Like a Local: Your Guide to Sonoma Valley

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Advisor - Dana Isetta
Curated By

Dana Isetta

  • Sonoma

  • California

  • Food & Wine

  • Boutique Travel

  • Wellness Travel

  • Relaxation

  • Entertainment

  • Local Food

A wine barrel outside in front of a view of a field during the daytime
Curator’s statement

As a Sonoma Valley resident, we are often lumped in with our neighboring regions. Sonoma Valley is one with roots that run deep, and it's not just the wine. These insights will help you feel and drink like a local. You will experience the true small-town charm that keeps people coming back for generations.

The Fora Difference

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Where to stay Sonoma Valley

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Things to do Sonoma Valley

A vineyard field with rows of grape trees
  • Sonoma Overlook Trail - Sonoma Overlook Trail offers a pleasant three-mile hike with views of the Sonoma Valley

  • Rent bikes — Go all around town and see the local charm for yourself, and hit a few wineries along the way.

  • Pushpak tours — A unique guided tour on custom “pushpak” scooters.

  • Sonoma Raceway - Live out all your race car driver dreams and test drive premier race cars.

  • Sonoma Valley food tour — Walk through historic downtown and learn about the vibrant history of our food roots.

  • Sonoma Ballooning — Soar above the Valley and see one of the most spectacular views of the vineyards.

  • Charlie’s Acres - A magical farm sanctuary for all ages

  • Cassidy Ranch - Wine, flower picking and pickleball? Sign me up!

Places to eat & drink Sonoma Valley

Pizza on a wooden block

Restaurants:

  • Glen Ellen Star: Michelin-star restaurant in a relaxed, quaint setting, and the most incredible fire brick pizzas.

  • Valley Bar + Bottle: Shop quintessential California home cooking driven by season offerings.

  • Cafe La Haye: Neighborhood French bistro with all the charm — always order the specials!

  • Bucks Place: The new hot girl in town! Incredible pizza, live music and games for the kids.

  • The Swiss Hotel: Family-owned for five generations, you’ll feel right at home!

  • Della Santinas: Come for the tortellini in brodo, and stay for the true Italian vibes.

  • Girl and the Fig

  • El Dorado Kitchen: Fresh, simple, seasonally-driven California cuisine sourced from local Sonoma County farmers

  • Sunflower Cafe

Drink

  • Sangiacomo Family Wines: The oldest and most well-known growers in the valley have recently released their own wines. An immaculate setting right in town, with a unique family story that will make you feel akin.

  • Three Sticks: Designed by the renowned Ken Fulk, this old adobe building has been brought back to life and the wines pair perfectly.

  • Scribe Winery: Vibrate wines, with a twist on traditional styles. The property is incredible. Stay for lunch at the Hacienda.

  • Gundlach Bundshu: “Gun - Lock - Bun - Shoe” You’ll never mess up the name again!

  • Three Fat Guys: Former pro football players who know a thing or two about wine. Not your average tasting experience!

  • Hill of Tara: A private tasting unlike any other. Rich in history and remarkable charm.

Tasting Rooms

Not enough time to check out all the wineries? Pop into the local tasting rooms on the square for the best of both worlds!

  • Capo Isetta Wines

  • Three Sticks

  • Hawkes

  • Walt

  • Pangloss

  • Obsedian Wines

  • Moon Hollow

Advisor - Dana Isetta

Travel Advisor

Dana Isetta

Get in touch with Dana

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Sonoma. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Lisa Helms's guide, A Solo Guide to 2 days in Napa Valley & Sonoma County California.