Sonoma Visitor Information


Sonoma is located in the heart of California wine county, making it a top travel destination. Beyond its numerous wineries, Sonoma is famous for its world-class restaurants, picturesque countryside, delicious olive oil, and rich cultural history.

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Wineries | Dining | Hot Air Ballooning | Local Attractions | Spas & Saunas

Sonoma, California
 

 Wineries

Perhaps the primary reason so many travelers come to Sonoma each year is to visit the local wineries. Here are a few worth visiting :

 Castello di Amorosa

4045 North Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga, CA

castello-di-amorosa

Perched upon a hill overlooking Napa Valley, Catello di Amorosa is more than just a winery, it is a gorgeous site to see. This massive 121,000 square foot winery took 13 years to construct and was finally finished in 2007. Its creator, Dario Sattui, envisioned and built an authentic Medieval castle inspired by his travels throughout Italy and the wines produced here are all Italian style wines that also reflect the unique climate and growing conditions of California. In addition to wine tasting, you can tour the castle grounds and see the Great Hall, the Grand Barrel Room, the Dungeon and more!

 Domaine Carneros

1240 Duhig Road, Napa, CA 94559

domaine-carneros

Domaine Carneros is a beautiful estate in the heart of the Napa Valley, perfect for the champagne lover. The Domaine Carneros Château was inspired by the historic Château de la Marquetterie in the Champagne region of France. They have a reputation for their fruity sparkling wines and 95% of the fruit used to make them comes from their own vineyards. Champagne lovers can enjoy a tasting on the terrace, overlooking their 138 acres of vineyards.

 

 Family Wineries Kenwood

9380 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA

Family Wineries Kenwood is part of a cooperative of wineries, Family Wineries, whose collection of wineries includes Cass Winery, Collier Falls Vineyards, David Noyes Wines, Macrae Family Winery, Simon Levi Cellars, Tres Hermanas Winery, and Wine Tree Farm. Kenwood boasts a large collection of wines with more than 32 wines, 3 unique sparkling wines, and 17 varietals and offers free tasting upon the purchase of a bottle of wine. They host many events, and have an on-site gift shop and wine shop.

 Hendry Vineyard and Winery

3104 Redwood Rd, Napa, CA

The Hendry Family has been farming on the same plot of land since 1939, so their expertise and knowledge of the land is unparalleled. They grow 10 different varietals on their 114 acres of land and offer an extensive 2 hour tour, walking visitors through the wine making process from start to finish. Once the tour is over, you get to sample all the wines they make. By the time you leave, you'll feel like a wine guru! As it is a popular place, reservations are recommended.

 

 MacRostie Winery & Vineyards

21481 8th Street East #25, Sonoma, CA

This winery was founded in 1987 by winemaker Steve McRostie, who wanted to cultivate wines with a sense of place. It has developed a reputation for its distinctive and fruity Pinot Noirs. The vines are cultivated with a sustainable, earth-friendly approach. The vines are mature and the fruits from Wildcat have developed its beautiful signature flavors. It is an amazing place to visit not only for its beautifully flavored signature wines, but also for its glamorous tasting room, sweeping Sonoma views, and its native population of eagles, barn owls, hawks and bobcats.

 Russian River Vineyards

5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville, CA

Russian River Vineyards is located in the famous Russian River Valley. The wines and limited labels here are all carefully selected for artistry and are of outstanding quality. You can purchase their wines online or visit their tasting room. They have beautiful views of Sonoma and great facilities that make these vineyards one of Sonoma County’s premier event locations. They host weddings, corporate events, and more. Also, their on-site Corks Restaurant utilizes the best seasonal products from local growers, organic meats, and sustainable agriculture.

 

 Kaz Vineyard and Winery

233 Adobe Canyon Road, Kenwood, CA

Its wines are made in small lots of one to four barrels of ports, pinks, whites, and red wines. Although it is publicly known as a small winery, it has an astounding amount of labels per year for its size. It specializes in Complex Red, Bold Blends, and Rare Varietals (Counoise, Lenoir, Nebbiolo Rosa, Tannat, etc). They stand out from others, as they don't add sulfites to their wines and they farm organically with wild yeast.

