Curator’s statement
I’ve been championing Sonoma often over its more famous neighbor Napa for more than two decades, and my love for this region only deepens with every visit. What keeps drawing me back is Sonoma’s rare ability to deliver world-class wine, food, and hospitality without ever losing its relaxed, unpretentious soul. Whether I’m warming up by a fire at a boutique inn on a misty winter morning or cruising vineyard back roads on a sun-soaked afternoon, Sonoma always feels like it was made for exactly the moment you want to be in. This is wine country that rewards the curious traveler in every season.
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Things to do in Sonoma
Exploring Sonoma's back roads and vineyard views
Trike tours
One of my all-time favorite Sonoma discoveries, tour companies let you and your group explore scenic back roads on eco-friendly motorized trikes—wind in your hair, vineyard vistas all around. Routes can be customized to hit specific wineries, sunset viewpoints, or even a progressive dining experience. It’s best enjoyed during the warmer months (roughly April through October) and is genuinely one of the most fun ways I’ve ever explored wine country!
DaVero Farms & Winery
This biodynamic farm and winery in Healdsburg is a total sensory experience. Their Italian varietal wines and estate olive oils are exceptional, and their wine, cheese, and charcuterie pairings are not to be missed—seriously, do not leave without doing this. The property also has some very charming resident pigs, which alone might be worth the visit. I’m still dreaming about their flavored olive oils and balsamics from the gift shop!
The Sonoma Cheese Trail: Vella Cheese Company & Sonoma Cheese Factory
If you love artisan food, the Sonoma Cheese Trail is a dream. Vella Cheese Company has been handcrafting cheese in Sonoma Plaza since 1931—their aged dry jack is legendary. The Sonoma Cheese Factory offers a more contemporary counterpart with interactive tastings that are perfect for pairing with a wine flight afterward. I love building a progressive epicurean afternoon out of these two stops.
Paradise Ridge Winery
Perched above the Russian River Valley with sweeping panoramic views, Paradise Ridge is one of Sonoma’s most spectacular wine tasting settings. The sculpture garden adds an unexpected artistic element that makes the whole experience feel elevated. I especially recommend visiting at sunset, when the golden light hits the valley. It’s the kind of moment you’ll be talking about for years.
Landmark Vineyards
This is one of those hidden gems that gets overlooked in favor of bigger labels, and I love sending people here. Landmark is known for exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and their gorgeous courtyard setting is ideal for a relaxed, unhurried tasting. The hospitality team is wonderful at tailoring the experience, whether you’re a serious enthusiast or just looking for a beautiful afternoon.
Charlie’s Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary
Don’t let the name fool you—this is a full-on feel-good experience for adults too. Charlie’s Acres is a rescued farm animal sanctuary with spacious outdoor areas perfect for group visits. Interacting with the resident goats, pigs, and other animals creates genuine joy and connection that no conference room activity can replicate. It’s a wonderful way to add a little heart and meaning to a Sonoma itinerary.
Redwood hikes & coastal day trips (Russian River area)
One of the things that surprises visitors most about Sonoma is how much natural beauty surrounds the wine country. From The Stavrand’s Russian River location, you’re just minutes from old-growth redwood groves and within easy reach of the Sonoma Coast. Pair a morning of forest bathing among the redwoods with an afternoon back at a tasting room—it’s the kind of balance that makes a Sonoma trip feel truly restorative.
Places to eat & drink in Sonoma
Wine and charcuterie pairings at DaVero Farms
The Matheson & Roof 106: Healdsburg
This is a go-to splurge dinner in Sonoma. Chef Dustin Valette and his team have created something truly special in Healdsburg Plaza—a menu that changes with micro-seasonal ingredients, a wine list that celebrates the region, and a dining room that manages to feel both vibrant and intimate. If you can do one special dinner in Sonoma, make it here, and absolutely order the clarified margarita. It looks like water and tastes like magic.
John Ash & Co. at Vinarosa Resort: Santa Rosa
One of Sonoma’s original farm-to-table pioneers, John Ash & Co. remains a benchmark for wine country dining. Set within Vintners Resort with vineyard views from nearly every table, it’s a beautiful spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner. The food is seasonal, locally sourced, and thoughtfully prepared—exactly what you come to Sonoma for.
The Madrona Restaurant: Healdsburg
The dining room at The Madrona hotel holds two Michelin stars and definitely earns them. The menu is elegant and inventive, rooted in the produce and proteins of Sonoma County, and the wine pairings are superb. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, this is a destination dinner worth planning your trip around.
Vella Cheese Company: Sonoma Plaza
Not a restaurant in the traditional sense, but an essential Sonoma food experience. This historic cheesemaker has been crafting artisan cheeses since 1931, and their aged dry jack is legendary. Stop in for a tasting on your way through Sonoma Plaza and pick up a wheel or two to enjoy with a bottle of local Pinot. Simple, perfect, and deeply Sonoma.
DaVero Farms wine & charcuterie pairings: Healdsburg
The wine and cheese/charcuterie pairing experience at DaVero is as good as anything I’ve had in the county. Their biodynamic Italian varietal wines are paired with local cheeses and cured meats in a farm setting that feels a world away from anything rushed or touristy. Their estate olive oils and balsamics from the gift shop are also a must—you have to take one home with you!
Bonus wineries to check out
Kunde (pronounced Koon-DAY), Chateau St. Jean (pronounced like Levi’s jeans), and Jordan (by appointment only) are a great way to check out the highlights of some of Sonoma’s most recognized labels, and the wines and properties surpass the hype!
My partner and I used to be wine club members at two of these, and the latter has some of the most picturesque scenery that looks like the rolling green hills stepped right out of a classic painting from France.
Need to know
Sonoma is a year-round destination, and each season has its own distinct appeal. Summer and early fall bring warm days perfect for outdoor tasting and trike tours, while the cooler months reveal a cozier, more intimate side of wine country—think crackling fire pits, misty morning vineyard walks, and Michelin-starred dinners without the summer crowds. If you’re flexible on timing, shoulder season (October–November or March–April) often offers the best combination of good weather, availability, and a more relaxed pace. Crush season (August - early October) is vibrant and full of excitement, but you may want to start planning a year in advance to get the most availability and best pricing for the destination that’s on your mind.
Compared to Napa, Sonoma tends to have a more laid-back, unpretentious vibe and slightly more accessible pricing without sacrificing any of the quality. The county also stretches from inland valleys all the way to the Pacific Coast, meaning you can pair a wine country afternoon with a coastal drive or a redwood hike along the Russian River, making it far more diverse than most visitors expect.
For first-timers, I recommend anchoring in Healdsburg or the Westside Road/Russian River Valley area to stay central to both the best boutique properties and the most interesting tasting rooms. Don’t overlook the smaller, family-owned wineries—some of Sonoma’s most memorable pours come from places you won’t find in any major guide!
Travel Advisor
Samantha Marie
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