Choose from 21 Fun Things to Do in Napa Sonoma
ShowingFilter 1-20 of 21 listings.
Domaine Chandon
Ensconced amid manicured gardens and a tasting room dotted with sculpture, paintings, and photography, Domaine Chandon is Napa Valley's showcase for sparkling wine. But the bubbly is not all you’ll taste; Domain Chandon also produces fine still wines, including Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs.
Tastings are a special event at Domaine Chandon. In the Tasting Lounge - with its breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside - guests linger around the bar, a cocktail table, or shaded patio table in modern, stylish setting to taste wines by flight, glass, or bottle.
Practical Info
Domaine Chandon is located in Yountville, about 15 minutes north of Napa on Highway 29. The winery is also part of the Silverado Trail, thus the area is dotted with many wineries. Yountville is worth exploring, as well, and has some of the finest restaurants in all of Napa Valley.
Address: 1 California Drive, Yountville 94599, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Day, and New Year's Day.
Admission: Prices for tastings vary
From $ 129
Larson Family Winery
Folks at Larson Family Winery like to have fun, and it shows from the minute you turn down the long driveway. If you’re traveling with kids or just consider yourself a kid at heart, this winery is a must-visit when in the Carneros region of Sonoma County wine country.
Visitors are encouraged to taste and play here. Just outside the barn turned tasting room is an open space overlooking the winery’s Estate Chardonnay Vineyards where you can play bocce ball, horseshoes and an assortment of lawn games like ladder golf or corn hole. There’s also a large field perfect for a game of catch or showing off some soccer skills.
Pack a picnic, as tables are available. Dogs are welcome and are a common sight, so you’ll regret it if you decide to leave your pooch at home.
Practical Info
The Larson Family Winery Tasting Room is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Picnic times are 11:30am to 1:30pm or 2:30 to 4:30pm and require a reservation.
Address: 23355 Millerick Road, Sonoma, California 94576, USA
Hours: Tasting room is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
From $ 144
Sebastopol
With all the charm of a small town, Sebastopol lies peacefully in Sonoma County some 50 miles north of San Francisco. It is known for its proximity to wine and apple country, with a charming downtown area and liberal culture. Check out the quirky local art on display along Florence Avenue downtown — many of the pieces are made using recycled materials — or take a tour of a local farm. Famous horticulturist Luther Burbank once maintained massive gardens on Sebastopol land.
Small restaurants and cafes all over town serve fresh local food and wine. Tasting rooms offer the best of the region’s wine and beer, and dozens of hiking, biking, and walking trails are set against rolling hills. Sebastopol is bordered on the east by the Laguna de Santa Rosa Wetlands Preserve, providing access to the natural beauty of the area.
Practical Info
Sebastopol is best approached by car, which will allow access to neighboring Bodega Bay, Russian River, and Sonoma wine country regions as well. It is roughly an hour’s drive from San Francisco.
Address: Sebastopol, USA
From $ 130
Dry Creek Valley
Best known for its Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley is home to more than 9,000 acres of vineyards, and boasts a grape growing history that goes back 140 years. Vines were planted not long after the California Gold Rush, but Prohibition slowed grapes from taking root.
It was the 1970s when the area started to explode. Dry Creek Valley was one of the first California wine regions to be recognized as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 1983. More than 70 wineries, many family-owned, call Dry Creek Valley home. Though at just 16 miles long by two miles wide it’s one of the smallest AVAs size wise, it has one of the densest concentrations of Old Vine Zinfandel in the world.
Dry Creek Valley is located 70 miles north of San Francisco and 20 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The geographic combination makes for long, warm days and cool nights thanks to coastal cold air and fog. Or in other words, great grape-growing conditions.
Practical Info
Dry Creek Valley is located in Northern Sonoma County wine country, about an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Address: 1207 Vine Street, Healdsburg, California 95448, USA
From $ 99
Benziger Family Winery
In an era when wineries are fast becoming the sole dominion of large corporations, Benziger Family Winery has distinguished itself by going against the grain and sticking to its familial roots.
Known for being something of a maverick in the Napa wine region, Benziger has strengthened its roots by focusing on quality wines that are organically grown using sustainable farming practices. Family-owned for more than thirty years, Benziger took to sustainable and “green” farming practices back in the 1990’s. Almost as famous for their effective farming methods as for their delicious wines, Benziger offers tours of their “Biodynamic” vineyards via tram – thus offering more, in many ways, than other more traditional wine tours.
