Sonoma
ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Place to Drink,
Good Place to Eat,
People Watching,
Picnic Spot,
Tip - General Travel
Often standing in the shadows of Napa, Sonoma provides a more laid-back, small town vibe than its more popular neighbor. Anchoring the Sonoma Valley, the town makes a good jumping-off point for exploring nearby wineries, including the few dozen in town. The town also has important California historical sights as well as a charming town square.
As you head north, you’ll find a number of small, family-owned wineries and charming small towns. Glen Ellen, outside of Sonoma, is a town right out of a Norman Rockwell painting. At the valley’s north end, Santa Rosa is the workaday urban center known mostly for its traffic. If you’ve more than one day, explore the quieter, rustic side of Sonoma County, which extends along the Russian River Valley from Healdsburg to the sea.
Latest Reviews
Review by patricia p, May 2013
Doing what: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
It was a wonderful trip and we had a super great knowledgeable bus driver. Enjoyed everything about the trip. It was absolutely beautiful.
Review by April C, May 2013
Doing what: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
Enjoyed learning about how wine is made.
Review by Kate L, May 2013
Doing what: Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour
Gordie was a fantastic tour guide!! I was travelling alone on this trip, but I was entertained the whole time with his knowledge of Napa valley and wines!
This tour was also fantastic value for money :)
Practical Info
Sonoma is located about 30 minutes by car west of Napa Valley. Sonoma Highway/Highway 12 is lined with wineries and runs from Sonoma to Santa Rosa, then to western Sonoma County; Arnold Drive has less traffic (but fewer wineries) and runs parallel, up the valley’s western side, to Glen Ellen.
