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Vineyard in Sonoma County Ziplining in Sonoma County **HERE’S AN IDEA*** Tri-Valley Beer Trail Not only world-famous for wine, experience the Tri-Valley Beer Trail made up of 21 craft breweries, taprooms and restaurants. Enhance your stay by attending the area’s many festivals, cafes and theaters. visittrivalley.com Just a short drive north of San Francisco you’ll find a bounty of delicious adventures in Northern California’s wine country. Stretching from the rocky shores of Bodega Bay across rolling hills covered by patterned rows of grapevines in Sonoma County and Napa Valley, you’ll discover opportunities for fun, relaxation and, of course, wine tasting. But, wine country isn’t just about wine. Here’s an introduction to the area’s inspiring arts and culture, outdoor activities, shopping and more. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES The natural beauty of wine country is best enjoyed up-close and in-person. In Napa Valley, hit the trails at Bothe Napa Valley State Park, which is perfect for a hike and a picnic (or swimming during summer months). Or, rent bikes in St. Helena and pedal your way around town (you might find a few wineries along the way). In Sonoma County, stretch your legs with a hike at Jack London State Park, where you can see the famed writer’s gravesite and the remains of his dream house, which tragically burned to the ground before it was completed. Or, enjoy a bird’s-eye view on a ziplining adventure with Sonoma Canopy Tours. **HERE’S AN IDEA*** Napa Valley Wine Train For a memorable “wine and dine” experience unlike any other, hop aboard an exquisitely restored antique Pullman rail car and take a three-hour voyage through breathtaking Napa Valley. winetrain.com DENOTES SPONSORED CONTENT HOT AIR BALLOONS Speaking of aerial activities: A terrific way to see the terraced countryside, stony ridges and Sonoma County’s craggy coastline — not to mention all those handsome wineries and vineyards — is to soar silently above it in a hot air balloon. The typical ride lasts 45-60 minutes; a delicious glass of local wine will be waiting when you touch down. ARTS & CULTURE Check out an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art at the Hess Collection just outside of downtown Napa. Or, take a light-hearted stroll through the past at the Charles M. Schulz Museum in Santa Rosa, which celebrates the life and work of the Peanuts creator. The Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, located just off Sonoma’s historic square, features modern and contemporary art. For live music, The Green Music Center in Sonoma County’s Rohnert Park is home to a world-class concert facility that hosts chamber music, jazz and more. The city of Napa is becoming famed for its annual three-day BottleRock music festival which draws the likes of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Florence + The Machine. Charles M. Schulz Museum SPAS Built on natural mineral hot springs, Fairmont Sonoma Mission delivers the quintessential spa experience — dry sauna, private baths and two mineral soaking pools — while Forestville’s Farmhouse Inn has made local produce harvested on site the cornerstone of their spa treatments. Spa luxury meets wine-country extravagance at Auberge du Soleil, where temperate springs overlook vineyards and the resort’s own olive grove. Treatments include floral oils from the garden and a refreshing grapeseed scrub. SHOPPING Shopping is a popular pastime in wine country. In St. Helena, oneof- a-kind shops line the main drag, Highway 29. In nearby Napa, the Napa Premium Outlets offers great savings on luxurious brands like Barney’s, Coach and Michael Kors. In Sonoma County, check out Santa Rosa’s Fourth Street area, which is home to lots of locally owned shops, or drop by Railroad Square for a mix of antique shops and restaurants. In Healdsburg, Shed is a must-visit for gourmet foods and kitchenware. Oxbow Public Market in Napa is a marvelous source for artisan cheeses, breads, produce and local olive oil. DINING To sample local flavors in Sonoma County, head to The Girl & The Fig in downtown Sonoma, where you’ll find artful uses of cheeses, meats, fruits and veggies produced nearby. If you prefer beer to wine, head to Bear Republic Brewing Company in Healdsburg, which has produced handcrafted beers and diverse menus for more than 20 years. Napa Valley continues to be one of the country’s epicenters for fine dining, including a handful of Michelin-starred eateries. You’ll need reservations well in advance to secure a table at the Restaurant at Meadowood or legendary French Laundry, but the experiences are