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Although it boasts some of the most celebrated vineyards in the world, the magic of California wine country goes far beyond the wine. Stretching from the rocky shores of Bodega Bay to the rolling hills of Sonoma County and Napa Valley, this breathtaking region an hour north of San Francisco is also home to a renowned culinary scene and plenty of shopping, culture and outdoor adventures. Here are a few recommendations to get you started. BEYOND SAN FRANCISCO, SONOMA VALLEY IS CELEBRATED AS NORTHERN CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER WINEMAKING REGION. Just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, Sonoma Valley offers premium wine experiences, culinary discoveries, unique small towns, open spaces and the perfect places to spend a few days exploring. Our winery map on the reverse side will guide you through your wine tasting adventure. 100+ WINERIES Sonoma Valley is the perfect spot for those new to wine tasting as well as seasoned wine collectors. With more than 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. Sonoma Valley’s rolling vineyards are nestled between two mountain ranges offering exquisite beauty. Tasting experiences include walkable tasting rooms, as well as working wineries with vineyard tours and intimate sit-down experiences in salons with a knowledgeable guide. Some wineries have picnic areas that encourage lingering over a shared bottle, others offer wine caves and still others are found in the quaint small towns in the valley. Bartholomew Estate Winery’s certified organic estate vineyards with their long and distinguished history are perfectly located to produce exceptional Sonoma Valley wines. The beautiful Estate, nestled within 375-acre Bartholomew Park and only seven blocks from Sonoma Plaza, invites you to revel in the magnificent grounds and natural beauty. Rent a bike in town and ride over to taste their distinctive wines in the tasting room, or, on the lovely Oak Knoll, enjoy wines by the glass as you explore the art gallery, take a vineyard tour or trail ride and hike Bartholomew Park’s 3+ miles of trails. Picnic with friends and family with your favorite bottle, all while enjoying glorious views of the birthplace of Sonoma viticulture. Dogs on leash welcome! Open daily 11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. bartholomewestate.com Founded in 1973, Chateau St. Jean is the quintessential Sonoma winery. Chateau St. Jean is known for its outstanding Reserve wines, vineyard designated wines and the flagship Cinq Cépages Bordeaux style blend. For the foodie, enjoy perfectly paired wine, cheese and charcuterie and a romantic view with our Charcuterie 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 finest with a library tasting of Cinq Cépages with our Cinq Rêves tasting. For a more casual experience, the tasting room is open daily 10 a.m.-5 pm. chateaustjean.com FARM-FRESH RESTAURANTS Like San Francisco’s famous food scene, Sonoma Valley is known for the “farm-to-table” ethos. This ethos has never been just a trend in this region, but rather an ongoing way of life. Sonoma Valley’s chefs are surrounded by some of the best agricultural areas in the country, which is reflected in their menus. Olives, tomatoes, citrus, vegetables and herbs are all grown nearby and available at the year-round farmers markets. Lamb, beef, duck and pork from nearby farms join locally caught seafood on restaurants’ menus. Sonoma Valley’s dining ranges from Michelin-rated hot spots to corner stores selling tacos on freshly made tortillas. Dine in an elegant hotel, romantic corner café, picturesque patio or a country roadhouse with spectacular views of vineyards and mountains. the girl & the fig has been a culinary highlight of Sonoma since 1997. Located on the northwest corner of the historic Sonoma Plaza, the restaurant boasts memorable French-inspired, farm-to-table fare, showcasing Sonoma Valley’s finest produce, meats, and wines. With their classic antique bar, unique aperitifs and cocktails, award-winning Rhône-inspired wine list, seasonal menus, friendly staff, and outdoor garden patio seating, you can capture some of the best of Sonoma in a single meal. thegirlandthefig.com STAY overnight The best way to discover wine country is to spend a night. Sonoma Valley’s options include cozy bed and breakfasts, wine country bungalows, luxury inns or chic hotels offering guests world-class amenities. Stay within walking distance of the historic Sonoma Plaza, or take in a vineyard view from a country inn. Relax and be pampered with a hot springs luxury spa treatment using local products. 