California Wine Country: A Weekend in Sonoma

I feel so lucky to live just a few hours from Sonoma in gorgeous wine country.  A few weekends ago my girlfriend and I took a drive over to experience a few days of rest and relaxation that included delicious dining and spectacular wine.  Whether you want a girl’s weekend away or a romantic trip with your love, there is lots to do and see in two days!

Where to Stay
On two occasions, I’ve enjoyed the accommodations at El Pueblo Inn.  It’s just a short drive to Sonoma Plaza, near grocery stores and shopping, the hotel is comfortable and practical.  The heated pool is open year-round, breakfast is complimentary, and the lobby boasts a lovely fireplace and sitting area to enjoy your wine, coffee or tea in the evenings.  If you enjoy a little pampering, Sonoma Massage can be enjoyed in room or within walking distance from the hotel.  Great for families or girlfriends!

The Lodge at Sonoma is also a beautiful  spot to stay with in-house wine tasting offered and the yummy Carneros Bistro and Wine Bar on property.  This is a romantic spot and the in-room fireplaces just make it more cozy, check it out.  It’s also just down the road from Sonoma Plaza.

Where to Visit
So Sonoma Plaza is the place to start, so park your car and spend a few hours strolling through the shops, visit the wine tasting rooms, and finding a place to eat is easy on each block. Also if you’re a Bachelor fan, Ben Flajnik filmed a few episodes in his home town, you may notice some familiar areas as you look around.

What to Do
You must visit Jack London State Historic Park if you’re in the area.  Head up early in the morning and hike around this amazing piece of land in the Valley of the Moon and absorb it’s rich history.  Better yet, take a docent let tour and learn about London’s adventurous yet brief life!

If you want a little adventure, different from traditional wine tasting, try a Sip and Cycle tour where you jump on a bike and ride to wineries with lovely catered lunch in between.  Look up Getaway Adventures and let Gary know I sent ya!

Where to Eat
Mary’s Pizza Shack is delicious and great for friends, couples, and families to boot.

For some Mexican flair, Maya Restaurant is delicious has amazing salsa and my friend boasts about it’s unique chile rellenos!  The chicken tacos were to die for!

Also, a short drive away to Glen Ellen, the Fig Cafe has amazing Margherita pizzas that they can make with goat cheese instead of mozzarella!

Where to Wine

Benziger Family Winery is just down the hill from Jack London park.  A beautiful winery with a great tour I hear has very charming wine pourers and fabulous owners.  A few joined our hike at the park and we chatted again in their tasting room!

The Benziger winery recommended Imagery Estate Winery not too far away on Hwy 12 and they have the coolest wine labels, and Molly was a fabulous, smart, informative pourer!  Check out their port sippers too, very neat!

Envolve Winery has a tasting room in Sonoma Plaza that is owned by Ben Flajnik from ABC’s The Bachelor!  The guys in there are so kind, you can sit and they’ll come pour at your table.  The best thing, I got to enjoy an all white wine flight while my girlfriend had an all red.  We were so happy at this option, I’ve never experienced it!

Gundlach Bundschu was a winery we visited on our bike tour, they gave us a neat tour and a peek into their working caves which was awesome.

Bartholomew Park Winery has an amazing knoll to have a picnic after tasting with great views!

We bottled our own wine at Ravenswood Winery, ask them about their wine blending seminar!

Just writing this makes me yearn to go back to some old favorites and find some more great spots to share!  Have you been to wine country?