To visit Benziger Family Winery is to peek into the unique family approach to the craft of winemaking; something that has earned them the lauded title of the 2012 Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits Magazine.
Practical Info
Benziger Family Winery is open daily from 10am to 5pm. There is a $10 per person tasting fee at the main bar.
Address: 1883 London Ranch Rd., Glen Ellen, CA 95442, USA
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
From $ 124
Russian River
California's Russian River is one of the longest rivers in the San Francisco Bay Area, beginning in Mendocino County and cutting through Sonoma County on its way to the ocean. The area is famous for its wine and farm-to-table cuisine, and in warm weather the river is a hotspot for outdoor adventures like canoeing, swimming, and fishing.
The Basics
The entire Russian River runs more than 110 miles (177 kilometers) from its source in Mendocino County southward to the Pacific Ocean. Wine country towns like Healdsburg, Cloverdale, Santa Rosa, Geyserville, Sebastopol, Jenner, and Bodega Bay are all draws for outdoor recreation, fine dining, and winery visits. From spring through fall, the river itself is a popular place to cool off—whether you want to float down the river via inner tube or paddle in a canoe or kayak. In the surrounding redwood forests travelers can go horseback riding, hiking, or camping.
Wine-tasting tours are a popular Russian River Valley draw, and round-trip transportation from San Francisco or Sonoma means you don't have to worry about drinking and driving. Group tours via bicycle, kayak, and canoe are great ways to explore the river itself, and often involve a picnic lunch. It’s also possible to combine a float down the river with a wine tour of local vineyards.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Russian River is a must-see for nature, wine, and food lovers.
- Travelers embarking on kayak or canoe trips should come prepared with sun protection, swimsuits, towels, and water shoes.
- Most kayaking, canoeing, and wine tours are not suitable for small children.
How to Get There
The river runs from Mendocino to its terminus at Goat Rock Beach on the Sonoma Coast, so there are many places to access the water. Be prepared to drive on backcountry roads through forests and farmland. Major highways such as Route 1 and Highway 101 lead to the Russian River from the Bay Area.
When to Get There
The Russian River Valley wine region is popular for wine tours year-round, but during winter months the river is too fast-flowing for boating or swimming. Summer is the most popular time for kayak and canoe tours, when the weather is typically warm and sunny.
Food and Wine in the Russian River Valley
The Russian River Valley is famous for its chardonnay, pinot noir, and zinfandel, as well as its bounty of farm-to-table food. Restaurants and wineries in towns along the valley such as Forestville, Healdsburg, and Geyserville typically utilize produce and livestock from the surrounding farmland and are frequently managed by celebrity chefs.
Address: California, USA
From $ 50
Beringer
The oldest continually operating winery in Napa Valley, Beringer Winery sits on a regal estate and produces a flavorful selection of wines, including special reserve vintages, both of which you can taste in one of their tasting rooms.
In the Old Winery Tasting Room, you can sample light to medium-bodied wines, fruit driven in flavor. Reds, whites, and semi-sweet wines are all worth trying. At the Reserve Tasting Bar, inside the historic Rhine House Mansion, you can sample a tasting menu of four reserve and limited production wines. White Zinfandel is Beringer Winery's most popular wine, but they also produce a tasty Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
Practical Info
Beringer Vineyards is located in St. Helena, just south of Calistoga in Napa Valley on Highway 29. As part of the Silverado Trail, Beringer Vineyards is surrounded by other wineries and such nearby attractions as Calistoga, Old Faithful Geyser, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, and Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.
Address: 2000 Main Street, St. Helena 94574, USA
Hours: Open daily, May 29 - Oct 22 10am - 6pm, Oct 23 - May 29 10am - 5pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Admission: Prices for tours and tastings vary
From $ 139
Alexander Valley
The Alexander Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA) is located at the north end of Sonoma County wine country and home to more than 40 wineries. Best known for cabernet sauvignon, the AVA is 22 miles long and ranges from two to seven miles wide. Of its 75,000-plus acres, more than 15,000 are used to grow grapes. Alexander Valley received federal recognition as an AVA in 1984.
The AVA has a number of microclimates. Cabernet sauvignon grapes thrive throughout the valley, but growers also have success with varieties such as chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, zinfandel and merlot.