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 fire in their cozy lobby, or stroll the beautiful gardens. El Pueblo Inn looks forward to welcoming you as family. elpuebloinn.com Located just two blocks from the restaurants, cafés and boutique shopping of the historic Sonoma Plaza, Inn at Sonoma is the perfect destination for a Wine Country visit. This TripAdvisor top-ranked hotel features 27 wellappointed guestrooms featuring a queen, king or two queen beds, fireplace, flat 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. innatsonoma.com A family-owned hotel, the Sonoma Valley Inn is the perfect expression of the friendly, hometown warmth that defines Sonoma. After a day of exploring 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 new steam room, or take a dip in the heated saltwater pool. During the evening, savor a glass of wine around an outdoor firepit or by your room’s wood-burning fireplace. sonomavalleyinn.com Let us plan your wine country experience SonomaValley.com EXPLORE SONOMA VALLEY Sonoma Valley has more than 13,000 acres of state and regional parks for hiking, biking and enjoying the serene beauty of wine country. Take a tour on foot or horseback and view ancient redwoods, the home of famous author Jack London, and hiking trails through vineyards and mountainsides. Grab a picnic with local cheeses, charcuterie and Sonoma wine, and enjoy the solace of wine country. MEET in Sonoma Valley. An excellent place for group meetings. With a walkable historic downtown, modern meeting facilities, team-building activities and excellent off-site venues, Sonoma is the perfect spot for a wedding, corporate event or incentive group. 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 much more. Take a high-flying adventure! Nestled off the coast of Northern California and deep in the Redwood forest, Sonoma Canopy Tours is completely unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. With two unique courses, each a two-and-a-half hour guided eco tour that include multiple zip lines, sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase and a rappel to the forest floor, you will be immersed in the unparalleled beauty of the worldfamous California Coastal Redwoods. This is a way to experience nature that you never imagined. From panoramic forest views to thrillingly deep ravines, it’s an adrenaline rush like no other — right in the heart of Sonoma County and 30 minutes west of Santa Rosa. Reservations required. SonomaCanopyTours.com Experience Transcendence’s BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS in Jack London State Historic Park. This award-winning series of Broadway-inspired concerts and musicals brings accomplished Broadway performers to Sonoma’s Wine Country. Each evening begins with two hours of pre-show picnicking alongside the park’s sprawling vineyards. You’ll enjoy pours from numerous Sonoma wineries, food from local vendors, and pre-show musicians. The picnic is followed by a spectacular performance on the most beautiful stage in Wine Country, weaving favorite Broadway and popular songs into a one-of-a-kind experience. Join us for what the Huffington Post raved as “…the most unforgettable night of my summer.” bestnightever.org 877.424.1414 There’s an extra something special about a SONOMA VALLEY WEDDING. With a nickname like the Valley of the Moon, you’ll be adorned in romance for your special day. Gather your nearest and dearest among the vineyards and estates, at picturesque hotels, inside a charmingly rustic barn, or simply take it outside under twinkling lights that may just be the stars above. You’ll find a venue that’s perfect for your big day. Few places wield the historic beauty, cultural purpose and resources of Sonoma Valley. Fine arts abound across Sonoma’s galleries and museums, while live music flows through local restaurants and wineries... Browse the events calendar for upcoming things to do. For more than 35 years, Benziger Family Winery has farmed its 85-acre ranch on Sonoma Mountain. Committed to Biodynamic Farming, the highest form of organic certification, the Benziger Estate is a polyculture of vineyards, an insectary, gardens, sheep and cattle pastures, wetlands and ponds. Tours are offered daily, inviting guests out into the vineyards to explore firsthand. The Biodynamic Tram Tour provides an overview of the farming approach and winemaking process. The Tribute Tour is an opportunity for the knowledgeable wine lover to get a more in-depth look at the Estate, including a barrel tasting in our wine cave and finishing with a Seated Tasting of Biodynamic Estate wines. Benziger Family Winery is ready to welcome you and is open daily. Visit Benziger.com for details. At the gateway of Sonoma Valley, three unique venues combine the beauty and bounty of Sonoma Valley. Enjoy tastings of Rhone-style varietals and zinfandels at Cline Family Cellars, fresh, award-winning extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars at The Olive Press, and Italian-style wines and varietals at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Enjoy complimentary tours of the winery grounds and California Missions Museum at Cline; discover the inventions and rich history of the Jacuzzi family while sampling unique Italian varietals; and browse our special gift packages, spa products, olive oils and vinegars in the Olive Press’s artisan boutique. clinecellars.com | jacuzziwines.com | theolivepress.com Representing more than 150 years of winemaking history in Sonoma Valley, Valley of the Moon Winery (at the Madrone Estate) is the oldest operating winery in Glen Ellen. Our winemaker crafts exceptional small-lot, estate-driven wines from renowned Sonoma County vineyards. Their wine portfolio spans from refreshing whites, such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, to heartier, bold reds, such as Estate Old Vine Zinfandel, Estate Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. With a sunny patio and bocce court set amidst 100 year-old vines, Valley of the Moon provides the ideal setting for a day in Sonoma. 