Let's Go: Sonoma County, California
We have all heard of the Sonoma Wine Country and the beautiful vineyards in the valley but did you know you can also head to the Coast, kayak down the Russian River and stay overnight in the Redwoods? Here is our 4 day itinerary and my picks on where to go and what to do in Sonoma County.
Day 1
Fly into San Francisco International Airport or Santa Rosa Airport. We arrived via San Francisco International Airport. Sonoma County is about an 1.5 hour drive depending on where you are heading within the county.
Bricoleur | bri · co · leur | French
One who starts building something with no clear plan, adding bits here and there, cobbling together a whole while flying by the seat of their pants.
New on the wine scene is Bricoleur Vineyards. Bricoleur is located in Windsor, CA and home to vineyards, olive groves and a honey farm. They have a beautiful rose garden, fruit orchards, lavender on property and the smell of the jasmine lingering in the air. The unoaked Chardonnay is elegantly done with hints of green apple and citrus and the Rose “Flying by the seats of your pants” was our favorite! Also, book a reservation for the Tasting menu. The food pairings with the wine are superb! It awakens all your senses.
I always stay in the town of Healdsburg when I visit Sonoma. It’s a quaint little town where you can walk around with great food, shopping and wine tastings. We stayed at the https://harmonguesthouse.com . This property is the newest addition to the acclaimed Hotel Healdsburg and h2hotel family. The rooftop bar is the perfect location to gather with friends and take in the Healdsburg views. This boutique hotel offers an urban sophistication with clean lines, and an eco-friendly hotel. It’s charming and makes you feel right at home. Breakfast is included when you stay at the Harmon Guest House, H2 Hotel or Hotel Healdsburg properties. (It’s a great value as each room has espresso machines and complimentary snacks. Plus, they have bikes you can use to pedal around town and yoga on Sundays.)
Restaurants in Healdsburg
Be sure to check out CampoFina Italian restaurant when dining in Healdsburg. All the locals come to this Italian eatery for the wood fired pizzas and small plates. They also have a covered patio and a bocce court. It's the perfect Sonoma vibe and great food scene.
Day 2
Winery
MacRostie Winery Estate House (4605 Westside Rd, Healdsburg, CA 95448). I love boutique wineries and supporting the smaller production houses. We had such an intimate and personal experience at MacRostie and really connected with the staff. MacRostie is dedicated to producing handcrafted and award winning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It’s a beautiful location overlooking the Russian River Valley and a great way to relax and take in the Sonoma hills. You may never want to leave....
The Fairmont Mission Inn & Spa
Located in the heart of wine country with luxurious accommodations and a European vibe. There are numerous pools, and indoor baths as well as a sauna and steam room. The Willow Stream Spa was a much needed treat for all of us....We secured a private cabana with a jacuzzi to use before and after our spa treatment. The elegant mission style Spa is located on top of an ancient thermal mineral spring, flowing from 1100 feet below the surface.
Restaurant
SpoonBar serves a menu of clean and simple dishes honoring America’s diverse culinary influences. Their fresh, bold flavors are built around seasonally-inspired local and sustainable ingredients. Spoonbar’s cocktails are not to be missed as well. They use organically-grown herbs, fruits and vegetables with an emphasis on locally and domestically produced spirits.
Day 3
Redwood Forest
Sonoma Canopy Tours
A once in a lifetime experience that will take you ziplining, hiking and possibly staying overnight in a treehouse in the Redwood Forest. Discover the world-famous Northern California Redwoods in a way you have never imagined with Sonoma Canopy Tours. Get ready for 7 ziplines, 2 sky bridges, a spiral staircase, and a rappel back to the forest floor. One of the ziplines is over 800 feet long! We stayed overnight and made memories that will last a lifetime. Gourmet dinner and breakfast served in your treehouse if you stay overnight. ( Every Yurt has its own bathroom in case you were wondering. There is no shower but there is a sink and toilet.)
Day 4
Bodega Bay Lodge - An unexpected getaway where wine country meets the coast overlooking the rugged Sonoma Coastline and the Pacific Ocean. Get checked in and walk to the beach. Relax, breathe in the fresh sea air. (The beach is a quick 5-7 minute walk). Enjoy the hot tub, heated pool and outdoor fire pits after a long day of exploring. Drakes is the restaurant on property and worth booking as well. It’s the perfect place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine/cocktail and soak in the views of the Bodega Head, Doran Beach and the Pacific Ocean.
Sonomads
Adventure Tours
We went Kayaking in Jenner with Sonomads Adventure Tours on the Russian River. Our goal was to see the Seal Harbor Nursery and take in the marine life. (It’s very important to stay 300 feet away from the Seals at all times. If they come up to you, it’s their choice.) Our guides were very knowledgeable and connected us to the marine life in the bay. Kayaking was a great way to connect with nature and the California coastline.
Enjoy, Have fun and let them know Catie sent you!
If you have any other questions about Sonoma County, please let me know.