Things To Do In Sonoma
Most people think of Napa when they think of Wine Country in California, but Sonoma has some great options for wine, food, and outdoor activities. Here are some of our favorites:
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Landmark Vineyards
Just a bit out of Sonoma and worth checking out, Landmark Vineyards has great wine and a beautiful space surrounded by lovely gardens.
If you call ahead you can order a lunch to pair with your wine tasting - trust me it’s worth it!
There are horse drawn carriage rides on certain days - call ahead to see if they’re offering them when you’re there.
About the wine - we absolutely loved the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir and the Rodgers Creek Chardonnay. Full of flavor and easy to drink - we took a couple bottles home with us!
There is also an option to stay overnight in a lovely guest suite or one bedroom cottage.
Scribe Winery
Located on a former turkey farm, Scribe Winery was formed by two brothers who painstakingly renovated the land to plant wine grapes and renovated all the buildings on site by hand.
The end result is some of the best wine in the region along with such a beautiful ambiance.
It’s best to call ahead to schedule a tasting which can include a food pairing as well.
also, check out:
El Molino Central
A real hidden gem, this excellent Mexican eatery serves up some of the best and most authentic Mexican food in the area.
Make sure to try the red mole tamales, beer battered fish tacos, halibut ceviche, and the poblano tomatillo nachos.
Glen Ellen Star
One of the more famous restaurants in Sonoma County, Glen Ellen Star is worth the short drive from Sonoma due to its delicious wood fired pizzas, whole fish entrees, and lovely vegetables roasted in iron skillets.
The main chef Ari Weiswasser hails from famous kitchens like French Laundry and Daniel, so you know the food is high quality.
Yeti
For some excellent Nepalese food, make sure to stop by Yeti. The chef owner specializes in South Asian cuisine with delicious tandoori meats, Nepalese momo dumplings, and some of the best curries I’ve ever tasted.
I also loved the Dal Makhani, saag paneer, and rogan josh.
Save room for the sweet gulab jamun or coconut saffron rice pudding.
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Gundlach Bundschu Winery
This historic winery was built back in 1870 with some of the original pieces of the property in place.
You can have a wine tasting at the tasting bar or have a seated courtyard tasting ($30), which tends to be more relaxed and spacious.
There’s also a 90 minute tasting in the cave ($40), which is really worth the extra cost for the vista views, in-cave barrel tasting, and fun staff!
For $60, you can also do a two hour Pinzgauer Austrian Army vehicle experience which takes you around the 320 acre estate, stopping at many sites while sipping on wine.
Cline Cellars
This sustainably sourced winery uses organic cover crops, composted tea, volcanic rock, oyster shells, and natural sulphur to keep the soil healthy. Sheep and goats are used to graze harmful weeds away while solar panels provide 100% of the energy to the winery.
They also make some fantastic wine here at affordable prices!
Nicholson Ranch
This intimate winery ages its wines in French oak barrels stored underground in caves. Most visitors loved how charming the main house and grounds were.
You’ll also love how affordable the wines are here with tastings starting at around $15 while cave tour tastings run around $30.
Sears Point Racing Experience
Perhaps before you do your wine tastings, you can get your thrill seeking on by hopping in a Formula 3 race car and zooming around the race track at heart pumping speeds!
Prices start at $295 for the 2.5 hour Audi Autocross Challenge and Intro to Karting program.
Depending on your driving experience, they have more advanced programs if that’s how you roll.
Sonoma Plaza
The city of Sonoma is anchored by the central plaza called Sonoma Plaza.
Some of the highlights include the beautiful City Hall, duck pond, Grinstead Amphitheater, and rose garden.
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Inspired by their Italian heritage, this winery is located in a beautiful Italian farmhouse. There’s definitely an old world feel when you step into the grounds here and to top it all off the wine here is spectacular.
They also have award winning olive oil made here which you can taste on your visit.
Buena Vista Winery
Built by Hungarian Count Agoston Haraszthy in 1857, Buena Vista is Sonoma’s oldest commercial winery. There is a lovely hedge maze to get lost in for fun and the staff wear 19th century outfits complete with top hats.
The estate has many options to keep you entertained like wine bar tastings, museum tour, barrel tasting, and part where you can play Count Haraszthy himself.
Sonoma Overlook Trail
This easy 2.4 mile hike features lovely views of the Sonoma area along with beautiful wild flowers. Its a regularly trafficked trail so it’s well taken care of and it’s almost impossible to get lost.
Sonoma State Historic Park
Consisting of some interesting historical sites like the Mission San Francisco Solano, Sonoma Barracks, Blue Wing Inn, and Lachryma Montis house - history buffs will love all the great gems here.
The Mission San Francisco Solano was built in 1823 and was the only mission built in the area after Mexico gained independence from Spain.