Practical Info
Alexander Valley is an easy drive north from San Francisco on Highway 101. Plan on an hour and a half to two hours ride, depending on where in the Valley you want to taste. Horizon Air flies into the Charles M. Schulz, Sonoma County Airport (STS) in nearby Santa Rosa daily from Los Angeles and Seattle.
Address: Alexander Valley, California, USA
From $ 175
V. Sattui Winery
A welcoming, yet exclusive vibe pervades the V. Sattui Winery. Exclusive, in that its award-winning wines are only available at the vineyard, welcoming in that the surrounds and tasting room is warm an inviting, and is one of the most enjoyable wineries to visit in Napa Valley.
V. Sattui Winery is a large winery, with an emphasis on its stone tasting room. Red wines on the tasting menu include Merlots, Cabernets, and Zinfandels; white wines to be sampled include Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and a Rhone-style blend of Marsanne and Viognier. Next to the tasting room are a gift shop, a cheese shop, and a large gourmet food store. You can buy a bottle wine and food and have a picnic outside on the shaded picnic grounds. A perfect stop during a day of wine tasting.
Practical Info
V. Sattui Winery is located in St. Helena, along the Highway 29, about 30 minutes from Napa. The winery is a midway point on the Silverado Trail, so you have many nearby wineries to visit.
Address: 1111 White Lane, St. Helena 94574, USA
Hours: Open daily 9am - 6pm (until 5pm in Winter). Closed Dec 25
Admission: US$5 - US$10 for wine tasting
From $ 399
Castello di Amorosa
Fashioned after a 13th-century Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa looks like it belongs on an Italian postcard instead of in the heart of California wine country. The vineyard produces several varieties of red and white wines, but many visitors are drawn by the eight-level structure itself, which includes five defensive towers, a drawbridge, and a moat.
The Basics
Though opened in 2007, the castle includes many historical touches. The Great Hall houses a 500-year-old fireplace, and all the ironwork, antique bricks, and tiles were handmade in Italy and other parts of Europe. Like a real medieval castle, the building includes a watch tower, torture chamber, secret passageways, and a church.
The Napa Valley Wine Trolley and the Napa Valley Wine Train both stop at Castello di Amorosa. Private and small-group Napa Valley wine tours often stop at the castle for a tasting (wine tasting fees are not always included), as well as other Napa wineries like V. Sattui Winery and Robert Mondavi.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The castle and winery is a must-see for wine lovers and architecture buffs.
- Strollers, selfie sticks, and drones are not allowed on the property.
- Winery tours and tastings often sell out on weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to book ahead.
- Children are welcome at the winery, and the entrance fee for minors includes a cup of grape juice and access to a coloring table in the Knight’s Hall tasting room.
- Wear comfortable shoes and expect to walk or stand for about an hour during the tour.
- The winery is fully ADA compliant, with an elevator to all levels on the wine tour.
How to Get There
The winery is located off Highway CA-29 in the northern area of Napa Valley between Calistoga and St. Helena. Get there by private car, or by booking a guided tour, the Napa Valley Wine Trolley, or the Napa Valley Wine Train.
When to Get There
Castello di Amorosa is open seven days a week with extended hours on weekends. The winery can become extremely busy on weekends and holidays, particularly in the afternoon, so plan to visit on a weekday or before lunch on a weekend.
Complimentary Corkage
Castello di Amorosa produces chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, and gewürztraminer, among other varietals. If you enjoy one of the wines you taste there and have dinner plans in the valley, be sure to pick up a bottle or two. The winery has partnered with select restaurants in Napa Valley—the region has more Michelin-star restaurants per capita than any wine region on earth—to offer free corkage on Castello di Amorosa wines.
Address: 4045 North Saint Helena Highway, Calistoga 94515, USA
Hours: Open weekdays 10am - 5pm, weekends 9:30am - 6pm
Admission: Prices vary by tasting
From $ 105
Andretti Winery
Owned by former champion race car driver Mario Andretti, Andretti Winery is a showcase for the owner's love and appreciation for fine, food-friendly wines. Together with winemaker Bob Pepi, Andretti has produced outstanding wines, with a focus on wines that pair well with food.
The winery itself resembles a Tuscan-style villa, with bright yellowish orange structures, fountains, and beautiful gardens surrounding the primary tasting area. The relaxed tasting room is shrine to Andretti, with racing photos and assorted memorabilia. Pull a seat up at the L-shaped bar and taste the latest vintages.
