My Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide. Here are all of my favorite restaurants, bakeries, and wineries for this charming city in one place!
Living in San Francisco, one of the most frequent things I get asked is for recommendations for what to do in wine country. My San Francisco friends, as well as people visiting, assume that I have a list of great things to do in Napa Valley ready to share! I actually do have a list that I send to people when they ask, and today I’m going to share it here.
Today I’m going to focus on things to do in Sonoma. Sonoma is super charming and slightly less touristy than Napa. The city itself is absolutely beautiful, with gorgeous roses everywhere, cute cafes and amazing wineries. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re planning a trip to wine country.
For my most recent trip, I convinced Ally to join me for a day of exploring Sonoma. Pat and I are talking about getting rid of our car, so I’ve been testing out Enterprise’s CarShare program. We’re sick of paying for parking, trying to find a parking spot and worrying about upkeep of our fifteen year old beater. So far, it’s been great to use car sharing for things like running errands and grabbing up groceries. Picking up a car and dropping it off is easy and seamless. Literally within three blocks of our house there are three different car options.In addition to compact cars like our cute Fiat, they also have vans and pickups if you need to haul something. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out that fuel is included in the trip. 
Because we love exploring outside of San Francisco on weekends, having a car service that can be used for day trips and even overnights is also important to us. I thought a trip to Sonoma would be the perfect test! Ally and I picked up a cute little Fiat for our wine country adventure and headed out of town.
Just a note, this trip was a foodie adventure. Even though I’m sharing some of my favorite Sonoma wineries from past trips in this post, I skipped the wine tasting this time! Always drink responsibly. 🙂
If you want to try Enterprise CarShare for yourself, they are offering an amazing deal for A Side of Sweet readers! Use promo code ‘Blog16‘ to get the fee waved for your first year, a $65 value. The application fee is also waved and you get $20 in driving credits. Click here to get the deal.
Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide
Sunflower Caffé, located right on the square, is absolutely my favorite Sonoma restaurant for lunch. They have a huge menu of fresh and healthy items from sandwiches to smoothies. Even though their indoor seating options are fairly limited, their huge backyard patio is perfect for dining al fresco.
Sunflower Caffé
421 1st Street West
Sonoma, CA 95476
http://www.sonomasunflower.com/
A blogger trip wouldn’t be complete without ice cream! Sweet Scoops Ice Cream, also located on the Sonoma town square, is always my choice. It’s super cute inside and their ice cream is so good! A waffle cone dipped in chocolate and finished with sprinkles will complete your tasty photo op.
Sweet Scoops Ice Cream
408 1st Street East
Sonoma, CA 95476
http://sweetscoopsicecream.com
Crisp Bake Shop has sweet treats from macarons to scones. They also have a small lunch menu and some savory baked goods as well. The hardest thing is choosing just a few things to indulge in! You have to try their chocolate chunk cookies with sea salt – so good.
Crisp Bake Shop
720 W Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476
Sonoma Wineries and Wine Tastings
Viansa Sonoma is one of the most beautiful wineries I’ve ever visited. They have a huge tasting room, and their patio overlooks the wetlands that they have carefully restored. I love the emphasis they put on conservation and their wines are amazing! For more you can check out the full blog post on our visit to Viansa.
Viansa Sonoma Winery
25200 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, CA 95476
http://www.viansa.com/
Sonoma-Cutrer Winery is an absolute gem. Their Chardonnay wines are internationally known, and for good reason! Their tours are great and their staff is super friendly. One of the things that makes them unique are the croquet fields on the property. I also love that they host a benefit every year for the Bay Area Make-A-Wish foundation, one of my favorite charities. You can also check out the full blog post from our trip to Sonoma-Cutrer.
Sonoma Cutrer Winery
4401 Slusser Road
Windsor, CA 95492
http://www.sonomacutrer.com/
Patz & Hall is my newest Sonoma discovery. Their gorgeous tasting room is warm and welcoming and their wines are amazing. Most of their wines are not distributed in stores or restaurants, so it’s worth a stop to check them out. You can read more about them in this blog post. Check out this savory mushroom galette recipe inspired by their pinot noir! Wine tasting is by appointment only, so make sure you call ahead.
Patz & Hall Winery
21200 8th St East
Sonoma, CA 95476
https://www.patzhall.com/
What am I missing? Do you have any Sonoma favorites that I need to check out?
Thanks to Enterprise CarShare for partnering with me on this post! Use promo code ‘Blog16‘ to get your first year membership free.
Thanks for reading A Side of Sweet! For more Sweet in your life, you can find me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Bloglovin’, Snapchat (@asideofsweet), or Twitter. You can also subscribe to receive a weekly email with new posts and random musings from me.
I love visiting Sonoma and that is one heck of a sandwich you have there.
Ha! It tasted AMAZING! 🙂
can you share the cost of the car share for your trip to sonoma so that we can determine whether it’s worth the expense?
Hey Catherine! Good question! It’s $65 for the day including gas. For us, we are looking at it in terms of giving up our car completely, knowing that that means a bit more for day trips but overall less per month than we are paying with car maintenance, parking, insurance and gas. For errands, it’s $6/hour which is awesome!
that is great value! thank you for sharing.
Looks like a amazing trip!
We always enjoy our time in Sonoma!
And now next time some asks, you can point them to your blog! Mission accomplished!
Exactly! I definitely had an ulterior motive with this post. 🙂
I have NEVER BEEN! But I have a feeling that my bro and his gf (when they get married) will get married there or NAPA!
So fun! You should definitely check out some of these if you end up visiting for the wedding!
Your beautiful photos do a great job of showing off the Wine Country of Sonoma! I so want to go there some day!
I’m based in Sonoma and you hit all of my favorites! Thanks for sharing!
You are lucky to have a beautiful scene on the cycle. In my country, there are no vineyards in the garden. The garden looks amazing. your journey is amazing and I wish you the best of luck. And I definitely like to travel to different places. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Hello, We are from Australia but live in London. We’ve done the long trip once with a 3 mth old and shortly again with a 6 mth old. We decided to travel during the day so getting on the plane in the morning. After a good rest and we are ready for the day out! TRAVEL.
Wow, I love that bag with shelves. Having travelled with 3 babies I’m still refining my list!!! I think that in the end, each child is different and you have to go with your instinct!
our guide is a treasure trove for anyone looking to explore this charming city. I appreciate the local insight, especially the tips on hidden gems and less touristy spots. Sonoma sounds like the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway with great food and wine.
Vintage car tour Paris
Thanks for sharing your insider knowledge on Sonoma Wine Country! Your list of favorite spots is super helpful for anyone planning a visit. I’m especially excited to check out the bakeries you mentioned – they sound delicious.
“This post covers everything a traveler needs to know about exploring [destination]. Your itinerary ideas are perfect for maximizing each day. Can’t wait to follow your tips and make the most of my trip!”
Italy Travel Agency
Your Sonoma Wine Country Travel Guide sounds like a dream! With top recommendations for restaurants, wineries, and bakeries, it’s the perfect resource for anyone looking to experience the best of this charming region. From wine tastings to delicious food stops, this guide will make planning a Sonoma trip so much easier.
cape town tours
Adventure travel is perfect for thrill-seekers looking to push their limits. From zip-lining through rainforests to trekking up mountains, these experiences are both challenging and rewarding. Always ensure safety by going with reputable guides and preparing adequately for your chosen adventure.
What a great way to enjoy spring break! San Diego has something for everyone, from beautiful beaches to incredible wildlife experiences. Did you take your kids to see any sea lions or explore the tide pools? Spontaneous trips often make the best travel stories! Looking forward to hearing more about your adventure and getting some recommendations for a future trip to San Diego
Packing light makes travel so much easier! A carry-on with versatile outfits, essential toiletries, and lightweight shoes can save time and stress. Rolling clothes, using packing cubes, and bringing multi-purpose items help maximize space. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, packing smart keeps things simple. Do you prefer traveling with a carry-on or a checked suitcase?
Best hotels maldives
Switzerland is a dream destination for nature lovers! The breathtaking Alps, crystal-clear lakes, and charming villages make it feel like a fairytale. Whether you’re skiing in Zermatt, hiking in Lauterbrunnen, or taking a scenic train ride, every moment feels magical. The country’s natural beauty is truly unmatched. Have you ever taken the Glacier Express or another scenic train in Switzerland?
luxury car rental punta cana
If you’re planning a trip to Sonoma Wine Country, you’re in for a treat! 🍷 From world-class wineries to charming small towns and breathtaking landscapes, Sonoma offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or a casual traveler, Sonoma has something special for everyone! Cheers to an amazing adventure! 🍇✨
Travel is a gateway to endless experiences and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks, discovering hidden gems, or simply soaking in breathtaking scenery, each trip has something special to offer. The joy of meeting new people, tasting different cuisines, and embracing new cultures makes every journey worthwhile. Travel isn’t just about seeing places—it’s about creating stories that last a lifetime. Where will your next adventure take you
Sonoma Wine Country is a must-visit for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts! Explore world-class wineries in Healdsburg, Sonoma Valley, and Russian River. Enjoy farm-to-table dining, scenic vineyard tours, and charming small towns. Don’t miss the stunning views along Highway 12 or a relaxing spa day in Sonoma Plaza. Whether wine tasting or exploring redwood forests, Sonoma offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure! 🍷🌿✨