The charming town of Sonoma sits in the heart of Northern California’s wine country, just a short drive from San Francisco, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a long weekend. More laid-back than its famous neighbor Napa Valley, Sonoma offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for wine lovers seeking a fun, leisurely experience with exceptional wines. Known for its commitment to sustainable farming and thriving farmers’ markets, Sonoma also boasts numerous farm-to-table restaurants, where fresh, local ingredients are always on the menu.

When to visit Sonoma

Sonoma can be a year-round destination due to the mild winter temperatures and abundance of sunshine throughout the year.  Like most high tourist areas summer is considered high season, but autumn is the ideal time.  The vineyards are in full harvest, crowds have thinned, and the fall beauty of red and orange shades starts to emerge. 

We made our visit to Sonoma in late August and went during the middle of the week.  Crowds were thinner and we easily got into the wineries and restaurants of our choice. 

Getting to and around Sonoma

The best way to get to Sonoma is by car.  If you are staying in San Francisco like we were the hour drive made for an easy day trip.  The drive through the countryside was beautiful with its gently sloping hills and expansive grapevine-covered valleys. Golden fields and green oak trees dot the countryside.

With over 1,500 square miles of area in Sonoma County and over 400 wineries, driving gives you the freedom to venture how you would like.  If a day of wine hopping is on your to do, there are multiple guided wine tours available.  Some of the top tours offered, that we would recommend, are the Sonoma Wine Country Electric Trike Tour or the Sonoma Wine Rides. 

If you are looking to fly in for a long weekend, the San Francisco International airport is just 75 miles away making for an easy hour and a half dive north. 

Public transportation can take you to the city center, where you can explore the vibrant atmosphere and local attractions; however, to truly enjoy the scenic beauty of the wineries located in the outskirts, you’ll need to plan further and consider arranging a suitable mode of transport to reach these picturesque vineyards that promise unforgettable experiences and tastings.

A Day in Sonoma

Our morning started with a scenic drive from San Francisco across a foggy Golden Gate Bridge, where the mist created a mystical atmosphere, enhancing our anticipation for the food and wine adventures that lay ahead in Sonoma County. With so many wineries to choose from, we took the time to select three unique styles that would make our Sonoma experience truly unforgettable.

Our first stop was a quick coffee break at Firehouse Coffee and Tea in Sausalito. After our caffeine fix, we swung by the famous Richardson Bay houseboat enclaves, a unique community that has mesmerized visitors for decades. Having just finished The Last Thing He Told Me on Apple TV, we wanted to see where it had taken place, hoping to catch a glimpse of the picturesque scenes and marveling at the colorful houseboats bobbing gently on the water.

Viansa Winery

Our first stop on the wine tour was a morning tasting at the Viansa Winery.  And yes you read correctly – morning wine tastings should be the new norm! 

Viansa is a hilltop wine estate with sweeping views over a wetland habitat. As you drive up the lane toward the main villa, you’ll pass rows of cypress and olive trees, giving the impression of the Italian countryside. We enjoyed our tasting on the terrace, which offers stunning, panoramic views across the entire Sonoma Valley.  The tasting consisted of a flight of four wines, poured tableside by a personal wine host.  The top pick of our flight was the 2021 Altura Collection Cabernet Franc.  We enjoyed it so much we brought a bottle home with us to enjoy!

Buena Vista Winery

The second tasting on our tour was the Buena Vista Winery.  Founded in 1857, it is California’s oldest premium winery. The winery’s grounds feature the original stone cellars, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Buena Vista’s tasting showcases a variety of wines, from classic California varietals to unique, small-batch selections, each crafted to honor the pioneering spirit of the winery’s founder.  We were very excited about this tasting as it was highly recommended, but it fell short for us. 

Of the three places we visited during our trip, this one was ultimately our least favorite because it felt more like a transaction than a welcoming experience. The atmosphere lacked warmth and friendliness, which made us feel more like customers than honored guests. We found ourselves longing for a more personal touch and genuine interactions that would make us feel valued. In comparison to the other locations we explored, where we were greeted with smiles and engaging conversations, this place simply didn’t create the same inviting environment.

After two wine tastings we needed to get something in our stomachs to counterbalance the wine.  We made a stop at the highly rated the girl & the fig (see below in Where to Eat in Sonoma). 

Abbots Passage Winery & Mercantile

The final stop on our Sonoma wine tour was Abbot’s Passage.  Abbot’s Passage is a winery and mercantile located in the heart of Glen Ellen, CA.  They showcase an eclectic collection of Rhône-style wines that are blended for these amazing new blends.  Each blend highlights unique varietals sourced from small vineyards across Sonoma Valley, celebrating the diversity and complexity of the region’s flavor.

Our experience was truly memorable, with outstanding service that made us feel right at home. The tasting room has a relaxed, inviting ambiance, offering tastings in a beautifully designed barn-like space that perfectly balances rustic charm and refined elegance. Our favorites from the signature flight were the Verdant Wild (Mourvèdre x Carignan) and Points Unknown (Grenache x Syrah x Mourvèdre). And yes, we made sure to purchase and ship our favorites back home after such a wonderful experience.

Rounding out the prefect day, we enjoyed dinner at Café La Hay before heading back to San Francisco. 

Where to Eat in Sonoma

Sonoma has some renowned restaurants and the two that we visited on our day trip was the girl & the fig and Café La Hay. 

The girl & the fig is a rustic bistro with a fun outdoor patio located in the heart of Sonoma.  The food is fresh and local and one of the top spots in Sonoma.  We chose to stop for a late lunch between our vineyard stops.  Since we had plans for a bigger dinner that night, we split the croque monsieur.  A very popular item on the menu. It was fantastic and lived up to the hype.  With the salad that came with it and an order of fries, it was more than enough for the two of us.

For dinner we chose Café La Hay.  Featured in the MICHELIN Guide, the cafe is a small bistro located off the square of downtown Sonoma.  The service was warm and welcoming.  The food is locally sourced and has a seasonal menu.  For our main courses we went with the pork chop and the vegetarian risotto.  The chop was a generous cut that was juicy, tender and full of flavor from the warm mustard seed vinaigrette.  Sides to the dish were roasted mushrooms, potato gnocchi and grilled endive.  The vegetarian risotto was creamy and smooth and included ribbons of fresh vegetables. 

With just enough room left for dessert we went with the citrus cheesecake and the affogato.  Both made for a great ending to a wonderful meal. 

Additional top rated restaurants that made our short list included Wit & Wisdom, Sunflower Caffe, Layla, and Bloom Carneros.

As our journey through Sonoma comes to an end, it’s clear that this charming town offers more than just exceptional wines—it’s a place of good food, charm, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re drawn to the vineyards, the farm-to-table dining, or simply the relaxed pace, Sonoma has something for everyone. Until next time, here’s to discovering more hidden gems, savoring each sip, and creating memories in one of California’s most inviting destinations. Cheers to Sonoma!

Are you planning a day trip to Sonoma? Have any questions about our stops? Let us know in the comments!