Home to the historic town of Sonoma, along with charming Glen Ellen and Kenwood, Sonoma Valley has relaxed, family-friendly appeal combined with rolling vineyard landscapes and walkable downtowns. Along with Sonoma Valley’s signature Cabernet Sauvignon, the region is known for Carneros Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Taste
Hamel Family Wines
Dramatic views are always on the menu at this 124-acre estate at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, set among century-old olive trees. Book the Estate Experience for a tour of the expansive winery and underground wine caves followed by a seated tasting in the sleek Estate House, or splurge for the Chef’s Experience, featuring gourmet bites from the resident chef. Hamel’s signature wines — including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, and Sauvignon Blanc — are shaped by volcanic soils. Reservations required. 15401 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma. hamelfamilywines.com
Hanzell Vineyards
Set on a steep hillside, Hanzell is home to the historic Ambassador’s 1953 vineyard — Sonoma County’s oldest continuously producing Chardonnay site. The winery is known for its “firsts” — this was the first winery in the world to use stainless steel tanks and the first in California to use all French oak barrels — as well as its incredible, subtly oaked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The winery’s newly updated tasting experience includes a tour of the caves and the original 1950s Hanzell winery, which now serves as a museum. Reservations required. 18596 Lomita Ave., Sonoma. hanzell.com
More wineries worth seeking out
Sample co-fermented blends made with Rhône varieties at Abbot’s Passage. The “Shuffleboard Social” experience includes game time on the vineyard court. Reservations encouraged. 777 Madrone Road, Glen Ellen. abbotspassage.com
Obsidian Base Camp’s Japanese garden oasis pours complex reds from an obsidian-laced vineyard in Lake County. Try the fun, experimental Rabbit Hole wines. Weekend reservations recommended. 441 First St. W., Sonoma. obsidianwineco.com
At Winery Sixteen 600 — tucked in an old farmhouse off the Sonoma Plaza — taste the Coturri family’s organically farmed wines in antique theater seats as vinyl records spin. Reservations required. 589 First St. W., Sonoma. winerysixteen600.com
Dine
Sonoma Eats
Mexican Food & Café Relish soulful Oaxacan fare in Boyes Hot Springs, where canned foods are banned and locally grown produce is everything. Founded by a former vineyard worker, Efrain Balmes, the restaurant team whips up chilaquiles and trés leches French toast in the morning, then moves on to must-have mole enchiladas and tacos for lunch. 18133 Sonoma Hwy., Sonoma. 707-3431141, sonoma-eats.com
Enclos
A mere seven months after opening, this splurgy tasting menu destination landed not one, but two, coveted Michelin stars — as well as a Michelin Green Star for sustainable practices. On the plate, that translates to gorgeously presented dishes made with Sonoma-grown ingredients — from heirloom produce to responsibly raised meats. 139 E. Napa St., Sonoma. 707-387-1724, enclos-sonoma.com
Songbird Parlour
Dine in a plush and stylish Victorian-inspired salon at Jack London Village, where the menu reads like a love letter to Sonoma County farms and food purveyors. On Sunday nights, Songbird offers succulent, sweet-hot fried chicken at a bargain price. 14301 Arnold Drive, Suite 3, Glen Ellen. 707-343-1308, songbirdparlour.com
Spread Kitchen
This casual, indoor-outdoor café from French-trained chef Cristina Topham whips up Lebanese-inspired dishes with a decidedly California spin. The dips are divine—try the hummus spiced with Aleppo pepper—as are lavash wraps ranging from classic lamb kofta to fried cauliflower drizzled with green tahini. 18375 Hwy. 12, Sonoma. 707-721-1256, spreadkitchensonoma.com
Explore
The sculptureWALK exhibition showcases 30 outdoor statues and kinetic sculptures — crafted from metal, wood, stone, glass, and concrete — throughout Jack London Village. 14301 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen. sculpturesite.com
Hitch a ride in a vintage VW bus with West Wine Tours and enjoy a relaxed day of wine tasting while drinking in Sonoma Valley’s vineyard views. Each charming Volkswagen in their fleet holds six to eight passengers, and there’s even an option to choose a color to set just the right vibe for a Wine Country cruise. 707-787-8141, westwinetours.com
Insider Tip
Stomp grapes at the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival. Now in its 200th year, the weekend event is set for Sept. 25-27. valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org
Give in to temptation at Pomme Cider Shop & Taproom. This apple-centric venue off the Sonoma Plaza is a haven for fans of natural ciders from near and far. 531 Broadway, Sonoma. pommecidershop.com