Sip and See Sonoma
There’s a particular kind of magic to a day in Sonoma County. It begins with the breathtaking scenery everywhere you look: lush vineyards and pastures rising to craggy, forest cloaked hilltops.
The beauty of Sonoma Valley is that no two visits are ever quite the same. One day might lead you through the historic town square of the town of Sonoma while another might take you up twisting mountain roads to hidden wineries. And every day might find you lingering over lunch with a beautiful view that makes you forget entirely about the clock.
If you’re planning a Sonoma Valley day trip this spring, a little intention goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you sip, see, and savor the best of the region.
- Start with a Scenic Route, Not a Schedule
The temptation when visiting wine country is to pack in as many wineries as possible. But Sonoma Valley rewards curiosity far more than a rigid itinerary.
Instead of mapping every stop, choose a beautiful route and let the day unfold. Highway 12 through the heart of Sonoma Valley will take you past some of the oldest and most prestigious wineries in the county. Arnold Drive from Sonoma through Glen Ellen will take you past quaint tasting rooms and unexpected lunch spots. London Ranch Road will take you to one of our most unique state parks: Jack London State Park not only houses a fascinating museum but also miles and miles of hiking trails past vineyards, historic farm buildings and pristine forest.
Leave room for spontaneity. The best discoveries are often the ones you didn’t plan.
- Choose Two or Three Wineries—Not Five
Wine tasting is meant to be savored, not rushed.
A thoughtful day trip usually includes two, perhaps three winery visits. That gives you time to enjoy the wines, hear the stories behind them, and take in the landscape. It also allows for the most important meal of the day: lunch!
Small, family-owned wineries in particular often offer experiences that feel more personal—conversations with people who farm the vineyards, make the wine, and know the land intimately.
Here are some recommendations based on the 3 scenic routes described above:
Highway 12: Start at Serres Ranch, just north of the town of Sonoma. This historic vineyard property is now managed by the 5th generation of the Serres family. Stop for lunch at El Molino Central – where you’ll eat Michelin guide worthy Mexican food at picnic tables set up in a parking lot! After lunch, pay a visit to Hamel Family Wines and sip a selection of estate wines while admiring beautiful vineyard views. End your afternoon at Chateau St. Jean – one of the wineries that built the reputation of Sonoma and still impresses.
Arnold Drive from Sonoma to Glen Ellen: Start at Abbot’s Passage Winery at the southern end of Glen Ellen, a historic building surrounded by beautiful gardens. For lunch, choose between The Mill at Glen Ellen or, if you’re more interested in brunch, The Garden Court Café. Ditch the car once you get to downtown Glen Ellen and walk. First stop: Laurel Glen Vineyard, a beautifully appointed tasting room serving elegant Sonoma Mountain Cabernets. Second stop: Talisman Winery, a cozy and quirky tasting room serving powerful Pinot Noirs from across Sonoma County.
London Ranch Road: Start at the Glen Ellen Market for picnic lunch ingredients and then head up to Jack London State Park. Make sure you take in the museum before heading out on a hike to one of the remnants of author Jack London’s ambitious projects. Enjoy your picnic at a picnic table with a great view. On your way back down the road, stop at Benziger Winery, a beautiful biodynamically farmed property.
- Pair Your Tasting with a Bit of Sonoma History
One of Sonoma Valley’s great pleasures is how seamlessly wine, culture, and history intertwine.
Before or after your day trips, take time to explore the Sonoma Plaza. This is where the Bear Flag Revolt took place, winning American statehood for California. Visit the historic mission buildings or the home of General Vallejo. The oldest winery in California, Buena Vista, is also a short distance from the Plaza. These small moments deepen the experience and help you understand the layers of history that shaped the region long before the first Cabernet vines were planted.
- Leave Time for the Unexpected
Perhaps the most important rule of a Sonoma County day trip: don’t rush.
Leave space in the morning or afternoon for something unplanned—a roadside fruit stand, a beguiling shop, or a winery who’s name speaks to you.
Sonoma Valley has a way of rewarding those moments of curiosity. Sometimes the highlight of the day is the place you didn’t know you were looking for.
Your Invitation to Sip and See Sonoma
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore Sonoma County. The vineyards are waking up, the hills are still green, and every drive feels like an invitation to slow down and take it all in.
So choose a road, gather a few friends, and spend the day discovering what makes this corner of wine country so special.
https://www.sonomavalley.com/
https://www.sonomacounty.com/wine/wineries/laurel-glen-vineyard/
https://sonomavalleywine.com/winery-finder/?fwp_search=laurel%20glen