There are many things that Sonoma county has to offer - from rough Pacific coastal views to the golden ranges of the Sonoma mountains - therse are some of our favourites:
Cline Cellars
What used to be normal has become an exception in Wine Country - free tasting. Cline Cellars is famous for a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, outstanding wine and FREE tasting. Actually, you should consider having a picnic in their garden with a glass of your favourite Cline wine. Just mention that you will have a picnic (which you can get at a supermarket before you go there) and you will get a full glass of wine to enjoy.
http://www.clinecellars.com/
By the way: having a (bring your own) picnic is very common in Wine Country. However, it is customary to have a glass of wine at the winery where you are having your picnic. There are many great places to get a fresh picnic, local supermarkets and farm markets such as:
- Safeway (different branches): http://www.safeway.com/
- Wholefoods Sonoma – an organic and all fresh supermarket: http://wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/sonoma/
- Sonoma Cheese Market: http://www.sonomacheesefactory.com/
Other Sonoma Valley Wineries worth a visit and a tasting
- Gloria Ferrer (Californian style sparkling wine from the producer of Spanish Freixenet Cava), http://www.gloriaferrer.com/
- Ravenswood, http://www.ravenswood.com/
- Buena Vista Carneros, http://www.buenavistacarneros.com/
- Sebastiani, http://www.sebastiani.com/
- B.R. Cohn, http://www.brcohn.com/
- Chateau St. Jean, http://www.chateaustjean.com/
There are guided and self guided wine tours available. It’s easy to get (wine) maps and coupons at the hotel in Petaluma.
the Olive Press
Northern California is not only famous for world class wine, fine dining, but also for the local production of artisan olive oil. In one of the two tasting rooms from “the Olive Press” you can taste different flavours and kinds of olive oil.
http://www.theolivepress.com/
Downtown Sonoma
The big square park in downtown Sonoma is probably the only place on California where you can legally have a drink in public. But you can also have a Sandwich from one of the delis or ice cream scoops from the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream scoop shop and just enjoy the beautiful western style square.
- www.virtualtourist.com/travel/North_America/United_States_of_America/California/Sonoma-755851/Things_To_Do-Sonoma-Downtown-BR-1.html
- www.nileguide.com/destination/sonoma/best/things-to-do-near/downtown-sonoma-1543
Downtown Santa Rosa
Though it is the capital of Sonoma County, historic downtown Santa Rosa is rather manageable. Historic Railroad Square is good for shopping (from the big mall to small family businesses) and features a couple of nice cafés and restaurants such as the Petit Syrah Bistro (http://www.syrahbistro.com/) or Willie’s Wine Bar (www.starkrestaurants.com/willis_winebar.html).
Charles M. Schulz & Snoopy Museum
Santa Rosa is not only the capital of Sonoma County but also the hometown of Charles M. Schulz, the creator of Snoopy and the Peanuts. In 2000 the Schulz Museum opened in Santa Rosa – this place is definitely worth a visit. Just next to museum you will find the Redwood Empire Ice Arena – Snoopy’s Home Ice Rink – as well as Snoopy’s Gallery and Gift Shop.
- http://www.schulzmuseum.org/
- http://www.flyingace.net/
Horseback riding
Triple Creek Horse Outfit offers guided horseback rides in the heart of the Northern California Wine Country at the Kunde Family Estate Winery in the Sonoma Valley – tours from 1 to 2 hours include incredible views of the vineyards and the valley.
http://www.triplecreekhorseoutfit.com/
River’s End Restaurant (Jenner)
One of the best places to see the sun go down over the Pacific Ocean – all combined with fine dining and an excellent wine list. The tuna steak with wasabi is outstanding and the clam chowder and (local) bubbles & oysters are a must for seafood lovers. Advance reservations are recommended.
http://www.ilovesunsets.com/
Sonoma Uncorked
For more input on Sonoma County please check http://www.sonomaunkorked.com/
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