While Napa might be known for some of the most over-the-top winery experiences, we love the lack of pretense and true authenticity of Sonoma Valley wines. Take a look at some of our favorite boutique wineries in the Valley that are producing some genuinely remarkable wines. 

Now that the sun is shining, it’s no doubt you’re looking for the perfect outdoor dining experience for Mother’s Day, or your next date night. Check out some of our staff's favorite patios, gardens and backyards in Sonoma Valley!

“The attractions, fascinations there are in sea and shore! How one dwells on their simplicity, even vacuity! What is it in us, arous’d by those indirections and directions? That spread of waves and gray-white beach, salt, monotonous, senseless — such an entire absence of art, books, talk, elegance — so indescribably comforting, even this winter day — grim, yet so delicate-looking, so spiritual — striking emotional, impalpable depths, subtler than all the poems, paintings, music, I have ever read, seen, heard. (Yet let me be fair, perhaps it is because I have read those poems and heard that music.)”

-Walt Whitman on the splendor of Winter beaches

The smell of seasoned oak pouring through neighborhood chimney tops is not unfamiliar to Sonoma Valley natives. We look forward to the cool, crisp days of Winter where the sun appears almost auburn as it peaks through the rusty leaves still hanging on the trees, or the fog rolls in with a chilly mist at its haunches. Nothing sounds better to us on those days than curling up next to a stone fireplace with a strong drink and a dish to comfort.

If you’re visiting Wine Country in the Winter, here are some of our favorite places to lounge fireside and enjoy a great meal or a few drinks.

The Sonoma Valley in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, is at the top of most travelers’ bucket lists and one of the biggest Wedding destinations in the world, but few have considered a trip to the area in the Winter. As Sonoma county residents and natives, our team here at Goodness Gracious Private Chef and Catering are here to share with you the timeless sense of romanticism, and well-earned respite the cache of cities within the valley offer during the not-so-lull of Winter.

Yes, I live in Sonoma and I know wine should be my go-to drink but I’ll admit I actually prefer craft cocktails: the unique spirits, hand-crafted syrups and bitters, and the beauty in all of the colors and garnishes that come with them. When I travel, it’s important to me I discover the cocktail culture. I once took a class with award-winning mixologist in Milan, Italy, tasted through agave-based spirits with a sommelier in Mexico, and sipped aguardiente in Colombia. Luckily, we have quite the list of experienced and award-winning bartenders in Sonoma that I can’t help but visit weekly. I included both the fancier and divey bars, some with food some with only snacks, but all of these are well worth the visit for several reasons.

The Historic Sonoma Plaza, otherwise known as Downtown Sonoma or simply, The Plaza, is really just 4 square blocks surrounding a park and City Hall but if you look closely enough you’ll find hidden “Paseos” or narrow passageways shooting off of the main road that are home to some of the best restaurants, tasting rooms, and shops. Let me walk you through the Plaza to discover the variety of tasting rooms, from casual fun to nerdy somms, but always with a hospitable and friendly host and delicious food and wine.

In case you haven’t jumped on the glamping craze, it’s defined as “a form of camping involving accommodation and facilities more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping.” Honestly, I used to love traditional camping but as I got older I really did want a shower and an electric heater, at least. It also makes enjoying some really beautiful outdoor adventure with kids more… sane.

The Sonoma Coast is known for its bucolic little towns hidden along windy roads and beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs, seals, and sharks. The beaches are gorgeous and inspiring but they can be difficult to navigate and enjoy. There is one beach, however, that comes a bit closer to a typical Southern Cali beach and that is Dillon Beach located due west of Petaluma. This beach is long and flat with soft white sand, sans any troublesome rocky terrain or a messy seaweed tangled shoreline. You can simply run right into the rolling waves from the beach unhindered. Because it’s long, it makes for a great beach to take runs or long walks.

When traveling, I like to experience the city without visiting any chain or corporate businesses because, well, you can experience those in just about any place. When it comes to my morning coffee, I especially enjoy popping into a local café rather than a Starbucks. Here is a list of the small, family-run cafés and coffeeshops to visit while in Sonoma Valley’s beautiful Wine Country.

The trip up Hwy. 128 through Anderson Valley and eventually to the coast is a new experience every time I visit; twice a year at least. This region is becoming more and more popular with new wineries and restaurants opening up all the time it seems like a different drive each season. Though I spent 10 years of my life growing up in Fort Bragg and Mendocino, hardly any of the things I recommend this time around is something I’ve done before. But of course, I know my way around and can offer the best tips of what do to and see like a local. My boyfriend and I strapped on our helmets, zipped up the leather, and took the bike for the journey through vineyards, redwoods, and sweeping ocean views.

The drive to Santa Cruz is quick— just 2 hours from Sonoma through the East Bay and then the scenic Santa Cruz Mountains. The road trip is definitely part of the experience to this coastal college town. The destination as a whole is made of a grouping of small towns known for it’s own unique culture, including Capitola, Soquel, Aptos, and Santa Cruz itself. Visit Soquel and Aptos to experience the vineyard-laden countryside and Capitola and Santa Cruz for surfing, food, music, and shopping.

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.

When visiting Wine Country, the options for wine tasting feel seemingly endless and planning your stops can be overwhelming. As Sonoma locals who have tasted wine all over town, we’ve gathered a handful of our go-to wine tasting spots you’ll want to be sure to include on your list.

Visiting Wine Country is always a good idea, but all of the options of things to see and do can be overwhelming. We’re sharing two of our most favorite resources for planning your next trip to Sonoma so you can sit back, relax and enjoy every minute of your visit.

With so much to see and drink when visiting Wine Country, arranging transportation that is safe, knowledgable and reliable is super important. As Sonoma locals, we’ve rounded up our top 3 transportation options to make your Wine Country visit one to remember.