Sonoma County: A Wine Lover’s Paradise
California wine country beckons! While I’m an Oregonian at heart, I can’t resist sharing my experiences exploring the beautiful Sonoma County. In the spirit of celebrating great wine, let’s dive into Sonoma County, a gem of the California wine scene. Oregon and California wines coexist beautifully, enhancing the West Coast’s diverse wine landscape.
Get ready for a journey through the stunning vineyards and charming towns of Sonoma County!
A Special Occasion in Wine Country
Our adventure began with a special celebration. My husband and I marked two decades together – twenty years filled with countless memories, adventures, and, of course, plenty of wine! What better place to commemorate such a milestone than in wine country? We’ve explored Washington Wine Country and regularly visit Oregon’s vineyards, but California’s Sonoma County remained an undiscovered treasure. Thanks to recommendations from The Wine Road and insights from fellow travelers on social media, we charted a course for an unforgettable experience.
Navigating Sonoma: Getting There and Around
Flying into Sonoma County
Did you know that Alaska Airlines offers direct flights into the Santa Rosa/Sonoma County Airport (STS) from several major cities? While San Francisco (SFO) is an option, flying directly into STS saves significant travel time. And here’s a fantastic perk: when departing from STS, you can check a case of wine per person for FREE! This is a game-changer for wine enthusiasts eager to bring home their favorite Sonoma finds.
Renting a Car in Sonoma
If you’re planning to stay in the town of Sonoma, keep in mind that a one-way taxi ride from STS can cost around $100. My recommendation? Rent a car directly from the airport. Opting for an economy car or the next level up will save you a substantial amount of money. While we enjoyed a lovely and informative cab ride from the airport to our hotel, the $100 fare was a bit of a surprise.
Exploring Sonoma County: Transportation Options
One of the most surprising aspects of Sonoma County is the distance between destinations. Vineyards and towns are spread out, and even major roads wind through small towns, resulting in lower speed limits and longer travel times. Renting a car is almost essential for exploring Sonoma County. Public transportation is limited, so a car is the best way to get around. Alternatively, you can hire a private car, which can be a luxurious and convenient option for wine tasting, especially for special occasions.
During our trip, we enjoyed driving a Mitsubishi Lancer, courtesy of STI Drive. It was a pleasure to cruise around in this sporty sedan, especially without the kids and dog!
Where to Stay in Sonoma: Hotel Recommendations
Choosing the Right Sonoma Hotel
I dedicated considerable time to researching hotels, consulting TripAdvisor reviews (a key factor in selecting our Lake Como hotel last year), exploring hotel websites, and seeking recommendations from friends. I also followed hotels on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay updated on their latest offerings and guest experiences.
After careful consideration, we narrowed our choices to two hotels and ultimately selected the Inn at Sonoma, part of the Four Sisters Inns collection.
Inn at Sonoma: A Comfortable Retreat
Inn at Sonoma
630 Broadway Street, Sonoma, California 95476
888-568-9818 | [email protected]
Rates: $200 – $395 per night
Highlights of the Inn at Sonoma include fresh cookies in the lobby each afternoon, a wine and cheese hour from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM daily, complimentary parking for hotel guests, a relaxing hot tub, and rooms with balconies and fireplaces. A hot buffet breakfast is also included. It is a great way to start your day before exploring the Sonoma region.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Inn at Sonoma. The room was comfortable, and the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of Sonoma’s town square, with its array of restaurants and shops. Its location off the main street contributes to a peaceful atmosphere. The hotel staff were pleasant and respectful, though not exceptionally proactive.
El Dorado Hotel: A Central Location
Another excellent Sonoma hotel option is:
El Dorado Hotel
405 First Street West, Sonoma, California 95476
707·996·3030 | [email protected]
The El Dorado Hotel is situated directly on one of the main streets surrounding the town square. If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, with easy access to restaurants and shops, this hotel is an excellent choice. While I’ve heard the rooms are beautiful, the noise level can be a concern depending on the room location and the time of year. However, this is somewhat expected given its central location. The hotel’s restaurant is exceptional, and I’ll be sharing my dining experience there in a future post.
Sonoma County: A Unique Wine Region
Sonoma and Napa Valley, while both renowned wine regions, offer distinct experiences. Napa tends to be more glamorous and expensive, while Sonoma presents a more relaxed and authentic atmosphere. Wine production is rooted in agriculture – demanding work, scientific understanding, and a deep connection to nature, nurtured by farmers who are passionate about their land. Sonoma retains its strong ties to homegrown vineyards and dedicated farmers. The area is perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Sonoma’s landscape features rolling hills adorned with colorful grapevines, interspersed with cows, sheep, vintage farm equipment, and modern pickup trucks. Majestic oak trees and faux French chateaus add to the region’s charm. It is a beautiful blend of nature and modern life. The blend makes the area a charming place to visit.
Sonoma can be incredibly beautiful and inspiring in unexpected moments.
The main square in the heart of town is home to most of the restaurants and shops you’ll want to visit. However, the journey to the square reveals an interesting mix of socioeconomic landscapes.
Sonoma exudes a small-town, cozy, and comfortable ambiance – like a favorite sweater you’ve cherished for years, offering familiarity and warmth as you gather by the fire.
People in Sonoma radiate happiness. Couples stroll arm in arm, savoring the relaxed pace and the contagious sweetness of the atmosphere. It’s a truly wonderful place to spend quality time with a loved one.
What to Pack for Sonoma Wine Country
Unless you’re attending a formal event, leave the formalwear at home. T-shirts or blouses, sweaters, and jeans are perfect for casual wine tastings, vineyard tours, and dining out. Casual dresses can also be worn for dinner, but suits are generally unnecessary. For men, consider nice work shirts paired with jeans or slacks, but ties are optional. The days tend to be warm, but the nights can be quite chilly, so layering is essential. Pack a light coat regardless of the time of year and a variety of shoes (avoid open-toed shoes on vineyard tours due to potential mud). The key is “classy casual,” reflecting West Coast style.
Plan Your Sonoma Trip with The Wine Road
Planning a visit to Sonoma and want more information?
Visit www.wineroad.com. You can obtain a free map (which we found incredibly helpful) by calling 800.723.6336 or emailing [email protected].
Sonoma County is waiting to welcome you with open arms (and a glass of wine)!