unforgettable. HUNGRY FOR MORE? The Central Coast, south of San Francisco, is home to some wonderful wine country experiences of its own. Monterey County produces memorable wines and offers a wealth of activity pairings. The Monterey Bay Aquarium located on Cannery Row is renowned, and offers everything from engaging exhibits to underwater diving experiences. For mouthwatering dining options, head to Carmel-by-the-Sea, a one-square-mile town known for European charm and excellent bistros to match. Set in a lovely old house and offering a menu inspired by France and Italy’s countryside cuisines, Casanova is a great place to start. The area is justly famous for seaside golf, offering beautiful courses such as The Links at Spanish Bay, Spyglass Hill Golf Course and the most famous of all, Pebble Beach Golf Links. BEYOND SAN FRANCISCO, SONOMA VALLEY IS CELEBRATED AS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER WINEMAKING REGION. Located just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma Valley offers the best experiences in wineries and tasting rooms, culinary, picturesque towns, fresh open air hiking and biking, and perfect places to extend your stay overnight. Our winery map on the back will guide you through your wine tasting adventure. 100+ WINERIES Sonoma Valley is the perfect wine country destination for wine enthusiasts, both novice and seasoned alike. With 100+ wineries — from striking castles and garden chateaus to modern lounges and Mediterranean-style villas — Sonoma Valley offers a unique wine tasting experience for everyone and is the birthplace of California wine. Sonoma Valley’s rolling vineyards are nestled between two mountain ranges offering exquisite and peaceful beauty. Sip award-winning wines while learning about the history of California wine alongside a winemaker, tour a production facility or wine cave, take a tractor tour through the vineyards, peruse the tasting rooms on the historic Sonoma Plaza or enjoy a mountaintop wine tasting. Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean is known for its outstanding Reserve wines, vineyard designated wines the foodie, enjoy perfectly paired wine, cheese and charcuterie and a romantic view with our Charcuterie casual experience, the tasting room is open daily 10a.m.-5p.m. is the quintessential and the flagship Cinq Cépages Bordeaux style blend. For and the Chateau tasting. For the explorer, learn about how Chateau St. Jean became the pioneer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Sonoma County. For the collector, experience luxury at its fi nest with a library tasting of Cinq Cépages with our Cinq Rêves tasting. For a more casual experience, the tasting room is open daily 10a.m.-5p.m. For more than 30 years, Benziger Family Winery has farmed its 85 acre ranch on Sonoma Mountain. Committed to Biodynamic Farming, the highest form of organic vineyards, an insectary, gardens, sheep and cattle pastures, wetlands and ponds. Two tours are offered first hand. The Biodynamic Tram Tour provides an overview of the farming approach and winemaking process. The Partners Tour is an opportunity for the the Estate, finishing with a Seated Tasting of Biodynamic Estate wines. If you are looking for an intimate wine tasting experience of flagship and reserve Benziger wines, make an appointment for the Estate Library Tasting. Named “Best Winery” and “Best Winery Tour” Family Winery is ready to welcome you from 10a.m.- 5p.m. daily. certification, the Benziger Estate is a polyculture of daily, inviting guests out into the vineyards to explore knowledgeable wine lover to get a more in-depth look at by the Sonoma Valley People’s Choice Awards, Benziger Family Winery is ready to welcome you from 10a.m.- 5p.m. daily. FARM-FRESH RESTAURANTS Taste through Sonoma Valley’s delectable restaurants with farm-to-table bites and handcrafted meals from the bounty of local harvest. Olives, nuts, heirloom tomatoes, citrus fruits, herbs, vegetables and livestock can all be found in the area, and are plated up at restaurants that may be right around the corner from where they were grown. Dine in an elegant hotel, romantic corner café, picturesque patio or with spectacular views of vineyards and mountains. Sample artisan cheeses and sip on craft beers as you chat with their creators and storeowners. Sonoma Valley’s dining experiences bring worldly flavors for everyone with a wine country twist. Sonoma Market and Glen Ellen Village Market are gathering spots for the community — where locals and visitors alike go to bring the Wine Country lifestyle home. From artisanal Sonoma products to specially curated picnic packages (available for online ordering and