 Buena Vista Winery

18000 Old Winery Rd, Sonoma, California

This winery was founded in 1857 and is among California’s oldest premium wineries. It is now one of famous and finest wineries in California. It is open for tasting and tours year-round. This winery offers a wide selection of premium wines, a gift shop featuring gourmet foods and merchandise, and beautiful picnic areas. Private group and special tours are available with a reservation. It is also available for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

 

 Wilson Winery

1960 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, Sonoma, CA

Located in Healdsburg with a large deck overlooking Dry Creek Valley, Wilson Winery is an ideal spot to visit on a sunny day when you want to enjoy a beautiful view. Besides the views, it offers tastings and fun activities such as Winemaker's Dinners, Barrel Tastings, Galas, and Friendly Fridays with grilling, music, and wine tasting.

 

 Dining

 

 The French Laundry

6640 Washington Street, Yountville, CA

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The French Laundry is located in Napa Valley's Yountville and was started by world-renowned Chef Thomas Keller in July of 1994. He was inspired by 3 star restaurants in the French Countryside and wanted to create something with a similar feel. By the end of the year, the French Laundry had received 5 stars. The menu features delicious American food with French influences. They offer two nine course menus every day and an impressive selection of wines from every major grape-growing region in the world.

 Gott's Roadside

The Oxbow Public Market, 644 1st Street, Napa CA

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Gott's Roadside is run by Joel and Duncan Gott and is known for serving up some of the finest burgers, fries, and milkshakes in town. But their menu is much more expansive, including soup and salad, seafood, chicken, and hot dogs. Most of their fresh ingredients come from their own garden in St. Helena and they also carefully select beers and wines that will go well with the food.

 

 Ad Hoc

6476 Washington Street, Yountville, CA

Yet another one of Thomas Keller's creations, this restaurant serves dinner 5 nights a week and Sunday brunch in a casual and comfortable setting. They also offer a small and very accessible wine list to dinner guests. The restaurant is currently closed for renovations but will re-open in March. Shortly after, on April 1, Ad Hoc's Addendum will re-open as well. They close for the winter but when open, they serve delicious gourmet boxed lunches for $16.50 Thursday through Saturday.

 Bouchon Bistro and Bakery

6534 Washington Street, Yountville, CA

Located in a stagecoach shop built in the late 1800s, Bouchon is another one of Thomas Keller's restaurants, also located in Yountville. It serves traditional French bistro food and drink such as croque madame, steak frites, oysters, bacon and onion quiche, and of course...champagne...in a more casual setting than the French Laundry. Just next door is Bouchon Bakery where you can find almost any French baked good you could imagine! The tart, the macaron, the croissant...and the list goes on.

 

 Bottega Ristorante

6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA

Located in Yountville in the heart of Napa Valley, Bottega is Chef Michael Chiarello's creation. They dish out traditional Italian flavors from all parts of Italy with a twist, leading to unexpected and delicious results. The produce, meat, and fish they serve is carefully selected from local sources and their pastas, cured meats, cured olives, and fresh cheeses are made in-house. The restaurant is part of the historic Vintage Estates and is open for lunch, dinner, and late night dining.

 Corks

5700 Gravenstein Highway North, Forestville, CA

Corks, Russian River Vineyards' on-site restaurant, offers a unique dining experience in a historic 1890s farmhouse. Executive Chef Todd Davies cooks up a wide variety of creative dishes designed to go well with all the wines of Russian River Vineyards. They are open 7 days a week for brunch, lunch, and dinner and offer indoor or patio dining.

 

 The Fig Café and Wine Bar

13690 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, CA

The Fig Cafe and Wine Bar was started in 2004 by owner Sondra Bernstein and is run by Chef Bryan Jones and features fresh, local ingredients. They serve dinner and dessert every night of the week and brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Customers rave about the delicious, thin-crust pizza, the fig and arugula salad, and the laid back ambiance of the café. For a fine dining experience, you can also visit The Girl & the Fig, Sondra Bernstein's French restaurant in Sonoma.

