Image via Hotel Healdsburg

Daydreaming of crisp fresh air, blue skies, sprawling vineyards, exquisite wine and farm-to-table-cuisine? Look no further than Sonoma wine country in California. With more than 425 wineries, the rugged Pacific coastline and its proximity to San Francisco, Sonoma County is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your love. So whether you are planning a day trip, a quick weekend getaway, or your honeymoon, be sure to add Sonoma to your list!

Where to Stay

If you are planning on staying overnight in Sonoma County, head over to Healdsburg, a quaint and charming town approximately an hour and a half drive from the Golden Gate Bridge. The downtown is bustling with music, art galleries, exquisite food, and (of course) an extensive selection of tasting rooms from the best local vineyards.

Hotel Healdsburg is a wonderful option for those who want a boutique hotel in the town centre. After a romantic day of vineyard hopping or sipping hot chocolate while discovering the boutiques, art galleries and museums, head on back to the hotel to enjoy the country gardens, pool and spa. Sip on some bubbly by the fireplace before heading to dinner at the renowned Dry Creek Kitchen restaurant. The menu is sure to please all tastes with its progressive American fusion dishes that are paired exclusively with (you guessed it!) Sonoma County wine.

Image via Hotel Healdsburg

Vineyard-hopping

It is easy to feel overwhelmed with the seemingly endless options of breathtaking vineyards to visit. Fear not, below are a couple suggestions of truly special and romantic places that are sure to please all levels of wine connoisseurs.

Skipstone Winery

The winery is on Skipstone ranch, tucked away between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above the Alexander Valley. The wine is award-winning, the people are welcoming and the views are stunningly picturesque.

Visits to Skipstone are by reservation only, last approximately an hour and a half where guests are brought through a scenic walk of the organic vineyards and gardens followed by a seated private wine and olive oil tasting with small accompanying bites. If you visit in the autumn, the rolling hills will be filled with warm red, yellow and orange leaves. Be sure to enjoy every moment of this special journey with your loved one, this romantic afternoon is not to be missed!

Image via Hana Benkirane

Quivira Vineyards

Quivira is comprised of three separate vineyards, which are located within the stunning Dry Creek Valley. The tasting room at Wine Creek Ranch does not require reservations so it is perfect for a spontaneous drop-in. The friendly staff, laid-back feel and generous tasting menus are sure to make you and your beloved feel right at home. Make sure to sit outside on the patio to enjoy your wine flights while taking in the sunshine, fresh air and scenic rolling hills around you. If available, don’t miss out on the Late Harvest Sauvignon (a wonderful sweet dessert surprise)!

Image via Quivira Wines

Exploring the Pacific Coastline

In addition to the rolling hills and hundreds of vineyards, Sonoma County is also home to a stunningly rugged coastline. Take a break from the wine tasting and head over to Bodega Bay. The drive takes you along the coast on winding roads with beautiful views of the Pacific. Once you arrive at Bodega Bay, you can go on a small hike or simply sit on the benches and take in the view. If you are lucky, you may even spot some grey whales!

On the way back into town, be sure to stop by Patrick’s local saltwater taffy shop or Spud Point’s Crab Shack for a sweet or savoury snack.

Image via Hana Benkirane

Sonoma County is a truly special place that makes you feel at peace. Be sure to fully immerse yourself into the laidback yet sophisticated lifestyle with your beloved and enjoy every minute. You may just never want to leave!

Note: Sonoma County has recently suffered immense loss due to the California wildfires. The community’s compassion, camaraderie and resilience is further proof of how special this place truly is. Many of the above-mentioned wineries and restaurants have donated and stepped in to help their local communities.

Ms Zigzag says: While nearly every Aussie is familiar with the Napa Valley, we don’t seem to hear enough about the equally stunning Sonoma Wine Country. Locals and wine experts are mad for Sonoma, don’t miss it! 

About Hana Benkirane: Hello! My name is Hana. I’m a citizen of the world, holder of three passports and a modern nomad. I have moved to a different country every three years of my life and was bitten by the travel bug at a very early age.