in-store pick-up), the goal is to be a go-to market. Stop by and grab a fresh-pressed juice or a fine cup of Peet’s coffee. Visit the Grab & Go for a quick snack (or prepared meal) or stroll the aisles and explore everything from fine wine to meat and seafood, and other pantry essentials. STAY AWHILE Enjoy an overnight stay at a cozy bed and breakfast, wine country bungalow, luxury inn or chic hotel offering guests all the amenities they need to make the trip special. Stay within walking distance of the historic Sonoma Plaza, or take in a vineyard view from your room’s window during your wine country visit. Relax and be pampered with a mud bath, hot springs experience and luxury spa treatment. Sonoma Valley’s accommodations showcase rich history and iconic Wine Country heritage, while also meeting the needs of today’s chic and contemporary traveler. The grand MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa offers a magnificent 19th century window into Sonoma Valley’s past — not to mention a lovely sampling of its present-day splendors. Each individually-designed suite dazzles with hydrotherapy tubs, fi replaces, patios and balconies that overlook profuse gardens. Modern amenities abound, from free WiFi and continental breakfast to wine-and-cheese receptions, fitness rooms, a heated pool and cutting-edge spa services. Located just two blocks from the restaurants, cafes and boutique shopping of the historic Sonoma Plaza, Inn at Sonoma is the perfect destination for a Wine Country visit. This TripAdvisor top-ranked Sonoma hotel features 27 well-appointed guest rooms featuring a queen, king or two queen beds, fi replace, fl at panel television and most have a private deck. Guests enjoy a sumptuous complimentary breakfast, afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres and freshly baked cookies. The inn offers guests the use of bikes for a beautiful ride along the bike trails with countless wineries along the way. A family-owned hotel, the Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn is the perfect expression of the friendly, hometown warmth that defines Sonoma. After a day of tasting at your favorite wine tasting rooms just minutes from the hotel, and steps from the Sonoma Plaza, you’ll find everything you need to relax. From Jacuzzi Suites to pet-friendly garden patio rooms, our accommodations will take you away from it all. Lounge in the garden, unwind in the hot tub and steam room or take a dip in the saltwater pool. During the evening, savor a glass of wine around an outdoor fi re pit or by your room’s wood-burning fireplace. Since 1958, the El Pueblo Inn, a family-owned hotel, has been a favorite of visitors to Sonoma’s Wine Country. Located just minutes from the Sonoma Plaza shopping and dining, El Pueblo Inn is your home base for exploring the Sonoma Valley. Come enjoy the gracious rooms, attractive grounds and attentive service — all of which have been awarded a three-diamond rating from AAA. Enjoy the heated pool and whirlpool spa, lounge by the fi re in the cozy lobby, or stroll the beautiful gardens. El Pueblo Inn looks forward to welcoming you as family. The Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa feeds the curiosity of the wine connoisseur and novice alike, celebrating the tradition of winemaking and embracing new and exciting flavors from spirits to micro brews. Guests enjoy complimentary daily activities, from wine pours and education series, guided nature hikes and wellness classes to live entertainment. The resort has 182 guest rooms and suites situated throughout lush grounds. Award-winning Carneros Bistro, casually elegant Bean & Bottle and the renowned The Spa at Renaissance Sonoma, combined with unparalleled amenities and services provide a great base from which to call home and reflect on the day’s experiences. Historic buildings, beautiful settings, hot breakfasts and gracious innkeepers are among the unique features offered by Sonoma Valley Bed & Breakfast Association. Each of the properties is situated in the historic towns of Sonoma, Glen Ellen and Kenwood. Comfortable accommodations for friends and family, the privacy of your own wine country home, kitchens, and gardens are among the highlights of these Sonoma Valley inns and vacation rentals. The Valley boasts a wealth of privately owned, inspected and certified accommodations to ensure that your stay will encourage you to return again, and again. LET US PLAN YOUR WINE COUNTRY EXPERIENCE. SonomaValley.com EXPLORE SONOMA VALLEY Get outdoors to one of Sonoma Valley’s 13,000 acres of state and regional parks where you can hike, bike, run and experience the serene beauty of wine country. Take a park