Andretti Winery produces wines from some of the best vineyards in California, including such flavorful reds as Cabernet Savignon, Syrah, Merlot, Sangiovese, and Pinot Noir. White vintages include Savignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. The winery also produces a variety of special wines, as well.
Practical Info
Andretti Winery is located in Napa's Oak Knoll District, which lies between Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. From either route, take Oak Knoll Road to Big Ranch Road. Head south on Big Ranch Road; the winery will be on your left. Andretti Winery is a 15-minute drive from Napa.
Address: 4162 Big Ranch Road, Napa 94558, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm, closed on major holidays
Admission: US$12 for wine tasting
From $ 125
Viansa Winery
You’ll enjoy the views as much as the wine at Sonoma County’s Viansa Winery & Marketplace.
Viansa produces a variety of wines including Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir. In addition to these well know wines, they also produce traditional Italian varietals.
What makes a visit to Viansa particularly unique is the view that comes with its location. Of course they have grapes, but perched atop a hill, the Winery & Marketplace looks down over 113 acres of natural wetlands. When the winery assumed stewardship, the wetlands had been converted for grazing. Now restored, over 500 species of birds have been seen and as many as a thousand waterfowl have been counted in a single day. Visitors could see canvasback ducks, great blue herons, Canadian geese and a number of other birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway.
Practical Info
Viansa Winery & Marketplace is located 40 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, making it an easy day trip from San Francisco. The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
Address: 25200 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California 95476, USA
Hours: The tasting room is open seven days a week from 10am to 5pm.
From $ 144
Safari West
Safari West is a 400-acre (162-hectare) private wildlife preserve located in Santa Rosa, California. The park focuses on species native to Africa and is home to more than 800 wild animals, including cheetahs, Cape buffalo, zebras, rhinos, and giraffe.
The Basics
Set in the heart of wine country, the preserve is known locally as the Sonoma Serengeti. There are a number of ways to explore, including jeep or double-decker truck tours and private safaris with dedicated tour guides. It's also possible to spend the night in luxury tents and cabins. The tents are glamorous, with polished wood floors, private bathrooms, and handmade furniture.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Bring earplugs if you're staying in a safari tent; the animals have a reputation for staying up late and just generally being noisy sleepers.
- Pets are not allowed at Safari West; call ahead if you plan to bring a licensed service animal.
- The Serengeti Trek paratransit van is the best exploration option for wheelchair users, and accessible cabins are also available.
How to Get There
Just 75 miles (121 kilometers) from San Francisco, Safari West lies in the heart of California's Sonoma County. Public transportation in the area is limited, so the best way to reach the park is by car. Parking is available on-site, and the Sonoma County Airport is just 10 minutes away.
When to Get There
Reservations are required at Safari West, whether you want to spend the night or just take a safari tour during the day. Safari tours depart every day in the morning and afternoon, regardless of weather.
Conservation Efforts
Currently a fully accredited zoo, the three goals of Safari West are education, conservation, and exploration. The Langs, who own the preserve, are dedicated to research and conservation of the species they house.
Address: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa, California 95404, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 83
Fort Ross State Historic Park
Fort Ross State Historic Park in Sonoma County is part fortress, part settlement. It was originally built in 1812 as part of the Russian-American Company, a commercial enterprise to supply goods to Russian outposts in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Most of the buildings date to 1836 and offer a well-preserved peek into an overlooked piece of California history.
The Basics
Fort Ross is a vital cog in the multicultural history of California. The southernmost settlement for Russian efforts of North American colonization, the now state historic park is a compound comprising several buildings surrounded by a stockade wall. Several Russian-era buildings have been reconstructed, including the Fur Warehouse and a Russian Orthodox chapel. Built from an existing structure in 1836, the Rotchev house is thought to be an original building. A museum and working windmill are more recent additions.
To best experience the historic park, take a private tour to learn about Russian history in the region as well as details about their interactions with Alaskans, Native Americans, and the Spanish, and about the region’s later history as a ranching community. Save an hour or two to explore the park’s beach.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Fort Ross is a must for history buffs visiting Sonoma County.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly. Mornings are often foggy and damp, afternoons are often clear and sunny, and a breeze is almost constant.
- Wear sturdy walking shoes for exploring the park’s buildings, beaches, and windswept bluffs.
