Things To Do
Spending an extra day or two and looking to explore the area? Here are some suggestions for our favourite spots:
Sonoma Valley
Sitting in-between the Pacific Ocean and Napa Valley is Sonoma County. The region silently produces almost two times as much wine as Napa Valley.
Sonoma Valley makes up much of the southern half of Sonoma Country's region and is responsible for some of the biggest names for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and Sparkling Wine in the United States.
Really, you should do only two things in Sonoma Valley: drink and eat.
Drink
Bedrock Wine1. Bedrock Wine
There are tons of tasting rooms near Sonoma Plaza (in the town of Sonoma, walking distance from the wedding venue). Bedrock is legendary and if we had to pick one spot to experience what Sonoma Valley has to offer in its wine, it would be this one.
Appointments are required Thursday to Sunday, and tastings cost $30 (waived with two bottle purchase).
2. Sojourn Cellars
Sojourn Cellars are winemakers specializing in Pinot that source fruit from all over Sonoma and Napa. Their tasting room is also available at Sonoma Plaza, just a few blocks from Bedrock! Pairing them together for a tasting day is always a great decision.
Tastings are by appointment: $45.
3. Three Sticks
Include Three Sticks wine in your day of tasting in Sonoma Plaza. They specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and feature their wines in the beautiful and historic Adobe built in 1842 by General Salvador Vallejo, the founder of Sonoma.
The winemaker at Three Sticks is the famous Bob Cabral, who (during his time at the cult producer Williams Selyem) was responsible for the first full 100-point Pinot Noir in California. That speaks for itself.
Tastings are by appointment: $65.
4. Domaine Carneros
Owned by the famous Champagne Taittinger family, Domaine Carneros is a small grower-producer of sparkling wine. The property features a beautiful French-style estate with great views of the area.
Appointments are strongly encouraged for the $40 flight--when touring with guests, we usually book a 10 AM slot to start a day of tasting.
5. Bucklin Old Hill Ranch
Old Hill Ranch in Glen Ellen had one of the first plantings of Zinfandel in area, dating back to the late 1800s. Now owned by the Bucklin family, these zin-blends are iconic California wines and are amazing value bottles in the $30 - $50 range.
Tastings are by appointment at the vineyard--email them at the address on the website.
Eat
The Girl & The Fig6. The Girl & The Fig
An essential stop for visitors to Sonoma Plaza, The Girl & The Fig serves amazing French-bistro-style dishes.
Try their signature duck confit (below) or fig & arugula salad.
7. Wit & Wisdom
Ok, we haven't eaten at Wit & Wisdom yet--it recently opened in Sonoma inside The Lodge resort. But it is headed by Michelin star-awarded chef Michael Mina, and so is sure to make a great dinner. Someone go and tell us how it is.
8. El Molino Central
Amazing mexican street food, counter-served and eaten at bright blue picnic tables in the back. Makes for a great lunch between tastings.
9. Glen Ellen Star
Renowned pizza, homemade pasta, Michelin Bib Gourmand.
Healdsburg
Sitting in-between the Pacific Ocean and Napa Valley is Sonoma County. The region silently produces almost two times as much wine as Napa Valley.
Healdsburg sits at the northern tip of Sonoma County and is the singularity of tasting rooms--dozens of tasting rooms from the best vineyards and winemakers in the region are all crammed within a handful of blocks.
Healdsburg is the nexus of three wine powerhouse AVAs: Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, and Russian River Valley. The area produces the greatest Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Really, you should do only two things in Healdsburg: drink and eat.
Drink
Ridge Lytton Springs1. Ridge Lytton Springs
Ridge produces some of our absolute favorite wine, and its Zinfandel-based wine sourced from their Lytton Springs and Geyserville vineyards (areas just north of Healdsburg) demonstrate the best of the Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys.
Tasting at Ridge Lytton Springs presents a great opportunity to see how much terroir influences the profile of the wine within the same grape varietal--each of the Lytton Springs and Geyserville zins remain distinct with each vintage, and it can be fun to compare them side-by-side.
Ridge interestingly also uses primarily American oak for aging to great result, contrasting with the French oak used in most popular wines in Napa and Sonoma.
Besides Zinfandel, Ridge makes many other fantastic and complex wines that are ideal for aging. It is famous for its Monte Bello cab, grown at its vineyard next to San Jose in the Santa Cruz mountains. If available, try their Grenache Blanc--another of our favourites.
