Joe and Mary Matos carried their local cheese recipe with them when they moved to California.
The farm produces just one kind of cheese, called St. Jorge, which is a semi-hard, buttery cheese produced in the Portuguese Azores manner. It’s delicious, hard, and creamy all at once.
A delightfully simple taste experience is provided by the Matos Cheese Factory.
To catch the attention of the workers, you have to ring a bell in a little chamber labeled “cheese factory.” It’s probable that someone will come up from the back room with wheels of cheese and quietly give you samples to try.
Sadly, they do not presently do farmhouse visits. Please ensure that you bring cash in person. You may also place an online order for pickup, however.
3669 Llano Road, Santa Rosa is the address.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., every day.
Cultural Attractions in Sonoma
7) Explore Florence Avenue Sebastopol for Oddball Junk Art
Make sure to visit Florence Avenue, a residential suburban street, in Sebastopol, a little town that is a hidden treasure. Huge, vibrant metal sculptures that suddenly line each person’s front lawn may be found there.
The charming sculptures, created by artists Patrick Amiot and Brigitte Laurent, are entirely built from salvaged things and waste metal.
Since the artists themselves reside on the street, it is easy to determine whose property they own. Search outdoors for the adorned automobile!
Definitely one of the most entertaining things to do in Sonoma is to take a walking tour around these surreal artworks.
Learn more about Florence Avenue’s artists and get travel advice.
8) Discover Sebastapol’s Bold Cultural Scene
Sebastopol has a lot more to offer than just Florence Avenue, so it’s worth spending some time there.
In the 1960s, Sebastopol was a hotspot for hippies and the locals proclaimed it a “Nuclear Free Zone.” You can still see the prominently displayed sign that they put up downtown.
It is now perhaps Sonoma’s vibrant, artistic center.
Despite being a tiny town, there is a lot to discover there, including intriguing eateries, apparel stores, wine tasting facilities, and craft brewers.
Its passionate producer-driven community and insistence that all town renters be locals help it to maintain its autonomous feel.
Observing the yearly grey whale migration at Bodega Head, which travels from north to south, is one of the greatest things to do in Sonoma.
The rocky peninsula known as Bodega Head serves as the mouth of Bodega Harbor.
Fog along the shore enhances the atmospheric impact of the moors on one side and the cliffs falling into the sea on the other.
Mothers with their calves may still be seen as late as May, but January is the best time to bundle up and use your binoculars to see these magnificent animals.
Whale watching is common at the cliffs above the West Trail free parking lot.
If you visit the peninsula outside of the winter and don’t see any whales, Bodega Head is still a great area to stop and take in the breathtaking views while watching fishing boats pass by.
10) Go for a Hike at the State Park of Sonoma Coast
Bodega Head is located inside the Sonoma Coast State Park, which stretches 17 miles between Mendocino to San Francisco along the coast of Northern California.
Some of Sonoma County’s greatest hiking may be found along the stunning coastline, which has miles of paths around the headlands that pass by secluded sandy coves, vibrant wildflowers, and expansive vistas.
The 1.7-mile accessible Bodega Head Trail winds past the boat launch at Bodega Harbour, across the breathtaking cliffs at Bodega Bay, and past charming little beaches. It may be windy near the shore, so use caution.
We are eager to go back and explore the rocky shore with these paths more than we were able to on our last visit.
Film enthusiasts may find it interesting to know that the Potter Schoolhouse, the location of Hitchcock’s 1963 film The Birds, is a few miles inland from Bodega Bay. Though it’s currently privately held, so please show consideration, film history buffs should make the side excursion.
11) Find Your New Favorite Undiscovered Beach
Numerous isolated coves and expansive sandy beaches may be found along the untamed coastline that runs between the mouth of the Russian River and Bodega Bay.
Although the mornings will be foggy and cold, by the afternoon the beaches will be pleasant and ideal for walking and picnics.
The beaches of Sonoma Coast State Park are ideal for families, since they provide a variety of coves and beaches with tidepools, high dunes, spectacular coastlines, and coastal treks.
It is only recommended for experienced surfers to consider entering the seas.
Beautiful beaches may be found at Salmon Creek Beach, which is where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean, and Goat Rock Beach, which is well-known for serving as a filming site for The Goonies.
12-Take a Walk Among Massive Redwood Trees
The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve, with its modest grove of stately redwood trees, is located north of the Russian River, close to the town of Guerneville.
The lovely, woodsy scent of the gigantic redwoods is wonderfully calming, and walking among them is immediately revitalizing.
The tallest living species on Earth is the redwood. At 310 feet, the Parson Jones Tree is the highest in the Armstrong Grove, and at 1400 years old, the renowned Colonel Armstrong Tree is the oldest.
Naturally, the State Reserve has not fared well in recent years; the Giants were affected by the 2020 Walbridge wildfire.
The Redwoods showed incredible resiliency, and the nature reserve reopened to the public after a period of closure for repair. Although there is still visible scarring, the trees have grown back gorgeously.
While there are small, accessible routes to use while admiring the trees in Armstrong Redwoods, the larger loops are still blocked for safety.
For $179 per person, Best Bay Area Tours offers an amazing Redwoods and Wine Tasting Tour from San Francisco that combines a visit to the Armstrong Redwoods with wine tasting.
Additional Must-Do Activities in Sonoma Valley
13) Visit the Historical Sites in Sonoma
Sonoma County has a lengthy, rich, and intriguing history considering its location. Sonoma, the birthplace of the State of California, is a terrific location to start.
The six historical sites of the Sonoma State Historic Park are located inside the town: General Vallejo’s Home, Sonoma Barracks, Mission San Francisco Solano, Blue Wing Inn, Toscano Hotel, and Servants Quarters (the remnants of La Casa Grande).
The locations of the sites are dispersed around Sonoma’s city, close to the famed Sonoma Plaza, making for an ideal walking tour.
Why not take this short guided tour by Sonoma cuisine Tour to mix learning about the history of Sonoma with sampling some of the greatest cuisine and drink the area has to offer?
Where in Sonoma to Dine
14) Savor Delectable Farm-to-Table Food
As one would anticipate from Sonoma County’s many independent producers and lively agricultural communities, even the tiniest villages provide fantastic farm-to-table dining.
These are just a few of our favorites:
Downtown Bakery, Healdsburg: We discovered the Downtown Bakery goods while visiting Sonoma, having previously enjoyed them at the Ferry Building farmer’s market in San Francisco. The sticky buns and pain au chocolat are our favorites, and the bread is gorgeous.
A must-stop on the route to Bodega is Wild Flour Bread, Freestone, which serves amazing vegan scones with apple, rhubarb, and lavender in addition to a variety of delectable breads.
The greatest pizza we’ve tasted since visiting Italy is at Diavola in Geyserville. for devouring our first pizza, the hot and spicy Inferno, we found ourselves hankering for another. In addition to having some amazing salads, Diavola employs foods from the area. The oven-roasted beets with feta and rocket were very delicious.