- There is no food available at Fort Ross State Historic Park but drinking water is available. Facilities are available at the visitor center.
- The park’s buildings are not accessible to wheelchair users, but some picnic areas, trails, and beaches are.
How to Get There
Fort Ross State Historic Park is about a 2.5-hour drive north of San Francisco, 12 miles north of Jenner on Highway 1. You must drive there, as public transportation is unavailable. There is paid parking on-site, a short walk from the park’s visitor center and sights.
When to Get There
The park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year, and its buildings are open daily from 10am to 4:30pm. June through August is the park’s busiest season, when campgrounds book up well in advance. During the high season, Park Interpreters offer presentations are available during the week and on weekends; at other times of year, presentations are on weekends only.
Activities Near Fort Ross
Fort Ross State Historic Park abuts Northern California’s world-renowned wine country, and nearby wineries are widely recognized for their pinot noirs and chardonnays. The Russian River, which meets the Pacific Ocean at Jenner, is one of Sonoma County’s most famous wine-producing regions. After a visit to Fort Ross and some tasting rooms, head to Guerneville to see stands of old-growth redwood forests and experience another side of California's rich history.
Address: 19005 Coast Hwy One, Jenner, California 95450, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
Healdsburg
Lined with high-end shops, restaurants and tasting rooms, the plaza is a popular destination for first time visitors to Healdsburg. But spend more than a few hours here and you’ll discover this popular Sonoma County destination has much more to offer.
A mixture of old school charm and casual elegance, Healdsburg serves as a perfect jumping point to a number of Sonoma County wine growing appellations including Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley. Agricultural roots run deep and have more to brag about than just wine grapes. Visitors can expect seasonally locally grown fruits and vegetables to be showcased in local restaurants and markets.
In addition to wine, the area’s varied geography is a good fit for a number of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, camping and exploring ancient groves of redwood trees. The Russian River runs through Healdsburg, delivering beaches that offer seasonal swimming, canoeing and kayaking.
Practical Info
Healdsburg is located in Northern Sonoma County, about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco. It’s a fairly easy drive north on Highway 101.
Address: Healdsburg, USA
From $ 50
Gloria Ferrer Vineyard
If you like your tasting glass to sparkle, save time in your wine country itinerary for a visit to Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Located in the Carneros region of Sonoma County Wine County, Gloria Ferrer was the first sparkling wine house to plant roots in the area back in the early 1980s. Most of the 335-acre estate is dedicated to Pinot Noir.
Guests have a number of options depending on how much time they have to sip. Daily 40 minute tours present a winery history and an introduction to the traditional méthode champenoise sparkling wine-making process used at the winery. Food and wine pairing tours lasting 90 minutes are also offered by appointment.
The winery’s Vista Terrace comes with photo-worthy wine country views. On a sunny day, it’s the place to sip and stay awhile.
Practical Info
Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards are located on Highway 121 in Sonoma, 40 miles north of San Francisco. The Visitor Center is open daily 10am to 4:45pm. Reservations are required for tastings and tours for parties of eight and larger.
Address: 23555 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California 95476, USA
Hours: Visitor Center open daily 10am to 4:45pm
From $ 399
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards have been run by the same family for generations, ever since owner Fred Cline spent time with his grandfather in vineyards in his late childhood. Its heritage wines are highly influenced by the culture and wines of Italy, and the property itself has a beautiful courtyard and an Italian stone villa filled with elegant Italian art, fountains, and handmade furnishings. The barrel room has vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, adding to its elegant atmosphere. The Jacuzzi family makes a variety of Italian varietals, including Pinot Grigio, Barbera, and Sangiovese. An olive oil press and balsamic vinegar tastings round out the experience.
Uniquely, the winemakers do not use any synthetic pesticides on the vineyards. Efforts for sustainable winemaking practices are essential to the process. They’re generous with tastings of both the foods and wine made here, including their specialty: a chocolate cup filled with Pinot Noir.
Practical Info
Located at 24724 Arnold Drive in Sonoma, the Jacuzzi Family Vineyards are open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Tasting rooms and tours both operate during those hours. To get there from San Francisco, take the 101 over the Golden Gate Bridge to Highway 121 North, and the vineyard will located on the right. Reserving complimentary tastings in advance is advised.
