Sonoma Wine Country
Just an easy 49 kilometres drive north of San
Francisco but a world away, you’ll find yourself in
the midst of a genuine wine country experience.
With more than 425 friendly wineries, 40 plus spas,
89 kilometres of stunning Pacific Coast, farm-to-
table restaurants, rivers to kayak, redwood forests
to explore, boutiques and galleries to peruse and
meandering hiking and biking trails – Sonoma Wine
Country should not be missed.
3 days/2 nights Suggested Self-Drive
Armstrong Redwoods
State Natural Reserve
Healdsburg
Guerneville
Santa Rosa
Day 1: Sonoma & Sonoma Valley (70km)
Check out the downtown plaza of Sonoma, with its collection of cafés,
restaurants, wine tasting rooms, olive oil tasting and galleries, before
heading to Buena Vista Winery, founded in 1857, it is the birthplace of
California wine.
Next, head to Cornerstone, a cute country marketplace which has
boutique wine rooms, boutiques, yummy food and gorgeous gardens.
It’s a good place to stock up on picnic supplies.
Day 2: Guerneville, Bodega Bay & Sebastopol – Santa Rosa (158km)
Make your way to the eclectic town of Guerneville, home to the Giant
Redwoods at Armstrong State Preserve, before heading on the famous
Highway 1 where you’ll have the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean next
to you. There’s lots of small beaches and spectacular views along here,
and from Nov-Apr it is whale watching season, so keep your eyes peeled.
CALIFORNIA
Bodega Bay
Sonoma
Sebastopol
Buena Vista Winery
Petaluma
Cornerstone Sonoma
PACIFIC
OCEAN
San Francisco
Highlights worth seeing along the way
Sebastopol, is worth a stop, especially for “The Barlow” a cool open-air
marketplace, covering 12.5 acres, where some great chefs, vintners and
artisans have come to work side-by-side. Jack London Historic Park, Glen Ellen – Visit the houses and
gravestone of author Jack London, the property is a national historic
landmark and the on-site museum is worth a visit.
Day 3: Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Petaluma – San Francisco (195km)
Santa Rosa is home to some good shopping and a thriving culinary
scene. Check out the California Welcome Center, they’ll have lots of
great tips on where to eat and what to see. Sonoma Marin Cheese Trail – There are plenty of cheese makers
around and this trail is a great way to see some of the most popular.
Next stop is Healdsburg, a charming small town well worth a wander.
The town plaza is lined with shops, restaurants, tasting rooms, galleries,
and bars. Bodega – Famous for being the location of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic
movie ‘The Birds’. Stop at the general store which has a wall of original
pictures & memorabilia from the filming.
Rental car: Hertz (Group B) from $89 per day
Our favourite places to stay:
•
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
•
Hyatt Vineyard Creek, Santa Rosa
•
Flamingo Resort & Spa, Santa Rosa
Bodega Bay – A quaint fishing village with lots of walking trails and water
sports in the area.
Charles M Schulz – Santa Rosa is home to the museum that celebrates
cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, you’ll also see colourful street sculptures of
Snoopy & Peanuts characters throughout the city.
Wine Road – A picturesque trip taking you past wineries in the
Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys of Northwest Sonoma
County.
Petaluma – Home to craft breweries, port distillers and antique shops.
The price guide shown is per car hire based on fully inclusive, 1-4 day hire rate. Price does not include Earlybird or other offers. Specials and surcharges may apply depending on travel date.
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