tour on foot or horseback and view ancient redwoods, historical buildings once the home of Jack London, reservoirs and hiking trails through the vineyards and mountainsides. Stop at a deli and pack a picnic with your favorite cheeses, charcuterie and, of course, Sonoma Valley wine, and find your perfect picnic spot to relax and just enjoy your day. Escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enjoy the solace of wine country. SHOP in boutique and specialty shops for unique and authentic goods. Wander through chic and quaint stores brimming with clothing and luxury goods, home furnishings, kitchenware, jewelry, custom leather goods and gifts, prized arts, olive oils, cheese and more. Wherever you go, you can expect warm, welcoming service from proprietors and artisans who know, or often make, their merchandise. Make art a part of your visit with a stop at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art A young, vibrant museum of modern and contemporary art, SVMA has intimate galleries, a 2,500-volume art library, an art studio, and features workshops and events year-round. Recent exhibitions have included the works of Richard Diebenkorn, Eleanor Coppola, Annie Leibovitz and more. Merely steps from historic Sonoma Plaza, an hour spent with SVMA’s exhibitions after you’ve eaten, tasted, and shopped is a great way to renew yourself. Now, guests can peruse the Museum Shop full of Sonoma gifts and treasures for all. Artifax Art-to-Wear is one of those increasingly rare women’s clothing boutiques specializing in a unique mix of one-of-a-kind artisan clothing by American and European designers. Discover a treasure trove of color, bold design, and spectacular fashion to enhance your own unique style. Artifax has a wonderful selection of unique jewelry and is one of only a few stores in California offering a large selection of jewelry by the acclaimed Italian designer, Angela Caputi. You’ll find a visit to Artifax is a unique and artful experience that will keep you coming back to Sonoma for years to come. Sonoma Canopy Tours’ two unique courses feature zip lines, bridges and rappels for most ages and abilities. Enjoy a 2.5-hour Eco-Tour including a combination of zip lines, sky bridges, and rappels and the unparalleled beauty of the world-famous Northern California Coastal Redwoods. Marvel at panoramic forest views and deep ravines. Sonoma Canopy Tours is high adventure that’s green, family-friendly and educational. Artisan craft brews can be found at Sonoma Springs Brewing Company, near downtown Sonoma. Specializing in California- and German-style beers, and small-batch wine and whiskey barrel-aged offerings, the taproom is a great place to enjoy a pint, or sample through all the beers currently on tap. The taproom is located minutes from the Sonoma Plaza and offers 20 beers on tap, tours, beer flights, pints, growlers and more. Sonoma Springs’ award-winning ales include the Sonoma Springs Kolsch, Lil’ Chief Strong Pale Ale, Roggenbier Rye, and the New Bavaria NomaWeiss Wheat. The limited production brews don’t stick around for long, so be sure to visit the brewery to see what’s new. Experience Sonoma Valley California Historic Plaza 453 First Street East, Sonoma, Cornerstone Sonoma 23570 Arnold Drive (Hwy 121), Sonoma Featured Sonoma Valley Businesses: Artifax Art-to-wear 450-C 1st St E, Sonoma artifaxsonoma.com 707-996-9494 Benziger Family Winery 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen benziger.com 707-935-3000 Chateau St. Jean 8555 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood chateaustjean.com 707-257-5784 El Pueblo Inn 896 West Napa St, Sonoma elpuebloinn.com 707-996-3651 Inn at Sonoma 630 Broadway, Sonoma innatsonoma.com 707-939-1340 MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa 29 East MacArthur St, Sonoma macarthurplace.com 707-938-2929 Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma Resort & Spa 29 East MacArthur St, Sonoma Marriott.com/sfols 707-935-6600 Sonoma Canopy Tours 6250 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental sonomacanopytours.com 888-494-7868 Sonoma Market and Glen Ellen Village Market 500 W Napa St #550, Sonoma sonomamarket.com 707-996-3411 Sonoma Springs Brewing Company 19449 Riverside Drive, Suite 101, Sonoma sonomaspringsbrewing.com 707-938-7422 Sonoma Valley Bed & Breakfast Association sonomabb.com Sonoma Valley Museum of Art 551 Broadway, Sonoma svma.org 707-939-7862 HOW CAN WE HELP? We love what we do, and that’s anything to help offer a fresh perspective on Sonoma Valley—swing by one of our two visitor centers or give us a call! sonomavalley.com 1-866-996-1090
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