Address: 24724 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, California, USA
Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm
From $ 119
Oxbow Public Market
Oxbow Public Market—with dozens of restaurants, food stalls, and shops—brings the bounty of Napa’s famed wine, food, and organic produce under a single roof. Open all day, it’s a one-stop shop for great food, to quickly experience the best of Napa Valley, or relax for a moment at this local gathering place before exploring the region.
The Basics
Oxbow Public Market, situated on a curve in the Napa River, is a good starting point for exploring the natural beauty of Napa and a great way to taste the flavors of the region in a compact and concise way. Get an insider’s view of wine country’s culinary scene. Tours typically include many opportunities to taste Oxbow’s many artisan goods and learn about everything from Fatted Calf's handcrafted salumi to Kara's Cupcakes to Three Twins Ice Cream, among many others.
You can tour the market on foot, independently or as part of a group, or visit as a stop on a Napa Valley wine trolley tour.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Ideal for those short on time to visit Northern California's wine country, Oxbow Public Market yields a bevy of tastes and experiences (Hog Island Oyster Bar is a must), and plenty of opportunities to purchase locally produced, packable, unique gifts.
- Comfortable walking shoes, a good hat, sunscreen, and refillable water bottle are advisable at any time of year and a must when sitting at Oxbow Market's scenic outdoor deck.
- From seated restaurants to walk-up counters, oysters and wine to cupcakes, there’s something here for everyone to eat and drink.
How to Get There
Situated east of downtown Napa on First Street past McKinstry Street, Oxbow Market is highly visible and easily accessible by foot from town. Walk over First Street Bridge, pass two blocks, and the market is on your left. If driving a car, there’s ample parking in an off-street, no-fee parking lot.
When to Get There
Oxbow comes alive in late spring when local produce is at its peak. Mornings are usually quieter with fewer crowds than later in the day. Tuesday is Locals' Night with happy-hour specials from 5 to 8pm. In September, Oxbow hosts its annual Fork It Over benefit, a fundraiser for the Community Action of Napa Valley (CANV) Food Bank. It includes a reception, garden tour, and 4-course dinner at the Culinary Institute of America.
Hog Island Oyster Bar
Stop by Hog Island Oyster Bar for small plates, a glass of wine, or the Hog Island sweets that give the company its name. For Locals’ Night on Tuesdays, chef’s choice half-price oysters from nearby Marin County, and beer and wine specials make a stop here a must.
Address: 610 & 644 1st Street, Napa 94559, USA
From $ 86
Santa Rosa
The town of Santa Rosa is at the heart of Sonoma Valley and all the food and wine that the region is known for. It is the largest city in Sonoma County and one of the largest in the Bay Area, with restaurants and tasting rooms intermixed with art galleries, shops, and local haunts. There is plenty to taste and explore here, and Railroad Square in the center of town is a historic area full of outdoor cafes and antique shops.
The town is a great base for exploring the nearly 400 wineries of the Sonoma region. Scenic vineyards alongside the farms and breweries that produce some of the area’s best food and beer complement the many hiking and biking trails here. The scenic valley is home to plenty of wine and farmland, but also contains redwood forests, lakes and rivers. City parks and nearby Sugarloaf Ridge State Park are the best places to experience the outdoors.
Practical Info
It is best to visit Santa Rosa via car, on the Highway 101. It is approximately 55 miles north of San Francisco. For a more scenic route, take the Highway 1 along the coast and through the Sonoma Valley. Bicycling is a popular way to get around once in town.
Address: Santa Rosa, USA
From $ 83
Jenner
One of the advantages of a trip to Sonoma County wine country is that visitors can easily escape to the Pacific Coast. Charming and quiet Jenner is a great spot to set your sights on the water.
Jenner is where the Russian River empties into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a place that doesn’t know much about the day to day hustle and bustle that exists in busier spots not so far away. There’s a handful of inns and restaurants, but the attention in Jenner is really on what happens at the river’s mouth.
Many folks enjoy doing nothing more than taking in the view. If you want to be a little more active, rent a kayak and paddle around the estuary. The mouth of the river is a home and birthing spot for seals, and during pupping season you could have seals swimming next to your kayak.
Practical Info
Jenner is about a 90-minute drive from San Francisco, located on Highway 1 north of Bodega Bay. Beach access is at Goat Rock Road, south of town. If your car is getting low on gas, be sure to fill up at the station in Jenner. Depending on where you are headed, it might be the last gas station you see for a while.
Address: Jenner, USA
From $ 20