 

 Hot Air Ballooning

Sonoma offers some of the most beautiful views in the world, and what better way to see them than by hot air ballon? Here are a few places that will take you soaring over Sonoma :

 Balloons Above the Valley

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  • Meeting Site: The Napa Valley Marriott, 3425 Solano Avenue, Napa CA, (800) 464-6824
  • Adults: $209/person – $40 RedAwning Discount= $169/person
  • Children: $155/person – $40 RedAwning Discount = $115/person

This company will take you on an extraordinary wine country tour that you’ll never forget. Plus, you automatically get $40 off With experienced and friendly pilots, you will float above Sonoma and Napa's many vineyards and be treated to an incredible view. Each ride includes pre-flight café & pastry service, and a post-landing champagne brunch to celebrate your latest adventure. Yum!

 Wine Country Balloons

  • Meeting Site: 397 Aviation Boulevard, Santa Rosa, CA, (800) 759-5638
  • Adults: $225/person – $25 RedAwning Discount = $200/person
  • Seniors: $215/person – $25 RedAwning Discount = $190/person
  • Children 6-12: $195 – $25 RedAwning Discount = $170/person

With Wine Country Balloons, you will spend 1 to 1.5 hours drifting peacefully above Napa Valley just after dawn when flying conditions are perfect: calm winds, cool temperatures, and clear skies. If you so desire, you can participate in the set up and balloon inflation process! A champagne brunch upon landing with a full made-to-order menu is also included in the price.

 

 Up & Away Ballooning

  • Meeting Site: 2290 Airport Boulevard, Santa Rosa, California, (800) 711-2998
  • Adults: $235/person
  • Seniors and Teens: $220/person
  • Children 6-12: $195/person

They provide a First Class Balloon Experience, carrying small number of passengers per balloon so you can enjoy your experience comfortably. They can accommodate couples, families, and groups. Large groups can easily be flown in multiple balloons. Private flights are also available for special occasions such as marriage proposals, weddings, anniversaries, or birthday celebrations. Once you land, you will enjoy a champagne brunch at the Kendall-Jackson vineyard.

 A Balloon Over Sonoma

  • Meeting Site: 109 Wikiup Meadows Drive, Santa Rosa, CA, (707) 293-7760
  • Adults: $245/person
  • Kids: $665/person
  • Exclusive Romance Flight: $665

The whole experience with this company is about 3 to 4 hours with approximately 45 minutes to 1.5 hours of actual flight time in the early morning, where you will soar over Napa Valley at about 500 to 1500 feet. They offer personalized service to help you with the winery tours, and also serve a complimentary champagne brunch after the flight. You can even chase the balloon! They also offer Exclusive Romance Flights for couples.

 

 Local Attractions

Although Sonoma is best known for its wine tasting, it has so much more to offer! Here are some of our suggestions :

 Sonoma Coast State Park

sonoma-coast

The beautiful beaches, hidden coves, tide pools, rocky bluffs, and off-shore reefs of this park are what make it one Sonoma's most scenic attractions. Spanning 17 miles of the California coast and accessible by 12 , it is a great place for picnicking, sunbathing, hiking, camping, or fishing. The weather can often be foggy and cool, but during the summer clouds usually burn off by the early afternoon.

 Sonoma State Historic Park

20 East Spain Street, Sonoma, CA

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Located in the center of Sonoma, the park consists of six historic attractions: the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel, remains of La Casa Grande, the Blue Wing Inn, and Lachryma Montis, the estate of General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, the Military Commander and Director who was in charge of colonization of the Northern Frontier. There are many exhibits in the Mission and a museum and gift shop in the Barracks. The Vallejo Estate has furnishings of the Vallejo family and there is a Visitor Center and museum in the adjacent "Chalet". Visitors can stroll through the streets surrounding the town’s historic central plaza, which has restaurants, shops and a Visitor Center.