Amazing wine made even better by a super affordable $20-priced tasting. Book a reservation in advance.
2. Rochioli
The Rochioli family are pioneers in winemaking in Russian River Valley and were the first to start growing wine in the region. Shortly after, they were the also first to plant Pinot Noir that Russian River is best known for.
The Pinot Noir offerings at Rochioli continue to be great. They reserve some of the very best fruit for their own label, but also supply other cult producers in the region (like Williams Selyem and Ramey).
Unlike other popular winemakers in the area, Rochioli is accessible to non-members for tastings, which can be made by appointment for $25!
3. Ramey
With at least six different Chardonnays covering vineyards across Russian River Valley and the Sonoma Coast, Ramey is Chardonnay.
Ramey Chardonnay focuses on classical Burgundian technique that sets it apart from overly buttery or oaky notes in many other Californian Chardonnays. Outside of Burgundy, there's no one else that does Chardonnay like David Ramey.
Tastings are by appointment in Healdsburg's downtown: $50.
4 - 5. Italian Winemaking: Portalupi / Idlewild
A nice change of pace from the French-style wine in Sonoma County can be found around Healdsburg Plaza at Portalupi and Idlewild.
Portalupi makes spectacular Barbera and Charbono, and also serves table wine in fun milk jugs--a throwback to matriarch Marina Portalupi who bottled her first wine for her village in a milk jug.
Idlewild focuses on Mendocino County within the Sonoma Coast AVA. Their Nebbiolo, Cortese, and Barbera were standouts.
6 - 7. Cold-climate Pinot: Banshee / Marine Layer
Both Banshee Wines and Marine Layer Wines can be found close to the Healdsburg Plaza and focus on Sonoma Coast cold-climate Pinot and Chardonnay. Banshee's tasting room has been open since 2013, but Marine Layer is a new spot that opened this year with a cool modern interior.
Eat
Barndiva8. Barndiva
Michelin-starred restaurant with eclectic-rustic vibes. The Hokkaido Scallops are unbelievable.
9. Valette
Valette is at the top of our restaurants-to-try list in Healdsburg. The 5-course "Trust Us" tasting menu is supposed to be amazing and Valette specializes in seafood and vegetable-based dishes.
10. Guiso Latin Fusion
Also on our to-do list, Guiso Latin Fusion features food from a young Salvadoran chef, cooking comfort latin food from around Central America and the Caribbean. The restaurant itself is intimate and small: only 6 or 7 tables.
11. Noble Folk Ice Cream
Adventurous-flavored ice cream, pies, and cookies right on the Plaza!
12. Oakville Grocery
Stop into Oakville Grocery for lunch--they make great sandwiches with local cheeses and meats. Alternatively, the wine you've picked up from your tasting will go great with charcuterie and cheese from the deli. Humboldt Fog and Mt. Tam Triple Cream are available here and are our favorite cheeses.
Petaluma
Petaluma is the closest city to Sonoma, a short 20-minute drive away. It is the gateway to Sonoma County from San Francisco to the south.
Petaluma is perhaps best used as a home base for accommodations to allow you to explore the rest of Sonoma County, but there are some interesting visits nearby for beer and cheese-tasting.
Petaluma Creamery1. Petaluma Creamery
Petaluma Creamery is the home of three local cheeses: Petaluma Creamery, Petaluma Gold, and Organic Spring Hill Jersey Cheese. Visit the store and sample their cheese and ice cream, or grab one of their fresh made sandwiches for breakfast or lunch.
Achadinha2. Achadinha Cheese Co.
Achadinha offers a fun cheese tour that covers their full operation: from milking barn to cheese plant. You'll also get to try their various cheeses--Portuguese-style cheese and curds. Achadinha's curds are popularly featured in many SF poutines.
Tours are required in order to visit and cost $35/person.
Marin French Cheese3. Marin French Cheese Co.
Marin French Cheese Company has been making cheese since the mid-1800s. It is the oldest continually operating cheese manufacturer in the United States.
Their two most popular cheeses to try are their Petite Breakfast, their first cheese dating back to 1865; and their Triple Cream Brie, their most awarded cheese.
4 - 6. Cowgirl Creamery
Ok, so Cowgirl Creamery is in Point Reyes Station, not Petaluma; but it fits in very well with this list and is a must-visit cheesemaker. It's about a 30-minute drive from Petaluma.
Cowgirl Creamery is legendary and has received countless awards for its Mt. Tam and Red Hawk (washed rind) triple cream cheeses. If you go to one place on this list, make it this one.
