In the Heart of Sonoma Valley- Jack London Village is the Place to Play
Wine | Dine | Art | History | Nature
Historic Jack London Village
Nestled in the tiny village of Glen Ellen, the historic Jack London Village Marketplace is a must-stop on your tour through Sonoma Wine Country. This quaint and gorgeous complex of local, small businesses is home to Wine Country Chocolates, Schermiester Winery, Yeti Nepalase Cuisine, Creekside Healing Center, and more. Glen Ellen is becoming a more popular destination, but it remains a hidden gem tucked away off the main highway on Arnold Dr.
Here’s how to spend the day in Glen Ellen, experiencing the best of Jack London Village.
Morning Must-Haves
Pick up a coffee and a pastry at the French bakery Les Pascals. They open early so get on in before the line of patrons snakes out the door and down the street. (www.lespascalspatisserie.com)
Then, get moving with a short hike at the Sonoma Valley Regional Park just a mile or so from the center of town. Locals call this “The Reservoir” after the small lake you’ll bump into on your hike. Swimming is technically prohibited, but locals do it anyway! No matter the time of year, the mornings will be brisk in Sonoma Valley so you won’t need to escape the heat this early anyway. The trail is flat and mostly shaded, so even sandals and dresses will be comfortable. After your hike, you’re ready to head to the Village.
Do Something Productive and hands-on
Book a private candle making workshop with Chandler Ricci Wheatley at Sonoma707Candle Co. and enjoy a totally unique hands-on experience in Wine Country. If you want, she’ll provide a cheeseboard and/or wine to accompany your class (why wouldn’t you!?). Each candle gets finished with a custom label so you’ll have a keepsake for that birthday or anniversary, or a sweet something to gift. You won’t be able to resist shopping her handmade jewelry, or catch one of her yoga, candles, and mimosas classes. While your candle is cooling, take a walk around the complex to discover the Marketplace’s sculpture garden surrounding the shops and nearby creek. The artwork is incredible! (www.sonoma707candle.com)
Hidden Gem Wineries
Just a few doors down sits Schermeister Winery. Laura and Rob Schermeister are a young husband and wife team who opened their tasting room in 2019 and have been very busy and successful since. Simply put, they make great wine, are hospitable and fun, and offer a small food and wine pairing that is curated with skill and intention. Think dried pineapple with Viogier and dark chocolate with Syrah! The experience lasts about 2 hours. This is one of the wine clubs worth joining. They’re always coming up with creative immersive experiences for their members like a horseback ride through their vineyard followed by a “cowboy lunch”, and Private Yoga class followed by Brunch and Rosé. (www.schermeister.com). Eric Ross Winery is directly across the street and is worth a visit for a casual and cozy experience with a team passionate about the terroir, wine, and food. (www.ericross.com)
time to Nosh: Curry and Chocolates
Lunch on pakoras, butter chicken, and naan on the creekside patio at Yeti. I really want to recommend my favorite things on the menu here, but there are really too many to choose from! The plates are presented beautifully and in authentic dishware, the wine list is great and local, the setting gorgeous, and the service is top notch. You can’t go wrong enjoying a slow afternoon here. They have a private dining room that seats up to 18 if you’d like some more privacy for your party. (www.yeticuisine.com)
The sweets at Yeti are to die for so I recommend getting something to share there, but save some room for the homemade chocolate truffles and other chocolate goodness at Wine Country Chocolates. There are dozens of flavors to choose from, including the “Elvis” which is peanut butter and banana, a variety of wine-infused options, and more. They also offer private chocolates tastings by appointment. (www.winecountrychocolates.com)
I suggest a nap back at your hotel (Olea, Gaige House, and Beltane Ranch are our favorites!), but if you’re feeling good and ready to go, head to Eric Ross Winery directly across the street for a non-fussy tasting on their farmhouse style front porch. Tastings are just $20/pp. (www.ericross.com)
A night out
The Glen Ellen Star
For dinner, I recommend the newly opened The Mill at the Jack London, or the Glen Ellen Star for wood-fired pizzas and other farm-to-table fare.
Finish your night at Jack London Saloon. Just go and see this gem of a watering hole or yourself! Don’t miss out on the free popcorn, pool tables, or fireplace lounge. The Saloon is attached to a small hotel and is right downtown, within walking distance of Sonoma Market, Les Pascales, The Glen Ellen Star, and more tasting rooms and restaurants.
to stay
Beltane Ranch, a working ranch and vineyard in an historic building with 6 rooms; Olea, a modern, boutique bed and breakfast overlooking Sonoma Mountain with a pool and spa; Kenwood Inn, Gaige House, and Fairmont are all close by as well.