 

 Sonoma Golf Club

17700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA

sonoma-golf-club

Set against the background of the Mayacamas Mountains and spanning 177 acres of beautiful Sonoma terrain, this golf course has been a delight for golf lovers everywhere since its opening in 1928. The scenic vista makes it an attractive place to play and the course itself, a mix of long and short holes, creates the perfect rhythm as you play. Golfers will be challenged by the unique set of Par 3's, some over 200 yards from the back tees, the uphill 11th hole, and the lengthy 12th hole. The Club was also was the site of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, the final tournament of the PGA Championship Tour, from 2003 to 2009.

 Sebastiani Theatre Sonoma

476 1st Street East, Sonoma, CA

wilson-winery

This historical theatre was built in 1933 by Samuele Sebastiani, originally as a movie house. It offers an electric blend of cinema and live entertainment, including foreign and classic films, contemporary and vintage music, magic, ballet, opera, and musical theatre. They also have special events, such as Gypsy Corazon, a Belly Dance Performance.

 

 Sonoma Jazz Festival

Sonoma Jazz is a three day celebration of world-class music, food, and wine in the relaxing ambiance of California Wine County. It happens in Sonoma's central plaza, normally in mid-May. Attendees can enjoy evening jazz concerts in the spectacular Field of Dreams Tent, which seats 38,000. What makes this different from most other music festivals is the fact that not only can you experience beautiful music, but you can enjoy food and wine presented by some of wine country's premier chefs and vintners. A truly unforgettable experience!

 Sonoma Olive Festival

This festival occurs annually, starting in December and continuing through February, and is a celebration of Sonoma's rich contribution to olive cultivation and culture. It consists of many events that celebrate the beautiful landscape, agricultural heritage, and historic roots of Sonoma and it features its wine, art, and cuisine. Take an olive curing workshop, enjoy a wine massage, or eat delicious dishes with local olive oils prepared by Wine Country chefs. Or you can attend events such as cooking demonstrations, Martini Madness, live comedy shows, and art exhibitions.

 The Olive Press

24724 Hwy 121 (Arnold Drive), Sonoma, CA

Created in 1995 by Ed Stolman and Deborah Rogers, both California olive growers and producers who were inspired by the olive pressing facilities of Italy and Southern France, The Olive Press is the most highly awarded Olive Oil producer in California. It’s located in the Carneros region of the Sonoma Valley and is dedicated to all things having to do with olives and olive oil. You can visit their tasting rooms in Sonoma and Napa to enjoy the delicious Extra Virgin Olive Oil they produce.

 

 Spas & Saunas

After a long day of wine tasting, eating delicious food, hot air ballooning, and sightseeing, you may want some down time. Sonoma has many wonderful spas and saunas that can provide you with the relaxation and rejuvenation you need. Here are a few we suggest :

 Willow Stream Spa

100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma, California

Located just 15 minutes from neighboring Napa Valley, Willow Stream spa is beautifully designed with many amenities to promote health, relaxation and rejuvenation. They offer you the opportunity to relax by an inviting fireplace, soak in a mineral bath or Watsu pool, or indulge in one of their signature treatments.

 MacArthur Place New Garden Spa Suites

29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA

Located just four blocks from historic Sonoma Plaza, the Garden Spa at MacArthur Place offers a unique array of treatments based on the fruits, flowers and herbs grown in the gardens at the Inn. They offer day packages, signature treatments, massages, body treatments, facials, and waxing and the finest essential oils are carefully selected for each treatment to create a relaxing and soothing ambiance.

 

 Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

209 Bohemian Highway, Freestone, CA

osmosis-spa

Osmosis offers you the chance to relax while you're there and leave feeling refreshed. Their Rejuvenation and Skin Glow packages feature a Cedar enzyme bath with a massage or facial. While you're there, lunch is made for you by Osmosis in-house Chef for free.

 

Click Here for a Complete List of RedAwning's Sonoma Vacation Homes!

For a complete list of Sonoma activities and events, visit the Sonoma.com Events Calendar!