I’m excited to inform you about the top restaurants and vineyards in the nation, which are located in Sonoma County! You can make the most of your vacation to this stunning region of Northern California by following the advice in this blog article.
In addition to its stunning coastline, redwood woods, and farm-to-table food, Sonoma County is widely recognized for its wine. As their tagline puts it, “Life opens up” in Sonoma County, where there is something for everyone.
Trip Guide to Sonoma
Prior to delving into my trip guide for Sonoma County, here are some useful information:
The Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport serves Sonoma County and is around seven miles from Santa Rosa’s downtown.
Located in the county’s heart, Santa Rosa is an excellent area to stay if you want to see Sonoma County’s restaurants and vineyards.
Driving times from Santa Rosa to the San Francisco airport (SFO) are around one hour and sixteen minutes, and from Sonoma to the airport, they are about one hour and ten minutes.
Long and vast is Sonoma County. Particularly after wine tastings, I advise hiring a car service or renting a vehicle. It takes one hour to reach Geyserville by car from Sonoma City.
Inn & Spa Fairmont Sonoma Mission
I had the pleasure of staying at three exquisite locations in Sonoma County. My first visit was to the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa in Sonoma. Fairmont Resort is my favorite, and this one did not disappoint. The property’s appeal was enhanced by the well-kept gardens, redwood trees, autumn colors, outdoor fire pits, and waterfalls.
This all-inclusive resort has a golf course, restaurants, and a spa. Mineral pools at Willow Stream Spa are heated by geothermal energy. Despite having access to the spa, I was too busy to use it. I think I’ll have to come back for this since the reviews are so good. Every day in the foyer of the resort, there are free wine tastings.
There are many kinds of rooms and suites offered at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. The 550-square-foot mission suite has a four-poster bed, a Jacuzzi tub, a fireplace, and an expansive bathroom. I really enjoyed the lovely views of the autumn leaves and the fountain from the balcony.
Vintners Resort
Santa Rosa’s Vintners Resort is breathtaking! I got the impression that I had been to Tuscany, maybe in Italy. On the property, I slept in a brand-new villa with a room that overlooked the vines. I made it just in time to see the breathtaking sunsets! The room itself was large and furnished with wacky, contemporary art and décor.
Vintners Resort is a great place to stay in Santa Rosa for a variety of reasons. The first is the address. As previously indicated, Santa Rosa serves as a hub for county exploration. The main thoroughfares are directly next to Vintners Resort.
In addition, it has meeting rooms, a spa, a gym, a pool, and restaurants as a full-service resort. Walk around the vineyard for one mile in a round fashion if you’re feeling fit outside. Vintners Resort offers stunning indoor and outdoor alternatives for every occasion whether you’re looking for a location for your wedding or special occasion.
I had the opportunity to sample the seasonal menu when I was there. Everything was there, including spaghetti, Southern cuisine, and Peruvian meals. Without a doubt, the maple cheesecake was a hit. On the property is a garden with vegetables and herbs. This is authentic eating at the farm!
Jordan Vineyard & Winery
There were two aspects of the visit I enjoyed. I spent the night in one of their three rooms at their vineyard, which is designed like a French chateau, and attended one of their hallmark tastings.
The Alexander Valley town of Healdsburg is home to Jordan Vineyard and Winery. Their specialty is making French-inspired Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jordan provides a variety of tastings, including treks through vineyards. We had wine and food pairings while touring the Jordan Chateau winery. A delectable array of bread and French cheeses accompanied by two vintages of their Cabernet Sauvignon marked the conclusion of the tasting in the library.
Jordan Vineyard & Winery debuted refurbished chateau suites in the summer of 2021. Members of Jordan Estate Rewards and invited visitors (like me:-) may stay overnight in these suites with a French flair. They are just breathtaking!
I spent one wonderful night in the Cepage suite. It had a wide, comfortable poster bed, a wet bar with a refrigerator and a Nespresso machine, a sitting room furnished with Louis XV furniture, high ceilings with wooden beams, and a fireplace.
With heated flooring, towel racks, two vanities, and a huge shower, the bathroom was elegant and roomy. There was also a balcony with views of the verdant surroundings.
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards
In Carneros, Gloria Ferrer founded the area’s first sparkling winery. Having written about their wines on my blog a few years before, I was very looking forward to this visit. The climate in this region is perfect for producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
These two are the three varieties that are often used to produce Champagne; the third variety is Pinot Meunier. I liked the Vista Terrace’s gastronomic wine pairing while I was there. The expansive vistas of the wineries were breathtaking.
Gloria Ferrer still and sparkling wines were served with the seasonal cuisine. I was walked through the pairings by the wine instructor. The wines were excellent and ample, as was the cuisine. Additional sampling options include wine and caviar samples, cheese and charcuterie, and terrace lunches.
Corner 103
Corner 103 is situated on Sonoma Plaza in the heart of Sonoma. Lloyd Davis owns the winery and tasting facility, and he is Black. Mr. Davis takes great satisfaction in his accessible style of winemaking and tasting.
He obtains grapes from several locations in Sonoma County and creates several highly acclaimed red and white varietals, along with mixes. You will like this wine tasting’s cozy atmosphere and attentive service. Try the Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Chardonnay without a doubt.
Fog Crest Winery
Another winery and vineyard owned by Black people is Fog Crest Vineyard. In Sebastopol, that is. This mansion has spectacular vistas. Fog Crest specializes in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River. Enjoy a delectable Pinot Noir rose as well.
Area at Barlow
Go to Region at the Barlow in Sebastopol if you’re seeking a venue to try out various Sonoma County producers. Fifty wines from 25 producers across 14 appellations have been carefully selected by this wine bar.
Wine may be bought by the glass, by the taste, or by the bottle. I had the opportunity to sample two different white wines and a Pinot Noir flight from several wineries. My favorites were the Three Sticks and the Chenoweth wines.
Ridge Vineyards
If you’re a wine enthusiast, Ridge Vineyards is undoubtedly familiar to you. Out of ten French and American red wines, Ridge Vineyards’ 1971 Monte Bello red wine came in fifth place in the 1976 “Judgement of Paris” wine competition.
I went to Ridge Vineyards’ Lytton Springs location near Healdsburg, which is a portion of Dry Creek Valley when I was in Sonoma County. Ridge Vineyards is an environmentally conscious estate that supports sustainable agricultural methods.
A mix of 115-year-old Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Carignane, and Mourvèdre vines encircle this property. Lytton Springs is thus recognized for its traditional Dry Creek Zinfandel. It was incredible, I can say that! Fruitful and somewhat earthy.
I sampled Zinfandels from several regions, like Geyserville in the Alexander Valley, during my patio tasting. Vine aging back 130 years is used to manufacture this Zinfandel wine! There was also the Monte Bello wine selection.
The Santa Cruz Mountains are the source of these wines. These Bordeaux-style wines are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon.
