A Midweek Stay in Sonoma: Making the Most of Parental Leave

I love and recommend Sonoma for its proximity to San Francisco—especially with a little one, when every minute matters. Start the hour-long drive just before baby’s second nap, likely around 11 a.m. If you’re in luck, your child will sleep the duration of the drive and everyone will arrive in Sonoma rested and ready for the first day.

After early check-in, head to El Dorado Kitchen in Sonoma Square for lunch in their ivy-covered, enclosed patio. The setting is serene, the food is delicious, and the best part as a new parent is the baby changing table in the bathroom (IYKYK).

By the time lunch winds down, baby is likely ready for another nap. Take this nap in the stroller on the go and enjoy wine tasting in some of Sonoma’s most family-friendly tasting rooms. Across the street from El Dorado, begin at Auteur Bungalow Winery. Their intimate and laid-back outdoor patio is the perfect setting to enjoy that first sip of Sonoma Pinot, and quiet enough for a sleeping baby. For stop number two, cross the next street and head into WALT for their wine & chocolate paired tasting.

After WALT, head back to the hotel for some tummy time in the room while getting ready for dinner. End the day at Bear, the onsite restaurant at Stanly Ranch. Start with their sourdough bread and cultured butter, and be sure to end the meal with their delicious sourdough ice cream. Book an 8 p.m. reservation with the hope that baby sleeps peacefully in the stroller throughout the meal.

This is your one full day at the hotel, so take advantage! Start the day with fresh coffee in bed followed by breakfast at Layla, the seasonal farm-fresh restaurant at MacArthur Place.

Continue relaxing with morning massages, booked back-to-back so you each get some alone time to unwind. Then park yourself at the pool, ideally in a cabana, where you can set up baby’s pack-n-play and store baby’s milk alongside a bottle of local bubbly provided in the minifridge. Enjoy the hotel’s poolside service for lunch, complete with a crisp glass of champagne.

As the temps begin to drop, make your way back to your hotel room to enjoy a glass of WALT Chardonnay while watching the sunset on your private cottage patio. After baby goes down for the night, order room service to be enjoyed out on the patio alongside a bottle of Auteur Pinot, purchased the day before. End the evening stargazing and roasting marshmallows, sitting by the outdoor fire.

Wake up and make your way back to Sonoma Square for breakfast at Sunflower Caffe. Be sure to order their delicious buttermilk biscuit sandwich and iced strawberry matcha latte. Arrive on the earlier side, as they get busy, even during the weekdays!

Take advantage of late check-out, giving baby a good in-room nap while you pack up. Enjoy the last few moments with a midday soak in the clawfoot tub, followed by a rinse in your private outdoor shower. A serene ending to your perfect first trip.