707-939-4510 valleyofthemoonwinery.com. For more than 28 years, Pure Luxury Transportation has been the premier transportation leader throughout Sonoma, Napa Valley and San Francisco. Let us provide your transportation! Pure Luxury combines uncompromising attention to detail and the best chauffeurs in wine country so you can sit back, relax and experience pure perfection! Pure Luxury Transportation proudly partners with amazing Sonoma Valley wineries to create a selection of unforgettable wine tours. Each member of our team is focused on ensuring every detail is flawless. With one of the largest chauffeured fleets in California, we always have the perfect combination of luxury and utility for any size group or occasion. pureluxury.com OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES The mild climate, easy access to the beach and several state parks make Napa and Sonoma ideal for outdoor lovers. A scenic drive will deliver you to the Russian River region of Sonoma County. Enjoy hiking on redwood-lined trails, camping, canoeing and rafting on the river’s gentle waters. If you prefer two-wheel transport, flat roads and gorgeous scenery make biking a memorable excursion, and you’ll find charming towns and plenty of wineries to visit along the way. Bike rentals are available in towns including St. Helena, yountville, Healdsburg and Sebastopol. For an unforgettable experience, float in a hot air balloon over the lush wineries of Napa Valley. SPAS Built on natural hot springs, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa 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. Finally, Calistoga Spa Hot Springs is world-famous for its traditional volcanic ash mud baths. FESTIVALS With gorgeous surroundings and rich culture, Napa and Sonoma attract an exciting array of annual celebrations. Napa Valley’s Culinary Crawl in February is a food and wine walking tour among downtown Napa’s finest culinary destinations. In May, experience the first taste of summer at Napa’s famed, three-day BottleRock music festival, which draws top musical acts from Mumford and Sons to Cypress Hill. If you prefer craft brews, Sonoma County is home to an Annual Beerfest each June called The Good One. Although the region might best be known for its grape varietals, you can celebrate local apple farming at the Gravenstein Apple Fair in August or the Sebastopol Apple Blossom Festival in April. The Napa Valley Film Festival includes film screenings and hosts celebrities from all over the world each November, and the Sonoma International Film Festival in March features more than 100 curated film selections. SHOPPING Shopping is a popular pastime in wine country. In St. Helena, one-ofa- kind shops line Highway 29. In Napa, the Napa Premium Outlets offer great savings on luxury brands such as Coach and Michael Kors. In Sonoma County, check out Santa Rosa’s Fourth St. area, which is home to locally-owned shops, or drop by Railroad Square for a mix of antique shops and restaurants. In Healdsburg, SHED is a mustvisit for specialty ingredients and kitchenware. Oxbow Public Market in Napa is a marvelous source for artisan cheeses, breads, produce and local olive oil. DINING Napa and Sonoma are epicenters for fine dining and have a wealth of Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand award-winning eateries. you’ll need reservations well in advance to secure a table at the Restaurant at Meadowood or the legendary French laundry, but the experiences are unforgettable. To sample local flavors in Sonoma County, head to The Girl and The Fig in downtown Sonoma, where you’ll find artful uses of cheeses, meats, fruits and veggies, all produced nearby. Or, grab a table at la Salette for modern takes on Portuguese cuisine. If you love to cook, try a class at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone for a day of delicious learning. TOWERING TREES Northern California’s wine country is one of the few places on earth where you can experience the incredible feeling of standing in a redwood forest. These are the tallest trees in the world, growing as high as 350 feet and surviving upward of 2,000 years, making them some of Earth’s oldest inhabitants. Many redwood forests were chopped down for lumber during the Gold Rush and relatively few groves remain. The Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Sonoma County offers 805 acres of trails, campgrounds and much more. Visiting, hiking and picnicking in these magical forests is a singular experience for visitors. Save the Redwoods offers insider information, park maps and travel guides.
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