Pick up some cheese and accoutrements for a nice picnic next to the shop. To round out this cheese tour, you can pair with some local mead at Heidrun. If you're feeling more adventurous, stop by Tomales Bay Oyster Company to pick up fresh oysters (BYO cooler and shucking equipment).
7. Russian River Valley Brewing
This place isn't in Petaluma either, but it fits thematically! The 20-minute detour here is worth it.
Russian River Valley Brewing is one of the top craft brewers in the country, with a focus on hoppy ales. Its annual limited release of Pliny the Younger Triple IPA is perhaps the most-coveted beer in the world, selling out in seconds online and resulting in people camping outside the taproom 24 hours in advance for a taste.
You can still get the almost-as-popular cult-favourite Pliny the Elder Double IPA year-round, so make this place a definite stop if you love beer.
8. Lagunitas Brewing
Lagunitas Brewing company is a former craft beer darling that has grown to global reach, and its beer remains as popular as ever in the Bay Area. Lagunitas has been based in Petaluma since the beginning in 1995.
Lagunitas IPA put them on the map, but you'll also have access to flights of their other fantastic beers. Along with a great atmosphere, outdoor seating, and live music, it's always a good time here.
Marin County
You've drunk enough wine, ate your fill, and now need to go out and do some active-living! Marin County is the place for that.
Marin County is host to redwoods, rolling landscapes, and quaint towns. Tons of things to do to get your steps in and take in beautiful views.
Golden Gate Observation Deck1. Golden Gate Bridge Viewing
The one-way road to the Golden Gate Observation Deck takes you north-west of the bridge into the Marin Headlands. As you descend along the coast, you'll encounter two pullouts on the road (called the "Observation Deck" and the "View Point" respectively) for beautiful unobstructed views of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Further down the road will take you to Battery Spencer, a former gun battery decommissioned in 1943. From there, you'll be able to walk right up to the northern tower of the bridge for up-close views.
2. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is home to a grove of 800-year-old redwood trees. Easy, flat walking trails take you through 3 miles of old-growth redwoods. Within the area, there are many more miles of hiking trails if you'd prefer a longer hike up into the canopy.
Admission is $15 per person and parking is $9 per vehicle. Book parking well in advance to ensure you get a spot.
3. Mt. Tam Hiking
Go hiking on the best loop the Marin Headlands has to offer: Dipsea, Steep Ravine, Matt Davis Loop Trail, starting from the Pantoll Campground trailhead. This moderate 7.5-mile trail will take you through hilly grasslands, coastal views, and lush forest.
We recommend starting counter-clockwise with the Matt Davis trail first going down to the coast for the best views. Midway into the hike, you'll end up at Stinson Beach (see item 4). Return to the Pantoll Campground parking lot via Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine Trail.
Day use of the Pantoll Campground parking lot is $8. Bring cash and pay at the camp station.
4. Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is a small beach town within the Marin Headlands. Whether you're halfway into the Mt. Tam hike or just visiting by car, grab a burger lunch at the Parkside Snack Bar and enjoy the beach before heading back.
5 - 7. Rodeo Beach to Point Bonita
If looking for additional or alternative hiking, you can combine the Coastal Trail and the Point Bonita Lighthouse Loop Trail for an easy 6-mile hike.
The Coastal Trail will take you along Rodeo Beach, an old gun battery (Battery Townsley), Fort Cronkhite (an old WW2 miltary base), and a blue whale skeleton! Also nearby the trail is the Marine Mammal Center, a marine animal rehabilitation center that is free for the public to enter.
The trail to Point Bonita Lighthouse will take you past a bunch of old decommissioned gun batteries on the way to an active lighthouse. The tip of the Point is great for views of the coastline and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance.
8. Black Sands Beach
On the way back to the highway from Rodeo Beach, you can quickly stop at Black Sands Beach. This is a secluded beach covered in black sand that's ideal for photos or picnics. Some of our engagement photos were taken here!
9 - 14. Sausalito
Sausalito is a great place for a meal or for strolling the streets.
If looking to explore and stroll, start at Dunphy Park and take in the sights of the houses both in the hills to the west and across the bay to the east. Walk south along the Bridgeway and pop into the shops or gawk at the huge yachts in the harbour.
At the southern-most end of the town, you can look across the water and see Alcatraz and San Francisco in the distance.
For lunch or dinner, we recommend the following:
